University of Louisville College of Business
Louisville, KY · 13 months · Official Site
$19,000
13 months
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“A 13-month MBA with a paid internship included. Louisville's flat-rate tuition (same for in-state and out-of-state) and accelerated format make it one of the most efficient MBA investments in the Southeast.”
Program Overview
The University of Louisville's 13-month MBA is designed for efficiency. You're in, you intern, you're out, and you're working. The paid internship is built into the program, which means you earn income while gaining experience. The flat-rate tuition of $19K per year (same for in-state and out-of-state students) eliminates the residency penalty that makes most public MBAs expensive for out-of-state applicants.
Louisville's economy is anchored by healthcare (Humana, Kindred Healthcare), logistics (UPS Worldport, the busiest package sorting facility on the planet), and bourbon (yes, it's an industry). The MBA program connects to all three. The 30-student class gets concentrated attention in a program that values speed and practical outcomes over academic prestige.
Culture & Community
Louisville's culture is Southern hospitality meets bourbon-country pragmatism. The 30-person class bonds quickly in the accelerated timeline (you're together for 13 months straight). The city is affordable, friendly, and has a growing food and arts scene. Students tend to be career changers in their mid-to-late twenties who want to get through the MBA and into their next role as quickly as possible. The pace is intense but the community is supportive.
Academics & Curriculum
The 13-month format compresses core courses and electives into a single academic year plus summer. Healthcare management and logistics concentrations reflect Louisville's employer base. The paid internship provides experiential learning that most programs charge you for (via lost income). Core courses cover business fundamentals with a practical emphasis. Faculty connections to Humana, UPS, and the local business community provide guest speakers and project opportunities.
Career Outcomes
Humana, UPS, Brown-Forman (bourbon), and regional healthcare systems are top employers. Consulting firms with Louisville and Cincinnati offices recruit from the program. Average salary is approximately $72,000. The 78% employment rate reflects the Southeast's employment dynamics. Louisville's cost of living is low, so the $72K salary goes further than in major metros. Career services focuses on local and regional placement.
Who Should Apply
Career changers who want to minimize time out of the workforce. Out-of-state students attracted by the flat-rate tuition. Healthcare and logistics professionals targeting leadership roles. Anyone drawn to the Southeast's affordable lifestyle and Louisville's growing economy.
What to Watch Out For
The 13-month format has no summer break, which means the pace is relentless. Louisville's brand is regional; outside Kentucky and the Southeast, it's less recognized. The $72K average salary is modest by MBA standards. If you're targeting NYC, SF, or major consulting firms, Louisville doesn't have those pipelines. And the small 30-student class means a limited on-campus network.
Known For
Best For
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What is the acceptance rate at Louisville MBA?
Louisville admits approximately 58% of MBA applicants for the class of 2026. The program enrolls about 30 students in its accelerated 13-month format.
Does Louisville offer a paid MBA internship?
Yes. Louisville's 13-month MBA includes a paid internship as part of the program. Students earn income while gaining professional experience, which partially offsets tuition costs.
What is the average salary after Louisville MBA?
Louisville MBA graduates earn an average starting salary of approximately $72,000. Healthcare, logistics, and consulting roles in Louisville and the Southeast drive placement. The flat-rate $19K tuition produces strong ROI.