Kellogg and Paul Merage School of Business 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. Paul Merage School of Business offers lower annual tuition, and Kellogg delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Kellogg is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Kellogg | Paul Merage School of Business |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #42026 | — |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #62024 | — |
| Financial Times Rank | #102025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #82025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $78,276 | $71,000 |
| Median Base Salary | $185,000 | $150,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 491% | 428% |
| Class Size | 500 | — |
| Acceptance Rate | 20.2% | 24.0% |
| Median GMAT | 727 | 675 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
Want context on the metrics above? These guides break down how to read the numbers — rankings methodology, salary distributions, and ROI math.
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.
Full Paul Merage School of Business profile → Calculate Paul Merage School of Business ROI →
Kellogg is a top M7 program; Paul Merage School of Business 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 24.0% for Paul Merage School of Business.
Kellogg reports a median base salary of $185,000, while Paul Merage School of Business reports $150,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Kellogg annual tuition is $78,276 and Paul Merage School of Business is $71,000. Paul Merage School of Business offers a 7,276 lower annual cost.
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