Northwestern Kellogg MBA Cost – Tuition & Fees Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of a Kellogg MBA, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
By Kristen J.
Wharton/Kellogg/Booth Admit | $300K in Scholarships | MBA Coach
Posted July 16, 2025
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Pursuing an MBA is a major investment, and understanding the full cost of the degree is essential as you plan your next steps. As an incoming MBA student at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, I know just how overwhelming this journey can be – but I also know how rewarding it can become with the right information and planning.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the cost of a Kellogg MBA, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. I’ll also share tips on how to finance your degree, compare Kellogg’s costs with those of other top MBA programs, and offer some perspective on the return on investment.
Breaking Down the Total Cost of a Kellogg MBA
When considering pursuing an MBA at Kellogg, it's essential to understand the comprehensive cost of the program. The total cost includes tuition fees, additional academic expenses, and living expenses. Let's delve into each aspect to gain a clearer picture.
Tuition Fees for the Kellogg Business School
The tuition fees for the Kellogg MBA program vary depending on the specific tuition fees for the Kellogg MBA Program (2025–2026)
- One-Year MBA: $119,996
- Two-Year MBA: $86,370 per year
These figures reflect tuition only; additional costs such as room and board, books, insurance, and fees are outlined in the financial aid section of Kellogg’s site.
While these numbers represent a significant investment, it's essential to recognize that the true value of a Kellogg MBA extends far beyond the upfront cost. You're paying for:
- World-class faculty and curriculum that combine cutting-edge theory with real-world relevance.
- Unmatched networking and career opportunities, opening doors to top employers, clubs, and alumni connections.
- Leadership and personal growth, fostered through immersive experiences, peer collaboration, and a feedback-rich environment.
- Optionality and career pivot potential, offering the chance to explore new industries, functions, or geographies with institutional support.
As you evaluate the total cost, consider not only the immediate expense but the long-term return, including career acceleration, salary growth, and the lifelong value of Kellogg’s brand and community. For many, these benefits more than justify the investment, especially when aligned with the right goals and career trajectory.
See the full Northwestern Kellogg MBA tuition breakdown here..
Additional Academic & Living Expenses
Beyond tuition, Kellogg students incur a range of additional academic and living expenses during their MBA. According to the official 2025–2026 cost breakdown:
- Books & Supplies: approximately $2,256 for the one-year MBA and $1,743 per year for the two-year program.
- Course Material Fee: $480 for the one-year MBA and $310 per year for the two-year program.
- Technology Costs (e.g., computer equipment): estimated $1,200 per student.
- Student Activity & Experience Fee: $1,400 per student.
- Student Association Fee: $520 for the one-year MBA and $390 per year for the two-year program.
- First Year Fee: $1,000 for the one-year MBA and $2,000 for the first year of the two-year program.
Kellogg annually publishes a comprehensive cost estimate that includes:
- Food & Housing: $29,412 one-year / $22,059 per year for two-year
- Health Insurance: $7,411 one-year / $5,919 per year for two-year
- Personal Expenses & Travel: $3,780 personal + $2,064 travel for one-year; $2,835 + $1,548 per year for two-year
In total, the first-year cost of attendance for the full-time MBA ranges:
- One-Year MBA: approximately $173,180
- Two-Year MBA: approximately $128,852
While the total cost of a Kellogg MBA may seem significant, it's important to view it as an investment in your personal and professional growth. The knowledge, skills, and network gained during your time at Kellogg can open doors to exciting career opportunities and provide a solid foundation for long-term success.
Financing Your Kellogg MBA
Financing an MBA can be a significant challenge, but Kellogg offers various options to support students in their pursuit of higher education.
Scholarships and Grants
The Kellogg School of Management offers scholarships and grants to eligible students. These financial awards recognize exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and diverse backgrounds.
Kellogg’s largest scholarship opportunities include:
- Austin Scholars: The F.C. Austin Scholarship is awarded at the time of admission to a select cohort of high-potential students within the Two-Year and MMM Programs. Austin Scholars are selected because they have demonstrated exceptional leadership in academic and professional endeavors and show promise of outsized impact at Kellogg and beyond.
- Finance Fellows: Finance Fellows is a full-tuition scholarship for students in the Two-Year Program who are committed to making an impact in a finance industry or function. The program offers specific engagement opportunities with notable finance leaders and mentorship with Kellogg alums and faculty. The scholarship is a combined commitment of generous donors and the school. (Note that in order to be considered, applicants must submit an additional essay in the Financial Aid form.)
Students can explore the Kellogg website to discover more details on available scholarships and grants.
Student Loans and Financing Options
Student loans are a common method of financing an MBA. Kellogg students can explore federal and private loan options to cover their tuition and living expenses. It's important to carefully consider the terms and interest rates associated with different loan options and select those that align with your financial goals.
Veteran Benefits
Students in approved programs at Northwestern University may use VA educational benefits toward the cost of their programs. Visit the Kellogg Veteran Benefits page to discover how you can qualify, use, and apply all the benefits of the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as how to find additional funding opportunities for U.S. veterans interested in the Kellogg Full-Time MBA Program.
Cost Comparison with Other Top MBA Degree Programs
Kellogg’s MBA costs are fairly comparable to other top-ranked business schools. While tuition and fees vary slightly between programs, the biggest differences often come from location-based living expenses. Compared to urban programs like Columbia or NYU Stern, Kellogg benefits from Evanston’s relatively lower cost of living.
Here’s how Kellogg’s two-year full-time program stacks up against other leading MBA programs:
| MBA Program | 2025-2026 Tuition | Estimated First Year Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kellogg (Northwestern) | $86,370 | ~$128,852 |
| Harvard Business School | $78,700 | ~$126,536 |
| Stanford GSB | $85,755 | ~$135,771 |
| Wharton (UPenn) | $87,970 | ~$132,404 |
| Chicago Booth | $87,354 | ~$129,403 |
| MIT Sloan | $86,800 | ~$128,664 |
| Columbia Business School | $91,172 | ~$137,571 |
| NYU Stern | $86,916 | ~$131,818 |
While the numbers may vary slightly year to year, Kellogg remains competitively priced among its peers, especially when considering both tuition and cost of living.
Return on Investment: Evaluating the Kellogg MBA
Understanding the cost of an MBA program is only one element of the decision-making process. Evaluating the return on investment is equally important.
Average Salary Post-MBA
Kellogg MBA graduates continue to command impressive compensation packages right out of school. According to recent data, here are the latest figures:
Median base salary for the Class of 2024 is $170,000, down slightly from $175,000 the previous year. When you factor in signing bonuses, median total compensation reaches approximately $200,000, with a median signing bonus of $30,000.
Top median base salaries by industry:
- Consulting: $190,000
- Financial Services: $173,000
- Technology: $157,000
Importantly, 90% of graduates receive an offer three months post-graduation.
Career Opportunities and Advancement
The Kellogg School of Management provides its students with a comprehensive suite of career services to support their success in the job market. With access to a vast alumni network and industry-specific resources, Kellogg MBA graduates have a competitive edge when pursuing their desired career paths.
Career Management Center
Kellogg’s Career Management Center (CMC) offers personalized, high-impact support through unlimited coaching, a private job board with 3,000+ opportunities, and expert-led workshops on everything from resumes to salary negotiations. All of their resources are backed by a dedicated research team to help you target the right roles.
Alumni Network and Support
The Kellogg alumni network is both extensive and influential, serving as a powerful resource for current students and alumni alike. From mentorship and professional connections to ongoing career support, this network plays a key role in extending the value of the Kellogg MBA well beyond graduation.
Northwestern MBA Cost – Final Takeaways
The Kellogg MBA is a serious investment, but for many, it pays dividends far beyond the classroom. With strong post-grad salaries, a collaborative culture, and one of the most powerful alumni networks in the world, Kellogg delivers value that goes well beyond tuition. But to see that ROI, you first need to get in – and that starts with an application that’s as strategic as your financial planning.
If you're navigating scholarships, weighing loan options, or simply trying to craft a standout application, working with someone who’s been through the process can make all the difference. When I applied, I was fortunate to earn a full-tuition scholarship to Kellogg, totaling over $300K in merit awards from top-5 programs. Now, I work with applicants to help them approach their MBA journey with clarity, confidence, and strategy, especially when it comes to targeting scholarships.
Whether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your final materials, I’d love to help you tell your story authentically and effectively. Book a free intro call with me to get started.
Read these next:
- The Different Types of MBA Programs—and Which One is Right for You
- Northwestern Kellogg MBA: Acceptance Rate, Deadlines, Cost, Requirements, & Program Overview
- MBA Requirements: What You Need to Apply (and What Top Programs Really Look For)
- T25 MBA Acceptance Rates, GPA, & Test Scores
- The Top 25 MBA Programs—Acceptance Rates, Tuition, and More
- What is an MBA Degree? An Expert Guide
Kellogg MBA Cost - FAQs
How much does the Kellogg MBA actually cost?
- For the 2025–2026 academic year, the two-year MBA costs around $86,370 per year in tuition, and the one-year MBA is $119,996 total. When you add living expenses, books, insurance, and fees, the total cost can range from $130K to $170K+, depending on the program.
Is a Kellogg MBA worth the money?
- Yes, most Kellogg grads earn a median base salary of $170,000 post-MBA, with high bonuses and strong job placement. Between the network, career support, and ROI, it’s one of the most financially rewarding MBAs.
What’s the cost of living in Evanston as a Kellogg student?
- Expect to budget about $29,000–$30,000 per year for rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Evanston is more affordable than NYC or SF, but it still adds significantly to your total MBA cost.
Does Kellogg offer scholarships or financial aid?
- Yes. Kellogg offers merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and supports both federal and private student loans. There are also work-study opportunities through the Career Management Center.
How does Kellogg’s MBA cost compare to other top schools?
- Kellogg’s tuition is competitive with peer programs like Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford. But total costs may be lower due to Evanston’s affordability and generous aid packages.
Can I work during the Kellogg MBA to offset costs?
- Yes, Kellogg offers on-campus work-study and part-time opportunities through their Career Center. Many students also intern during the summer to earn income and gain experience.
Written by Kristen
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Hi! I’m Kristen - originally from Dallas, Texas, now living in Chicago. I went to Vanderbilt University (Anchor Down!), where I first learned how much a well-told story can open doors - and how important it is to have someone in your corner during the application process. After graduating, I joined Deloitte Consulting, where I’ve spent the past four years helping people and organizations navigate complex transformations. Through that work, I found a passion: helping others grow, build confidence, and take the next big step toward their goals. That’s exactly the approach I bring to coaching, too. In fall 2025, I moved from New York City to Chicago to pursue my MBA at Northwestern Kellogg and continue growing as a leader and mentor. Having been through many application processes - undergraduate and business school admissions, as well as consulting applications and interviews - I know how overwhelming it can feel. My goal is to help you find your voice, tell your story in a way that feels true to you, and make this process a lot less stressful (and maybe even a little fun!).
Kristen has helped clients get into organizations like:
