Washington University in St. Louis – Olin Business School
Overview
Washington University’s Olin Business School is one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the Midwest and is recognized globally for its focus on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Located in St. Louis, Olin offers a flexible MBA program that allows students to customize their education with various concentrations, including finance, marketing, healthcare, and supply chain management. The program emphasizes a global perspective, offering students opportunities for international study and immersion experiences. Olin’s strong ties to local industries, such as healthcare, finance, and technology, provide excellent networking and career opportunities for students.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #29
- Number of Students: ~140 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Average GMAT Score: 695
- Top Hiring Companies: Deloitte, Bayer, PwC, Anheuser-Busch, Edward Jones, Emerson
- Average Starting Salary: $130,000
Notable Alumni
- Sam Fox: Founder and CEO of Harbour Group
- Maxine Clark: Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Andrew C. Taylor: Executive Chairman of Enterprise Holdings
- George Paz: Former CEO of Express Scripts
University of Missouri – Trulaske College of Business
Overview
The Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri, located in Columbia, offers an MBA program that emphasizes experiential learning and leadership development. The program includes a mix of academic coursework and real-world business projects through its consulting partnerships with regional and national companies. The curriculum offers a range of concentrations, including finance, marketing, and management. Known for its affordable tuition and strong regional ties, the Trulaske MBA prepares students for leadership roles in industries such as healthcare, energy, and agriculture.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #57
- Number of Students: ~100 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Average GMAT Score: 630
- Top Hiring Companies: Cerner, IBM, AT&T, Boeing, Wells Fargo, Monsanto
- Average Starting Salary: $100,000
Notable Alumni
- Jon Sundvold: Former NBA player and CEO of Sundvold Financial
- Roger Wehrli: NFL Hall of Famer and Business Executive
- Steve Stenger: Former County Executive of St. Louis County
- David Steward: Founder and Chairman of World Wide Technology
Saint Louis University – Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business
Overview
Saint Louis University’s Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is one of the oldest business schools in the country, with a strong focus on ethics, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. The SLU MBA program offers several specialized tracks, including supply chain management, finance, and healthcare management. Located in St. Louis, the program benefits from close partnerships with local companies, providing students with valuable internship and career opportunities. SLU’s small class sizes and personalized learning environment are ideal for students looking for individualized attention and mentorship.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #93
- Number of Students: ~80 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 620 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Anheuser-Busch, Centene, Boeing, Edward Jones, Emerson
- Average Starting Salary: $95,000
Notable Alumni
- Donald Brennan: Former CEO of The May Department Stores Company
- Bill Kauffman: CEO of World Wide Technology
- Michael Neidorff: CEO of Centene Corporation
- August Busch IV: Former CEO of Anheuser-Busch
University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) – Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Overview
The Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC is well-known for its emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. The MBA program offers a hands-on, practical approach to business education, with opportunities for students to engage in consulting projects, internships, and business competitions. The Bloch School’s location in Kansas City provides students with access to a thriving business community, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology. The school offers several MBA formats, including full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~60 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: H&R Block, Cerner, Sprint, Hallmark, Burns & McDonnell, Garmin
- Average Starting Salary: $90,000
Notable Alumni
- Henry W. Bloch: Co-founder of H&R Block
- David Dillon: Former CEO of Kroger Co.
- Mariner Kemper: CEO of UMB Financial Corporation
- Terry Dunn: Former CEO of JE Dunn Construction
Missouri State University – College of Business
Overview
Missouri State University’s College of Business offers an affordable and flexible MBA program that is designed to meet the needs of both full-time students and working professionals. The program is available on-campus and online, allowing students to balance their education with other responsibilities. Missouri State’s MBA program emphasizes leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with specializations available in finance, management, and marketing. The program’s strong ties to regional businesses provide students with opportunities for internships and job placements in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~75 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 590 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Bass Pro Shops, O’Reilly Auto Parts, CoxHealth, Cerner, Jack Henry & Associates
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- John Q. Hammons: Real estate developer and hotelier
- Doug Pitt: Entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Darrin Patrick: Founder of The Journey Church
- David Glass: Former CEO of Walmart
Webster University – Walker School of Business & Technology
Overview
Webster University’s Walker School of Business & Technology offers an MBA program that is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and management skills. The program is flexible, with both evening and online courses available, and it emphasizes global business strategies, innovation, and leadership development. Webster’s international network of campuses provides students with opportunities for global study and internships, making it a great option for students interested in international business. The program offers concentrations in areas such as project management, cybersecurity, and finance.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 580 (GMAT waivers available)
- Top Hiring Companies: Boeing, Express Scripts, Edward Jones, Mastercard, Maritz
- Average Starting Salary: $80,000
Notable Alumni
- Sanford N. McDonnell: Former CEO of McDonnell Douglas
- Deborah Patterson: VP of Global Contributions at Monsanto
- Glen Post: Former CEO of CenturyLink
- Joseph Weber: Chief Marketing Officer at The Charles Schwab Corporation
Southeast Missouri State University – Harrison College of Business and Computing
Overview
Southeast Missouri State University’s Harrison College of Business and Computing offers an affordable MBA program that emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals, offering flexible online and evening courses. The MBA program offers several specializations, including general management, accounting, and environmental management. The program’s small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty and foster close-knit relationships with peers. Southeast Missouri State’s strong regional connections provide students with opportunities to network with local businesses, especially in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~45 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Procter & Gamble, Southeast Health, Drury Hotels, Cape Girardeau Public Schools
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Notable Alumni
- Rush Limbaugh: Conservative political commentator
- Gary Forsee: Former CEO of Sprint Corporation
- Gregory D. Smith: CFO of The Boeing Company
- Michael L. Downing: COO of Procter & Gamble
Rockhurst University – Helzberg School of Management
Overview
Rockhurst University’s Helzberg School of Management offers an MBA program with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and corporate responsibility. Located in Kansas City, the program integrates business education with Jesuit values, focusing on personal growth and professional development. The Helzberg MBA program offers specializations in finance, healthcare management, and organizational leadership. Students benefit from close connections to the Kansas City business community, with strong partnerships in industries such as healthcare, finance, and education. The program offers flexible part-time and online options, making it accessible for working professionals.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~40 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Cerner, Burns & McDonnell, Hallmark, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Sprint
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- Tom McDonnell: Former CEO of DST Systems
- Joe Reardon: President of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
- David Lockton: Founder of Lockton Companies
- Michael Rapoff: CEO of Rapoff Research