Wisconsin vs Minnesota Carlson
Which MBA program is right for you?
Wisconsin
Minnesota Carlson
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Wisconsin | Minnesota Carlson |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #30 | #33 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35% | 38% |
| Avg. GMAT | 690 | 685 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 120 | 100 |
| Avg. Salary | $138,000 | $138,000 |
| Employment Rate | 90% | 91% |
| Annual Tuition | $27,104 | $43,234 |
The Verdict
Choose Wisconsin if…
you want a top-30 program, strong supply chain and operations curriculum, and Madison's vibrant campus life.
Full Wisconsin Profile →Choose Minnesota Carlson if…
you want Minneapolis's Fortune 500 access, a growing tech scene, and the Twin Cities' diverse employer base.
Full Minnesota Carlson Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Wisconsin (#30) and Carlson (#33) are Upper Midwest public MBA programs with similar profiles. The 3-spot ranking gap is insignificant. The real decision is Madison vs Minneapolis: a classic college town versus a major metro area. Both programs offer strong value for state residents.
Career Markets
Minneapolis has 16 Fortune 500 headquarters (Target, UnitedHealth, 3M, Best Buy, General Mills). Madison's local market is smaller but includes Epic Systems (healthcare IT), the state government, and a growing startup scene. For corporate recruitment, Minneapolis provides more local options. For campus experience, Madison is consistently rated among the best college towns in America.
The Honest Take
If you plan to work in the Upper Midwest, both programs produce strong local outcomes. Carlson's Twin Cities location provides a bigger job market. Wisconsin's slightly higher ranking and stronger operations curriculum are marginal advantages for national recruiting. Visit both. The campus and city vibe will likely drive your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better corporate access?
Carlson in Minneapolis has more Fortune 500 companies nearby. Target, UnitedHealth, 3M, and General Mills all recruit heavily from Carlson. Wisconsin has strong Epic Systems and supply chain employer relationships.
Which is the better value?
Similar in-state tuition. Madison and Minneapolis have comparable cost of living. The value proposition is nearly identical for state residents.
Which is better for supply chain?
Wisconsin has a stronger supply chain and operations program, ranking nationally in this specialty. Carlson has solid supply chain offerings but it's not the primary differentiator.