$27,393
2 years
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“31% acceptance rate and a 28-person class. Eller is wildly more selective than its ranking suggests, with MIS programs that compete nationally.”
Program Overview
Arizona Eller is a statistical anomaly. A 31% acceptance rate would be respectable at a top-20 school, but Eller sits outside the top 60. The disconnect between selectivity and ranking exists because the 28-person class is tiny. Eller is extraordinarily picky about who gets in, and the small cohort means each student gets individual attention that's impossible at programs with 200+ students.
MIS (Management Information Systems) is Eller's nationally ranked specialty. US News consistently ranks the MIS program in the top 5 nationally, which attracts tech-focused candidates. Consulting placement runs at 29% of the class, another metric that punches well above the ranking. The McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship adds startup support. At $27K per year in-state, Eller is a value play for anyone willing to spend two years in Tucson.
Culture & Community
With 28 students, Eller's MBA feels more like a graduate seminar than a traditional business school. Everyone knows everyone. Faculty mentorship is direct and sustained. Tucson offers sunshine, affordable living, and a laid-back pace that contrasts sharply with the intensity of coastal MBA programs. The culture self-selects for people who prioritize depth of learning over social scene.
Academics & Curriculum
MIS is the crown jewel, with nationally ranked faculty and coursework in technology management, systems design, and data analytics. Consulting preparation is structured, with case practice and firm exposure. The McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship provides startup resources and mentorship. Core MBA courses are taught in small seminar settings, allowing deep discussion and individual feedback.
Career Outcomes
Consulting leads at 29% of placements, followed by tech/MIS (25%), finance (18%), and entrepreneurship (10%). Deloitte, Accenture, and Amazon are among the top recruiters. Median salary of $109,000 with signing bonuses averaging $18,000. The small class means career services can tailor support to each student's goals. Phoenix employers (1.5 hours north) expand the local recruiting pool.
Who Should Apply
Tech-focused candidates who want nationally ranked MIS coursework in a small-cohort environment. Consulting aspirants who want high per-capita placement rates. Arizona residents getting a top MIS MBA for $27K per year. Anyone who values personalized education over large-class networking.
What to Watch Out For
28 students means the alumni network from each class is minuscule. Tucson is geographically isolated from major business centers. The Eller brand is strong in MIS circles but needs explanation elsewhere. If you want a traditional large-class MBA experience with social scene and club life, Eller can't provide it.
Known For
Best For
Aiming for a 673+ GMAT? Start your prep today.
Get GMAT Prep Resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Arizona Eller?
Arizona Eller admits approximately 31% of MBA applicants for the class of 2026, making it one of the most selective programs outside the top 25. The class size is just 28 students.
Is Arizona Eller good for technology careers?
Eller's MIS program is ranked in the top 5 nationally by US News. The program produces graduates who combine business acumen with technology management skills. About 25% of graduates enter tech-focused roles.
What is the average salary after Arizona Eller MBA?
Eller graduates earn a median salary of $109,000 with signing bonuses averaging $18,000. Consulting and technology management drive the strongest compensation.