University of Utah – David Eccles School of Business
Overview
The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is one of the most highly regarded MBA programs in the region, known for its strengths in entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and healthcare management. The Eccles MBA program is AACSB-accredited, ensuring a top-tier education. With its proximity to the thriving technology sector of Silicon Slopes, the school provides students with ample opportunities to network with industry leaders and gain hands-on experience through internships and consulting projects.
Eccles offers several MBA formats, including a full-time MBA, a Professional MBA (PMBA) for working professionals, and an Executive MBA (EMBA) for senior-level executives. The full-time MBA is a two-year program that includes core business courses in finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, along with electives that allow students to specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship, healthcare, and data analytics. Students also have access to the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, which fosters innovation and startup creation.
One of the defining features of the Eccles MBA program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students can participate in global study programs, internships, and consulting projects with local companies. Additionally, the school has strong ties to Utah’s burgeoning tech scene, providing graduates with excellent job placement opportunities in industries like healthcare, finance, and technology.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The Eccles MBA program is consistently ranked among the top 50 MBA programs in the U.S. by BusinessWeek, with strong recognition for its focus on entrepreneurship and technology commercialization.
Number of Students
- Approximately 120 full-time MBA students and over 300 part-time PMBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 45%, making it a moderately competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 670, though GRE scores are also accepted.
Top Hiring Companies
- Goldman Sachs
- Adobe
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Zions Bancorporation
- Qualtrics
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Eccles MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $105,000 per year, with significant bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Notable Alumni
- Scott Anderson: President and CEO of Zions Bancorporation.
- John Warnock: Co-founder of Adobe Systems.
- Aaron Skonnard: Co-founder and CEO of Pluralsight.
Brigham Young University – Marriott School of Business
Overview
The Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University (BYU) is one of the top-ranked MBA programs in the country, particularly known for its strengths in finance, entrepreneurship, and general management. Located in Provo, Utah, the Marriott School’s MBA program is built on principles of leadership, ethics, and global business strategy. The school is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and while it emphasizes a values-driven education, it welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.
The BYU MBA is a two-year, full-time program that provides students with a rigorous core curriculum covering finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, along with various electives that allow students to specialize in areas such as healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, and international business. One of the defining aspects of the Marriott MBA is its low tuition, making it one of the most affordable top-tier MBA programs in the country, particularly for members of the LDS Church who receive discounted tuition rates.
BYU’s strong focus on leadership and ethics, combined with its extensive alumni network, makes the Marriott MBA highly attractive to students seeking a values-based business education. The school’s close proximity to Silicon Slopes also provides students with excellent career opportunities in Utah’s thriving tech sector.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The BYU Marriott MBA is consistently ranked in the top 30 MBA programs in the U.S. by BusinessWeek, with strong recognition for its finance and entrepreneurship programs.
Number of Students
- Approximately 300 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 40%, making it a competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 690, though GRE scores are also accepted.
Top Hiring Companies
- Bain & Company
- Goldman Sachs
- Intel
- Deloitte
- Amazon
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Marriott MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $125,000 per year, with additional signing bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Notable Alumni
- Stephen Covey: Author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”
- David Neeleman: Founder of JetBlue Airways.
- Mitt Romney: U.S. Senator and former Governor of Massachusetts.
Utah State University – Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
Overview
Utah State University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business offers a comprehensive MBA program that focuses on leadership development, ethical decision-making, and global business perspectives. The school is named after the late Jon M. Huntsman Sr., a billionaire philanthropist and founder of Huntsman Corporation. Located in Logan, Utah, the Huntsman School is known for its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and international business, making it an attractive option for students seeking a globally oriented business education.
The Huntsman School offers several MBA formats, including a traditional full-time MBA, a Professional MBA (PMBA) for working professionals, and an Executive MBA (EMBA) for experienced executives. The full-time MBA is a one-year program that covers core business areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, with elective courses that allow students to specialize in fields like data analytics, leadership, and sustainability. The school also offers global immersion experiences, allowing students to gain firsthand knowledge of international business practices.
One of the defining features of the Huntsman MBA is its focus on ethical leadership. The school’s motto, “Dare Mighty Things,” reflects its commitment to fostering leaders who are capable of making a positive impact in their organizations and communities. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and strong ties to the regional business community, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and technology.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The Huntsman MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is highly regarded regionally for its focus on ethical leadership and global business.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 MBA students across all formats.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 60%, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 620, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- Honeywell
- Intel
- Utah Jazz
- Space Dynamics Laboratory
- Vivint
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Huntsman MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $85,000 per year, with opportunities for growth in leadership roles across various industries.
Notable Alumni
- Jon M. Huntsman Sr.: Founder of Huntsman Corporation.
- M. Russell Ballard: Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Scott Watterson: Co-founder and CEO of iFIT Health & Fitness.
Weber State University – John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics
Overview
Weber State University’s John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics offers a flexible and affordable MBA program that caters to both full-time students and working professionals. Located in Ogden, Utah, the Goddard School’s MBA program is known for its strong focus on management, leadership, and business analytics. The program is AACSB-accredited, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that is recognized worldwide.
The Goddard MBA is designed to provide students with a well-rounded business education that covers core areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and leadership. The program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, with many students choosing the part-time option to balance work and education. Weber State also offers an MBA in Healthcare Administration, catering to students interested in pursuing leadership roles in the healthcare industry.
One of the key features of the Goddard MBA program is its affordability. As a public institution, Weber State offers one of the most cost-effective MBA programs in Utah, making it an attractive option for students looking to advance their careers without taking on significant debt. The school also emphasizes practical learning, with students participating in internships, consulting projects, and case studies that allow them to apply their knowledge to real-world business challenges.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- The Goddard MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is recognized regionally for its affordability and strong focus on business analytics.
Number of Students
- Approximately 150 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 70%, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 580, though waivers are available for students with professional experience or strong academic backgrounds.
Top Hiring Companies
- Intermountain Healthcare
- Wells Fargo
- Hill Air Force Base
- Weber State University
- Northrop Grumman
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Goddard MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $75,000 per year, with strong potential for growth in management and leadership positions.
Notable Alumni
- Alan Hall: Founder of MarketStar Corporation.
- David Smith: President of Smith’s Food and Drug.
- Brad Dee: Former Majority Leader of the Utah House of Representatives.
Southern Utah University – Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business
Overview
Southern Utah University’s (SUU) Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business offers a growing MBA program that is known for its personalized attention, affordability, and strong emphasis on leadership and entrepreneurship. Located in Cedar City, Utah, SUU’s MBA program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of industries, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, and small business management. The program is AACSB-accredited, providing students with a high-quality business education.
SUU’s MBA program is available in both full-time and online formats, providing flexibility for working professionals. The full-time MBA can be completed in about one year, while the online program allows students to complete the degree at their own pace. The curriculum covers essential business areas such as finance, marketing, management, and operations, with elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas like leadership, project management, and entrepreneurship.
One of the defining features of SUU’s MBA program is its focus on experiential learning. Students are encouraged to engage with local businesses through internships, consulting projects, and business plan competitions. SUU also emphasizes the development of leadership skills, providing students with opportunities to participate in leadership workshops, networking events, and mentoring programs.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- SUU’s MBA program is not ranked in BusinessWeek’s top 50 but is recognized for its affordability and focus on leadership and entrepreneurship.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 MBA students are enrolled in the program.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 75%, offering accessibility to a diverse range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 550, though waivers are available for students with significant work experience or strong academic performance.
Top Hiring Companies
- Cedar City Hospital
- State Bank of Southern Utah
- Utah Shakespeare Festival
- Dixie National Forest
- SkyWest Airlines
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of SUU’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $70,000 per year, with opportunities for salary growth in management and leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- Stephen Wade: Entrepreneur and owner of Stephen Wade Auto Center.
- Fred C. Adams: Founder of the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
- Robert S. Campbell: CEO of Mountain America Credit Union.