University of Kansas – School of Business
Overview
The University of Kansas (KU) School of Business offers a highly respected MBA program with a focus on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, the KU MBA provides a strong foundation in core business principles while offering students the flexibility to specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, supply chain management, and information systems. The program emphasizes experiential learning through consulting projects, internships, and global immersion experiences. With a strong alumni network and connections to local and national companies, KU MBA graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles across industries.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #67
- Number of Students: ~100 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 630
- Top Hiring Companies: Cerner, Garmin, Deloitte, Sprint, Black & Veatch, Hallmark
- Average Starting Salary: $90,000
Notable Alumni
- David Dillon: Former CEO of Kroger Co.
- Neeli Bendapudi: President of the University of Louisville
- Greg Brenneman: Former CEO of Burger King
- Mike Gaughan: CFO of Payless ShoeSource
Kansas State University – College of Business Administration
Overview
Kansas State University’s College of Business Administration offers a practical and career-oriented MBA program that prepares students for leadership roles in business, government, and nonprofit sectors. The MBA program at Kansas State is designed to develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Located in Manhattan, Kansas, the program offers concentrations in finance, marketing, supply chain management, and data analytics. The curriculum incorporates experiential learning through case studies, internships, and consulting projects, ensuring that students are ready to tackle real-world business challenges upon graduation.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~75 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 620
- Top Hiring Companies: Cargill, Koch Industries, Textron Aviation, PepsiCo, Cerner, KPMG
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- Earl Woods: Father of Tiger Woods and U.S. Army Officer
- Craig Hayman: CEO of AVEVA Group
- Bill Snyder: Hall of Fame Football Coach
- Tom Phillips: Kansas State House of Representatives
Wichita State University – Barton School of Business
Overview
The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University (WSU) offers an MBA program with a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships. Located in the heart of Wichita, Kansas, an aviation and manufacturing hub, WSU’s MBA program provides students with unique opportunities to work closely with local industries. The program is tailored to meet the needs of both full-time students and working professionals, offering evening classes and a flexible curriculum. WSU’s emphasis on applied learning ensures that MBA students are prepared to address real-world challenges in fields such as aerospace, healthcare, and technology.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~65 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 600
- Top Hiring Companies: Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, Koch Industries, Cargill, Bombardier Aerospace, Deloitte
- Average Starting Salary: $80,000
Notable Alumni
- Jeff Turner: Former CEO of Spirit AeroSystems
- Gary Burrell: Co-founder of Garmin
- Tom Gentile: CEO of Spirit AeroSystems
- Lynn Nichols: Chairman of Yingling Aviation
Fort Hays State University – Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Overview
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers an MBA program that is particularly known for its affordability and flexibility, making it a great option for students seeking to advance their careers without incurring substantial student debt. The program is available both on-campus and online, catering to full-time students as well as working professionals. FHSU’s MBA offers concentrations in areas such as marketing, finance, digital marketing, and health care management, providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment. The program’s strong focus on practical, real-world learning helps graduates gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~55 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 580 (GMAT waiver available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Nex-Tech, Centura Health, HCA Healthcare, Black & Veatch, AT&T
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Notable Alumni
- Dustin Armbruster: CEO of Hays Medical Center
- Robert R. Dutton: CEO of Nex-Tech
- Jim Tosch: Executive Vice President, CenturyLink
- Rebecca Knapp: VP of Operations at HCA Midwest Health
Emporia State University – School of Business
Overview
Emporia State University’s School of Business offers an affordable, flexible MBA program that focuses on developing leadership skills and business acumen in areas such as finance, information systems, and marketing. Located in Emporia, Kansas, the program is designed for both traditional students and working professionals, with options for full-time, part-time, and online study. Emporia State’s MBA curriculum emphasizes real-world problem solving through internships, case studies, and capstone projects. The school’s small class sizes foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment, and the program’s focus on affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of students.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average GMAT Score: 570 (GMAT waiver available based on work experience)
- Top Hiring Companies: Hallmark, Emporia State Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, ConocoPhillips
- Average Starting Salary: $70,000
Notable Alumni
- Ron Olin: Former Police Chief of Lawrence, Kansas
- Bobbi Williams: President of Williams Consulting Group
- Steve Sauder: CEO of Emporia Broadcasting
- Lorna Mowen: CFO of Hallmark Cards
Pittsburg State University – Kelce College of Business
Overview
Pittsburg State University’s Kelce College of Business offers an MBA program that is known for its affordability and focus on leadership and managerial decision-making. The program prepares students for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. Located in Pittsburg, Kansas, the MBA program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential business disciplines such as accounting, economics, and marketing. The small class sizes and close interaction with faculty allow students to receive personalized attention and mentorship throughout their studies. The program also emphasizes practical experience through internships and consulting projects with local businesses.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~45 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 560 (GMAT waiver available for professionals with work experience)
- Top Hiring Companies: Watco Companies, State Farm, Freeman Health System, Kansas Crossing Casino, Leggett & Platt
- Average Starting Salary: $72,000
Notable Alumni
- Jim McNay: CEO of Watco Companies
- Russell Disberger: Founder of Aspen Business Group
- Deborah Owens: CFO of Freeman Health System
- Randy Moore: Executive VP of Leggett & Platt
Baker University – School of Professional and Graduate Studies
Overview
Baker University’s MBA program, offered through its School of Professional and Graduate Studies, is designed for working professionals who seek to advance their careers while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. With campuses in Overland Park and online options, Baker’s MBA program emphasizes leadership development, ethical decision-making, and strategic thinking. The program is particularly strong in healthcare management, human resources, and finance. The small class sizes allow for personalized learning, and the program’s flexible scheduling accommodates students who are working full-time.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~40 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waiver available based on experience)
- Top Hiring Companies: Cerner, Garmin, Sprint, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, HCA Midwest Health
- Average Starting Salary: $80,000
Notable Alumni
- Pat Roberts: Former U.S. Senator
- Richard Myers: Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- David Cordani: CEO of Cigna
- Julie Hyde: VP of Human Resources at Garmin International