UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Overview

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What Is UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School?

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School is the business school of the University of North Carolina. Established in 1919 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

The UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School is renowned for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, which emphasizes leadership skills. It consistently ranks among the top 30 MBA programs worldwide in leading publications.

Key Takeaways

• UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
• The MBA program is known for its emphasis on leadership skills and consistently ranks among the top 30 programs worldwide.
• In 2023, it was ranked as the world’s twenty-second-best MBA program by U.S. News and World Report.

Overview of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

The UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, previously known as the University of North Carolina’s Department of Commerce, changed its name in 1991 to honor major benefactors of the school, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler and Henry Morrison Flagler. This name change was in response to a significant gift from Frank Hawkins Kenan, another member of the Kenan family.

The school’s programs include a student-run investment fund with over $18 million in assets. Through this fund, students gain hands-on experience in investment management by making real-world investment decisions across 13 different funds.

At the graduate level, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School offers various MBA programs, including full-time, evening, weekend, and online options. Global MBA programs are also available, allowing students to study abroad through international exchange partnerships. The school also offers Ph.D. programs in accounting, finance, marketing, operations and data management, organizational behavior, and strategy and entrepreneurship.

Statistics

The full-time MBA class of 2024 at Kenan-Flagler consists of 242 students. The class has an average GMAT score of 706 and an average GPA of 3.43. The majority of the class does not have a business background but has an average of five years of work experience.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School has approximately 1,800 MBA students and 1,200 undergraduates. The full-time faculty consists of 133 members specializing in areas such as finance, accounting, corporate communications, marketing, operations management, strategic planning, and organizational behavior.

The school has slightly higher acceptance rates compared to business schools like Kellogg, Booth, or Wharton. According to U.S. News and World Report, Kenan-Flagler received 1,975 applications for the 2023-2024 school year, with 709 applicants accepted (35.9%).

Testing

Kenan-Flagler requires a GMAT or GRE score for its graduate students. However, you may apply to have the GMAT or GRE waived if:

• You graduated with a GPA of 3.2 or above and completed coursework in STEM, business, economics, or analytical fields at a U.S. institution
• You obtained an advanced or terminal degree (such as J.D., M.D., Ph.D., or M.S.) in a STEM, business, or economics academic field
• You have 5+ years of professional experience in a quantitative or analytical field
• You hold a CFA or U.S. CPA professional certificate
• You achieved strong test results in the Executive Assessment, LSAT, PCAT, or MCAT
• You have other noteworthy and related accomplishments that the school can evaluate

UNC Kenan-Flagler Reputation and Standing

In 2023, U.S. News and World Report ranked the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School MBA program as the twenty-second-best in the world.

Graduates of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School MBA program had an average starting salary of approximately $133,517 in 2022 and average signing bonuses of $30,359. Employment statistics show a 96% job offer rate and a 95% job offer acceptance rate.

Historically, graduates have found employment in management consulting, financial services, and technology sectors, which are common career paths for MBA programs in America.

Costs to Attend UNC Kenan-Flagler

As of 2023, the costs to attend Kenan-Flagler for North Carolina residents are modest compared to other top-tier business schools:

• Tuition and fees: $53,552
• Living expenses (estimated): $28,564
• Other expenses: $1,195
• One-year total: $83,116
• Program total (two years): $166,622

Non-residents can expect to pay more:

• Tuition and fees: $71,364
• Living expenses (estimated): $28,564
• Other expenses: $1,195
• One-year total: $101,123
• Program total (two years): $202,246

Is UNC Kenan-Flagler a Good School?

UNC Kenan-Flagler is one of the top-rated business schools in the world.

Is UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Worth It?

UNC Kenan-Flagler is ranked among the top 30 business schools and is more affordable than Ivy League or top 10 peers. Whether or not it is worth the cost depends on your location, budget, and career outlook after graduation. The school’s 96% job offer rate indicates that employers respect and value its graduates.

What GPA Do You Need for UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA?

While there is no GPA requirement, you must be able to compete academically with other applicants and meet other requirements.

The Bottom Line

The University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business is one of the most renowned business schools in the world. It is more affordable than many peer schools and boasts a high employment rate, making it an attractive option for those pursuing a business career.