I will teach you how to bring your life stories to essays faster with F1GMAT's essay guides. Download below or subscribe to F1GMAT's Service and work with me - Atul Jose, Author/Editor/Founding Consultant, F1GMAT(16 Years of helping applicants gain admissions to M7 and Top 30 schools) An MBA for Military personnel provides opportunities to further enhance a military career or allow them to transition into Consulting, Technology, or the Finance industry – three popular post-MBA industries.
In this in-depth analysis of the Best MBA programs for Military MBA applicants based on curriculum, funding support and career growth, I cover:
• Continuing in the military vs Changing Careers
• Qualities that Business Schools Value in Veterans
• What do military applicants want skill-wise?
• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Tuition fee reimbursement
• The Yellow Ribbon Program
• Monthly Housing Allowance
• Books & Supplies Stipend
• Rural Relocation
• Best 5 MBA for Military MBA Applicants
• #1 - Military MBA Program - Emory Goizueta
• #2 - Military MBA Program - Ross MBA
• #3 - Military MBA Program - The Mendoza MBA (Notre Dame)
• #4 - Military MBA Program - McCombs MBA
• #5 - Military MBA Program - Duke Fuqua MBA
Continuing in the military vs Changing Careers
Continuing in the military is a goal for a minority of applicants. Most applicants want to acquire functional skills and exposure to problems in industries without the handholding of the military. Such transition requires shedding away behaviors and habits that might be detrimental to growth in a civilian world while holding onto traits that make military applicants one of the most sought-after demographics at top schools, including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and Chicago Booth.
Qualities that Business Schools Value in Veterans
The quality that schools value the most is the capability to manage a high-stress work environment. The second high-value trait is goal setting and initiative. And the third is keeping the focus on the execution of goals with discipline and determination despite the several challenges each industry inevitably faces.
Previous exposure to a high-stress environment during active duty is the most valued experience. That doesn’t mean if you were not in combat, your discipline under lesser stressors is not valued. You must learn to play with the narrative in your essay to make it work.
What do military professionals want skill-wise?
Schools expect resilience and discipline in military applicants while military applicants look for Professors with strong teaching skills. Many of the military applicants have pivoted after school or college with a foundational technical skill. They lack the depth or exposure to take on the challenges or even compete with peers who have worked in the industry for the past 3-7 years. A fast skill upgradation through case studies, peer-to-peer learning, experiential learning, and global learning opportunities is critical to acquiring functional skills in the shortest time. Internship opportunities also play into applying the acquired skills on a real job – outside the culture of the military. These criteria make all the qualities that make an MBA program exceptional even more relevant for a Military MBA.
The quality of the professors in mentoring the military MBA candidate also plays into the learning experience. This is the only additional requirement that military applicants seek compared to a traditional MBA applicant.
What Funding Support is offered by the Government for US Military MBA Applicants?
To encourage military personnel to pursue education, the US government has added on Financial Aid schemes to meet the expenses of a Full-time MBA program. See the cost vs salary analysis of Top 30 US MBA programs.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support to personnel with at least 90 days' service after September 10th, 2001, or those discharged with a service-related disability after 30 days.
Veterans who served up to 36 months receive benefits, eligible for 15 years post-release.
Dependents can also access benefits.
Tuition fee reimbursement
Tuition fee reimbursement for MBA programs is 100% at public schools and up to $18,077 per year at private schools, with some states offering higher coverage.
This aid is exclusive to full-time MBA programs.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon program assists MBA students at private or out-of-state public schools by covering tuition and fees not covered by aid.
Initiated by the schools, it may not be available everywhere. Schools contribute an amount matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Monthly Housing Allowance
The Monthly Housing Allowance is usually equivalent to the military Basic Allowance for Housing. It varies from state to state and takes into account the number of dependents.
Books & Supplies Stipend
An annual payment of up to $1000 is available
Rural Relocation
Military personnel from rural areas (with six or fewer persons per square mile) receive a one-time $500 grant if relocating to an institution over 500 miles away or accessible only by air travel.
Best 5 MBA for Military MBA Applicants
For Military MBA applicants, I would recommend applying to Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and Chicago Booth. But you must also be mindful of your admission chances and apply to these 5 top schools in addition to the top four.
We have ranked the top 5 military MBAs based on five parameters, Funding Support, Curriculum, and Representation in the class.
#1. Emory Goizueta at first place, through its specialized Master of Business for Veterans program provides tailored support and a flexible curriculum for active-duty military and veterans. Similarly, the Full-time MBA at Emory Goizueta offers Yellow Ribbon Funding, 10 different Military Scholarships, and Fellowships along with a full application fee waiver for military applicants.
#2. Ross, known for its strong community, emphasizes action-based learning and extensive financial aid, including Yellow Ribbon Program participation.
#3. Notre Dame Mendoza has a rich military history and aligns its curriculum with military values,
offering substantial funding options.
#4. UT Austin McCombs stands out with a flexible curriculum, strong veteran representation, and generous financial benefits for veterans.
#5. Duke Fuqua, recognized for its diversity, provides an inclusive environment, unique curriculum, and dedicated support for military applicants, making these programs exemplary choices for those transitioning from military service to business leadership.
#1 - Military MBA Program - Emory Goizueta
Emory University's Goizueta Business School introduced the Master of Business for Veterans program in July 2023, designed specifically for active-duty military, veterans, National Guard, and Reserve members. Acknowledging the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian employment, the program aims to equip them with essential skills and career guidance. The curriculum is structured around experiential learning, featuring a five-day boot camp and an innovative approach that integrates case studies with real-world applications.
A key highlight is the assignment of mentors—military veterans with business backgrounds—to each student, offering valuable insights into career planning, negotiation strategies, and business skills. The program emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum with international study trips, leadership opportunities, and a focus on self-reflective leadership.
Support extends beyond academics, with the Emory Veterans Association playing a crucial role in advocating for military-connected students. This association, with a broad network, ensures ongoing support during and after students' enrollment.
Recognizing the financial challenges veterans may face, Goizueta provides substantial financial support. Admitted veterans using Post 9/11 – GI Benefits at 100% receive a Yellow Ribbon Scholarship covering tuition and fees. Additionally, the Military Fellowship and Goizueta Military Scholarship offer fellowships, financial stipends, and varying funding amounts to further alleviate financial burdens for veterans pursuing education at Goizueta.
Curriculum – Goizueta Full-time MBA
The Goizueta Business School offers an Elite curriculum which is a values-based academic approach taught by thought leaders with an emphasis on diverse and global enterprise rather than the focus on a few regions and cities that typically an M7 MBA offers.
Leadership Development: With this curriculum, students get expertise in commercial leadership roles through integrated Leader Development, which was started by former U.S. Army Lieutenant General Ken Keen.
Recent Civilian Jobs: In addition to starting their businesses, recent veterans of the armed forces have taken jobs at Accenture, AT&T, Citi, Credit-Suisse, Coca-Cola Refreshments, Delta Air Lines, Deloitte, EY, McKinsey, Newell-Rubbermaid, and USAA
Funding Support for Military Veterans at Goizueta MBA
As a military-friendly school, Emory Goizueta participates in the Yellow Ribbon program and GMAC's Military Consortium.
How many Yellow Ribbon Awards are offered to Goizueta MBA applicants?
Yellow Ribbon offers fifty ($22,250) Yellow Ribbon awards annually.
The Yellow Ribbon Program, Application Waiver, Fort Moore Scholarships, Fellowships at the United States Military Academy, Georgia National Guard Fellowship, and several other merit-based awards totaling $10,000 to full or partial tuition financing are among the financial sources.
A GMAC Military Consortium member waives the application cost for US military members.
Deadline and Admission Flexibility: Applications for deployed military personnel are accepted beyond the regular deadlines, and if the military branch delays the admittance of the student, a one-year deferment is available.
Military Student Clubs and Associations
Velanta - a club exclusively for veterans orients the members to a career and life in Atlanta. Kaiser Permanente, Fiserv, and Coca-Cola are the major partners of this club.
Guest Speaker Series at Emory Goizueta
Opportunities to manage teams and demonstrate distinct leadership styles are available, as are campus speakers and events featuring military personnel.
The school invites well-known veterans of the armed forces as guest speakers.
The following are a few of the previous guest speakers:
- General (Ret) Joe Votel, a retired four-star general in the US Army who commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment;
- Col. (ret) Jack Jacobs, a retired US Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War and who currently works as a military analyst for NBC and MSNBC and previously worked as Investment Manager; and
- LTG (ret) Nadja Y. West, a 44th Surgeon General of the US Army and former Commanding General of the US Army Medical Command.
#2 - Military MBA Program - Ross MBA
The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor prioritizes the inclusion and support of military-affiliated students, with veterans constituting 7% of the Class of 2024.
Ross MBA for Military MBA Application – Leadership Development through Action-Based Learning
Curriculum – Full-time MBA
Through Ross Leaders Academy (RLA), students get to interact with over 30 years of rigorous research pioneered by the creative faculty at the University of Michigan, learn from different peers, and receive 1:1 and group coaching. The Deloitte Foundation is a major sponsor of this program.
Ross's curriculum, emphasizing action-based learning, aligns with military experiences, focusing on collaboration, effective teamwork, and real-world business applications.
Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) and electives like Leadership in Changing Times and Business Ethics and Laws cater to veterans' leadership skills and principles. MAP and the leadership electives together require full-time collaboration with classmates to solve a business problem for a sponsoring firm. The goal of the MAP program is to improve students' leadership, project management, and analytical abilities.
Military Student Clubs and Associations
The Armed Forces Association and the University's Student Veteran Association facilitate a close-knit community, providing not only networking opportunities but also supports veterans' leadership development through programs like the Ross Leaders Academy.
Ross’ Unique POC model
Ross implements a Point of Contact (POC) model on campus, replicating the military's practice of designating a POC to each serviceman upon arrival at the base, which, in the case of the program, is the program director and providing dedicated assistance and support for military-connected students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Funding Support for Military Veterans at Ross MBA
Financially, Ross actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering tuition fees unmet by federal aid for eligible veterans. Additionally, veterans benefit from in-state tuition status at the University of Michigan. Michigan Ross's in-state tuition fee is $70,392, whereas the out-of-state tuition fee is $75,392. A veteran can avail the $5,000 benefit.
Full-tuition coverage: The school supports veterans with comprehensive funding options, including external scholarships that range from $1,000 per month to a full tuition fee.
Events Supporting Military MBA Applicants at Ross
Initiatives like MBA Military Weekend and the Veterans Leadership Summit offer platforms for prospective military MBAs to gain insights into the program and connect with current students and alumni. The Veteran and Military Services Program at the University of Michigan provides essential support for a smooth transition to campus life and academic success.
#3 - Military MBA Program - The Mendoza MBA (Notre Dame)
The University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business has a rich history of supporting veterans, dating back nearly 150 years, rooted in the university's involvement in training naval officers during World War II. Today, Notre Dame maintains strong ties with the military through Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs for the Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Army.
The Mendoza MBA program places a strong emphasis on veterans, with 20% of the Class of 2025 comprising U.S. veterans, showcasing a 3% increase from the previous year. The curriculum is designed to align seamlessly with military values, emphasizing core principles such as ethics, honor, dedication, teamwork, and traditional values.
Curriculum Specific to Meet Military MBA’s Needs
Through its Career Catalyst Program, Mendoza MBA facilitate a smooth transition to civilian life. The curriculum includes leadership courses such as Career Leadership Course (CLC) that provide veterans with confidence in their upcoming learnings.
Grow Irish Week offers experiential learning opportunities to build international connections and apply military and business school learning to real-world business problems.
Funding Support for Military Veterans at The Notre Dame MBA
Notre Dame actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing significant financial support to eligible veterans. The university's $15,000 Yellow Ribbon contribution is matched by the VA's $15,000, resulting in a total benefit of $48,077, including tuition reimbursement, housing allowance, and additional stipends.
Fellowships, such as the Freedom Fellowships and Kenneth R. Meyer Fellowships, ranging from $10,000 per year to full tuition, further support armed forces personnel in pursuing their MBA, contributing to the overall affordability of the program.
Military Student Clubs and Associations
The Notre Dame MBA Veterans Club is a leading and highly engaged network, embodying servant-leadership values, while the Mil Vets Club spearheads service projects and fosters campus unity. Some of the previous projects include Cultivate Food Rescue, Centre for Homeless Veterans, and Mendoza Diversity and Heritage Ball.
Events Supporting Military MBA Applicants at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business
The Mendoza College of Business organizes the "Veteran Visit Day," allowing prospective military veterans to explore the Notre Dame MBA programs, connect with current students and alumni, and gain insights into transitioning from military to civilian life. The event includes campus tours, discussions on financing through veterans affairs, and networking opportunities to build personal networks.
#4 - Military MBA Program - McCombs MBA
The University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business exhibits a commitment to inclusivity by actively engaging and supporting military-affiliated students, constituting 14% of the Class of 2025.
Flexible Curriculum with Leadership Development and Global Learning
The program distinguishes itself with a flexible curriculum, allowing over 70% of coursework to be self-selected after core classes. This adaptability is particularly advantageous for military veterans, who can choose from a diverse array of 100 electives to tailor their education to specific industry, functions and career goals.
Leadership Development
McCombs integrates experiential learning through the Leadership Development Program, McCombs Adventure Program (MAP), and Global Connection Tours. These initiatives contribute to personal and professional growth, aligning with the program's commitment to providing a holistic educational experience.
Funding Support for Military Veterans at McCombs MBA
Financially, McCombs provides substantial support, with in-state MBA veterans benefiting from a 100% waiver on tuition and fees. Additional financial aids, such as the Hazlewood Act, Non-Resident Tuition Waivers, waived application fees, and automatic merit-based admissions scholarships, contribute to the program's accessibility.
Military Student Clubs and Associations
Dedicated associations like the Armed Forces Alumni Association (AFAA) and the UT Student Veterans Association play pivotal roles in supporting military-affiliated individuals, fostering a strong community for both enrolled students and alumni.
Events Supporting Military MBA Applicants at McCombs MBA
Initiatives like MBA Military Weekend, Texas MBA Military Forum, and Discover McCombs Community Event serve as platforms for prospective military MBAs to gain insights into program specifics, including curriculum, career planning, and student life.
#5 - Military MBA Program - Duke Fuqua MBA
Duke University's Fuqua School of Business stands out for its diverse class and welcoming military members and veterans. Approximately 19% of Fuqua's student body comprises individuals with U.S. military backgrounds.
Diversity in Class and Flexibility in Learning Experiences
While the school doesn't offer a military-specific curriculum, it provides diverse academic, professional, and personal growth opportunities. Fuqua's team-oriented, case-study method complements the skillsets developed in the military.
One way Duke is offering flexibility in learning is through its curriculum that has just 13 mandated core courses and 100+ electives to specialize in a function where military MBAs are likely to be pursue their career.
Global Hands-On Learning
With a strong consulting cohort, Military MBA may accompany peers through Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE) and Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP).
Military candidates with goals to work as a global citizen (consulting career path) can leverage the study abroad program and gain access to two alumni networks. The partner schools are spread into 28 countries and could mitigate the gap of a regionalized experience a military applicant might have experience deployed in one location.
Military Student Clubs and Associations
The Duke Armed Forces Association (DAFA) at Fuqua plays a pivotal role in attracting top military applicants, connecting students with leading employers, and bridging the gap between civilian and veteran populations.
Funding Support for Military Veterans at Duke Fuqua MBA
Fuqua actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, ensuring financial support for qualifying veterans without limiting participation numbers.
Events Supporting Military MBA Applicants at Duke Fuqua MBA
In addition to support programs, Fuqua hosts the annual Duke MBA Veterans Symposium, offering prospective veteran students insights into the application process. The symposium features keynote speakers, veteran alumni panels, and admissions interviews, providing a comprehensive view of the MBA experience at Fuqua.
Rank | Top Military MBA |
1 | Emory Goizueta Military MBA |
2 | Ross |
3 | University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business |
4 | The University of Texas at Austin McCombs |
5 | Duke Fuqua |
6 | Harvard |
7 | Stanford |
8 | Hass |
9 | Tuck |
Related Essay Guides
• Ross MBA Essay Guide
• Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Guide
• Harvard MBA Essay Guide
• Stanford MBA Essay Guide
• Wharton MBA Essay Guide
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