1. University of Alabama – Manderson Graduate School of Business
Overview
The Manderson Graduate School of Business at the University of Alabama (UA) offers a highly regarded MBA program that focuses on leadership, global perspectives, and innovation. With small class sizes, UA provides personalized attention, mentoring, and a tight-knit community for MBA students. The program is designed to prepare students for roles in a variety of industries through hands-on experience and consulting projects. In addition to full-time MBAs, UA also offers Executive and Online MBA programs to fit different professional schedules.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked in the top 50
- Number of Students: Approximately 60-70 per cohort
- Acceptance Rate: Around 36%
- Average GMAT Score: 670
- Average Starting Salary: $93,000
- Top Hiring Companies: Regions Bank, BBVA Compass, Mercedes-Benz, Boeing, Deloitte
- Notable Alumni:
- Joe Scarborough (MSNBC Host)
- Marillyn Hewson (Former CEO of Lockheed Martin)
- Robert Witt (Former Chancellor, University of Alabama System)
2. Auburn University – Harbert College of Business
Overview
The Harbert College of Business at Auburn University offers a comprehensive MBA program, providing both full-time and online MBA options. Known for its strong curriculum and flexibility, Auburn’s MBA allows students to focus on key business disciplines, including finance, marketing, and supply chain management. The program integrates team-based projects, leadership development, and experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and study abroad programs.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Ranked in top 100 MBA programs globally
- Number of Students: 45-50 full-time students
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Average GMAT Score: 640
- Average Starting Salary: $92,000
- Top Hiring Companies: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, KPMG, Wells Fargo
- Notable Alumni:
- Tim Cook (CEO of Apple)
- Jimmy Wales (Co-founder of Wikipedia)
- Charles Barkley (NBA Hall of Famer and Businessman)
3. Samford University – Brock School of Business
Overview
Samford University’s Brock School of Business provides a values-centered MBA program that focuses on ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial management. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the program benefits from close connections with local industries and the business community. Students can choose between evening classes or a flexible online program, making it convenient for working professionals.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked in the top 50
- Number of Students: 50-60
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 600
- Average Starting Salary: $78,000
- Top Hiring Companies: Southern Company, Regions Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Alabama Power, Deloitte
- Notable Alumni:
- Dan Cathy (CEO of Chick-fil-A)
- Andy Kennedy (Basketball Coach, University of Alabama at Birmingham)
- Mark DeMoss (Founder of DeMoss Group)
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) – Collat School of Business
Overview
The MBA program at the Collat School of Business at UAB is designed for students who wish to pursue a rigorous curriculum that blends theory with practice. With an emphasis on healthcare management and entrepreneurship, UAB’s MBA is particularly attractive to those looking to work in Birmingham’s vibrant healthcare sector. The program offers flexibility with both full-time and part-time options, allowing students to tailor their MBA experience to their career goals.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked in the top 50
- Number of Students: Around 75-80
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Average GMAT Score: 610
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
- Top Hiring Companies: UAB Health System, Southern Research, BBVA, Alabama Power, Ernst & Young
- Notable Alumni:
- Richard Scrushy (Founder of HealthSouth Corporation)
- Jameis Winston (NFL Quarterback, New Orleans Saints)
- Dr. Ray Watts (President, University of Alabama at Birmingham)
5. Troy University – Sorrell College of Business
Overview
Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business offers an affordable MBA program with a focus on providing practical business knowledge applicable in real-world scenarios. Troy’s MBA program is offered both online and on-campus, with specializations in finance, information systems, and management. This program is known for its flexibility and accessibility, particularly for military personnel and working professionals.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 100-120
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average GMAT Score: 550
- Average Starting Salary: $70,000
- Top Hiring Companies: Walmart, Aflac, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Alabama Power
- Notable Alumni:
- Bobby Bright (Former U.S. Congressman)
- DeMarcus Ware (NFL Player, Hall of Famer)
- Mary Cochran (CEO of Cochran Insurance Group)
6. University of South Alabama – Mitchell College of Business
Overview
The Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama offers a flexible MBA program designed for professionals looking to advance their careers. The program provides an education focused on strategic management and leadership, equipping students with skills necessary to navigate complex business environments. With strong connections to the Gulf Coast business community, USA’s MBA program offers valuable networking and internship opportunities.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked
- Number of Students: 60-70
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 580
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
- Top Hiring Companies: Airbus, Austal USA, Alabama Power, Regions Bank, Walmart
- Notable Alumni:
- Jo Bonner (Former U.S. Congressman)
- Robert Hardy (CEO, Hardy Infrastructure Group)
- Chris Curry (President, Mobile Airport Authority)
7. Alabama A&M University – College of Business and Public Affairs
Overview
Alabama A&M University offers a unique MBA program that combines business education with a focus on public administration. The program is tailored to students who are interested in careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations. The small class sizes and personalized attention provide students with an engaging learning environment. Located in Huntsville, Alabama, the university benefits from its proximity to a strong tech and aerospace industry.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked
- Number of Students: 30-40
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Average GMAT Score: 540
- Average Starting Salary: $65,000
- Top Hiring Companies: Boeing, Raytheon, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Huntsville Hospital
- Notable Alumni:
- Robert Avery (Famous Political Scientist and Analyst)
- Rashad Anderson (CEO, Huntsville-based Tech Firm)
- Roy Moore (Judge and Politician)
Summary
Alabama offers a variety of MBA programs across multiple institutions, each providing unique strengths depending on the career goals of the student. Whether looking for a full-time experience, part-time flexibility, or specialized programs in industries such as healthcare or aerospace, students have access to excellent programs throughout the state.
Here’s a summary of the key differences:
| School | Ranking | Avg. GMAT | Acceptance Rate | Avg. Salary | Notable Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | Not ranked | 670 | 36% | $93,000 | Regions Bank, Boeing, Deloitte |
| Auburn University | Top 100 globally | 640 | 45% | $92,000 | Amazon, Wells Fargo, KPMG |
| Samford University | Not ranked | 600 | 50% | $78,000 | Southern Company, Deloitte |
| UAB | Not ranked | 610 | 42% | $85,000 | UAB Health System, BBVA, Alabama Power |
| Troy University | Not ranked | 550 | 55% | $70,000 | Boeing, Alabama Power, Aflac |
| University of South Alabama | Not ranked | 580 | 50% | $75,000 | Airbus, Austal USA, Walmart |
| Alabama A&M University | Not ranked | 540 | 58% | $65,000 | Boeing, Raytheon, NASA |