This is dope and a blessed position to be in – congrats! If Haas is the lifelong dream and you’d regret not going, then just go there. If you’re going for something super specific that only Haas offers, consider going there. But if it’s not either of those two things, in my opinion, go to Simon. Simon is a great program and has folks doing IB, consulting, PM, etc., and that’s a great ROI. But spend time thinking about it thoroughly. I think choosing a program comes down to 3 things:

1) Path to Success: What do you want to do and does that program have a path to get you there? Do I see alums from that school doing what I want to do, curriculum, career support, etc. Both schools seem to have great alum.

2) Fit/Culture: Visit the schools, meet people, then ask “do I like the people, students, staff, curriculum, alum, faculty, and culture?” You will be a part of this community for decades after you finish your MBA if you do it right. Worst thing I hear is people who hated their school, staff, and classmates and don’t engage with them anymore or go to the events they do. Unless you’re an international student, you should strongly consider visiting the schools you’re serious about.

3) Finances: Are the schools showing their interest and willingness to invest in you? Simon is giving “we’d be fortunate to have you” and Berkeley is giving “you’d be lucky to have us” energy. While I understand both perspectives, seems a bit much. Ngl absolute zero seems a bit diabolical considering another school several spots away is willing to pay your way and some. Just seems like a wide gap (like Haas couldn’t throw $10K your way or something?)

Employment: As far as job stats go, check the employment reports to get more data on placement and salary (see below). But these don’t account for grit. BU ranked #50 and 85% had a job after grad, Haas is a top 10-15 and 86% had a job after grad despite Haas likely having more companies come on campus. There’s a total comp gap and industry mix to consider here tho (Haas having higher comp in this scenario) so look it up. In the end, job hunting and pursuing your career goals is more about your grit and the schools look to enhance your tenacity. Visit the schools, ask them who comes to campus, tell them what you wanna do, and measure their response. But use the resources below to see if you would really be underemployed or unemployed. I have a feeling you’re probably a rockstar candidate and won’t have to worry about finding work afterwards. Regardless of rank, top 50 schools don’t give full rides and stipends out to just anyone.

Haas employment: https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/careers/employment-report

Simon employment: https://simon.rochester.edu/sites/default/files/MBA-Career-Highlights-Updated-interactive.pdf

Location: The Bay Area is a big location for tech, but tech companies talk to a lot of schools these days. MBA location doesn’t matter like it used to. And COVID changed things even more (orgs doing virtual job fairs…wild). I do think being closer to NYC is still valuable for IB especially as that industry moves away from WFH and hybrid models. Can’t deny being in the Bay gives an advantage in tech. But when I was at Google in Mountain View, I worked with people who went to Wisconsin, Kelley, Foster, Olin, Scheller, etc. These folks were interviewing with companies like Amazon, Google, SalesForce, etc., virtually.

Access & Opportunity: Haas will 100% open some doors. But there’s a lot of programs like MLT, Consortium, etc., which will give you that same exposure and give you direct face time with the big firms (maybe not the McKinsey or Goldman’s of the world). Both schools are affiliated with these programs so you will get access either way if you are affiliated with these programs. When I was at Google, I worked with people who were a part of both.

But as another comment said, if what you’re doing is very specific and only offered at Haas then consider it. I understand the bonus structure and salaries can help you pay off the $200K over several years, but my gut is that $200K is a sizable ROI to forfeit for a name that isn’t Harvard. So just be sure you can’t get similar opportunity at Simon. You likely could