DePaul Kellstadt vs UIC Liautaud
Which MBA program is right for you?
DePaul Kellstadt
UIC Liautaud
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | DePaul Kellstadt | UIC Liautaud |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #92 | #90 |
| Acceptance Rate | 46% | 65% |
| Avg. GMAT | 580 | 600 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 28 | 60 |
| Avg. Salary | $86,000 | $101,000 |
| Employment Rate | 84% | 94% |
| Annual Tuition | $36,000 | $11,660 |
The Verdict
Choose DePaul Kellstadt if…
you want a private university MBA in downtown Chicago with strong local business connections and evening/weekend flexibility.
Full DePaul Kellstadt Profile →Choose UIC Liautaud if…
you want a public university MBA in Chicago with lower tuition and UIC's research university resources.
Full UIC Liautaud Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Kellstadt (#92) and Liautaud (#90) are both Chicago MBA programs outside the city's top tier (Booth, Kellogg). The comparison matters for working professionals in Chicago who want a local MBA without the price or selectivity of the M7 programs. UIC's public university tuition competes against DePaul's downtown Loop campus and business community integration.
Location and Access
DePaul's Loop campus is in the heart of Chicago's business district, surrounded by corporate headquarters and consulting offices. UIC's campus is on the Near West Side, close to the medical district and growing tech corridor. Both provide Chicago career access, but DePaul's Loop location is more convenient for after-work networking and evening recruiting events.
The Honest Take
These programs are close enough in ranking that cost and convenience should drive the decision. UIC's public university tuition is the better value, especially for Illinois residents. DePaul's Loop location and stronger local business network provide a different kind of value. For Chicago careers, both produce solid outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable?
UIC Liautaud is cheaper, especially for Illinois residents. DePaul Kellstadt is a private university with higher tuition. The savings at UIC can be substantial.
Which has better employer connections?
DePaul's Loop location and longer history in executive education give it stronger corporate relationships in downtown Chicago. UIC has growing connections, particularly in healthcare and public sector management.
Can I recruit nationally from either?
Both schools recruit primarily in the Chicago area. For national recruiting, consider higher-ranked programs. For Chicago-specific careers, both produce strong outcomes.