COMPARE Yale Master's in Asset Management vs. Booth Master's in Finance

[Tony_CaptianX]

Hi everyone, I’m an international student with a background in Economics & Mathematics, and I’m struggling to decide between the University of Chicago Booth’s Master in Finance and Yale’s MA in Asset Management. Would love to get your thoughts!

Here’s my breakdown:

Booth MiF (15-month program)​

Pros:

• Covers both primary and secondary markets (good breadth of exposure).
• As a brand-new program from an M7 school, Booth might be investing extra resources to build a strong reputation.
• This year’s application process was quite competitive, which may signal booth is aiming high?

Cons:

• I've heard some whispers about tension or a sense of elitism from MBA students toward master’s students at Booth.
• Large class size = more competition for career resources and networking.
• No employment report yet since it’s a new program = higher uncertainty.

Yale AM (9-month program)​

Pros:

• Strong Yale brand name and decent placement results historically.
• Program is more quant-focused and targeted toward secondary markets, which might give an edge for asset management or hedge fund roles.
• Much smaller class size = more individualized career support and faculty attention.

Cons:

• Not an M7, so perception in finance circles might not be as strong as Booth.
• Only 9 months — feels rushed, especially for job hunting.
• I’ve noticed their placement results have dipped a bit in recent years.

What I care about:​

• I’m not interested in IBD roles.
• Really hoping to stay in the U.S. or work in Hong Kong post-graduation.
• I value brand prestige, career support, and long-term salary growth potential.

Would love to hear from anyone who has experience with either program or faced a similar decision. What would you pick and why?

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Hey @Tony_CaptianX
Welcome to QuantNet. Nice first post with all the research clearly presented.
What other programs did you apply and got in? I would first add your profile and application timelines to the Tracker so you can find other admitted applicants at either programs and network.
Here is a similar question from a Yale AM admit.

COMPARE Thread 'Yale Master's in Asset Managemnet vs. MIT Master's in Finance'

3/30/25

Hi everyone, I was recently admitted to these programs and need some help comparing them.

About me: US senior in undergrad looking to go into traditional asset management, NOT quant trading or quant research. Long term goals would be working as CIO for an asset managemnt firm, PM of a mututal fund/ETF, or role in a macro focused hedge fund. I don't want to be a quant researcher, but I recognize its importance to the industry and the benefit of having a technical understanding of it. I have zero interest in working in Investment Banking, Corporate Finance, or really even PE.

At first, my...

• AMFing
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Education Advice

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I think this year will be a challenging year for many programs with the worry economic forecast. This will affect many programs with a large international students cohort.