Chicago Booth MBA - An M7 Business School
- Goalisb
- Sep 24
- 13 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chicago Booth MBA applications for 2026 round 1 will open in September 2025. We will share the application requirements, deadlines and updates for the upcoming admission cycle. The application deadlines for Chicago Booth MBA 2026 are as follows:
MBA Admission- Important Dates
Rounds | Submission Deadline | Decision Notification Date |
Round 1 | September 16, 2025 | December 4, 2025 |
Round 2 | January 6, 2026 | March 26, 2026 |
Round 3 | April 2, 2026 | May 21, 2026 |
Chicago Booth Scholars | April 2, 2026 | June 25, 2026 |
Is Chicago Booth good for MBA?
The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago is a well-known business school that is well-known for its MBA program and other academic programs in business. The Booth MBA program is widely regarded as a top-notch program that businesses hold in high regard. The MBA program at the university is renowned for its demanding coursework, esteemed professors, and robust alumni network. The MBA program at Booth has a solid track record of putting its alumni in top-tier businesses all over the world, and its graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in a number of industries and sectors. In general, an MBA from Booth is regarded as a wise investment since it may give students a solid foundation in leadership and business abilities and help them progress their careers. If you're thinking about getting an MBA, it's a good idea to look into and contrast several programs to choose one that aligns with your values and matches your personal and professional goals.
Is it hard to get into Chicago Booth MBA?
The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business is a renowned business school that is well-known for its MBA program and other academic business programs. Booth University's MBA admissions process may be challenging, and the institution is typically regarded as selective. The school normally receives over 6,000 applications for its MBA program each year, and it enrols a class of about 700 students, according to the Booth website. This indicates that 12% or less of applicants are regularly accepted into the MBA program. A bachelor's degree from an authorized university, a solid academic record, and at least three years of work experience are all prerequisites for consideration for admission to the Booth MBA program. A GMAT or GRE score, transcripts, letters of reference, and a personal statement are also required of candidates in addition to these specifications. In general, the Booth MBA admissions process may be difficult, therefore it's critical for applicants to put together a solid and comprehensive application to improve their chances of getting accepted. It is a good idea to become familiar with the admissions requirements and to start putting together your application as soon as you decide to apply to Booth's MBA program.
Chicago Booth’s admissions are highly competitive. At GOALisB, we help applicants craft powerful essays, sharpen interview prep, and build standout applications to top MBA programs worldwide. Let our expertise guide you through the Booth admissions process. Schedule a call.
Also Read about Columbia MBA
Chicago Booth MBA Program Overview
MBA General Information
Particulars | Data |
Duration | 21 months |
Format | Full time |
Required Course | LEAD |
Concentartions | 16 |
Course per quarter | 3-4 |
Student-led groups | 70+ |
What GMAT/GRE score do I need for Chicago Booth?
Test Scores 2025
Test | Scores |
Average GMAT | 729 |
Median GMAT | 730 |
Average GRE quant | 163 |
Average GRE verbal | 161 |
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How much does an MBA at Chicago Booth cost?
The cost of an MBA at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business varies depending on a number of factors, including the length of the program, the format of the program, and any financial aid that the student may be eligible for. According to Booth's website, the cost of tuition for the full-time MBA program for the 2021-2022 academic year is $72,800. This cost includes tuition, fees, and an estimated cost of living for the duration of the program. The cost of tuition for the evening MBA program and the weekend MBA program for the 2024-2025 academic year is $87,354. It is important to note that these costs are estimates, and the actual cost of tuition may vary depending on a number of factors. The admissions team can provide you with more information about the cost of tuition and any financial aid options that may be available to you.
Course Fee
Tuition fee- $87,354
Total fee- $129,403
With tuition and living costs adding up, planning finances is crucial. GOALisB helps you explore scholarships, financial aid, and ROI analysis so you can make informed decisions about your MBA investment. Get application assistance.
Also Read about MIT SLOAN MBA
What is the rank of the Chicago Booth MBA program?
As per the Financial Times ranking (FT MBA Ranking) the details of the Chicago Booth MBA program are as under:
School Name: University of Chicago: Booth
Global School Rank 2025: 17
According to US News and World Report 2025, Chicago Booth MBA program ranking is 4 in Best Business Schools.
What are the Chicago Booth MBA Admission requirements?
MBA Course Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate degree from an accredited US college or university or its equivalent in another country.
GMAT or GRE score or GMAT Focus Edition or shortened GRE
English language requirement: TOEFL or IELTS or PTE or TOEFL iBT
MBA Admission Process
Meet the eligibility criteria.
Appear for GMAT/GRE.
Fill the online application form.
Upload the documents and submit the application form.
Candidates are shortlisted for the interview on the basis of their application.
Selected candidates are given the offer letter.
MBA Admission- Required Documents
2 Letters of recommendation
Resume
Professional recognition or certifications
Academic transcripts
Personal statements
Essay
Also Read about HEC Paris MBA
What is the Chicago booth MBA class profile ?
MBA Class Profile 2025
Particulars | Numbers |
Full-time students | 632 |
Applications submitted | 5125 |
Joint degree students | 82 |
Countries represented | 66 |
Students born outside of the US | 46% |
First-generation students | 11% |
International | 35% |
Women | 42% |
Average age of full-time students | 28 |
Average years of work experience | 5 |
Undergraduate institutions | 319 |
Average GPA | 3.6 |
GPA range | 2.36-4 |
Hold graduate-level degrees | 15% |
What is the Global Footprints of the Chicago Booth MBA (2025)?
MBA Global Footprints 2025
Country | Percentage |
Africa | 2 |
Asia | 16 |
Canada | 2 |
Central/South America & Mexico | 11 |
Europe | 3 |
Middle East | 1 |
United States | 65 |
Other | <1 |
What are the Placement Statistics of the Chicago Booth MBA (2025)?
Pre Booth Industries
Industry | Percentage |
Consulting | 27 |
Financial Services | 18 |
Technology | 13 |
Non-profit/Government | 11 |
Private Equity / Venture Capital | 8 |
Healthcare | 5 |
Consumer Products | 4 |
Energy | 2 |
Manufacturing | 1 |
Accounting | 1 |
Other | 9 |
Employment Statistics
Industry | Percent of Hires |
Consumer products | 2.3 |
Education/Non-profit | 1.4 |
Energy | 1.8 |
Financial services | 32.9 |
HealthcareTechnology | 4.1 |
Technology | 14.8 |
Travel and transportation | 0.9 |
Chicago Booth offers stellar placements, but your success depends on how you position yourself. GOALisB career coaches help you align your MBA goals with industry trends and maximize your post-MBA opportunities. Get free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago Booth good for an MBA?
Yes, Chicago Booth is ranked among the world’s top MBA programs, known for its strong finance, economics, and data-driven approach to business education.
Detailed Answer: Yes, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is widely regarded as one of the best MBA programs globally. Booth consistently ranks in the top 5 MBA programs worldwide across major rankings like U.S. News, Financial Times, and The Economist. It is especially recognized for its strengths in finance, economics, quantitative analysis, and entrepreneurship, making it a top choice for students pursuing careers in consulting, investment banking, private equity, technology, and leadership roles.
Key highlights of the Chicago Booth MBA reputation include:
Academic Rigor: A flexible curriculum emphasizing analytical and data-driven decision-making.
Global Rankings: Frequently in the top 3–5 MBA programs in the U.S. and worldwide.
Career Outcomes: Graduates secure high-paying jobs across industries, with median base salaries often exceeding $175,000.
Alumni Network: A strong and influential global network of business leaders.
Specializations: Highly regarded in finance, economics, and emerging areas like behavioral science.
Overall, Booth is a top-tier MBA program that combines intellectual rigor, strong employer recognition, and excellent career outcomes, making it a strong investment for ambitious professionals.
What GPA do you need for Chicago Booth MBA?
Chicago Booth does not have a minimum GPA cutoff, but the average GPA for admitted MBA students is around 3.6 on a 4.0 scale.
Detailed Answer: Chicago Booth does not set an official minimum GPA requirement for MBA admission. However, data from the most recent admitted classes shows that the average GPA is approximately 3.6, with a middle 80% range typically falling between 3.2 and 3.9.
Key points about GPA expectations for Chicago Booth MBA:
No Cutoff Policy: Applicants with GPAs below 3.0 have been admitted if they demonstrate exceptional professional achievements, test scores (GMAT/GRE), or leadership potential.
Holistic Review: Booth evaluates applicants on multiple factors including academic performance, test scores, work experience, essays, recommendations, and interviews.
GPA Context Matters: Undergraduate institution, course rigor, and trends in grades (such as improvement over time) are considered.
Competitive Benchmark: To be a strong candidate, aiming for a GPA of 3.5+ enhances competitiveness, especially when paired with a strong GMAT/GRE score.
In summary, while a 3.6 GPA is average for admitted students, strong professional experience, leadership, and test scores can offset a lower GPA.
Is Chicago Booth MBA hard to get into?
Yes, the Chicago Booth MBA is highly competitive with an acceptance rate of about 20–25%, making it one of the toughest business schools to enter.
Detailed Answer: The University of Chicago Booth School of Business MBA program is considered very hard to get into due to its strong global reputation and consistently high rankings. Booth’s acceptance rate hovers around 20–25%, which places it among the most selective MBA programs in the U.S.
Factors that make Booth MBA admissions highly competitive:
Academic Excellence: Admitted students typically have an average GPA of -3.6 and strong GMAT/GRE scores (median GMAT- 730).
Professional Experience: Successful applicants usually bring 5 years of high-quality work experience, often in consulting, finance, or tech leadership.
Holistic Admissions: Beyond academics, Booth places emphasis on leadership potential, career progression, and a fit with its data-driven, analytical culture.
Global Reputation: As a top 5 MBA program worldwide, Booth attracts thousands of highly qualified applicants each year.
In short, while Booth is extremely selective, applicants with a well-rounded profile (strong academics, test scores, leadership, and career achievements) stand a good chance of admission.
How much does Booth’s MBA cost?
The estimated total cost of attendance for Booth’s Full-Time MBA (2025-26) is about US $129,403 for one academic year (nine months), including tuition, fees, living expenses, etc.
Detailed Answer: Here’s a breakdown of what Chicago Booth’s MBA costs look like for the 2025-26 Full-Time program, plus comparatives for other formats. This gives you a realistic idea of what you’d be budgeting.
Cost Component | Amount (2025-26) — Full-Time MBA (9 months / three quarters) |
Tuition | |
Student Services Fee | |
Administrative Service Fee (first year only) | |
Lifetime Transcript Fee (one-time) | |
Books & Course Materials | |
Housing & Food | |
Misc. Personal Expenses | |
Transportation | |
Computer Allowance (first-year) | |
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance (Full-Time, one year) | ~US $129,403 |
Other Booth MBA formats (tuition / total costs):
Executive MBA (Chicago campus, 2025)- US $215,750 total, of which tuition is ~ US $186,060, plus program fees (residencies, materials, meals, etc.)
Part-Time MBA: Tuition is charged per course unit; for example, in 2025-26, the rate is US $8,735 per 100-unit course. Other fees and livings costs are additional.
Does Chicago Booth require GMAT for MBA admission?
No, Chicago Booth does not require the GMAT specifically; applicants may submit GMAT, GRE, or GMAT Focus Edition scores, and there is no waiver policy for standardized tests.
Detailed Answer: Chicago Booth MBA admissions require a standardized test score, but applicants can choose between the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or GRE. Unlike some business schools, Booth does not offer test waivers for professional experience or advanced degrees — meaning every applicant must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score.
Key points about Booth MBA test requirements:
Accepted Exams: GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or GRE.
No Waivers: Booth requires at least one of these scores for all applicants; there is no option to apply without a test score.
Competitive Scores: The average GMAT score for Booth admits is 729, with median GMAT score- 730.
Holistic Review: Test scores are one part of the admissions process, alongside GPA, work experience, leadership, essays, and recommendations.
In short, while you don’t have to take the GMAT specifically, you must submit either GMAT or GRE scores to apply to Booth’s MBA.
Is Wharton or Booth better for an MBA?
Both are top-5 global MBA programs, but Wharton is stronger in finance and global brand recognition, while Booth excels in economics, data-driven analysis, and academic flexibility.
Detailed Answer: The choice between the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) and the Chicago Booth School of Business depends on your career goals, learning style, and industry preferences. Both rank consistently in the top 5 U.S. MBA programs and have powerful global networks, but they have distinct strengths.
Wharton MBA Strengths:
Finance & Leadership: Considered the #1 MBA in finance, with deep recruiting ties in investment banking, private equity, and asset management.
Global Reach: Larger alumni base (~100,000+) and broader global brand recognition.
Structured Curriculum: Core curriculum emphasizes leadership, management, and finance.
Dual Degrees: Strong opportunities across Penn’s other schools (e.g., law, engineering, healthcare).
Chicago Booth MBA Strengths:
Economics & Analytics: Known for its data-driven, flexible curriculum with heavy emphasis on economics, behavioral science, and finance.
Flexibility: Few required courses; students customize their MBA paths extensively.
Recruiting Power: Very strong in consulting, finance, and increasingly in tech.
Intellectual Culture: Appeals to students who value rigorous quantitative analysis and research-driven business education.
Industries: Both place heavily in consulting and finance, with Booth slightly stronger in economics/quant-heavy roles, and Wharton dominating traditional finance.
Summary:
Choose Wharton if you want unparalleled access to finance, leadership, and global prestige.
Choose Booth if you want academic flexibility, data-driven learning, and strength in economics and consulting.
How many years is the Chicago Booth MBA?
The Chicago Booth Full-Time MBA takes 2 years, while the Evening/Weekend MBA is flexible (2.5–3 years on average) and the Executive MBA is an intensive 21-month program.
Detailed Answer: The length of a Chicago Booth MBA depends on which format you choose:
Full-Time MBA:
Standard 2-year program (4 academic quarters per year).
Includes summer internship between the first and second year.
Most traditional option for career switchers.
Evening/Weekend Part-Time MBA:
Designed for working professionals in Chicago.
Flexible pacing: most students finish in 2.5 to 3 years, but it can take longer depending on course load.
Same faculty and curriculum as the Full-Time MBA.
Executive MBA (EMBA):
Accelerated 21-month format with residencies across Booth’s campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong.
Structured cohort-based curriculum for senior professionals.
In summary:
2 years (Full-Time MBA)
2.5–3 years average (Part-Time MBA)
21 months (Executive MBA)
What is the GMAT range for Chicago Booth MBA?
The GMAT range for Chicago Booth MBA admits is 590-780, with an average around 729.
Detailed Answer: Chicago Booth MBA admissions are highly competitive, and test scores play an important role. Based on the latest class profile:
Average GMAT- 729
Median GMAT- 730
Accepted Tests: GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or GRE (no test waivers offered).
What this means for applicants:
A GMAT score of 700+ is considered competitive, while 729 aligns with the average admitted student.
Scores at the upper end (750–760) strengthen candidacy for finance, consulting, and highly selective roles.
Applicants with scores below 700 can still gain admission if they have exceptional work experience, leadership, or academic records, since Booth reviews applications holistically.
Where do Chicago Booth MBA students live?
Most Chicago Booth MBA students live in downtown Chicago neighborhoods like the Loop, South Loop, River North, and West Loop, with some choosing Hyde Park near campus.
Detailed Answer: Chicago Booth’s Full-Time MBA is based at the Harper Center in Hyde Park (South Side of Chicago), but most students prefer to live in central, vibrant parts of the city for easier access to social life, networking, and recruiting events.
Popular neighborhoods for Booth MBA students:
Loop / South Loop: Closest downtown areas with easy public transit to Hyde Park; popular for convenience and city living.
West Loop: Trendy area with top restaurants, nightlife, and quick access to recruiting firms and networking spots.
River North: Central location, social scene, and walkable to many consulting/finance offices.
Streeterville / Gold Coast: Quieter upscale neighborhoods, popular with students who want a balance of city life and comfort.
Hyde Park: Some students choose to live near campus for shorter commutes, though it’s less central for downtown social life.
Housing Options:
Apartments / High-Rises: Many Booth MBAs share apartments or rent in high-rise buildings downtown.
Booth Housing Board & Facebook Groups: Incoming students often find roommates through Booth’s admitted students’ network.
Commute: From downtown to Hyde Park, it typically takes 20–30 minutes by car or shuttle. Booth provides a private shuttle for MBA students between Hyde Park and downtown.
In summary: While Hyde Park is near campus, the majority of Booth MBA students live downtown (Loop, South Loop, West Loop, River North) to take advantage of city life and easy access to employers.
Does the University of Chicago accept international students?
Yes, the University of Chicago actively accepts international students, with over 20% of the student body coming from outside the U.S. across undergraduate and graduate programs.
Detailed Answer: The University of Chicago is a global research university and welcomes international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including the Chicago Booth MBA.
Key facts about international students at UChicago:
Enrollment: International students make up about 20–25% of the total student population.
Diversity: Students represent over 100 countries, creating a strong multicultural environment.
Admissions: International applicants follow the same admissions process as U.S. applicants but must also submit English proficiency scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) unless they studied in English.
Financial Aid: UChicago offers need-based aid for undergraduates and merit-based scholarships/fellowships for graduate students (including Booth MBA).
Visa Support: The Office of International Affairs provides guidance on F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas.
MBA International Profile: At Booth, roughly 35–40% of full-time MBA students are international, reflecting its global reputation.
In summary: The University of Chicago is highly welcoming to international students, offering strong support services, scholarships, and a diverse academic community.
Applying to Chicago Booth or other top MBA programs? GOALisB offers personalized admissions consulting — from test prep guidance and essay editing to interview strategy and career planning. Connect with us today at +91 7719497187 or contact@goalisb.com to start your MBA journey with expert support.