Choosing an MBA program? Explore what KU has to offer
Students and professionals consider pursuing an MBA for a wide range of reasons, most commonly to advance their careers. Whether you're interested in moving into a leadership role, increasing your earning potential, changing industries, or launching or growing your own business, an MBA from the University of Kansas can help you reach your professional potential.
The KU School of Business offers a full-time MBA program based on the Lawrence campus with 48 credit hours completed over 16 months and an online MBA program in which students take one 8-week course at a time for a total of 42 credit hours, generally taking about seven semesters to complete. Both programs are designed for students from all backgrounds, with professional work experience or without.
A hybrid MBA program is also offered but only for military students through select Leavenworth-based programs.
Here’s how the KU School of Business answers the most frequently asked questions from prospective students exploring in-person full-time MBA programs.
Career fit and outcomes
Q: What is the average post-MBA job placement rate at KU, and where do graduates work?
A: On average, 95% of KU full-time MBA graduates have secured a job within three months of graduation. Recent graduates have gone on to work for leading companies, including Hill's Pet Nutrition, Huhtamaki, T-Mobile, EY, Lockton and more.
Q: How does KU’s alumni network support career growth?
A: The KU School of Business’ global alumni network, which is especially strong in the Midwest and major U.S. cities, actively engages with students through mentorship, speaker series, and events.
Curriculum and flexibility
Q: Does KU offer dual degree or accelerated MBA options?
A: Yes, KU offers several joint MBA degree programs across academic units, allowing students to earn an MBA while specializing in a second discipline, as well as undergraduate-to-MBA programs.
Within the School of Business, students can earn dual MBA/M.S. in business analytics degrees in just two years, blending financial and managerial competencies with analytical skills.
Q: What courses and electives can I expect in the KU MBA program?
A: Students can tailor their MBA experience by choosing electives in areas including:
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management & Leadership
- Business Analytics
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
Additionally, students in KU’s full-time MBA program complete a capstone experience in which they act as professional consultants to scope projects, research solutions and present findings to owners and managers of local and regional small businesses.
This experience in the Kansas Small Business Projects course allows MBA students to apply the business concepts they’re learning to actual business scenarios.
Q: Are the MBA or master’s in business analytics programs offered part time, online or in a hybrid format?
A: The full-time MBA currently ranked 36th among public programs by U.S. News & World Report, is in-person on KU’s Lawrence campus only and does not offer a part-time format.
KU’s online MBA is ranked among the top 10 nationally by U.S. News & World Report and offers flexibility for working professionals.
KU offers a hybrid MBA program but only for military students through select Leavenworth-based programs.
The master's in business analytics program is currently not offered online.
Admissions and affordability
Q: Are application fee waivers or GMAT/GRE waivers available?
A: KU's MBA office does not offer application fee waivers, but GMAT/GRE waivers are available for qualified applicants based on quantitative background and professional experience. Contact KU's MBA admissions teamfor more information about waiver criteria.
Q: What are the average GMAT score, GPA, and work experience of admitted students?
A: KU’s typical full-time MBA candidate profile includes:
- GMAT score: 585+
- Undergraduate GPA: 3.0
Postgraduate work experience: 2+ years is encouraged but not required for admission. Professional experience helps students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.
Q: What is the cost of tuition?
A: Tuition varies by program and residency status. KU provides a Tuition & Fees Calculator to help estimate costs.
Q: Are scholarships available, and is a separate application required?
A: KU offers competitive scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $36,000, distributed evenly across semesters. The priority deadline is Feb. 1. No separate application is required; all admitted students with GMAT/GRE scores are automatically considered.
KU undergraduates wishing to continue straight into the full-time MBA program may apply for the Self Memorial Scholarship.
Additionally, exceptional applicants may be selected to join the Patterson Fellowship. After Feb. 1, qualified candidates will be invited for interviews in April for selection into this prestigious program. Patterson Fellows will receive an $8,000 scholarship that will be awarded in addition to any other scholarships.