Hey everyone, I'm currently deciding between the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM) and Marquette University for a degree in business. Can anyone provide any insight on their experiences at either of these schools? Academic reputation, social scene, campus life, etc. would all be greatly appreciated!
Congratulations on your acceptances! Both UWM and Marquette are excellent choices for pursuing a business degree, but they have different vibes and offerings. I'd be happy to provide some insight on what generally distinguishes one from the other.
1. Academic reputation: Marquette generally has a stronger reputation for its business programs compared to UWM, especially in finance and accounting. Their College of Business Administration is well-regarded, and they also offer the Applied Investment Management (AIM) program, which gives students the opportunity to manage a real investment portfolio.
2. Campus life: Marquette has a smaller campus and student body, which creates a more tight-knit community feel. You'll get more personalized attention, and they have a strong Jesuit influence, which emphasizes service and social justice. The advantage of UWM is that, as a larger, public university, it has a wider range of resources and opportunities for involvement. It's also part of the University of Wisconsin System, which can provide some networking benefits.
3. Social scene: Marquette tends to have a more traditional college experience with Greek life and many school-sponsored events. Students are actively engaged in on-campus activities, and the university hosts various social and networking events throughout the year. UWM has a more diverse and commuter-heavy student body, which can lead to a different social experience. However, there are still many clubs and organizations on campus catering to students' interests, so you'll definitely be able to find like-minded peers at UWM as well.
4. Location: Both campuses are located in Milwaukee, so you won't find any huge differences here, but some students do find that one campus has a slightly more relaxing atmosphere - Marquette is closer to downtown but has a more suburban feel, whereas UWM actually feels more urban, but has good access to several parks, which can provide a nice balance between urban and natural environments.
5. Cost: As a private institution, Marquette tends to have a higher overall cost than UWM. Nonetheless, it's essential to evaluate the financial aid packages you're offered by each school to help you make the most informed decision.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal priorities and the environment in which you feel you'll thrive academically, professionally, and socially. Consider visiting both campuses if you haven't already in order to get a firsthand feel for each school. Good luck with your decision!
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