Iowa Tippie vs Wisconsin
Which MBA program is right for you?
Iowa Tippie
Wisconsin
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Iowa Tippie | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #78 | #30 |
| Acceptance Rate | 55% | 35% |
| Avg. GMAT | 650 | 690 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.5 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 65 | 120 |
| Avg. Salary | $113,000 | $138,000 |
| Employment Rate | 88% | 90% |
| Annual Tuition | $22,514 | $27,104 |
The Verdict
Choose Iowa Tippie if…
you want a smaller class, Iowa City's affordable living, and strong analytics and finance curriculum.
Full Iowa Tippie Profile →Choose Wisconsin if…
you want a higher-ranked program, Madison's vibrant culture, and top-tier supply chain and operations.
Full Wisconsin Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Tippie (#78) and Wisconsin (#30) are both Upper Midwest public MBA programs with affordable tuition and friendly cultures. The 48-spot ranking gap strongly favors Wisconsin. Candidates compare them because both serve the Iowa-Wisconsin-Minnesota corridor and offer similar Big Ten campus experiences at different price and prestige points.
Academics
Wisconsin has one of the strongest supply chain and operations programs in the country, ranking nationally in this specialty. Tippie has growing strength in business analytics and finance. Wisconsin's broader academic reputation and research resources provide more elective depth and cross-departmental opportunities.
The Honest Take
Wisconsin is the clear choice for candidates admitted to both. The ranking gap is too large to overcome unless Tippie offers a full scholarship or you specifically want to stay in Iowa. For supply chain careers, Wisconsin is a top-10 national program. For Midwest careers broadly, Wisconsin's brand carries further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ranking gap too large?
The 48-spot gap (#30 vs #78) is large. Wisconsin is a nationally-recognized program; Tippie is a regional program. If admitted to both, Wisconsin is the default choice.
Which is more affordable?
Both offer strong in-state value. Iowa City's cost of living is lower than Madison's. Tippie may offer more aggressive scholarship packages to attract students, which could close the total cost gap significantly.
Which has better career outcomes?
Wisconsin places more broadly and at higher salaries. Tippie places well regionally, particularly in Iowa's insurance, agriculture, and financial services sectors. The outcome gap reflects the ranking gap.