Kellogg MBA Admissions: 2025–2026 Guide
To educate, equip, and inspire leaders who build strong organizations and wisely leverage the power of markets to create lasting value.
Contributors
Enroll in our free 7-day email course for step-by-step guidance on beginning your MBA application journey.
By enrolling you agree to our privacy policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.
Last updated: August 2025 — Includes new 2026 MBA deadlines, updated class profile data, and the latest essay prompt changes.
🎯 Why Kellogg?
Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management is renowned for its collaborative culture, marketing strength, and global leadership focus. With an acceptance rate of ~20%, Kellogg offers one of the most team-oriented MBA experiences among the M7.
Kellogg alumni include Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano, Target CEO Brian Cornell, and former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley. A Kellogg MBA signals creativity, collaboration, and leadership impact across industries.
👉 Kellogg MBA Program Overview
📅 Application Deadlines (Class of 2028 Entry)
Round 1
Application Deadline: September 11, 2025
Interview Invitations: Rolling
Decision Released: December 10, 2025
Round 2
Application Deadline: January 8, 2026
Interview Invitations: Rolling
Decision Released: March 25, 2026
Round 3
Application Deadline: April 2, 2026
Interview Invitations: Rolling
Decision Released: May 7, 2026
👉 Kellogg MBA Application Deadlines
📝 Kellogg Essays (2025–2026 Cycle)
- Essay 1: Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to society. Tell us about a time in your life when you’ve demonstrated leadership and created lasting value. What challenges did you face, and what did you learn?
- Essay 2: Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you?
Kellogg is known for behavioral-style essay prompts. The adcom is focused on authenticity, leadership impact, and values-driven decision-making.
👉 Kellogg MBA Application Essays
👩🎓 Class Profile (MBA Class of 2026)
- Class Size: ~529 students
- Acceptance Rate: ~20%
- Average GMAT: 731
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Work Experience: 5 years (avg)
- Women: 48%
- International: 38%
💼 Careers After Kellogg
Kellogg has unmatched strength in consulting and marketing. Roughly 36% of the Class of 2024 entered consulting, with MBB as top recruiters. Technology and finance are also major destinations.
Median base salary for the Class of 2024 was $175,000 with a $30K signing bonus, consistent with peer M7 schools.
👉 Kellogg MBA Employment Report
🌍 International Applicants
International students make up nearly 40% of each class. Kellogg offers strong visa support, STEM-designated MBA pathways, and a global alumni network spanning 120+ countries.
👉 Kellogg International Students
📚 Inside the Kellogg MBA Experience
Signature experiences include:
- Global Initiatives in Management (GIM): A hallmark global consulting project.
- MMM Program (MBA + MS Design Innovation): A dual-degree track unique to Kellogg.
- Kellogg Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative (KIEI): Provides venture support and startup resources.
- LEAD (Leadership in Organizations): A required course on team dynamics and leadership.
❓ FAQs
Is there an age limit for Kellogg?
No. While the average age is 27–28, applicants in their 30s (and beyond) are admitted each year.
What GPA and test scores are competitive?
The average GPA is 3.7. The median GMAT is 731, with an 80% range of 700–760.
Does Kellogg prefer the GMAT over GRE?
No. Both are accepted. About 40% of applicants submit GRE scores.
How selective is Kellogg?
Acceptance rates are ~20%. Roughly 525–550 students enroll each year.
Can I reapply to Kellogg if rejected?
Yes. Reapplicants are common, but you’ll need to show growth and reflection.
Does Kellogg offer scholarships?
Yes. Kellogg provides both merit-based and need-based aid. About 60% of students receive some form of financial assistance.
What are common post-MBA careers?
Consulting, marketing, technology, and finance are the most popular industries.
What’s unique about Kellogg teaching?
Kellogg is known for experiential learning, team-based collaboration, and leadership development through LEAD.
Does Kellogg have joint degree programs?
Yes. Options include the MMM (MBA + MS in Design Innovation), JD/MBA with Northwestern Law, and MD/MBA with Feinberg School of Medicine.
🤝 Work With M7A
Applying to Kellogg is competitive, but our team of M7 grads helps you refine your story, craft standout essays, and maximize your odds.
The resources you need
Mastering the Art of MBA Application LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
Compiling a successful MBA application requires skillfully piecing together several vital components. Amidst a host of factors such as academic transcripts, GMAT scores, resumes, personal essays, and interviews, LORs play a pivotal role. They serve as third-party endorsements of your abilities and potential, giving the admissions committee a unique perspective on your candidacy. In this blog post, we discuss strategies for choosing the right recommenders, understanding the dual perspective approach, and creating compelling LORs that can set your MBA application apart.
The Final Countdown: Navigating the Last Steps Before R1 MBA Application Deadlines
The R1 application deadlines for full-time MBA programs are just around the corner. At this critical juncture, even minor details can have a significant impact on your application's success. While the timing may be tight for personalized consultations specifically for R1, we’re still here to provide expert advice that can make all the difference. For those of you already looking ahead to R2, we offer free consultations to help you get started on the right foot. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through essential steps to finalize your R1 applications and provide useful insights for future application rounds.
Strategic Approach to R2 MBA Deadlines at Top Schools
The path to an MBA from a top-tier business school is a journey of strategic planning and precise execution. With Round 1 (R1) admissions decisions already announced, attention shifts to the critical Round 2 (R2) deadlines. M7 Admissions (M7A) is here to help you navigate this challenging yet rewarding process, especially for aspirants targeting the prestigious M7 schools, including Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, and Wharton.