Ohio State Fisher vs Indiana Kelley
Which MBA program is right for you?
Ohio State Fisher
Indiana Kelley
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Ohio State Fisher | Indiana Kelley |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #34 | #24 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35% | 35% |
| Avg. GMAT | 690 | 690 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.35 | 3.35 |
| Class Size | 110 | 200 |
| Avg. Salary | $140,000 | $145,000 |
| Employment Rate | 91% | 93% |
| Annual Tuition | $32,376 | $28,274 |
The Verdict
Choose Ohio State Fisher if…
you want Columbus's growing economy, a Big Ten program with real estate and healthcare strength, and Ohio corporate connections.
Full Ohio State Fisher Profile →Choose Indiana Kelley if…
you want the highest-ranked Midwest public MBA, top-10 operations curriculum, and elite career services.
Full Indiana Kelley Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Fisher (#34) and Kelley (#24) are both Big Ten MBA programs in the Midwest with affordable tuition and collaborative cultures. The 10-spot ranking gap favors Kelley, but Fisher's Columbus, OH location (JPMorgan, Nationwide, Cardinal Health, L Brands) provides a growing corporate market that Bloomington, IN can't match.
Career Markets
Columbus is Ohio's economic engine with Fortune 500 headquarters and a growing tech scene. Bloomington is a college town where recruiting happens through on-campus events rather than local employer proximity. Fisher graduates stay in Ohio at higher rates. Kelley graduates distribute more broadly across the Midwest, especially to Chicago and Indianapolis.
The Honest Take
Kelley's ranking and career services are the tiebreakers for national recruiting. Fisher is the better choice for candidates committed to Ohio or who receive significantly better scholarship offers. For operations and supply chain, Kelley has a national reputation. For real estate, healthcare management, or Ohio-based careers, Fisher holds its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better career services?
Kelley's career services team is consistently rated among the best in the country. Fisher's career services are strong but don't match Kelley's national reputation in this specific area.
Which is better for real estate?
Fisher has a stronger real estate program, benefiting from Columbus's active development market. Kelley offers real estate courses but it's not a primary specialty.
Which is more affordable?
Similar in-state tuition as both are public Big Ten universities. Columbus cost of living is slightly higher than Bloomington, but Columbus also provides more part-time and internship opportunities.