SBU as a NY resident is so cheap it hurts. This sub doesn't like to discuss loan payments - I would rather pocket my signing bonus and first paychecks. The program is super math heavy. Really you are getting a degree in applied math (not really a MFE) and will feel that at times. I would say that SBU probably has less mainstream department support than other programs. With that being said, SBU has small class sizes and professors/coordinators will be very helpful and attentive if you want. This program will really be what you put into it. If you are someone who has trouble taking the reigns, this program may not be good for you.
I have yet to have an issue with SBU on my resume - started a FT position with 2 columbia MFEs and 1 from CMU's program.
Didn't realize you also mentioned Rutgers - I was in the same boat 2.5 years ago. I have commented this on someone else's post before - here are the highlights. Rutger's MQF feels super buisnessy. A few of their courses are flat our finance classes. Some of their own alumni have shared with me that they had do to a lot of outside studying to make up for this. If you want to do the "less quanty, may end up getting a CFA and calling it a day" route, this is probably the better pick. Sell side derivatives desks, buy side QR, HFT -> the math rigor at SBU would be a better call. Plus MQF out of state hurts-hurts and the campus is in a not-so-great area.
