WashU Olin vs Indiana Kelley
Which MBA program is right for you?
WashU Olin
Indiana Kelley
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | WashU Olin | Indiana Kelley |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #27 | #24 |
| Acceptance Rate | 30% | 35% |
| Avg. GMAT | 700 | 690 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.45 | 3.35 |
| Class Size | 160 | 200 |
| Avg. Salary | $148,000 | $145,000 |
| Employment Rate | 92% | 93% |
| Annual Tuition | $65,400 | $28,274 |
The Verdict
Choose WashU Olin if…
you want a top-30 private university MBA, small class intimacy, and strong national brand in finance and consulting.
Full WashU Olin Profile →Choose Indiana Kelley if…
you want top-25 ranking, career services excellence, and public university value with a world-class operations program.
Full Indiana Kelley Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Olin (#27) and Kelley (#24) are both strong Midwest MBA programs with different value propositions. Olin's private university setting provides a smaller class (~130 students) and WashU's research brand. Kelley's public university model offers in-state value and one of the deepest operations curricula in the country. The 3-spot ranking gap is negligible.
Class Size and Experience
Olin's 130-student class means you'll know every classmate. Kelley's 200-student class is still small by MBA standards but twice Olin's size. Both create collaborative environments, but the intimacy factor at Olin is distinctive. If personalized attention and tight peer relationships matter, Olin delivers that at a level that larger programs can't.
The Honest Take
These programs are close enough in ranking that the decision should come down to fit, cost, and career goals. If operations or supply chain is your target, Kelley is the national leader. If you want the smallest class experience with strong consulting and finance placement, Olin provides that. Compare scholarship offers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better consulting placement?
Both place well into consulting. Olin's smaller class means every student who wants consulting gets significant career support. Kelley places more total graduates into consulting due to its larger class.
Which is better for operations?
Kelley. Its operations and supply chain program is top-10 nationally and a genuine differentiator. Olin has strong operations courses but doesn't match Kelley's depth or reputation in this area.
Which is more affordable?
Kelley (in-state) is substantially cheaper. Olin (private) has a higher sticker price but often provides merit scholarships. For non-Indiana residents, the cost comparison is closer.