Big Ten Business Schools

The Big Ten Conference, widely known for its strong athletic programs, is equally prestigious in the realm of higher education, particularly in the field of business. The universities within this conference are home to some of the most respected business schools in the country, each with its own rich history, academic focus, and notable achievements. Among these, the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University, the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University, the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, the College of Business at the University of Illinois, the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa, the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin stand as exemplars of academic excellence and innovation.

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, founded in 1920, is one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in the Big Ten. Kelley has a rich tradition and a reputation for excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education. Its MBA program was ranked 22nd nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2010, a testament to its consistent quality over the decades. The Kelley School has also earned recognition from the Wall Street Journal, which ranked its regional MBA programs 5th in 2007. Beyond traditional MBA programs, Kelley offers a broad array of degrees, including master’s and doctoral programs, making it a comprehensive institution that caters to a diverse student body.

In contrast, Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, established in 1956, is known for its strong emphasis on practical business education and research. The Broad College’s full-time MBA program was ranked 63rd globally and 34th in the U.S. in the Financial Times 2009 rankings, reflecting its competitive standing. The college offers a range of undergraduate specializations, including entrepreneurship, information technology, international business, and sales communication. These areas of focus highlight Broad’s commitment to preparing students for modern business challenges by offering them specialized, in-depth knowledge and practical skills.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, founded in 1908, is often considered the flagship business school in the Big Ten and one of the top business schools in the world. Kellogg has consistently ranked highly in various prestigious surveys, including being rated 8th in the Forbes ROI MBA Rankings for the U.S. in 2010. Its strong emphasis on collaborative leadership, innovation, and global perspectives has led to its reputation as a breeding ground for future business leaders. Kellogg’s research centers further enrich the academic environment, with specialized centers focusing on areas such as accounting, biotechnology, business-government relations, executive education, family enterprises, and financial institutions. These centers not only contribute to the school's academic prestige but also offer students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and hands-on learning.

The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, founded in 1916, is another prominent institution within the Big Ten. Fisher is known for its rigorous academic programs and diverse offerings, including a full-time MBA program that was ranked 30th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2010. The school’s Customized Curriculum Program is especially noteworthy, having been placed 19th globally by BusinessWeek. Fisher offers a comprehensive suite of degrees, from bachelor’s and MBA programs to executive education, which provide students with flexibility and extensive learning opportunities tailored to their career goals.

Pennsylvania State University’s Smeal College of Business, founded in 1953, has consistently ranked among the top business schools in the U.S. and the Big Ten. The college was ranked 14th among public schools and 5th in the Big Ten by BusinessWeek in 2007, as well as 36th overall in the nation. Smeal’s emphasis on both academic rigor and practical business experience is reflected in its well-regarded undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, Ph.D., and executive education programs. The college’s ability to produce strong business professionals is evident from its high rankings and the success of its graduates.

Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management, established in 1962, has carved out its niche in the Big Ten with a reputation for innovation and research. Its full-time MBA program was ranked 75th in the world by The Economist Intelligence Unit in 2008, while its doctoral programs were ranked 19th globally by the Financial Times in 2008 and 23rd in 2009. Krannert’s focus on quantitative analysis, operations management, and engineering integration provides a distinct edge for students who seek a blend of business acumen and technical expertise.

The University of Illinois College of Business, founded in 1915, has been a consistent leader in business education. It is particularly well-regarded for its undergraduate and graduate accounting programs, which have frequently been ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The college’s strong academic foundation and a robust focus on research and practice ensure that its graduates are well-equipped for the challenges of the modern business world.

The University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, established in 1915, is another key player within the Big Ten. The full-time MBA program was ranked 35th in North America by The Economist Intelligence Unit in 2009, demonstrating its consistent placement among top business schools. Tippie is known for its strong emphasis on finance, management, and entrepreneurship, supported by its accreditation from the AACSB International. This accreditation is a mark of excellence and signifies the college’s adherence to the highest standards in business education.

The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, founded in 1924, is widely regarded as one of the top business schools in the nation and globally. The Ross MBA program was ranked 5th by BusinessWeek in 2008, showcasing its enduring strength. The faculty at Ross is distinguished, with notable achievements such as winning the American Accounting Association’s Notable Contributions to the Accounting Literature prize. This demonstrates the school’s high caliber in academic research and thought leadership in business education.

The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, founded in 1919, is noted for its progressive approach to business education. In 2005, it was ranked 29th among the Top MBA programs that incorporate Social and Environmental Issues by the Aspen Institute, indicating a commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. The Carlson School has been accredited by AACSB International since 1963, underscoring its long-standing commitment to providing quality education.

Finally, the Wisconsin School of Business, founded in 1924, is well-known within the Big Ten for its outstanding undergraduate and MBA programs. In 2009, the undergraduate program was ranked 13th overall and 3rd among Big Ten business schools by U.S. News & World Report, emphasizing its status as a leader in undergraduate business education. While its MBA program was ranked 95th globally by the Financial Times in 2009, the school’s comprehensive academic offerings and strong emphasis on research make it an integral part of the Big Ten’s business education landscape.