Tennessee Haslam vs Vanderbilt Owen
Which MBA program is right for you?
Tennessee Haslam
Vanderbilt Owen
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Tennessee Haslam | Vanderbilt Owen |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #74 | #22 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% | 32% |
| Avg. GMAT | 635 | 700 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.4 | 3.35 |
| Class Size | 60 | 180 |
| Avg. Salary | $108,000 | $148,000 |
| Employment Rate | 92% | 91% |
| Annual Tuition | $28,000 | $62,196 |
The Verdict
Choose Tennessee Haslam if…
you want public university value, strong supply chain program, and connections to Tennessee's manufacturing sector.
Full Tennessee Haslam Profile →Choose Vanderbilt Owen if…
you want a top-25 brand, Nashville's booming economy, and healthcare industry proximity at a prestigious private university.
Full Vanderbilt Owen Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Haslam (#74) and Owen (#22) are Tennessee's two most prominent MBA programs. The 52-spot ranking gap is substantial, making this more of a reach-vs-safety comparison than a true head-to-head. Owen in Nashville is a top-25 national program. Haslam in Knoxville is a strong regional program with notable supply chain strength.
Brand and Career Access
Vanderbilt Owen recruits nationally with strong placement in consulting, healthcare, and finance. Haslam recruits primarily in Tennessee and the Southeast, with particular strength in supply chain and operations roles. Owen's Nashville location provides access to a booming economy (HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone, Dollar General). Haslam's Knoxville location has a smaller corporate market.
The Honest Take
If you can get into Owen, go to Owen. The ranking gap translates to meaningfully different career access and earning potential. Haslam is a strong choice for Tennessee residents who want affordable tuition, for candidates targeting supply chain careers, or for those who want to stay in the Knoxville area. The decision shouldn't be close unless Haslam offers a full ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ranking gap too large to compare?
The 52-spot gap (#22 vs #74) is large. These programs are in different tiers. Owen is a nationally-ranked program; Haslam is a regional program. The comparison exists because they're both in Tennessee, not because they're comparable.
Which is better for supply chain?
Haslam has a nationally recognized supply chain and operations program. Owen has supply chain offerings but it's not the primary focus. For supply chain careers specifically, Haslam competes with programs ranked much higher overall.
Which is more affordable?
Haslam (UT in-state) is a fraction of Owen's (Vanderbilt private) cost. For Tennessee residents, Haslam's tuition is among the best values in SEC MBA education.