Emory University – Goizueta Business School
Overview
Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, located in Atlanta, is consistently ranked among the top MBA programs in the United States. The school is known for its intimate class sizes, leadership development focus, and strong connections to top firms in consulting, finance, and healthcare. The MBA program at Goizueta emphasizes experiential learning through consulting projects, global immersion experiences, and leadership development courses. Situated in one of the country’s largest business hubs, students have easy access to internships and job placements at top companies.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #20
- Number of Students: ~180 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Average GMAT Score: 710
- Top Hiring Companies: Deloitte, McKinsey & Co., Amazon, Bain & Co., Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines
- Average Starting Salary: $147,000
Notable Alumni
- Kenneth Chenault: Former CEO of American Express
- Timothy Wentworth: Former CEO of Express Scripts
- David Abney: Former CEO of UPS
- Susan DeVore: Former CEO of Premier, Inc.
Georgia Institute of Technology – Scheller College of Business
Overview
Located in the heart of Atlanta’s thriving technology and business district, the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Scheller College of Business offers a unique MBA program that combines a strong foundation in business principles with an emphasis on technology and innovation. The MBA program at Scheller is particularly well-regarded for its focus on entrepreneurship and business analytics. Georgia Tech’s location provides unparalleled access to tech giants, Fortune 500 companies, and startups. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in tech-driven industries.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #27
- Number of Students: ~150 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Average GMAT Score: 690
- Top Hiring Companies: Google, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, PwC, EY
- Average Starting Salary: $130,000
Notable Alumni
- John Brock: Former CEO of Coca-Cola European Partners
- Chris Klaus: Founder of Internet Security Systems (ISS)
- George W. Woodruff: Industrialist and Philanthropist
- Horace Johnson: CEO of Cypress Semiconductor
University of Georgia – Terry College of Business
Overview
The Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia is one of the oldest business schools in the South, with a reputation for producing graduates who excel in the fields of finance, real estate, and entrepreneurship. Located in Athens, Georgia, Terry’s MBA program combines academic rigor with practical experience through its strong connections with Atlanta’s business community. The school places a strong emphasis on leadership development and offers several specialized MBA concentrations, including finance, healthcare management, and marketing.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #37
- Number of Students: ~110 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Average GMAT Score: 680
- Top Hiring Companies: SunTrust, The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, EY, KPMG, Accenture
- Average Starting Salary: $120,000
Notable Alumni
- Fran Tarkenton: NFL Hall of Famer and Entrepreneur
- Hugh Lawson: Head of Goldman Sachs Asset Management
- Michael Thurmond: CEO of Dekalb County, Georgia
- Ernest Greer: Co-President of Greenberg Traurig
Georgia State University – J. Mack Robinson College of Business
Overview
Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business is one of the largest and most diverse business schools in the country, located in downtown Atlanta. The MBA program at Robinson emphasizes flexibility, offering both full-time and part-time options. The school’s strong focus on real-world experience allows students to engage in practical learning through internships, consulting projects, and partnerships with local businesses. Robinson is particularly known for its finance, risk management, and analytics programs, all benefiting from its location in Atlanta’s financial district.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #48
- Number of Students: ~150 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 650
- Top Hiring Companies: SunTrust, Delta Air Lines, EY, Coca-Cola, AT&T, Turner Broadcasting
- Average Starting Salary: $105,000
Notable Alumni
- Dennis Lockhart: Former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
- David Ratcliffe: Former CEO of Southern Company
- Chris Hackett: CEO of GuideOne Insurance
- Jacquelyn Ward: Former Chairman of Atlanta Gas Light Company
Mercer University – Stetson-Hatcher School of Business
Overview
Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business offers a flexible and career-focused MBA program with campuses in Macon and Atlanta. The school is known for its small class sizes, personal attention, and strong focus on leadership and ethical business practices. The Mercer MBA program provides students with opportunities to specialize in areas such as finance, healthcare management, and international business. The program is designed to accommodate working professionals, offering evening and weekend courses as well as online learning options.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~75 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waiver available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: GE, Southern Company, PwC, Aflac, IBM
- Average Starting Salary: $90,000
Notable Alumni
- Bill Underwood: President of Mercer University
- Nathan Deal: Former Governor of Georgia
- Allen Gudenrath: Managing Director, Deutsche Bank Securities
- Pamela Puryear: Chief Human Resources Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance
Clark Atlanta University – School of Business
Overview
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) offers an MBA program that focuses on developing leaders with strong ethical foundations, entrepreneurship skills, and a global business perspective. As a historically Black university (HBCU), CAU has a rich tradition of educating leaders who make a positive impact in their communities and industries. Located in Atlanta, CAU’s MBA program emphasizes innovation and social responsibility, preparing students to address modern business challenges. The program’s strategic location offers access to top companies in the areas of business, media, and finance.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average GMAT Score: 580
- Top Hiring Companies: Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, UPS, Accenture
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- James W. Andrews: Co-founder of True Innovation
- Dr. Cornelius L. Henderson: Former President of Clark Atlanta University
- Donald Lee Hollowell: Civil Rights Attorney
- Walter Scott: Founder of Quality Foods, Inc.
Kennesaw State University – Coles College of Business
Overview
Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business offers a highly respected MBA program known for its affordability, flexibility, and focus on leadership development. Located just outside of Atlanta, the program is designed to meet the needs of both full-time students and working professionals with evening and weekend classes. Coles College places a strong emphasis on practical learning and real-world application, with opportunities for students to participate in internships, consulting projects, and leadership development programs. The school is particularly well-regarded for its programs in business analytics and information systems.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~90 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 600
- Top Hiring Companies: Coca-Cola, AT&T, The Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, Southern Company
- Average Starting Salary: $95,000
Notable Alumni
- Todd Jones: CEO of Publix Super Markets
- Jamie Lindly: CFO of Cox Automotive
- Richard Woods: Georgia State School Superintendent
- Catherine Hernandez-Blades: Senior Vice President of Aflac
Georgia Southern University – Parker College of Business
Overview
Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business offers an affordable, high-quality MBA program with a focus on leadership, business analytics, and entrepreneurship. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of industries, particularly in finance, marketing, and operations. Located in Statesboro, Georgia, with a satellite campus in Savannah, the program offers a flexible learning format that includes both online and in-person classes. The curriculum is tailored to provide a strong foundation in business management while also allowing students to customize their education with elective courses.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~65 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 580 (GMAT waiver available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Gulfstream Aerospace, Southern Company, Georgia Pacific, EY, Amazon
- Average Starting Salary: $80,000
Notable Alumni
- Paul S. Amos II: Former CEO of Aflac U.S.
- Stephen Penrose: CFO of Gulfstream Aerospace
- Mike Davis: VP of Operations at Publix Super Markets
- Dan Cathy: Former CEO of Chick-fil-A