Pursuing an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University is a dream for many aspiring business leaders. Known for its collaborative culture, world-class faculty, and strong alumni network, Kellogg consistently ranks among the top business schools globally. But before applying, one question comes first for most students:
How much does the Kellogg MBA really cost?
This blog provides a complete breakdown of Kellogg MBA fees, including tuition, living expenses, hidden costs, financial aid, scholarships, and tips to manage your budget as an MBA student.
Whether you’re applying to the full-time MBA program or exploring the one-year track, this guide will help you understand the total investment required — and how to make it more affordable.
Understanding Kellogg MBA Fees
The cost of pursuing an MBA at Kellogg depends on the program you choose:
- Two-Year Full-Time MBA
- One-Year Full-Time MBA
- Evening & Weekend MBA
- Executive MBA (EMBA)
Each program has its own tuition fees, but the full-time MBA (1Y & 2Y) is the most commonly compared. The fees typically include:
- Tuition
- Program fees
- Health insurance
- Books and course materials
- Living expenses
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
Let’s break down each type of MBA Kellogg offers and the estimated cost of attendance.
Kellogg Two-Year MBA Fees
The Two-Year MBA is Kellogg’s flagship program. It offers a traditional full-time business school experience with internships, global learning opportunities, and extensive leadership development.
Tuition Fees
For the 2024–2025 academic year (estimated):
- Tuition: ~$82,000 per year
- Total Tuition for 2 Years: ~$164,000
Tuition generally increases by 3–6% annually, so your second-year fees may be slightly higher.
Additional Costs
Apart from tuition, students must also account for the cost of living and mandatory fees.
Estimated Additional Expenses Per Year
| Expense Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Program Fees | ~$3,000 |
| Health Insurance | ~$4,700 |
| Books & Supplies | ~$2,000 |
| Housing | ~$18,000–$22,000 |
| Food | ~$6,000–$8,000 |
| Transportation | ~$3,000 |
| Personal Expenses | ~$6,000–$8,000 |
Total Estimated Annual Cost (including tuition):
~$120,000–$125,000 per year
Total Estimated Cost for the Full Program:
~$240,000–$250,000
This makes the Kellogg 2Y MBA one of the more premium MBA programs, consistent with its top-tier reputation.
Kellogg One-Year MBA Fees
The One-Year MBA is designed for professionals who already have business fundamentals or an undergraduate business degree.
Tuition Fees
- Tuition for 1-Year MBA: ~$160,000 (estimated)
Though the program is shorter, tuition per year is slightly higher due to the compressed schedule.
Additional Costs
Because students complete the program in one academic year:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Program Fees | ~$3,000 |
| Health Insurance | ~$4,700 |
| Books & Supplies | ~$1,500 |
| Housing | ~$18,000–$22,000 |
| Food | ~$6,000–$8,000 |
| Transportation | ~$3,000 |
| Personal Expenses | ~$6,000–$8,000 |
Total Estimated Cost for One-Year MBA:
~$200,000–$210,000
Even though it’s shorter, you’re studying full-time, making living expenses similar to one year of the two-year program.
Evening & Weekend MBA Fees
Kellogg’s Evening & Weekend MBA is popular among professionals in Chicago and nearby regions who want to balance work and study.
Tuition Fees
Tuition is charged per credit, and the total depends on how quickly you complete your degree.
- Estimated Cost Per Course: ~$7,500
- Estimated Total MBA Cost: ~$115,000–$130,000
This format allows students to pay as they go, making it more manageable financially.
Kellogg Executive MBA (EMBA) Fees
Kellogg’s EMBA is designed for senior leaders and experienced professionals.
Tuition Fees
- Total EMBA Program Tuition: ~$230,000–$250,000
The fee includes:
- Tuition
- Lodging for on-campus sessions
- Meals during class weekends
- Course materials
- Some global elective expenses
However, travel expenses for international modules are typically not included.
What’s Included in Kellogg MBA Tuition?
Kellogg MBA fees include more than lectures. Tuition covers:
✔ Access to top faculty
✔ Leadership and career coaching
✔ Networking events and conferences
✔ Global experiences (some at additional cost)
✔ Student activities and clubs
✔ Technology and library resources
These resources play a major role in the Kellogg experience and contribute to the program’s premium pricing.
Cost of Living in Evanston & Chicago
Your cost of living depends heavily on where you stay:
Living in Evanston
- Safe, student-friendly
- Slightly lower housing costs
- Closer to Kellogg’s main campus
Living in Chicago
- Higher housing cost
- Vibrant city life
- Longer commute for full-time MBA students
On average, students spend $1,500–$2,200 per month on housing depending on their lifestyle.
Hidden & Often Overlooked MBA Costs
Many students forget to budget for these:
1. Laptop / Tech Upgrades
Expect $1,000–$2,000 for a new laptop.
2. Club Fees & Conferences
Some professional clubs have membership fees ranging from $100–$500.
3. Study Trips
Global Initiatives can cost $3,000–$7,000+ per trip.
4. Internship Relocation Costs
Summer internships may require relocation or travel expenses.
5. Career Recruiting Costs
Travel for interviews or networking events can add up.
Being aware of these costs can help you plan a more realistic Kellogg MBA budget.
Financial Aid & Scholarships at Kellogg
Kellogg offers a combination of:
- Merit scholarships
- Need-based aid
- Fellowships
- External scholarships
- Federal and private loans
Merit Scholarships
Eligibility depends on:
- Leadership achievements
- Academic performance
- Work experience
- Contribution to diversity
Common Kellogg Scholarships
- Austin Scholars Program
- Forte Foundation Fellowships (for women)
- Kellogg Veterans Scholarship
- Donald P. Jacobs International Scholarships
Scholarships can cover anywhere from 20% to 100% of tuition depending on merit and need.
Loans
Most students finance their Kellogg MBA with:
- Federal U.S. loans
- Private education loans
- Employer sponsorship
- International student loan programs (no U.S. co-signer required in some cases)
How to Reduce Kellogg MBA Fees
1. Apply for Scholarships Early
High-performing candidates have better chances of receiving merit awards.
2. Seek Employer Sponsorship
Some companies partially or fully fund employee MBAs.
3. Explore Teaching or Research Assistant Roles
Some students earn tuition discounts or stipends.
4. Consider Living with Roommates
Cut down housing costs significantly.
5. Budget Smartly
Apps like Mint or YNAB can help manage cash flow during the program.
Is the Kellogg MBA Worth the Cost?
A Kellogg MBA is a major financial investment, but for many, the long-term ROI is substantial.
Career Impact
Graduates often land roles in:
- Consulting
- Finance
- Marketing/Brand management
- Technology
- Product management
- Entrepreneurship
Average Post-MBA Salary
Kellogg MBA graduates typically earn $150,000–$200,000+ in base salary, excluding signing bonuses and performance bonuses.
Strong Alumni Network
With over 60,000+ alumni worldwide, Kellogg’s network is one of its most valuable assets, often helping students secure leadership roles across industries.
FAQs on Kellogg MBA Fees
1. Does Kellogg offer full scholarships?
Yes. Some students receive full-tuition scholarships, especially high-achieving or underrepresented applicants.
2. Are internships paid?
Most internships offer competitive pay, helping students offset second-year costs.
3. Is the One-Year MBA cheaper than the Two-Year MBA?
The 1Y MBA is cheaper overall because you only pay for one year of living expenses, though tuition itself is similar.
4. Can international students get financial aid?
Yes. Kellogg offers scholarships and loan options for international students.
5. Are global trips included in tuition?
Basic programming may be included, but most global electives require additional fees.
Conclusion: Understanding Kellogg MBA Costs Helps You Prepare Better
The Kellogg MBA fees may seem high at first, but they reflect the program’s academic excellence, career impact, and powerful alumni network. Whether you pursue the two-year, one-year, part-time, or executive format, having a clear financial plan is essential.
By exploring scholarships, budgeting smartly, and understanding the full cost of attendance, you can pursue a Kellogg MBA with confidence and maximize your return on investment.