Students seeking high-quality, flexible MBA program options should look into the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
In addition to a standard two-year MBA program, Kellogg is one of the first higher learning institutions to offer a one-year MBA for students with a business background. Many of the one-year program’s alumni hold significant leadership roles in organizations like Taco Bell, Mattel, and The Hershey Company.
The Kellogg School of Management also advertises two full-time dual-degree options. The first is a two-year MMM – students earn an MBA from Kellog and an M.S. in design innovation in conjunction with Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering.
The second dual-degree option takes three years and enables students to obtain a JD-MBA through Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law.
If the experiential learning opportunities, flexible MBA programming, and thriving alumni network aren’t enough reasons to check out the Kellogg School of Management, its location alone warrants closer investigation.
Situated in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is only a short distance from the bustling cultural hub of Chicago.
With its delicious food, diverse neighborhoods, and access to the second-largest public transportation system in the United States (right behind New York City), Chicago attracts many MBA scholars who seek a stimulating social life with ample opportunities for work experience.
In the following sections, we’ll discuss the Kellogg School of Management’s acceptance rate, notable alumni, and admission requirements. You’ll learn exciting details about the curriculum, job prospects, and interactive learning opportunities that accompany a Kellogg MBA experience!
Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the Kellogg School of Management is historically around 20%, based on data from the most recent admission cycles. Currently, Kellogg School of Management does not publicly disclose any information about the number of applications it receives or the acceptance rate for its full-time MBA program.
To be sure, 20% is competitive, and the pool will likely grow only more qualified. The incoming class of 2022, for example, consisted of 559 students with an average 3.6 GPA, a 727 GMAT score, and five years of work experience.
These statistics align with admission data from Harvard Business School and other prestigious business schools.
If you think over 500 students is high for a business school cohort, just imagine how long it takes for the Kellogg admission committee to screen five times that amount of applications!
Additionally, Kellogg has committed to interviewing each person who applies to the school’s full-time MBA program. Rarely do elite business schools offer this kind of opportunity. Students may also interview for admission to Kellogg’s other programs, but those interviews are by invitation only.
Prospective admits are also asked to submit video essay responses to three prompts, which seek to explore who the candidate is, how Kellogg’s full-time MBA can help them reach their goals, and what kind of challenges have molded them into the leaders they are today.
Two other writing prompts create more opportunities for Kellogg applicants to showcase who they are and what talents they bring to the Kellogg community.
Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Ranking
Northwestern’s business programs are positioned at the top of the most trusted college rankings.
For example, the U.S. News & World Report recently named Kellogg the #3 best business school overall, the #3 part-time MBA program offering, and the #1 marketing program.
Part of many college rankings are determined by the quality (and quantity) of programs it affords.
Kellogg is unique in its commitment to offering part-time, full-time, online, and in-person variations of its premiere MBA program.
Other publications view Kellogg as a top-tier business school, as well. The Financial Times ranked three of Kellogg’s executive MBA programs at #5 in 2022.
Kellogg’s Executive MBA Program at the Hong Kong UST Business Schools currently sits at #2 in the entire world, and the Executive MBA is listed as #1 in Canada.
What else factors into a school’s ranking? Post-graduate data makes up a significant portion of a ranking; specifically, what percent of graduates secure employment within six months after graduation, and what is the average salary of that cohort?
Kellogg MBA graduates earn a median starting salary of $150,000, with jobs in consulting firms and financial organizations raking in the highest salaries.
High starting salaries may also justify the cost of Kellogg’s tuition, which is $76,638. Total expenses are estimated to exceed $110,000.
With a degree from Kellogg, graduates will likely make back their total expenses within a few years.
Kellogg School of Management Requirements
The Kellogg admissions committee takes a holistic approach to screening applications. Above all else, they seek to enroll people with proven business acumen, a desire to innovate, exceptional collaboration skills, and strong leadership abilities.
Candidates can only apply to one full-time Kellogg program annually – the full-time, evening, or weekend option.
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university to apply to Kellogg, though they need not have majored in business or economics.
The only exception to that rule is regarding the One-Year MBA, which stipulates that applicants complete specific coursework in calculus, statistics, and other mathematical and economics-related subjects.
Let’s start with the most basic admission requirements, which include the application and accompanying essays. This area is one to pay special attention to, as it affords candidates the most leeway in distinguishing themselves from other applicants. Students should also submit official copies of their transcripts and GMAT or GRE scores – Kellogg accepts either.
What other items are Kellogg MBA applicants responsible for submitting? Ensure the resume highlights your greatest professional accomplishments and valuable work experiences.
The essay portion we’ve previously described includes several questions targeted toward specific programs, like the JD-MBA.
If you’re applying to a dual-degree program or option other than the full-time MBA, take your time reviewing the Essay section of the application to make sure you responded to all required (and optional) prompts.
Finally, Kellogg MBA candidates should submit two letters of recommendation – one from a current manager and the other from a previous supervisor or client.
Both contacts should be able to assess the applicant’s performance as a team member, general response to constructive feedback, and record of honoring differing perspectives and backgrounds.
A $250 application fee and interview report (if applicable) are the final items Kellogg requires from MBA applicants.
The admissions committee accepts students for all programs across three consecutive admission cycles. Applicants should know that applying in Round 1 or Round 2 grants priority access to admitted student weekends.
Notable Alumni of the Kellogg School of Management
Over 50,000 business leaders across the globe graduated from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, including the CEOs and chairs of several major companies.
Ted Phillips, for example, served as president of the Chicago Bears after graduating from Kellogg.
Between 2020 and 2021, he increased the team’s value by 16%, and they are now ranked the #13 most valuable sports team on the planet!
Roslyn Brock attained her MBA in 1999 and serves as Chairman Emeritus on the National Board of Directors of the NAACP.
Having held this position for over 12 years, she is the fourth and youngest woman to do so in history. Before that, Brock worked in healthcare management at the W.K Kellogg Foundation for ten years.
Her career exemplifies how talented professionals from diverse entries can thrive within the business realm.
Readers may recognize the name Jonathan Greenblatt, another Kellogg alumnus. Greenblatt currently serves as the National Director and CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Before that role, he worked under President Obama as Director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation.
Two of the founders behind Booz Allen Hamilton consulting group gained their start in business through the Kellogg School of Management.
James L. Allen and Edwin G. Booz were responsible for expanding the firm’s client base to include magnates like General Mills, Goodyear, and the U.S. Armed Forces.
Featured on the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in 2014 issue, business executive and Kellogg alumnae Ellen J. Kullman previously served as the director of General Motors and Dupont. Kullman was the first woman to lead Dupont in its over 200-year history!
Should You Attend Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management?
You already know that Kellogg School of Management alums are likely to earn high salaries. Beyond that, what other factors entice innovative entrepreneurs to enroll at Kellogg?
People who desire flexible learning schedules will find Kellogg exceptionally accommodating. Evening and weekend MBA classes allow working professionals to complete their degrees while remaining employed in a traditional 9-5, Monday through Friday work setting.
These options are also attractive for local students who wish to avoid a Chicago commute. Some courses are even available to take remotely.
While Kellogg’s programs certainly draw students into Evanston, they also send students out across the world. Kellogg currently offers joint executive MBA degree programs with five schools, including the Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany and the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University in Beijing, China.
Many MBA students elect to study abroad in their second year with one of these schools, though additional exchange programs exist across six continents.
As we’ve discussed, Kellogg’s juxtaposition with Chicago’s cultural amenities renders it a desirable location. There is more to be said about recreational activities, as well.
Evanston is home to many beautiful parks, and the shores of Lake Michigan are not too far away. Northwestern is the top employer of Evanston residents, so the campus feels integral to the community. T
he campus is perfect for students who are inspired by bustling urban environments yet want to come home to a peaceful, quiet space.
When it comes to the environment, programming, and interactive learning opportunities, the Kellogg School of Management checks all the boxes.
Make sure to consider Kellogg on your list of potential business schools to apply to in the near future, and start preparing now to compete against a talented applicant pool!
