University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
Overview
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is one of the premier business schools in the world, consistently ranked among the top 10 MBA programs in the United States. The Ross MBA is known for its emphasis on action-based learning, with programs such as the Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP), which allows students to work on real-world consulting projects for companies across various industries. This hands-on approach gives students practical experience, preparing them for leadership roles in a wide range of fields.
Ross offers both full-time and part-time MBA programs, along with an executive MBA option. The full-time MBA spans two years and includes a robust curriculum that covers core business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and data analytics. In addition, Ross has a strong focus on global learning, offering students opportunities to participate in international consulting projects, study abroad programs, and global immersion experiences.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Ranked in the top 10 for full-time MBA programs nationally.
Number of Students
- Full-time MBA: Approximately 800 students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 30%, making it a highly competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- 720, with a range of 680–760 for most admitted students.
Top Hiring Companies
- McKinsey & Company
- Boston Consulting Group
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Goldman Sachs
Average Starting Salaries
- $150,000 per year, with significant signing bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Notable Alumni
- Larry Page: Co-founder of Google.
- Stephen M. Ross: Real estate developer and owner of the Miami Dolphins.
- Jeffrey M. Blau: CEO of Related Companies.
Michigan State University – Eli Broad College of Business
Overview
The Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University is widely recognized for its strong focus on supply chain management and operations, areas in which it is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country. Broad’s full-time MBA program offers a well-rounded business education with opportunities for students to specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, and information technology management. The program is designed to provide students with practical skills that can be applied to real-world business problems, making them highly competitive in the job market.
The full-time MBA program at Broad is known for its small class sizes and collaborative culture, which allows for personalized attention from faculty and fosters strong relationships among students. The curriculum combines a rigorous set of core courses with electives tailored to students’ career goals. The college’s close ties to major corporations, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, provide students with access to internships and job placements at top firms.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Ranked in the top 30 for full-time MBA programs nationally, and consistently ranked No. 1 in supply chain management.
Number of Students
- Full-time MBA: Around 150 students.
Acceptance Rate
- Approximately 40%, offering a competitive yet accessible entry process.
Average GMAT Score
- 670, with a range of 640–710 for most admitted students.
Top Hiring Companies
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Dow Chemical
- Amazon
- Dell Technologies
- PepsiCo
Average Starting Salaries
- $120,000 per year, with additional signing bonuses averaging $25,000.
Notable Alumni
- Robert Chapek: Former CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
- Gail K. Boudreaux: President and CEO of Anthem, Inc.
- Dale Morrison: Former CEO of McCain Foods and Campbell Soup Company.
Wayne State University – Mike Ilitch School of Business
Overview
The Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University is named after the founder of Little Caesars Pizza and is located in the heart of Detroit, giving students unique access to the city’s thriving business community. The MBA program at Ilitch School of Business is designed for working professionals, offering flexible evening and weekend classes, as well as online options. The program focuses on real-world application of business concepts, particularly in fields such as entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and finance.
Wayne State’s MBA program emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for students to work on consulting projects, internships, and case competitions. The school’s strong connections to Detroit’s automotive and healthcare sectors provide a steady pipeline of job opportunities for graduates. In addition to the traditional MBA, Ilitch also offers joint-degree programs in law and engineering.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in the top 50 nationally, but highly regarded regionally and recognized for its connection to the Detroit business community.
Number of Students
- Approximately 300 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 65%, making it accessible to a broad range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- 580, with GMAT waivers available for applicants with significant work experience or high undergraduate GPAs.
Top Hiring Companies
- General Motors
- Henry Ford Health System
- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- DTE Energy
Average Starting Salaries
- $95,000 per year, with strong opportunities for career advancement in the Detroit metro area.
Notable Alumni
- Steve Ballmer: Former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.
- Mike Ilitch: Founder of Little Caesars and owner of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.
- Eli Broad: Philanthropist and co-founder of KB Home.
Oakland University – School of Business Administration
Overview
Oakland University’s School of Business Administration offers a highly flexible MBA program designed for both full-time students and working professionals. Located in Rochester, Michigan, the program combines rigorous coursework with practical experience in the business world. Oakland’s MBA program is especially known for its strong connections to the automotive and manufacturing industries, with a focus on applied learning and industry partnerships.
The program offers several areas of concentration, including accounting, finance, international business, and management information systems. Oakland’s emphasis on technology and innovation prepares students for leadership roles in fields that are rapidly evolving. The school offers multiple entry points throughout the year, making it convenient for working professionals to start the program at their own pace. Additionally, students can take advantage of the university’s career services, which offer robust support for job placement and career development.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in the national top 50 but recognized for its strong ties to Michigan’s automotive industry.
Number of Students
- Approximately 250 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Around 70%, providing accessibility to a broad applicant pool.
Average GMAT Score
- 600, though the school offers GMAT waivers for students with relevant professional experience or high undergraduate GPAs.
Top Hiring Companies
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Bosch
- Magna International
- Ally Financial
Average Starting Salaries
- $90,000 per year, with additional opportunities for advancement in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Notable Alumni
- Vikram Pandit: Former CEO of Citigroup.
- Jay Farner: CEO of Rocket Companies.
- Patricia Mooradian: President of The Henry Ford.
Western Michigan University – Haworth College of Business
Overview
The Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University is a well-regarded business school offering a flexible and affordable MBA program. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Haworth focuses on practical business education, with a particular strength in entrepreneurship and supply chain management. The program is offered in a variety of formats, including part-time, full-time, and online options, catering to the needs of working professionals.
Haworth’s MBA program emphasizes experiential learning, with numerous opportunities for internships, consulting projects, and international business experiences. The school has strong ties to regional industries, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, ensuring that students have access to a range of job opportunities upon graduation. The program also offers concentrations in fields such as aviation management, healthcare administration, and computer information systems.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in the national top 50, but recognized regionally for its entrepreneurship and supply chain management programs.
Number of Students
- Around 200 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Approximately 60%, making it a moderately competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- 620, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or high undergraduate GPAs.
Top Hiring Companies
- Stryker Corporation
- Pfizer
- Kellogg’s
- Whirlpool Corporation
- Bronson Healthcare
Average Starting Salaries
- $85,000 per year, with opportunities for salary growth in leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- John K. Brown: Former CEO of Stryker Corporation.
- Jim Hackett: Former CEO of Ford Motor Company.
- Dave Dombrowski: President of Baseball Operations, Philadelphia Phillies.
Central Michigan University – College of Business Administration
Overview
Central Michigan University (CMU) offers an MBA program that combines a comprehensive business education with a strong focus on leadership development and ethical decision-making. The program is offered in both full-time and part-time formats, with options to complete it online or on the main campus in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. CMU’s MBA is known for its affordability and flexibility, making it a popular choice for working professionals looking to advance their careers without leaving their jobs.
The curriculum at CMU covers key areas of business such as finance, marketing, operations, and leadership. The program offers several concentrations, including project management, logistics management, and human resources, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals. CMU also has strong connections with regional industries, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and education, providing students with a range of job placement opportunities.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Not ranked in the national top 50, but recognized for its affordability and strong career placement rates in Michigan.
Number of Students
- Around 150 MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- Approximately 75%, offering accessibility to a diverse range of students.
Average GMAT Score
- 580, though waivers are available for applicants with significant work experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- Dow Chemical
- General Motors
- Spectrum Health
- Meijer
- Auto-Owners Insurance
Average Starting Salaries
- $80,000 per year, with potential for career growth in management and leadership roles.
Notable Alumni
- Herbert H. Dow: Founder of Dow Chemical Company.
- Tricia Griffith: CEO of Progressive Insurance.
- Timothy Leuliette: Former CEO of Visteon Corporation.