Carlson and Olin are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Olin holds a stronger US News ranking. Olin reports a higher median base salary. Carlson offers lower annual tuition, and Olin delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Olin is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Carlson | Olin |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #342026 | #252025 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #442024 | #242024 |
| Financial Times Rank | — | #522025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | — | #462025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $62,000 | $63,250 |
| Median Base Salary | $125,000 | $155,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 404% | 513% |
| Class Size | 100 | 155 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35.0% | 32.0% |
| Median GMAT | 661 | 694 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota offers a strong, versatile MBA in the Twin Cities—a major Midwest business hub home to more Fortune 500 headquarters per capita than almost any other US city (Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, Cargill). Carlson's MBA is known for strong finance, supply chain, and brand management programs, with outstanding corporate access and placement within the Midwest's corporate powerhouses.
WashU Olin offers a rigorous, customizable MBA with strengths in healthcare, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. The school's strong corporate connections in the Midwest and intimate class sizes provide a personalized educational experience.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Olin ranks higher in US News, but Olin delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 513%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Olin is more selective with a 32.0% acceptance rate, compared to 35.0% for Carlson.
Carlson reports a median base salary of $125,000, while Olin reports $155,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Carlson annual tuition is $62,000 and Olin is $63,250. Carlson offers a 1,250 lower annual cost.
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