Notre Dame Mendoza vs Indiana Kelley
Which MBA program is right for you?
Notre Dame Mendoza
Indiana Kelley
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Notre Dame Mendoza | Indiana Kelley |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #29 | #24 |
| Acceptance Rate | 32% | 35% |
| Avg. GMAT | 695 | 690 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.35 | 3.35 |
| Class Size | 110 | 200 |
| Avg. Salary | $145,000 | $145,000 |
| Employment Rate | 91% | 93% |
| Annual Tuition | $60,220 | $28,274 |
The Verdict
Choose Notre Dame Mendoza if…
you want a values-driven education, a tight alumni network, and the Notre Dame brand in finance and consulting.
Full Notre Dame Mendoza Profile →Choose Indiana Kelley if…
you want Kelley's legendary operations program, lower public university tuition, and one of the strongest career services teams in the country.
Full Indiana Kelley Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Mendoza (#29) and Kelley (#24) are both in Indiana, 150 miles apart. Both are well-regarded Midwest programs with collaborative cultures. Kelley outranks Mendoza slightly and offers public university affordability. Mendoza counters with the Notre Dame brand, which carries weight in finance, consulting, and corporate America in ways that rankings alone don't capture.
Culture and Community
Notre Dame's Catholic mission infuses Mendoza's culture with a values-driven approach to business education. Kelley's culture centers on career outcomes and experiential learning. Both communities are tight and supportive. Mendoza's alumni network is famously loyal (Notre Dame's overall giving rate is among the highest of any university). Kelley's alumni network is larger due to its bigger class and longer history.
Career Outcomes
Both place well into consulting and finance. Mendoza's Notre Dame brand provides disproportionate access to Wall Street and Chicago-area employers. Kelley's operations and supply chain program is top-10 nationally, and its career services team is consistently rated among the best. For career switching, Kelley's structured support is a real advantage.
The Honest Take
If the Notre Dame brand and values-driven education resonate with you, Mendoza provides something other business schools don't. If career services quality, operations curriculum, or cost matters most, Kelley is the practical choice. Both schools produce strong Midwest and national outcomes. The decision is often about brand vs value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for consulting?
Comparable placement rates. Mendoza's Notre Dame brand helps in recruiting at prestige-conscious firms. Kelley's career services team provides exceptional consulting prep. Both are MBB targets.
Which is more affordable?
Kelley (Indiana in-state) is significantly cheaper. Mendoza (private) has higher sticker price but offers merit scholarships. For Indiana residents, Kelley's value is hard to beat.
Which alumni network is stronger?
Different strengths. Notre Dame's alumni network is smaller but intensely loyal. Kelley's is larger and broader. In finance and corporate leadership, the Notre Dame name opens specific doors. In operations and supply chain, Kelley's reputation is stronger.