Kellogg and Mendoza are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. Kellogg holds a stronger US News ranking. Kellogg reports a higher median base salary. Mendoza offers lower annual tuition, and Kellogg delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Kellogg is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Kellogg | Mendoza |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #42026 | #282026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #62024 | #392024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #102025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #82025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $78,276 | $65,766 |
| Median Base Salary | $185,000 | $130,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 491% | 394% |
| Class Size | 500 | 165 |
| Acceptance Rate | 20.2% | 42.0% |
| Median GMAT | 727 | 670 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern is the birthplace of modern marketing education. Known for its collaborative culture, team-based learning, and strong emphasis on leadership development, Kellogg graduates are highly sought after in consulting and consumer goods industries.
The Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame is distinguished by its values-based approach to business education. Consistently ranked among the top MBA programs for ethics and social responsibility, Mendoza produces leaders known for integrity and collaborative problem-solving. Its strong alumni network, tight-knit community, and growing consulting and finance placement make it a compelling choice for candidates who want a rigorous MBA without the competitive culture of larger programs.
Kellogg is a top M7 program; Mendoza is a highly ranked T15 school. Kellogg ranks higher in US News, but Kellogg delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 491%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Kellogg is more selective with a 20.2% acceptance rate, compared to 42.0% for Mendoza.
Kellogg reports a median base salary of $185,000, while Mendoza reports $130,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Kellogg annual tuition is $78,276 and Mendoza is $65,766. Mendoza offers a 12,510 lower annual cost.
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