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University of Chicago
US News MBA Ranking: 3
Financial Times MBA Ranking: 17
QS MBA Ranking: 15
Booth is where Nobel Prize-winning ideas meet real-world business impact! This business school stands out for its flexible curriculum that lets you customize nearly 100% of your MBA experience. The institution's analytical approach ("Chicago style") prepares students to solve complex problems with data-driven rigor. Alumni love the school's strong finance roots while appreciating how it's evolved into a well-rounded powerhouse.
Booth School of Business MBA website
Benedictine University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Benedictine's MBA program emphasizes ethical leadership while offering practical specializations from healthcare administration to digital marketing. The small class sizes create a tight-knit community where professors know you by name. Perfect for working professionals who want to balance career, family and education.
College of Business MBA website
Chicago State University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
CSU provides accessible, high-quality business education with a focus on serving underrepresented communities. The school's urban location creates unique opportunities for hands-on learning in Chicago's vibrant business scene. Students particularly value the faculty's real-world experience and commitment to student success.
College of Business MBA website
Illinois State University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
ISU's business program shines with its strong industry connections and emphasis on applied learning. The sales program is nationally recognized, while the accounting graduates consistently achieve top CPA exam pass rates. The beautiful campus and spirited Redbird community make learning here both productive and fun.
College of Business MBA website
Northern Illinois University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
NIU College of Business combines rigorous academics with practical experience. The school's strong alumni network across Chicago businesses helps students land great opportunities. Huskies pride runs deep here, creating a supportive environment for professional growth.
College of Business MBA website
University of Illinois at Chicago
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
UIC's location in the heart of the city provides unmatched access to internships and networking. The diverse student body brings global perspectives to classroom discussions. Recent investments in facilities and programs are making this already strong program even more competitive.
College of Business Administration MBA website
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
SIU offers comprehensive programs with strong national recognition, especially in analytics and management. Its College of Business has a scenic campus that provides a great environment for focused study, while the active alumni network helps graduates connect nationwide.
College of Business and Administration MBA website
Northeastern Illinois University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
NEIU brings together students from all backgrounds for a truly global business education. The affordable tuition and flexible scheduling make it ideal for working professionals. Its strong faculty with deep Chicago business roots provide relevant, practical instruction.
College of Business and Management MBA website
Governors State University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
GSU's business program stands out for its personalized attention and focus on public-private sector connections. The innovative course scheduling helps adult learners balance work and school. Students appreciate the modern facilities and growing reputation in the Chicago area.
College of Business and Public Administration MBA website
DePaul University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Driehaus combines strong academics with unparalleled access to Chicago's business community through its extensive internship programs. The school's sales, marketing and finance programs are particularly well-regarded. The urban campus locations put students steps away from Fortune 500 companies and exciting startups alike.
Driehaus College of Business MBA website
Bradley University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Picture this: A tight-knit community where your professors know your career goals by heart. That's Bradley's Foster College in Peoria. This school is reputable for its hands-on approach to busineess, which means as an MBA candidate you get to fully immerse yourself into the business world. The beautiful campus feels like home, and the strong alumni network means you'll keep finding "Bradley people" throughout your career.
Foster College of Business Administration MBA website
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Gies' innovative iMBA program shook up online education, with people talking about the quality value the school provides through the course. The institution is notable for their collaborative culture – no cutthroat competition here, just brilliant classmates who become lifelong friends.
Gies College of Business MBA website
Roosevelt University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Right in Chicago's Loop, Heller is where working professionals go to level up without putting life on hold. Evening classes fill with students swapping stories from their downtown jobs. The diversity here is incredible – you might debate marketing strategies with a nonprofit director, a restaurant owner, and a healthcare administrator all in one night.
Walter E. Heller College of Business Management MBA website
DeVry University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Keller gets it – adult learners need flexibility. Their hybrid courses work around your schedule, whether you're a parent, full-time employee, or career changer. The practical curriculum skips the fluff, focusing on skills you can apply at work tomorrow. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done for determined students.
Keller Graduate School of Management MBA website
Northwestern University
US News MBA Ranking: 3
Financial Times MBA Ranking: 10
QS MBA Ranking: 11
The "Kellogg difference" hits you during your first team meeting. Unlike other elite programs, Kellogg's collaborative culture feels more like a mastermind group than a competition. Their Evanston campus buzzes with energy, especially during "Kellogg Social Impact" events where students solve real corporate challenges. That famous alumni network? It's real – and incredibly supportive.
Kellogg School of Management MBA website
DePaul University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
DePaul's Loop campus puts you in Chicago's business heartbeat. Kellstadt students rave about professors who are still active consultants – you'll get case studies fresh from the boardroom. The finance and marketing programs are standouts, with alumni popping up everywhere from trading floors to ad agencies.
Kellstadt Graduate School of Business MBA website
University of Illinois at Chicago
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
UIC's business school is Chicago's best-kept secret. The diverse student body creates fascinating discussions – imagine debating global strategy with classmates from 20 different countries. Their flexible evening MBA works perfectly for downtown professionals, and the tuition won't break the bank. Recent campus upgrades make studying here feel downright luxurious.
Liautaud Graduate School of Business MBA website
Eastern Illinois University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
At EIU in Charleston, you'll experience that classic college town charm with small classes and approachable professors. Their tech-focused business programs bridge traditional education with digital skills. Many students are first-generation college-goers, creating an especially supportive community. It's the kind of place where the dean knows your name.
Lumpkin College of Business and Technology MBA website
Loyola University Chicago
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Quinlan emphasizes ethical leadership – you'll constantly discuss how to do well by doing good. Their study abroad programs are phenomenal, with deep connections to businesses across Europe and Asia. The Jesuit values create a reflective, purpose-driven learning environment.
Quinlan School of Business MBA website
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Just across the river from St. Louis, SIUE offers big-city opportunities with a suburban campus vibe. Their new business building features cutting-edge analytics labs. Students love the family-like atmosphere – it's common to see study groups spilling into local coffee shops. The affordable tuition makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious achievers.
School of Business MBA website
North Park University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
This hidden gem on Chicago's North Side blends business with social impact. Small classes mean you're never just a number. The nonprofit management program is particularly strong, with deep connections to Chicago's philanthropic community. The diverse, welcoming campus reflects the surrounding multicultural neighborhood.
School of Business and Nonprofit Management MBA website
Illinois Institute of Technology
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Stuart's modern campus attracts a global student body, and their project-based curriculum means you'll graduate with an impressive portfolio of real work samples. The diverse, welcoming campus is something to look forward to everyday.
Stuart School of Business MBA website
Millikin University
US News MBA Ranking: Unranked
Financial Times MBA Ranking: Unranked
QS MBA Ranking: Unranked
Decatur's Tabor School feels like a mentorship program masquerading as a business school. Their "Performance Learning" approach means you'll run real investment funds, consult for actual businesses, and launch real ventures. The cozy campus fosters close relationships – your classmates become like family, and professors become career-long advisors.