BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – For the second time in a week, the Kelley Direct Online MBA program at Indiana University has been ranked No. 1 in the nation.
On April 15, the Princeton Review placed Kelley Direct at the top of its online MBA rankings for the fifth year in a row. On April 21, QS Intelligence Unit — which also produces the QS World University Rankings – ranked the program seventh in the world and again first in the United States.
With a score of 92.7 out of 100, Kelley Direct’s classroom experience also was one of the best in the world in QS’ rankings.
QS’ editors noted that the market for online MBA programs remains increasing competitive, particularly in the United States. Nearly one-half of the programs it ranked were based here. The 57 programs featured in this year’s edition of the ranking represented a 10 percent increase from a year ago, with the majority of new programs being American.
In its coverage, the Princeton Review explained why Kelley Direct is “perennially ranked at the top,” noting that it “the only top tier program that was affordable and value-adding.” They highlighted its flexible schedules, networking opportunities and “devoted professors who ‘get it.’”
“It truly is a program designed for people who have demanding full-time jobs and need to be able to manage their own time,” one student told the Princeton Review. “There are times when I am actually overwhelmed by how organized my professors are. They are always on top of things, and the quality of teaching is exceptional,” said another student.
Launched in 1999, Kelley Direct is the original online MBA program from a top-tier business school. Earlier this year, the program was recognized by Poets & Quants as its MBA Program of the Year — the first time an online MBA program had earned that distinction. U.S. News & World Report ranked it third overall and No. 1 for veterans.
Will Geoghegan
Idalene “Idie” Kesner, dean of the Kelley School of Business and the Frank P. Popoff Chair of Strategic Management, said both the QS and the Princeton Review rankings reflect a philosophy taught at every degree level at Kelley – “we never stop looking for ways to innovate and better prepare our graduates for continued success.”
“Throughout our years of steady enrollment growth, the Kelley Direct Online MBA has continued to be recognized as the top online MBA program in the market,” added Will Geoghegan, interim chair of the Kelley Direct program and clinical assistant professor of management and entrepreneurship. “These accolades are a testament to our highly qualified and high-performing student body, our amazing faculty, superior learning environment and student experience, and top-notch career services. Our goal has always been to offer the best online MBA available.”
Kelley Direct recently introduced a revised curriculum, which was designed to allow students to personalize their experience and attain an even broader understanding of today’s complex and globally interconnected business world.
Soon, its students will benefit from the new $10 million Brian D. Jellison Studios. The immersive, state-of-the-art studios will enhance the delivery of course content and provide an even more dynamic experience, with faculty and students being together virtually as if they were in an in-person classroom.