Michigan Ross vs Kellogg
Which MBA program is right for you?
Michigan Ross
Kellogg
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Michigan Ross | Kellogg |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #12 | #5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 24% | 20% |
| Avg. GMAT | 720 | 727 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Class Size | 450 | 500 |
| Avg. Salary | $170,000 | $175,000 |
| Employment Rate | 93% | 94% |
| Annual Tuition | $72,508 | $76,368 |
The Verdict
Choose Michigan Ross if…
you want MAP's experiential learning, a Big Ten campus experience, and strong tech placement from the Midwest.
Full Michigan Ross Profile →Choose Kellogg if…
you want M7 prestige, the best marketing MBA in the world, and a Midwest program with global brand recognition.
Full Kellogg Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Ross (#12) and Kellogg (#5) are the two best MBA programs in the Midwest and the two most common targets for candidates who want to stay in the region. The ranking gap (7 spots) is real but narrower than people assume. Ross's MAP program and Kellogg's marketing strength give each a distinctive identity.
Academics
Kellogg's curriculum is flexible and marketing-focused, with an elective catalog that's among the deepest in the country. Ross's MAP (Multidisciplinary Action Projects) sends every student to work on a real business problem for seven weeks during the first year. If learning by doing is your style, MAP is a differentiator that few programs can match. If you want curriculum breadth and marketing depth, Kellogg delivers that.
Career Outcomes
Kellogg's M7 brand provides access to roles that are harder to reach from Ross, particularly in PE, VC, and top-tier tech PM roles. For consulting, both are MBB targets with similar placement rates. Ross has a notable strength in operations and supply chain, reflecting Michigan's manufacturing heritage. Both schools send significant numbers to Chicago, which is the dominant Midwest job market.
The Honest Take
If you get into both, Kellogg's M7 brand is the tiebreaker for most careers. Ross with a significant scholarship can close the gap. If operations, supply chain, or experiential learning through MAP matters to you, Ross has a compelling case. For marketing and CPG careers, Kellogg has no equal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ross worth it if I also got into Kellogg?
For most careers, Kellogg's M7 brand provides a marginal advantage. The exception is if Ross offers a significant scholarship, if you specifically want MAP, or if operations/supply chain is your target industry. Ross graduates have no career ceiling, but Kellogg's brand opens doors slightly wider.
Which has better tech placement?
Both place 20%+ into tech. Kellogg's proximity to Chicago tech companies and M7 brand give it a slight edge for PM roles at top-tier firms. Ross has strong Microsoft and Amazon pipelines and benefits from Michigan's growing tech ecosystem.
Which has the better campus experience?
Both are Big Ten campus experiences with passionate sports culture, strong alumni communities, and vibrant college-town settings. Ann Arbor and Evanston are both excellent places to spend two years. This one comes down to personal taste.