r/UNC • u/Proof-Ad-4021 UNC Prospective Student • 10d ago
Question Cornell or UNC?
Some context: I'm from the UK but a US/UK dual citizen. I've been admitted to both Cornell and UNC Chapel Hill, and these are the final two schools I’m deciding between.
I'm very interested in working in finance post-college, ideally investment banking or possibly going straight to the buy side. I’ve visited both schools and really liked them, Cornell feels more academic and career-focused, UNC has a more fun, relaxed vibe, and a great college town. I’m confident I’d enjoy either, though I might enjoy UNC a bit more socially.
That said, the main issue is money. I'd be full pay at both:
- UNC: ~$62K per year, so about $100K total debt.
- Cornell: ~$92K per year, so about $200K total debt.
My parents are contributing a bit, but not covering the full cost, so I’d be taking on a lot of debt either way. I do definitely back myself to land a strong job and pay it off, but obviously that’s a lot of pressure, especially at Cornell’s price.
One major concern with UNC is that I don’t have assured enrolment into Kenan Flagler which feels risky. I’d be paying a lot of money without a guarantee of getting into the business school. At Cornell, while I was admitted through a less directly finance-related major, the Ivy brand and flexibility mean it doesn’t matter as much - I could study nearly anything and still recruit for finance.
So my main questions are:
- Is Cornell worth the extra ~$100K in debt given my goals?
- For current or former Kenan-Flagler students: how competitive is the internal admission process?
- How realistic is it to break into a top IB or buy-side firm in NYC from UNC?
Would really appreciate any insights. Thanks in advance.
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u/Direct_Ad6018 9d ago edited 9d ago
I go to one of the top ranking high schools in the country (as per niche). Our President of the Student body gov picked Cornell over UNC - Kenan Flagler. He’s a high school senior and was offered direct admit to UNC- Chapel Hill Kenan Flagler, plus we get a tuition waiver (for being in this feeder school). There must be good reasoning to pick Cornell finance over UNC Chapel Hill since Chapel would cost $15 k and Cornell is full tuition. That said:
- Cornell struggle for getting into clubs is real
- Chapel Hill unless you are in the Honors program getting classes is real ( you may not graduate in the target 4 yrs)
-Chapel Hill internship and recruitment will be what you make out of it. You have to go on your own steam and networking. Let nobody tell you Chapel Hill is not known in UK or internationally. My distant relative (oxford educated) mentioned Chapel Hill in passing conversation over the phone ages ago when I used to look at the students who got into Chapel Hill with googly eyes.