University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management
Overview
The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota is widely recognized as one of the best MBA programs in the Midwest. Located in the heart of Minneapolis, Carlson provides students with unparalleled access to major companies in industries such as healthcare, finance, retail, and technology. The Carlson MBA emphasizes experiential learning through its Enterprise programs, which allow students to work on real-world consulting projects in areas such as marketing, finance, and supply chain management. The program also has a strong global focus, offering international experiences through Global Discovery trips. Carlson’s tight-knit community and strong alumni network further enhance the program’s appeal for aspiring business leaders.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #27
- Number of Students: ~150 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Average GMAT Score: 690
- Top Hiring Companies: 3M, Target, General Mills, Medtronic, Deloitte, UnitedHealth Group
- Average Starting Salary: $125,000
Notable Alumni
- Omar Ishrak: Former CEO of Medtronic
- Richard Davis: Former CEO of U.S. Bancorp
- Wendy Davidson: President of Glanbia Performance Nutrition
- Doug Baker: Chairman and CEO of Ecolab
University of St. Thomas – Opus College of Business
Overview
The Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, located in downtown Minneapolis, offers a highly flexible MBA program that caters to both full-time students and working professionals. Known for its emphasis on ethics, leadership, and social responsibility, St. Thomas is committed to producing well-rounded business leaders. The program offers various concentrations, including marketing, finance, healthcare management, and data analytics. St. Thomas also has strong ties to local industries, particularly healthcare and finance, providing students with ample networking and internship opportunities. The school offers both full-time and part-time options, as well as a specialized Executive MBA program for experienced professionals.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #85
- Number of Students: ~100 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 620 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Target, Best Buy, Medtronic, U.S. Bank, UnitedHealth Group, 3M
- Average Starting Salary: $100,000
Notable Alumni
- Jackie Crosby: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist at the Star Tribune
- Mary Brainerd: Former CEO of HealthPartners
- Michael Dougherty: CEO of Dougherty Financial Group
- Chris O’Connell: Former EVP of Medtronic
Minnesota State University, Mankato – College of Business
Overview
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers an affordable and flexible MBA program designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. The program is delivered in both on-campus and online formats, catering to students who need flexibility in balancing their education with other responsibilities. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making, with elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas such as international business, finance, and entrepreneurship. The Mankato MBA program is known for its strong regional ties to businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and finance, providing students with numerous internship and job placement opportunities.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~60 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 580 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Mayo Clinic, Cargill, Wells Fargo, General Mills, Thomson Reuters
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- Mike Veeck: Co-owner of the St. Paul Saints baseball team
- Glen Taylor: Owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Founder of Taylor Corporation
- Jeff Ettinger: Former CEO of Hormel Foods
- Jane Freeman: Former First Lady of Minnesota
Hamline University – School of Business
Overview
Hamline University, located in St. Paul, offers an MBA program that is geared toward working professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and management skills. Hamline’s MBA program focuses on applied learning, with a curriculum that emphasizes ethics, innovation, and social responsibility. The program offers both on-campus and online options, making it accessible to students with busy schedules. Hamline has a strong reputation for developing leaders in government, non-profit organizations, and healthcare. The small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty are major draws for students who prefer an intimate learning environment.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~40 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 560 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Wells Fargo, Medtronic, Hennepin County Medical Center, U.S. Bank, Best Buy
- Average Starting Salary: $80,000
Notable Alumni
- Tom Emmer: U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 6th District
- Chris Coleman: Former Mayor of St. Paul
- Peggy Flanagan: Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
- Norm Coleman: Former U.S. Senator from Minnesota
Metropolitan State University – College of Management
Overview
Metropolitan State University, based in St. Paul, offers an affordable and flexible MBA program that is particularly attractive to working adults and non-traditional students. The program offers both evening and online classes, making it ideal for those who need to balance their education with professional and personal responsibilities. Metropolitan State’s MBA program is known for its practical approach to business education, focusing on leadership, innovation, and ethical management. The curriculum offers students opportunities to specialize in fields such as project management, finance, and management information systems, with strong ties to the Twin Cities’ business community.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waivers available for professionals with work experience)
- Top Hiring Companies: Target, Wells Fargo, Best Buy, Medtronic, U.S. Bank
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Notable Alumni
- R.T. Rybak: Former Mayor of Minneapolis
- Donna Zimmerman: Senior VP of Government and Community Relations at HealthPartners
- Steve Gottwalt: Former Minnesota State Representative
- Rena Moran: Chair of the Minnesota House Health and Human Services Finance Division
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Graduate School of Business and Technology
Overview
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an MBA program that combines business theory with practical application, preparing students for leadership roles in a variety of industries. The program is available in both on-campus and online formats, providing flexibility for working professionals. Located in Minneapolis, the program emphasizes ethical leadership, global business strategies, and innovation. The Saint Mary’s MBA offers specializations in areas such as marketing, healthcare administration, and project management. The program is known for its strong focus on developing socially responsible leaders who can adapt to the rapidly changing business environment.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~45 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 570 (GMAT waivers available based on experience)
- Top Hiring Companies: Mayo Clinic, Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Medtronic
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- Dave Durenberger: Former U.S. Senator from Minnesota
- Mary Jepperson: VP of Finance at Ecolab
- Lindsey Remmers: Senior Executive at Target
- Tom Handley: COO of Ecolab
Concordia University, St. Paul – College of Business and Technology
Overview
Concordia University, St. Paul, offers an MBA program that is known for its affordability and flexibility, catering primarily to working professionals. The program offers both in-person and online courses, allowing students to complete their degree at their own pace. Concordia’s MBA focuses on ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategic management, with an emphasis on real-world applications. The program also offers specialized tracks in finance, marketing, and healthcare management. With small class sizes, Concordia provides a personalized learning experience that enables students to engage closely with faculty and peers.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~30 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waivers available)
- Top Hiring Companies: Mayo Clinic, Target, U.S. Bank, Medtronic, 3M
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Notable Alumni
- Jim Waldvogel: Former CEO of HealthEast Care System
- Shelly Ibach: CEO of Sleep Number
- Tim Pawlenty: Former Governor of Minnesota
- Cynthia Bauerly: Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue