Tulane University – A. B. Freeman School of Business
Overview
Tulane University’s A. B. Freeman School of Business offers one of the most prestigious MBA programs in Louisiana. Located in New Orleans, the Freeman MBA program is known for its global perspective and strong emphasis on finance and entrepreneurship. The school takes advantage of its location, offering students opportunities in industries such as energy, hospitality, and healthcare. Tulane’s flexible MBA curriculum allows students to choose from a variety of specializations, including finance, energy, and business analytics. The Freeman MBA program also has strong international connections, providing students with global learning experiences through study abroad and consulting projects.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #42
- Number of Students: ~100 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Average GMAT Score: 680
- Top Hiring Companies: Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase, Shell, ExxonMobil, Goldman Sachs, PwC
- Average Starting Salary: $120,000
Notable Alumni
- David Filo: Co-founder of Yahoo!
- H. Leighton Steward: Former CEO of Burlington Resources
- Bob McNair: Founder of the Houston Texans
- José Armario: Former EVP at McDonald’s Corporation
Louisiana State University – E. J. Ourso College of Business
Overview
Louisiana State University’s E. J. Ourso College of Business offers a highly respected MBA program with strong connections to the energy, healthcare, and finance industries. The LSU Flores MBA Program is located in Baton Rouge and provides a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes leadership, problem-solving, and data analytics. The program offers several specializations, including finance, global business, and supply chain management. LSU is especially known for its close ties to the regional business community, allowing students to access a wide network of companies for internships, networking, and job placement. The program is also flexible, offering both full-time and part-time options.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #58
- Number of Students: ~85 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Average GMAT Score: 640
- Top Hiring Companies: ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, IBM, PwC, Chevron, Shell
- Average Starting Salary: $95,000
Notable Alumni
- Carlos Roberto Flores: Former President of Honduras
- Kevin Reilly: Former Chairman of Lamar Advertising
- Rolfe McCollister: Founder and CEO of Louisiana Business Inc.
- John Neely Kennedy: U.S. Senator from Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Lafayette – B. I. Moody III College of Business Administration
Overview
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s MBA program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in both local and global business environments. Located in the heart of Louisiana’s energy industry, UL Lafayette’s B. I. Moody III College of Business Administration offers concentrations in areas like energy, healthcare administration, and project management. The program is known for its affordability and flexibility, with options for both on-campus and online learning. UL Lafayette’s MBA program is ideal for working professionals, providing evening classes and customizable learning paths. The school has a strong network in the energy and healthcare sectors, which translates into internship and job opportunities for graduates.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~60 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average GMAT Score: 580
- Top Hiring Companies: Chevron, Lafayette General Health, Baker Hughes, Schlumberger, Ochsner Health System
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- Kim Perret: VP of Marketing, Baker Hughes
- Joe Alleva: Former LSU Athletic Director
- Jerry Luke LeBlanc: Former Secretary of Louisiana’s Department of Economic Development
- Larry D. Slezak: President of Teche Federal Bank
University of New Orleans – College of Business Administration
Overview
The University of New Orleans (UNO) offers an affordable and flexible MBA program that caters to both full-time students and working professionals. Located in the dynamic business environment of New Orleans, UNO’s College of Business Administration is known for its strong programs in finance, entrepreneurship, and international business. The MBA program offers concentrations in areas such as finance, hospitality management, and healthcare management. With the city’s strong ties to tourism and hospitality, the program provides unique opportunities for students interested in those fields. UNO’s MBA program is also notable for its collaboration with local industries, ensuring that students gain real-world experience through internships and consulting projects.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~70 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 600
- Top Hiring Companies: Entergy, Ochsner Health, Chevron, Hancock Whitney Bank, Pan-American Life Insurance
- Average Starting Salary: $80,000
Notable Alumni
- Sheila Nash-Stevenson: NASA Engineer
- Michael Hecht: CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.
- Chris Klotz: Founder of Crescent City Ventures
- Timothy Francis: Chairman of the Board, Pan-American Life Insurance
Louisiana Tech University – College of Business
Overview
Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business offers a practical and career-focused MBA program that is designed for students looking to advance their careers in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and energy. Located in Ruston, Louisiana, the Louisiana Tech MBA program offers flexible options, including online and part-time formats. The program focuses on leadership development, critical thinking, and data-driven decision-making. Louisiana Tech is known for its strong ties to regional industries, providing students with numerous opportunities for internships, consulting projects, and full-time employment upon graduation. The MBA curriculum is built around experiential learning, with an emphasis on applying business theories to real-world challenges.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 590
- Top Hiring Companies: CenturyLink, IBM, AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, Chesapeake Energy
- Average Starting Salary: $78,000
Notable Alumni
- Paul Millsap: NBA All-Star
- Mark Price: Former CEO of CenturyLink
- Terry Bradshaw: NFL Hall of Famer and Television Personality
- James Davison: President and CEO of Davison Transport
Southeastern Louisiana University – College of Business
Overview
Southeastern Louisiana University’s MBA program is recognized for its flexibility and affordability, making it an attractive option for working professionals in the region. Located in Hammond, Louisiana, Southeastern’s College of Business offers evening classes and online options, allowing students to complete their MBA at their own pace. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business principles while also offering specialized courses in areas like finance, marketing, and healthcare management. Southeastern’s MBA program emphasizes leadership, ethics, and global business strategies, preparing students for a wide range of management roles in various industries.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~45 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 570
- Top Hiring Companies: Ochsner Health System, North Oaks Health System, Entergy, Hancock Whitney Bank, Capital One
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Notable Alumni
- Lindsey DeSoto: VP of Operations at North Oaks Health System
- Mike Sanders: CFO of Hancock Whitney Bank
- Patricia Quintana: CEO of Quintana Enterprises
- Keith Triche: COO of North Oaks Health System
McNeese State University – College of Business
Overview
McNeese State University’s College of Business offers a comprehensive MBA program designed to develop the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the MBA program at McNeese focuses on leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a strong emphasis on practical experience. The program offers both full-time and part-time options, allowing students to balance their studies with work commitments. McNeese has strong ties to local industries, particularly in energy and healthcare, which provides MBA students with ample opportunities for internships, networking, and job placements.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~40 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average GMAT Score: 560
- Top Hiring Companies: Sasol, Westlake Chemical, Lake Charles Memorial Health System, Entergy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
- Average Starting Salary: $70,000
Notable Alumni
- Tommy McClelland: Athletic Director at Vanderbilt University
- Jack Hebert: CEO of Sasol North America
- James Baker: President of First Federal Bank of Louisiana
- Mack Dryden: Comedian and Actor