COMPARE Need help deciding CMU MSCF and MIT MFin

[gokuVegeta]

Hey I saw similar threads before but they were either old or not very informative. I recently got accepted into both programs and am in a serious dilemma as to which one to choose. I come from computer science background, and want to work as quant trader or analyst in the future. Currently I just have 1 software internship experience so I will need help of the career services to help me pivot to finance sector. Here are my views on the programs -

MIT Pros -
1) Very big brand name
2) Boston is better located in terms of industry outreach as compared to Pittsburgh
3) "MIT" name can open doors for me in Asia and Europe as well as its more internationally recognized
4) The courses are more finance heavy, less math

MIT Cons -
1) The career services tailor more to MBA students, not too much to MFin
2) Average salary and placement is lesser than CMU
3) Higher tuition

CMU Pros -
1) Highly regarded in industry
2) Stellar career services (as far as I have read online)
3) A good mix of math, finance and programming courses in curriculum
4) Higher average salary and ranked higher than MIT.

CMU Cons -
1) It's in Pittsburgh, so far from NYC - finance hub.
2) Not a big name for finance as it is mostly known for CS

Please give me your views and if anyone goes to these programs, I would highly appreciate your inputs.

 

[knightinberlin]

Why would you wanna go to MIT if they don't prioritise you for career services even after all what you have achieved? As an international student, that should be the first point of comparison I think.

If I had both admits, I would have instantly put my deposit for CMU cause its a computational finance degree. If you wish to work in the US for couple of years, or even abroad, a tech-heavy Master's is quite useful (which CMU provides).

Also, seeing you've done undergrad in CS, isn't that better? You would have an opportunity to do a Ph.D. in computational finance and also to break into a quantitative finance role in the industry. That's my take.

I think in the end it might come down to your essay - which one is the most authentic version.

Congratulations on both admits btw!

 

[the_bolt_the_lightning_the_thunder]

MIT’s reputation and prestige lie in their undergrad and PhD programs, not their professional master degrees. 100% CMU unless you think you might want to do traditional finance.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Global brandname recognition may not be as relevant when it comes to super niche field such quant finance.
There are lesser known universes that offer top programs in certain disciplines.
Many people have a preference for brand names which is understandable especially in certain parts of the world.
We have plenty of examples here over the years where people picked the brand name over the quality and better employment outcome from other programs. The results have not been pretty.
This is just a caution to have clear objective when you do this type of degree. You are paying to get the relevant training for your target job, with a dedicated career service and good alumni network and life long support. All of the above should result in helping you get the jobs you want. Brand name is a nice perk but don’t overpay for it.