MBA at McCombs School of Business vs Kelley School of Business

MBA at McCombs School of Business vs Kelley School of Business

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Collegedunia Team

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Choosing between an MBA at McCombs School of Business (University of Texas at Austin) and Kelley School of Business (Indiana University) requires considering various aspects. McCombs offers a strong program with a focus on entrepreneurship, technology, and energy, taking advantage of Austin's dynamic business ecosystem. Kelley provides a well-rounded education and strong career services, emphasizing experiential learning. Your decision should align with your career goals, preferred campus atmosphere, and learning style. McCombs excels in industry connections and specializations, while Kelley emphasizes a comprehensive education and career support. Consider these factors to select the program that best aligns with your professional aspirations and desired MBA experience.

Overview Comparison
McCombs School of BusinessKelley School of Business
ranking (overall)# 39 Financial Times 2025
# 40 Financial Times 2021
# 40 Financial Times 2020
# 38 Financial Times 2021
# 40 Financial Times 2020
# 43 Financial Times 2019
ProgramsUG Programs -12
PG Programs -4
PG Programs -6
Doctorate Programs -8
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   38730
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  67222
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 13500 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees  83940
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 16836 Per Year

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 16 for Business by US News 2025
# 51 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 53 for Business by QS World University 2025
# 22 for Business by US News 2025
# 79 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 108 for Business by QS World University 2025
application#1941 Applicants
# 260 Admissions
# 13 % Acceptance Rate
#385 Applicants
# 135 Admissions
# 35 % Acceptance Rate
exam scoresIELTS - 7.5/9TOEFL - 105/120Duolingo - 130/160IELTS - 7.0/9TOEFL - 100/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -83940
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
Comparison Notes

McCombs School of Business, University of Texas, and Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, are tied to rank #40 in the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2020. Some facts to keep in mind about them are:

  • Kelley has a smaller class size of 135, as compared to McCombs’ 260. 
  • Of this class, female students comprised 40% at McCombs, whereas in Kelley it was 33%.
  • McCombs only has 20% international students while Kelley has 36%. 
  • The majority of the class at McCombs had business or economics as their undergraduate majors, while those at Kelley had business as theirs.
  • Kelley offers more full tuition scholarships and fellowships, though McCombs has a few unique opportunities for international students, such as the Sylff Global Fellowship.
  • Both colleges have similar employment rates, but Kelley graduates received 35% more salary increase than those from McCombs.
  • Both schools had a majority of graduates go into the consulting sector post MBA.

Considering the financial benefits and program specifics, Kelley would be a better option for MBA than McCombs.