NYU Stern vs. Kellogg
- Goalisb
- 28 minutes ago
- 6 min read
As a seasoned MBA admissions consultant, I often guide applicants navigating the decision between elite MBA programs. One of the most frequent dilemmas involves Northwestern Kellogg vs. NYU Stern—two highly respected institutions that offer distinct value propositions.
With the 2025 FT Global MBA Rankings in hand, let’s evaluate how these programs compare across key dimensions: reputation, financial outcomes, career advancement, academic quality, international exposure, student satisfaction, and strategic positioning.
NYU Stern vs Kellogg Rankings Position and Trajectory
Kellogg: Ranked 10th in 2025 (previously 6th in 2024) → 4-place decline
NYU Stern: Ranked 31st in 2025 (previously 21st in 2024) → 10-place decline
Kellogg maintains a strong top-10 presence, reinforcing its status as a premier MBA program. Meanwhile, Stern’s drop from 21st to 31st raises concerns about its recent standing. However, rankings alone don’t tell the full story.
NYU Stern vs Kellogg Financial Outcomes and ROI
Metric | Kellogg | NYU Stern |
Weighted Salary | $219,487 | $208,236 |
Salary Today | $223,305 | $209,924 |
Salary Increase | 118% | 125% |
Value for Money Rank | 90th | 93rd |
Kellogg graduates earn about $13,000 more annually, but Stern shows a higher percentage salary increase (125%), reflecting a stronger pre-MBA to post-MBA transformation. However, both schools rank low in value-for-money due to their high tuition costs.
NYU Stern vs Kellogg Career Advancement and Employment
Metric | Kellogg | NYU Stern |
Careers Service Rank | 15th | 13th |
Career Progress Rank | 23rd | 76th |
Employed at 3 Months | 87% | 85% |
While Stern’s career services rank slightly higher (13th vs. 15th), Kellogg dominates in career progression (23rd vs. 76th). This suggests Kellogg graduates experience faster promotions and stronger long-term mobility. Employment rates are comparable, but Kellogg has a slight edge.
NYU Stern vs Kellogg Academic Quality and Research Strength
Metric | Kellogg | NYU Stern |
FT Research Rank | 25th | 19th |
Faculty with PhDs | 100% | 86% |
Stern surpasses Kellogg in research rankings, reflecting a stronger research faculty output. However, 100% of Kellogg’s faculty hold PhDs, signaling a more rigorous academic environment.
NYU Stern vs Kellogg International Exposure and Diversity
Metric | Kellogg | NYU Stern |
International Course Rank | 34th | 41st |
International Students | 47% | 40% |
International Faculty | 56% | 49% |
Kellogg leads in global engagement, boasting a higher percentage of international students, faculty, and course experiences. This makes it more appealing for globally mobile professionals.
NYU Stern vs Kellogg Student Experience and Alumni Network Strength
Metric | Kellogg | NYU Stern |
Overall Satisfaction | 9.191 | 8.838 |
Alumni Network Rank | 8th | 43rd |
Kellogg offers a significantly stronger student experience, higher satisfaction scores, and an elite alumni network (8th globally vs. Stern’s 43rd). For long-term networking, Kellogg is the superior choice.
NYU Stern vs Kellogg : Strategic Implications for Different Applicant Profiles
For Marketing & Consumer Goods Careers: Kellogg Wins
Kellogg is the gold standard for marketing. It has unparalleled connections with top firms like P&G, Unilever, and Coca-Cola, making it the best MBA for brand management and marketing leadership.
For Finance-Focused Candidates : Stern Wins
Stern’s NYC location offers stronger access to Wall Street, private equity, hedge funds, and fintech firms. If you’re targeting investment banking or asset management, Stern provides unmatched networking opportunities.
For Consulting Aspirants : Kellogg Wins
Kellogg is one of the top 3 consulting feeder schools globally, boasting strong McKinsey, BCG, and Bain placements. While Stern does well in consulting, Kellogg’s track record is elite-level.
For Technology Careers : Both Are Strong
Stern benefits from NYC’s growing tech ecosystem (Amazon, Google, startups).
Kellogg maintains strong placements with Big Tech and Silicon Valley firms.
Verdict: Tech-focused students should choose based on geographic preference.
NYU Stern vs Kellogg Application Strategy Considerations
Factor | Kellogg | NYU Stern |
Selectivity | More competitive (lower acceptance rate) | Slightly easier to get into |
Cultural Fit | Team-oriented, collaborative | Fast-paced, urban, "IQ + EQ" |
Geographic Advantage | National & international reach | NYC’s business ecosystem |
Teaching Style | Experiential, teamwork-driven | NYC-based real-world exposure |
Choose Kellogg if you value:
Collaborative learning
Consulting or marketing careers
Elite alumni network
Choose Stern if you prioritize:
Finance careers & Wall Street
NYC’s business ecosystem
Strong research & academic focus
Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?
Kellogg excels in consulting, marketing, and student experience, making it ideal for brand management, consulting, and leadership development.
Stern’s NYC advantage gives it an edge in finance and fintech, making it a prime choice for investment banking, asset management, and hedge funds.
Advice from GOALisB MBA Consultants: Forget the rankings—align the choice with your long-term career goals, learning preferences, and geographic aspirations. Both Kellogg and Stern offer incredible opportunities, but your decision should be strategic, not emotional.
Next Steps: Want a Personalized Profile Evaluation?
At GOALisB, we help applicants build winning applications for Kellogg, Stern, and other top business schools. Get expert guidance on essays, interviews, and application strategy.
Book a Free Profile Review Today!
Frequently Asked Questions: NYU Stern vs Kellogg:
How prestigious is NYU Stern?
NYU Stern is one of the most prestigious business schools in the U.S., consistently ranked among the top 20 globally. Known for its strong finance, fintech, and tech management programs, it offers unparalleled access to Wall Street and leading firms.
Is Kellogg School of Management prestigious?
Yes, Kellogg is highly prestigious, consistently ranked among the top 10 MBA programs globally. It is renowned for marketing, consulting, and leadership development, with strong MBB consulting and Fortune 500 placements.
Is NYU Stern a top-tier school?
Yes, NYU Stern is a top-tier business school, ranking in the top 30 worldwide. While it falls just below M7 schools, its finance and tech strengths make it a leading choice for MBA applicants.
Is NYU Stern better than Wharton?
Wharton outperforms Stern in rankings, prestige, and global reach, particularly in finance and consulting. However, Stern’s NYC location provides unique advantages for finance, fintech, and entrepreneurship aspirants.
Is NYU Stern Tier 1?
NYU Stern is Tier 1 but not M7. It ranks just outside the M7 elite group, making it one of the best non-M7 MBA programs, especially for finance and tech careers.
Is NYU Stern Ivy?
No, NYU is not an Ivy League school. However, NYU Stern is considered an Ivy-equivalent business school, competing with top programs like Columbia, Booth, and Kellogg.
Is an MBA from Kellogg worth it?
Absolutely! A Kellogg MBA offers top-tier placements in consulting, tech, and finance, a world-class alumni network, and a high salary ROI ($219K average salary). It is especially valuable for marketing and leadership-focused professionals.
Is Booth or Kellogg more prestigious?
Booth and Kellogg are equally prestigious, both ranking in the top 10 MBA programs. Booth has an edge in finance and analytics, while Kellogg is stronger in marketing, leadership, and consulting.
Which is better: Kellogg School of Management or MIT Sloan?
It depends on your goals. MIT Sloan excels in technology, entrepreneurship, and analytics, while Kellogg dominates in marketing, consulting, and leadership. Both offer top-tier MBA experiences.
Is NYU Stern worth it?
Yes! NYU Stern is worth it for finance, fintech, and tech careers, with high salaries ($208K) and unmatched access to NYC’s business ecosystem. However, it has a lower ROI than M7 schools due to tuition costs.
Who are some famous NYU Stern alumni?
Notable NYU Stern alumni include Alan Greenspan (Former Fed Chair), Henry Kravis (Co-founder, KKR), Kenneth Langone (Co-founder, Home Depot), and Maria Bartiromo (Financial Journalist).
Is NYU Stern hard to get into?
Yes, NYU Stern is selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 19-24%. Applicants need high GMAT/GRE scores, strong essays, and finance or tech-related work experience to be competitive.
What is NYU Stern famous for?
NYU Stern is best known for finance, fintech, and investment banking, leveraging its NYC location for Wall Street connections. It also excels in entertainment, luxury, and tech management.
What is the hardest NYU school to get into?
The hardest NYU school to get into is the Stern School of Business, with one of the lowest acceptance rates at NYU due to its highly competitive MBA and undergraduate programs.
Does NYU Stern give full rides?
NYU Stern offers merit-based full-ride scholarships like the William R. Berkley Scholarship and Consortium Fellowships, but they are highly competitive.
How prestigious is Kellogg MBA?
Kellogg’s MBA is one of the most prestigious in the world, consistently ranked in the top 10. It is especially renowned for marketing, consulting, and leadership training.
Is Kellogg hard to get into?
Yes, Kellogg is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 20%. A high GMAT (700+), leadership experience, and strong teamwork skills are key for admission.
Is Kellogg MBA Ivy League?
No, Kellogg is not Ivy League, but it is considered M7 (Magnificent 7), placing it in the elite tier of global MBA programs, alongside Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford.
