Best MBA Programs in North Carolina

Duke University – Fuqua School of Business

Overview

Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, located in Durham, is consistently ranked among the top MBA programs in the world. The program is known for its emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and global business strategies. Fuqua offers a highly flexible MBA program with several formats, including a full-time MBA, executive MBA, and online MBA. Students benefit from Duke’s strong ties to major industries, especially in healthcare, technology, and finance. The school also places a strong emphasis on global learning, with international residencies and consulting projects. Fuqua’s collaborative culture and focus on leadership development make it a popular choice for aspiring business leaders.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #10
  • Number of Students: ~440 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 22%
  • Average GMAT Score: 705
  • Top Hiring Companies: McKinsey & Co., Amazon, BCG, Google, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase
  • Average Starting Salary: $150,000

Notable Alumni

  • Tim Cook: CEO of Apple
  • Melinda Gates: Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Alan Schwartz: Executive Chairman of Guggenheim Partners
  • John Allison: Former CEO of BB&T Corporation

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler Business School

Overview

The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the most prestigious business schools in the country. Known for its strong focus on leadership, innovation, and global business, the Kenan-Flagler MBA program offers a comprehensive education in business management. Students can choose from several formats, including full-time, part-time, online, and executive MBA options. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare. UNC Kenan-Flagler’s close proximity to Research Triangle Park offers unique networking and career opportunities with major global companies.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #19
  • Number of Students: ~300 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Average GMAT Score: 700
  • Top Hiring Companies: Amazon, Bank of America, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, EY, Accenture
  • Average Starting Salary: $135,000

Notable Alumni

  • Jason Kilar: Former CEO of WarnerMedia
  • John A. Allison: Former CEO of BB&T Corporation
  • David Carroll: Former Senior Executive at Wells Fargo
  • Sue Nabors: CFO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Wake Forest University – School of Business

Overview

Wake Forest University’s School of Business, located in Winston-Salem, offers an MBA program that emphasizes ethical leadership, collaboration, and real-world experience. The Wake Forest MBA is available in both full-time and part-time formats, with a focus on building strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The program offers a personalized approach to business education, with small class sizes and close relationships between students and faculty. The school’s location in North Carolina provides access to major industries, including financial services, healthcare, and consumer goods. Wake Forest MBA graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles in these sectors.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #39
  • Number of Students: ~120 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Average GMAT Score: 660 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
  • Top Hiring Companies: Bank of America, Deloitte, Inmar, Wells Fargo, HanesBrands, Lowe’s
  • Average Starting Salary: $110,000

Notable Alumni

  • Ben Sutton: Founder of ISP Sports
  • Jim Perdue: Chairman of Perdue Farms
  • Richard H. Jenkins: Former President and COO of Duke Energy
  • Paula A. Price: Former CFO of Macy’s

North Carolina State University – Poole College of Management

Overview

North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management offers a highly flexible and innovative MBA program that focuses on leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship. Located in Raleigh, Poole College’s MBA program is designed for both full-time students and working professionals, offering full-time, part-time, and online options. The curriculum emphasizes data analytics, supply chain management, and business innovation, reflecting the school’s strong focus on technology and engineering. Poole’s close connections to Research Triangle Park and the tech sector provide students with numerous opportunities for internships, networking, and career placement.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #63
  • Number of Students: ~90 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Average GMAT Score: 640 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
  • Top Hiring Companies: Cisco, IBM, Lenovo, SAS, PNC, BASF
  • Average Starting Salary: $105,000

Notable Alumni

  • Doug McMillon: CEO of Walmart (attended NCSU undergraduate)
  • Raj Narayan: VP of Enterprise Data at IBM
  • Mary Ann Dickson: COO of Fidelity Investments
  • Brian Hamilton: Co-founder of Sageworks

University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Belk College of Business

Overview

The Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a flexible MBA program that is ideal for working professionals. Located in the growing financial hub of Charlotte, Belk College’s MBA program provides students with a strong foundation in business principles while offering specializations in areas such as finance, marketing, and business analytics. The school’s close connections with major banks and financial institutions, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, provide excellent internship and employment opportunities. Belk’s MBA program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, allowing students to balance their education with work.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~150 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
  • Top Hiring Companies: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Duke Energy, Atrium Health, Deloitte
  • Average Starting Salary: $95,000

Notable Alumni

  • Hugh McColl: Former CEO of Bank of America
  • Brian Moynihan: CEO of Bank of America
  • Dan DiMicco: Former CEO of Nucor Corporation
  • Tawana Cousteau: CFO of Atrium Health

Elon University – Martha and Spencer Love School of Business

Overview

Elon University’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business offers an MBA program focused on leadership, strategic thinking, and global business. Located in Elon, North Carolina, this MBA program is known for its emphasis on ethical leadership and a personalized approach to business education. The program is designed for working professionals, offering both part-time and evening classes. Elon’s small class sizes and focus on experiential learning provide students with personalized attention and the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world business situations. The school’s strong network of corporate partnerships, particularly in the finance and healthcare sectors, offers ample career opportunities for graduates.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waivers available)
  • Top Hiring Companies: LabCorp, Credit Suisse, BB&T, Volvo Group, Wells Fargo
  • Average Starting Salary: $90,000

Notable Alumni

  • David P. Miller: President of LabCorp
  • Gerry Francis: Former EVP of Office Depot
  • Christina Hardman: VP of Operations at Volvo Group
  • Rick Burney: Former CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers

Appalachian State University – Walker College of Business

Overview

Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business offers a highly affordable and well-regarded MBA program. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the Walker MBA program provides students with a strong foundation in business management, with specializations available in areas such as business analytics, supply chain management, and sustainable business. The program is designed for both full-time students and working professionals, offering flexible schedules and evening classes. Appalachian State’s MBA program emphasizes ethical leadership, sustainability, and global business strategies, preparing students for leadership roles in various industries.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~60 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Average GMAT Score: 580 (GMAT waivers available)
  • Top Hiring Companies: Lowe’s, HanesBrands, Bank of America, Duke Energy, Siemens
  • Average Starting Salary: $80,000

Notable Alumni

  • Brian Parker: CFO of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein
  • Chris Strickland: CEO of Strickland Insurance Group
  • Jane Beaudry: COO of Carolina West Wireless
  • Susan DeVore: Former CEO of Premier, Inc.

High Point University – Earl N. Phillips School of Business

Overview

High Point University’s Earl N. Phillips School of Business offers a boutique-style MBA program that focuses on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. Located in High Point, North Carolina, the program is designed for students seeking a personalized and hands-on learning experience. The MBA curriculum emphasizes real-world business applications, leadership development, and global business strategies. High Point’s MBA program is available in full-time and part-time formats, with small class sizes that allow for close interaction with faculty. The school’s strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation makes it a great choice for students looking to start their own businesses or lead innovative projects within existing companies.

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: Ralph Lauren, VF Corporation, Honda Aircraft, Reynolds American, BB&T
  • Average Starting Salary: $70,000

Notable Alumni

  • Nido Qubein: President of High Point University and Business Consultant
  • Paul J. Zurek: CFO of American Tower Corporation
  • Ben Sutton: Founder of ISP Sports
  • Rob Culp: Former CEO of Culp, Inc.