1. University of Wisconsin-Madison: Wisconsin School of Business
Program Overview
The Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a robust full-time MBA program with a strong focus on experiential learning and industry-specific specializations. As a two-year program, it emphasizes applied learning through internships, case competitions, and global business experiences. With concentrations in areas such as Supply Chain Management, Marketing Analytics, and Real Estate, the program is designed to equip students with the skills to navigate today’s competitive business landscape.
Key Program Features:
- Program Length: Two years (full-time)
- Specializations: Supply Chain, Marketing Analytics, Real Estate, Strategic Human Resource Management, and more
- Tuition: $55,575 (in-state), $61,000 (non-resident)
Rankings and Admission Data:
- Business Week Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top U.S. MBA programs, with strong showings in U.S. News & World Report (ranked #29 nationally) and the Financial Times (ranked #34 globally)
- Number of Students: 480 full-time MBA students
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Average GMAT Score: 665
- Average Starting Salary: $106,000
Top Hiring Companies:
- Amazon
- Deloitte
- General Electric
- Microsoft
Notable Alumni:
- Michael Knetter: Former Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business, economist, and current President of the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
- Abigail Johnson: CEO of Fidelity Investments.
Career and Networking Opportunities:
The program has a strong alumni network of over 42,000 members worldwide, providing ample networking and career opportunities for graduates. Students also benefit from personalized career services, including industry-specific job fairs and company visits.
2. Marquette University: Graduate School of Management
Program Overview
Marquette University’s MBA program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering evening and part-time MBA options that cater to working professionals. The curriculum provides a balance between core business disciplines and a wide range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals. With a focus on leadership and ethical business practices, Marquette’s MBA program is ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers in a socially responsible manner.
Key Program Features:
- Program Length: Flexible, part-time or evening options
- Specializations: Leadership, Finance, Marketing, and International Business
- Tuition: Approximately $40,000
- Accreditation: AACSB Accredited
Rankings and Admission Data:
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked, but recognized for strong regional impact
- Number of Students: 200+ across all MBA formats
- Acceptance Rate: Moderate
- Average GMAT Score: 550
- Average Starting Salary: $90,000
Top Hiring Companies:
- Johnson Controls
- Northwestern Mutual
- Harley-Davidson
- ManpowerGroup
- GE Healthcare
Notable Alumni:
- Jim Sinegal: Co-founder and former CEO of Costco Wholesale.
- John Burke: President and CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation.
Career and Networking Opportunities:
Marquette’s MBA program emphasizes leadership development and offers extensive networking opportunities through alumni events, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships. The university’s strong connections to Milwaukee-based businesses provide local employment opportunities for graduates.
3. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Lubar School of Business
Program Overview
The Lubar School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a comprehensive MBA program with both full-time and part-time options. Known for its industry connections, particularly in manufacturing and financial services, the program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through internships, consulting projects, and collaborative research. The curriculum offers a broad range of specializations, allowing students to gain expertise in high-demand areas like Supply Chain Management and Information Systems.
Key Program Features:
- Program Length: Flexible, with full-time and part-time options
- Specializations: Supply Chain, Finance, and Information Systems
- Tuition: $33,000 for in-state students, $50,000 for out-of-state
Rankings and Admission Data:
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked, but highly regarded in the Midwest
- Number of Students: Approximately 300 across all MBA formats
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 651
- Average Starting Salary: $88,000
Top Hiring Companies:
- Northwestern Mutual
- Rockwell Automation
- Johnson Controls
- Fiserv
- Kohler Co.
Notable Alumni:
- David Lubar: President and CEO of Lubar & Co., a prominent Milwaukee-based private equity firm.
- Gale Klappa: Executive Chairman of WEC Energy Group.
Career and Networking Opportunities:
The Lubar School has a strong local business presence, particularly in the manufacturing and financial services sectors, providing ample networking and job opportunities. Career services focus on preparing students for leadership roles through executive mentorship and tailored career counseling.
4. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater: College of Business and Economics
Program Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s MBA program is known for its affordability and flexibility, with a focus on preparing students for leadership roles in both public and private sectors. The program offers an extensive range of specializations, including Data Analytics, Finance, and Project Management. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, making it suitable for professionals looking to advance in their careers.
Key Program Features:
- Program Length: Flexible, part-time or full-time
- Specializations: Finance, Data Analytics, Project Management, Marketing
- Tuition: $26,000 (in-state), $40,000 (out-of-state)
- Accreditation: AACSB Accredited
Rankings and Admission Data:
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked nationally but strong in regional rankings
- Number of Students: Approximately 150
- Acceptance Rate: High, around 85%
- Average GMAT Score: 504
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Top Hiring Companies:
- Kohler Co.
- JPMorgan Chase
- Generac Power Systems
- Lands’ End
- American Family Insurance
Notable Alumni:
- John Mellowes: CEO of Charter Manufacturing Company.
- Patricia L. Kampling: Former Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy Corporation.
Career and Networking Opportunities:
UW-Whitewater’s strong ties to regional businesses ensure that students have ample internship and job placement opportunities. The school provides career services tailored to MBA students, including job fairs, corporate visits, and alumni networking events.
5. University of Wisconsin-Parkside: College of Business, Economics, and Computing
Program Overview
UW-Parkside offers an affordable MBA program with a focus on small class sizes and personalized attention. The program is designed to be flexible for working professionals, with evening and weekend classes available. With a curriculum that emphasizes leadership and management skills, UW-Parkside’s MBA program is ideal for students looking to advance into executive roles.
Key Program Features:
- Program Length: Flexible, part-time options available
- Specializations: General Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Healthcare Management
- Tuition: $26,000
- Accreditation: AACSB Accredited
Rankings and Admission Data:
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked
- Number of Students: 55
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Average GMAT Score: 485
- Average Starting Salary: $72,000
Top Hiring Companies:
- Snap-on Tools
- SC Johnson
- Amazon
- Froedtert Health
- Carthage College
Notable Alumni:
- Michael Ansay: CEO of Ansay & Associates.
- Beth Ford: President and CEO of Land O’Lakes.
Career and Networking Opportunities:
UW-Parkside’s MBA program benefits from its location in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor, providing graduates with access to large employers in both metropolitan areas. The school offers robust career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with local business leaders.