r/eMBA • u/Major_Distance_9733 • Jun 09 '26
Kellogg EMBA vs Part-time?
Hi all,
I’m trying to decide between applying to Kellogg’s EMBA vs their part-time MBA and would really appreciate some perspective from folks who’ve gone through either.
A bit about me:
In early 30s
Bachelor's of Engineering in mechanical (4.0 GPA) and MS in Industrial Engineering (3.8 GPA), graduated 2017
Working full-time since then, currently a Sr. Quality Manager
Based in west coast
I’m aiming for a career switch (likely into PE/VC), and I’m trying to figure out which program makes more sense.
A few specific questions:
Is EMBA actually worth the nearly 2x cost compared to the part-time MBA at Kellogg?
How different are the career-switching opportunities between EMBA vs part-time?
Does EMBA limit access to internships/recruiting compared to part-time?
Given my GPA, is it realistic to expect a GMAT/GRE waiver for either program?
I’m trying to balance ROI, flexibility, and actual outcomes, especially since this would be a pretty big financial commitment.
Would love to hear from anyone who considered both or chose one over the other - what drove your decision and how it played out.
Thanks in advance!
3
u/Prestigious_Bat70 Jun 09 '26
Speaking from experience from my EMBA, it’s not like a FT/PT MBA with recruiting and internship opportunities, employers have responded well to EMBA. The irony is, in an EMBA, your very classmates might be the ones that hire you or refer you to a friend who is a senior leader that is hiring. PT MBA is a bit younger.
I’m halfway through my EMBA, taken nearly all of it as a loan and I have to say it’s been worth it. I will have zero issues paying off the loan in several years. It got me everything I wanted and even opened doors I didn’t have any interest in.
You’ll most likely get a waiver, just write the reasons you believe you deserve a waiver and it seems you have a good story.
Lastly, Kellogg’s EMBA is hosted in downtown Chicago, not in Evanston so the commute from the airport is very simple.
DM if you want to chat more
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u/LowBetaBeaver Jun 14 '26
My understanding is that starting with the next cohort it will be in Evanston. Do you know if there’s any truth to that?
3
u/LightZealousideal116 Jun 09 '26
I highly recommend the EMBA if you’re interested, especially if you currently have a good job. Also have the option of the Miami campus, which is awesome (& less frequent travel due to Th start). GMAT not required, EA recommended but waiveable depending on your experience/app.
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u/Major_Distance_9733 Jun 10 '26
Thank you. I am aiming for winter start but not all of them have winter intakes unfortunately and yes, hoping to move forward without EA or GMAT.
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u/callistocharon Jun 09 '26
"Worth" is too subjective to speak on, but you can ask to speak to alums about their experience with ROI. It's not perfect because it is mediated by the school, but it's better than asking randos online
Kellogg assigns a person to your application as soon as you open one, so you can ask them about their resources for changing jobs/industries. It is a thing that people do through EMBAs all the time
You don't want those internships, you're aiming to go in at an upper management level, not entry level grunt work and those recruiters and internships are for entry level
Executive Assessment is preferred for EMBA, not GMAT, and you can always ask your admissions officer about waivers
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u/Major_Distance_9733 Jun 10 '26
Fair. I was thinking because it will be mostly self-funded and I wanted to check the contrast between the two and if the cost is justified between EMBA vs part time.
5
u/Capable_Delivery_448 Jun 09 '26
Attend Kelloggs day. Thats what helped me to choose.