3.5

Tom Costigan

Finance - University of Akron

3.5
Quality
4.4
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
105
Reviews
3.5
Quality
4.4
Difficulty
3.4
Helpful
3.6
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

105

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

26

4

46

3

13

2

15

1

5

What Students Say

Costigan is a very good instructor

FINANCE - 5.0 rating

Costigan is a very tuff prof

FINANCE - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

53% confidence
Based on 1 grades
Most common grades:
Not_Sure_Yet (1)
A (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(0)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 2 reported grades
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
A: 1
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.53 avg change
Oct
Apr
May
Nov
Dec
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

INVESTMENT

5.0

(1)

FINANCEINV

5.0

(1)

FIN801

5.0

(1)

FINFIN

5.0

(1)

CORPFNCE

5.0

(1)
+36 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ADVANCEDFINANCE

5.0

FINANCE301

5.0

FIN202

5.0

FINFIN

5.0

CORPFNCE

5.0

Reviews (105)
5.0
2.0
INVESTMENT
Nov 13, 2003

No Comments

2.0
3.0
FINANCE
Dec 4, 2003

No Comments

2.0
4.0
FINANCE
Apr 7, 2004

No Comments

4.0
4.0
FINANCE
Apr 12, 2004

No Comments

5.0
4.0
FINANCE
Apr 12, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
FINANCE
Nov 1, 2004

Colder than ice!!! Very Arrogant!!!

5.0
3.0
FINANCE
Nov 24, 2004

Mr. Costigan is a very good instructor. He's not your boring everyday prof. He goes out of his way to help students even on his own time. Hold investment seminars that are very helpful. I would recommend him to anyone. His class is great!

4.0
4.0
FINANCE
Dec 8, 2004

Costigan is a very tuff prof., however he is helpful and knows his stuff. Take him because he is a good teacher, but expect to do some work!

4.0
5.0
FINANCE
Dec 14, 2004

Very tough teacher. Knows what hes talking about but incredibly hard.

2.0
3.0
FINANCE
Jan 22, 2005

The guy just doesn't get it. I could rant on for hours more, but I like that single statement much better. Class isn't all that hard, though.

5.0
4.0
FINANCE
Dec 15, 2004

he can be kind of harsh at times but hes a really good teacher over all, but you have to work at it to do well in his class.

2.0
4.0
BUSSFINANCE
Apr 14, 2005

Most arrogant person I've ever dealt with. Never have disliked a instructor as much as this one. Don't plan on dropping the class after the first couple of weeks because he probably won't sign your drop slip and either will a department head. If you have a choice pick a different instructor!

4.0
5.0
ADVANCEDFINANCE
May 16, 2005

The hardest class i've taken. It was well worth it though. He is one of the most brilliant prof's at the University. He may be arrogant, demanding, and stubborn. On the other hand, all the work pays off in the end.

1.0
5.0
FINANCE
Aug 1, 2005

drop his class immediately, you will thank yourself. Find a professor who doesnt take so much pride in jerking around college students.

5.0
1.0
FINANCEINV
Aug 22, 2005

Suck it up! One of, if not the best prof. in the CBA. If you are not a wiener and do your work, he is always willing to help those students not looking to "slide by the a C."

2.0
5.0
FINANCE
Aug 30, 2005

Arrogant and cocky. Hypothetically I would go have a beer with this guy outside of class but i really didn't feel comfortable with him in the class. The class was just too difficult.

1.0
5.0
FINANCE
Sep 1, 2005

No Comments

4.0
5.0
FINANCE
Sep 12, 2005

He's an arrogant **** and that's why you have to love him. It may be one of the hardest classes I took, but it was such a joy when he'd put people in their places for being jackasses.

3.0
5.0
BUSFINANCE
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Oct 30, 2005

He really thinks a lot of himself, although I'm not sure why. I really think he got into education for the wrong reasons. He's not concerned with helping people learn, unless it's about how much money he supposedly makes at his real job, but he doesn't get it....NOBODY CARES. I think he's only there for referrals to his real job. Go home!!

4.0
5.0
FINANCE301
Nov 23, 2005

"Best of Class"The best professor in CBA. not only teaches well but acts like a business person.If you don't mind a little work you will enjoy the class...couldn't be better

2.0
4.0
BUSFINANCE
Dec 15, 2005

Costigan is very arrogant. The class should not be as hard as he makes it. He expects too much to give you a good grade. On the mid-term test, 74 of 123 students failed, I was not one of them. Somehow, by NOT doing the homework or practice quizes, I still easily passed the class.

1.0
4.0
6400301FINANC
Dec 21, 2005

He is the worst professor I ever taken. Very rude and hardly available. No office hours. His tests are horrible. If you are suppose to read everything from book then why the hell are we paying $1000 to waist time in Costigan's class. He expects to challange us on his tests well you got to prepare us for that challange not just through trick questio

4.0
4.0
BUSFINANCE
May 2, 2006

He is a very educated professor. Him and his tutor were extremely helpful and gave it their all to help the students, if you have trouble in the class that is your own fault not theirs...but dont be fooled...it is a lot of work.

4.0
4.0
BUSINESSFINANC
Jul 21, 2006

I think that that if a student has to take finance take it from him. yea he may be a pain in the ass, but he also knows what he is talking about and does want each student to learn it as well. bottom line is this, if the effort is put in, he will be there for assistance

5.0
4.0
FIN301
Oct 16, 2006

He knows his topic better than any business teacher I've had. Everyone says he's a a pain in the ass, but I've really enjoyed him. He does throw in some comedy from time to time. He expects a lot from everyone.

5.0
4.0
FIN801
Oct 23, 2006

If you want to get your money's worth, take Costigan for Finance. You'll learn more in this class that you will use in your life, than any other class guaranteed! He's hard, but KNOWS what he's talking about - suck it up; not only is this college, it's business and it's not supposed to be easy.

4.0
4.0
FIN101
Nov 9, 2006

The guy knows what he's talking about. Sure it gets hard but he is fair and if he sees that you're putting in the effort he'll help you. The class in itself is very textbook based. Hopefully he learned how to use homework manager though...

5.0
5.0
FIN301
Dec 5, 2006

Costigan makes himself out to be much worse than he really is. He is the most educated professor I've had at Akron. By far, he is worth taking...especially if you are a finance major...don't let him scare you...he's worth taking if you don't mind the chance of not getting an A.

3.0
4.0
FIN301
Dec 10, 2006

very hard class, expects a lot out of his students.

4.0
5.0
FIN301
Jan 2, 2007

the best

2.0
5.0
FIN202
Jun 5, 2007

Do not take this prof at all costs. 60% of all his students failed the first test, and then he wasted half a classes yelling at us about it. He is very knowledgable of Finance but is a rude person and bad professor

2.0
5.0
FIN301
Jul 24, 2007

DONT TAKE HIM!HE IS A GREAT TEACHER IF YOUR A FINANCIAL CONSULTANT FOR MERRYL LYNCH, NOT INTRO TO FINANCE, VERY HARD AND CANT GET IN CONTACT WITH HIM IF NEED BE, BETTER PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS IF HE'S WILLING TO HELP YOU, HE'D RATHER BRAG ON HIS MONEY HE SUPPOSEDLY HAS AND THE POLO PROJECTS HE DOESNT ASIST U WITH, ILL PRAY FOR U!

5.0
5.0
FINFIN
Nov 19, 2007

LOL at the person below me. You can't even spell Merrill Lynch correctly and you're blaming your professors for your poor grades? Anyways, he's a good teacher. If you do your work and apply yourself you'll do well.

4.0
4.0
FIN301
Nov 26, 2007

Costigan is not a hard teacher, it is the course that is challenging and difficult. He does expect alot out of you, but if you make it through his course you might actually learn something. This course will take up alot of your time and you will feel the pressure, make sure to have time for this course.

5.0
4.0
FIN301
Dec 16, 2007

Costigan is a great teacher for this class. He does expect you to be in class every day and do your work. He explains everything clearly and I thought he was funny too. Call me crazy, but i would take another course with him, except i'm not a finance major. Take costigan if you actually want to LEARN something, thats why you pay for school?

5.0
5.0
CORPFNCE
Jan 10, 2008

Tough class. He does a good job of explaining things. Can come off like a jerk at times but if you do what you are supposed to do you will learn a lot.

4.0
3.0
CORPFCORP
Apr 10, 2008

This is the most misunderstood professor in the CBA, and is a good teacher. I never cracked the textbook more than a few times, half-assed the HM mgr questions, and still scored 85%+ on each test. You just need to pay attention to what he says in class. It just that easy.

4.0
4.0
CORPF801
Sep 4, 2008

Despite rumors, he is the best teacher in the College of Business. Knows his stuff and tries to stick on topics until most understand. Willing to put in the time to help if you are willing to learn.

5.0
5.0
FINAN101
Oct 7, 2008

This guys is hilarious. i sit in the front row and enjoy all of his rediculous comments. I would definately take him again. He just expects you to take the class seriously and try. hes great

5.0
5.0
CORP301
Nov 4, 2008

Really tough, but knows his stuff. Take him for the benefit of learning something, not for the grade you get.

5.0
5.0
FINAN301
Nov 4, 2008

This is by far the best professor I have ever had the pleasure of having. He is tough because he wants you to learn but at the same time he makes it far more clear versus the other professors. He has his opinions and he sticks to them. He can be very helpful outside of class if you still have questions. I would take this prof over any other if

4.0
5.0
CORPF101
Nov 4, 2008

Costigan is one of the best teachers I have had. Definitely hard, but pay attention, go to class, and do work (SON!) and you will be fine. DON'T SLACK OFF! trust me, not a good idea.

5.0
3.0
BUSI001
Nov 5, 2008

Great Teacher! The class is hard because the material is hard, but he tries to make it as easy as possible. You should only take corp finance from him.

4.0
4.0
FINAN301
Nov 5, 2008

good teacher

4.0
4.0
FINAN301
Nov 5, 2008

Very good, dry humor

5.0
4.0
CORPFIN
Nov 6, 2008

Excellent teacher, makes the class interesting! Material is tough.

3.0
5.0
FIN101
Nov 10, 2008

The class is very hard. If you can learn from the book and lecture. He is very informative, but the material is just plain out hard. He is not very approachable. You have to prepare, don't put yourself in a whole like i did.Goodlluck he is funny tho!

3.0
3.0
FIN301
Nov 11, 2008

Experienced.

4.0
5.0
CORP301
Nov 15, 2008

Dr. Costigan is an extremely knowledgeable professor, who, like all the rest who have posted, just wants you to be there (on time!!) and do your work. Theres no great mystery to success here, just do what youre supposed to and he'll take care of you.

5.0
5.0
FIN301
Nov 25, 2008

It was great to hear that professor costigan likes Kanye West.

4.0
5.0
FINAN301
Nov 25, 2008

Costigan does not teach an easy class. If you don't stay on it you will get behind in class and it's not easy to catch up. He is a good teacher and has a good sense of humor, just corporate finance is no walk in the park.

4.0
4.0
FIN301
Dec 3, 2008

Great teacher. He really knows his stuff and you will by far learn it the best from him, no questions asked. As long as you do the homework and pay attention, there is no reason you wont do well, and you might actually learn something too!

2.0
4.0
CORPFIN
Dec 11, 2008

Famous for the phrase at the final exam, "If you cheat, you will die," among other things he is famous. I don't really like a prof (at all) that says students are going to die, contingent on anything. Average final exam grade for students was 55%. Have fun with this prof.

2.0
5.0
FIN301
Dec 12, 2008

This class was absolutely unpleasant on every level. Although I think Costigan has good intentions. I found it very difficult to align what he says, the homework asks, and what his tutors would say in reference to the same problems. This class will eat you alive if you are not careful. Which sucks because its required for all business majors.

2.0
5.0
FNC001
Dec 14, 2008

hard. Freakin hard. but at least Costigan is hilarious. Read every chapter. dont miss a class. Homeworks are somewhat different then what you do in class or in the book. in class you learn steps 1 and 2 but in the homework you have to do steps 1-6 yourself. so your really teaching yourself steps 3-6.

5.0
3.0
FIN301
Dec 30, 2008

definlatly a hard class. as long as you take it seriously its not horrible. make sure you read every chapter and do the homework (don't just get the answers, figure it out yourself or you will be lost). great sense of humor, and is willing to help as long as he knows you are putting effort into his class outside of the classroom.

3.0
5.0
CORPF330
Jan 25, 2009

Better have some friends in the class to help you. I think he is a smart guy but he wastes too much time clowning on people instead of just explaining how to do things. Being a step by step learner, his teaching style was just wrong for me.

5.0
5.0
CORP301
Mar 10, 2009

This guy seemed like the biggest jerk at first because he is intimidating and kindof mean. I ended up really liking this class and Costigan himself. Really tough class. He is Hillarious and listens to rap. I would take him again if I had to.

5.0
5.0
FIN805
Apr 29, 2009

Professor Costigan was a strict teacher this semester, but toward the end he became a lot of fun. I laughed almost everyday about some of the stuff he would say. He is really passionate about what he teaches, so that is great!

4.0
5.0
CFIN301
Apr 29, 2009

He is great.

4.0
5.0
CF301
Apr 29, 2009

Some of you young guys don't appreciate a tough old teacher. He's old school and awesome.

2.0
4.0
ACCT301
Apr 29, 2009

He is not a very good teacher in my opinion because knowing how to do problems and actually teaching students that pretty much dont have a clue is something totally different. Not recommended. take the other teacher

3.0
5.0
CORP301
Apr 29, 2009

He was a good teacher. I learned a lot over the course of the 15 weeks plus he made me laugh quite a lot. Was better than I thought it would be...

4.0
4.0
CORPF301
Apr 30, 2009

I tried so hard not to like him but he made me laugh everyday.

4.0
5.0
FINAN301
Apr 30, 2009

He is a very hard teacher... but he's a good teacher. If you understand what your doing he's going to better you. If you don't understand like me... good luck. Even tho I'm not doing good, I think he's an awesome teacher and I'd take him again.

5.0
4.0
CORPFIN
Apr 30, 2009

This class is going to challenge you. This is the first class that I have taken that I have actually felt like I was in college and had to study to do well. Costigan's class is no cake walk, but if you assert yourself you will be fine. He is also a very interesting teacher, some may even say entertaining. His class prepares you for future courses.

4.0
5.0
COFIN003
Apr 30, 2009

Costigan is a good teacher, not an easy teacher. He tells you what you need to do day 1, and as long as you do it, you will do alright. Willing to answer questions, and work example, however he does go off on rants off topic alot which becomes annoying. Dont take if your looking for an easy grade!

4.0
5.0
FIN005
Apr 30, 2009

Costigan is a great teacher, regardless of what people think personally he can teach very well and tutors help with any questions if needed!

4.0
5.0
CORPFIN
May 4, 2009

Class material is very tough... Costigan is intimidating but you get used to him as the semester goes on.... He goes on rants which i think are hilarious and i do enjoy.... overall do what he asks and go to class and you will at least pass.. like i said its the material that is hard not the instructor who teaches it

4.0
5.0
FIN005
May 6, 2009

Good teacher... funny... but be prepared to work! And don't even think of being LATE.

3.0
4.0
CORPFIN
May 12, 2009

You will learn a lot! Make sure you pay attention. He is a funny man, but can be a big prick too. Just do the work, answer his questions, and you will be OK...but by no means is it easy. Take him if you want what you are paying for---and education

4.0
5.0
CORP001
May 12, 2009

Costigan was a great professor who knew what he was talking about.. just make sure you are on time and do the work and readings!

4.0
3.0
CORPF101
May 18, 2009

good teacher!

4.0
5.0
CORPFIN
May 27, 2009

awesome teacher he really knows his stuff, you will learn it best from him. i agree with all other posts, the class is hard and keep some open time to do the homework AND understand what you're doing, dont just get the answer. oh yeah, you don't want to be late!

4.0
2.0
CORPFIN
Jun 9, 2009

this guy is hilarious. he may come off as intimidating but i like him a lot. ive had him for corporate finance, i dont know if i should take him or newman for advanced..any ideas?

3.0
4.0
CORPFINA
Jun 24, 2009

Had this teach about 2 years ago now. Almost dropped the class then learned so much from him I loved him by the end of the semester. If you are a Finance major you are a fool to not take him. He will make you learn your major. Costigan no longer teaches Advanced Corp Fin, and Newman is leaving after 2009 Spring semester. The future unknown.

4.0
4.0
CORPFIN
Jun 25, 2009

he is teaching advance corp finance in the fall i schedule to take him. newman is also teaching it in the fall. I'm a finance major and he is hands down a terrific teacher. His class is hard but it is easily my favorite class in the CBA thus far. He's a riot as well

4.0
4.0
CORPFIN
Jul 1, 2009

if youre a finance major, do yourself a favor and sign up for his class. the class is rigorous, but I had no problem receiving an A. Study, go to class, take good notes, answer questions. It's not a difficult concept. By far the most brilliant professor I've had at UA in three years.

4.0
4.0
CORP6400
Jul 3, 2009

If you do what you are supposed to do you'll be fine! He is funny and smart; just go to class, take notes, read the chapters, DO THE HOMEWORK, and show up for the tests.

3.0
5.0
CORP301
Jul 10, 2009

Alright teacher, very dry and boring. Go to class on time, do the homework and take the tests and you'll be fine. He sometimes has jokes and story to make class not boring but rarely helps. Also the class seems to last forever.

5.0
5.0
FIN301
Dec 2, 2009

Very interesting class to attend. Good teacher.

4.0
4.0
CORPFINA
Dec 3, 2009

Great teacher. If you want a sensitive teacher, dont take him. 70% of coursework (now) is out of class so any bad grade is your own fault. Was worried after reading past posts on him but after the class, pleasantly suprised.

5.0
5.0
CORP301
Dec 4, 2009

Takes pride in you knowing what you should by time you leave his class.

4.0
3.0
FIN301
Dec 4, 2009

Good teacher. he thinks he is bad ass

5.0
5.0
FIN301
Dec 4, 2009

Thinks he is awesome

5.0
5.0
CORP301
Dec 8, 2009

Excellent teacher. He makes it tough, but he actually teaches and answers questions. Plus I found him entertaining

4.0
5.0
CORP301
Dec 10, 2009

Definately does his part, you just have to do yours.

4.0
5.0
FINAN101
Dec 15, 2009

The class is REALLY hard. But Costigan is very intelligent and he'll help you get through it. He is kind of intimidating. He'll make you feel dumb for answering a question wrong, but he does appreciate when you participate. If you come to class and do the homeworks, you should be fine. There's plenty of tutoring also.

1.0
5.0
CORP301
Dec 17, 2009

Awful. The tutors teach better then he ever could. Take this class if you must otherwise get another teacher. Notes are useless, tests are impossible. Very hard class taught by a not great teacher.

4.0
5.0
FINAN007
Jan 4, 2010

Tom is really mean and not understanding but he teaches well class is hard you will get through if you attend class and pay attention good luck

2.0
5.0
CORP301
Apr 27, 2010

Mean.

5.0
4.0
CORPF801
Apr 28, 2010

Mr. Costigan's class is very interesting, there is not one moment that you would be bored. Exams are take home, with a curve usually, homeworks are online with multiple attempts and two writing assignments. If you come to class and listen to what he says, you will do well. A little hard work and its an easy A. I recommend taking Finance with him!:)

3.0
4.0
FIN005
May 25, 2010

by far the best at Akron aside from Dr dahl. i love that he initials his shirts and gotta love those pink suspenders

4.0
4.0
FINA301
Oct 18, 2010

i think tom costigan is the man...i loved his class and he only picks on you if you are not paying attention or not participating....i think he is funny and would recommend him to anyone!!

3.0
5.0
CORPF308
Oct 18, 2010

Costigan is legendary at Akron and for good reason. The man knows what he's talking about and you don't, and he makes sure you know your place. But there's a wealth of knowledge to be had if you stick it out.

3.0
5.0
CFIN301
Apr 4, 2011

Knows what he's talking about, but makes things much harder than they have to be. I know he just wants to challenge students but most of the time it seems like he's purposely making things very difficult and tricky. Makes the class even harder than it already is. I would say don't take him, but what other choice do you have.

4.0
4.0
FIN120
Apr 11, 2011

Honestly, one of the best professors I have had at the University of Akron. It is a very hard class but he knows what he is talking about. He makes every opportunity to help and goes over material thoroughly. However do not think you can go into this class and not study or go to class, I guarantee you will fail. Great Professor over all.

4.0
3.0
COFIN301
Apr 22, 2011

Smartest teacher I have had so far at The University of Akron. Challenging course but at the end you will at least learn finance.

3.0
5.0
COFN301
May 4, 2011

This class is hard everyone that had nice remarks about this class either loves accounting or is a finance major. If your not a Finance major, you should not be required to take this class. As fa as the teacher goes I guess I would be good at teaching the class also if I were teaching the same class- 3- 4 time a week for years.

4.0
5.0
FIN301
May 10, 2011

It's a tough course, but he is pretty helpful. He is full of himself and a little arrogant, but other than that he's not as terrible as people make him out to be. He does curve, even though he claims that he doesn't.

4.0
4.0
FIN301
May 22, 2011

He definitely knows what he is talking about, but that doesn't make this class much easier. It was definitely a tough class that requires you to put in the time and actually know the material. Do not try to "wing it" because it won't work.

4.0
3.0
FIN301
Nov 23, 2011

Don't let this big teddy bear fool you. He may hardball you in the beggining but soon you will see that this guy is a big softy. Don't worry about showing up late or late work, he'll accept it. He's my favorite teacher by far. Love you Costigan!

2.0
5.0
FIN301
Dec 14, 2011

Very hard professor, I didn't much care for him. Yeah, he's smart, but he doesn't quite get that not everyone is a finance major or understands finance. It'll fool you because the problems we do in class are easy, but homework and tests are much harder problems.

2.0
5.0
FIN301
Dec 15, 2011

You MUST attend class. NEVER show late. He tells you allot of people don't pass the class the 1st time. Read the chapter before you come to class. Make sure your proofread your homework - typos, spelling, etc. all are deductions. Class consists of 3 Exams, Homework and 2-3 Written Assignments/Projects. Buckle down and study.

4.0
5.0
CORP301
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2015

This man is the reason I majored in Corporate Finance. I was sad to hear he passed away. He will be missed for certain. Yes, he was tough. But how does one ever reach a moment of apotheosis without resistance.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

53% confidence
Based on 1 grades
Most common grades:
Not_Sure_Yet (1)
A (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(0)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 2 reported grades
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
A: 1
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.53 avg change
Oct
Apr
May
Nov
Dec
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

INVESTMENT

5.0

(1)

FINANCEINV

5.0

(1)

FIN801

5.0

(1)

FINFIN

5.0

(1)

CORPFNCE

5.0

(1)
+36 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ADVANCEDFINANCE

5.0

FINANCE301

5.0

FIN202

5.0

FINFIN

5.0

CORPFNCE

5.0

Similar Professors