Meet Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA Class Of 2027

THE BEST OF TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS

The Kellogg School boasts a number of advantages. You could start with an alumni network that numbers 70,000 members and spans over 100 countries. Another is the Global Hub, a 415,000 square foot “Marvel on the Lake” packed with flexible classrooms, study rooms, and design spaces. However, the program’s Evanston-Chicago dynamic remains one of its biggest advantages. Students call it a “best of both worlds scenario” – the proverbial college town that’s within a 40-minute drive of the nation’s third-largest city.

“Kellogg is located in Evanston which provides a tight-knit community feel, while being just a short distance from Chicago’s city life,” writes Amalia Roth. “Chicago offers access to career and networking opportunities across industries, a great food scene, and an array of arts and culture.”

Northwestern alumni have nicknamed their town “Heavenston” – and for good reason. Picture tree-lined streets, Lake Michigan views, and deep dish pizzerias, a place says ’25 alum Amir Parikh, where “all my essentials are within a 10-minute walk of my apartment (groceries, many dining options, pharmacy, etc.).” Parikh’s classmate, Jibikeoluwa Faborode, loves grabbing a drink at the Cupitol Coffee, where she can work for hours undisturbed. And its not just Evanston’s vibe that appeals to the Class of 2027.

“We also enjoy access to incredible sports facilities, the beach, and a scenic bike path—huge advantages for someone as active as I am,” says Ignacio Martos Jimenez. “Students at Kellogg take pride in building community here, whether through social events or study groups, making Evanston feel like home away from home.”

That’s not to say they don’t take advantage of all the opportunities in Chicago, home to 56 Fortune 1000 headquarters and one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems. The O’Hare Airport means students can head anywhere at any time. On weekends, students can hit the Riverwalk, Navy Pier, Millennium Park – or meet up at the Laugh Factory or the Davis Theater for entertainment.

“I love that a typical day might include going to class, grabbing a bite at a local spot, working at the Global Hub, wandering along the waterfront, and ending with a quick trip to the city for a comedy show,” says Saahithi Budharaju.

ONE-OF-A-KIND MBA PROGRAMS

Another differentiator is Kellogg’s unique suite of programs. That includes Kellogg’s one-year MBA program, which is celebrating its 60-year anniversary. Revolutionary at the time, the 12-month program is designed for experienced professionals like Maria Felix-Padilla, who are looking to return to their careers more quickly.

“Kellogg’s One-Year MBA Program was the single most important factor in my decision, as its accelerated pace and immersive structure perfectly match my appetite for steep learning curves,” she explains. “After years in high-intensity environments at Bain and Penn, I know I thrive when challenged to absorb and apply knowledge at speed. The 1Y format allows me to build on my existing business foundation without repeating coursework, freeing me to focus immediately on advanced electives and experiential learning.”

The program is also known for its MMM program, a pairing of an MBA with an M.S. in Design Innovation from the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. Here, MBA students are immersed in design thinking, working in studio environment with cross-functional teams to develop models and prototypes that address real customer needs.

“I am looking forward to the MMM program‘s hands-on experiences,” explains Isabel Botero. “With dedicated studio space and classes like Research – Design – Build and Business Innovation Lab, I will develop a strong foundation in design thinking that I will use to solve complex issues – such as those found in education – and create impactful digital products.”

Another popular offering is Kellogg’s MBAi program. Described as an “MBA-focused AI program,” MBAi is another collaboration with the McCormick School, a joint MBA and MS in Design Innovation that runs five semesters. Think of it as a program that enables MBAs to better connect the technical and strategic sides of the business. Interdisciplinary and hands-on to the core, the program train students on both the technical intricacies of areas like machine learning and analytics, but also dives deep into their implications on organizational operations and business ethics. The MBAi program even concludes with a capstone project, where student teams develop AI products in tandem with company partners.

The program resonated with Sabarinath Sunil, who has spent six years in the tech space and hopes to move into AI-driven product management. “While researching various tech-focused MBAs, Kellogg’s MBAi program stood out as being one of the most unique programs in the U.S. for its intersection of AI and business,” Sunil explains. “The curriculum is geared towards helping students understand AI at a deeper level, while utilizing AI to solve business problems. This program felt like the best fit for me to pick up important business skills while staying in touch with the ever-changing landscape of AI and the technology industry in general.”

8 MAJORS AND 10 PATHWAYS

Overall, MBAs can choose from eight majors: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management Analytics, Managing Organizations, Marketing, Operations, and Strategy – not counting a certificate in Business Healthcare. In addition, student can take 10 pathways, a series of courses that enable students to gain wide-ranging knowledge in particular industries or skill sets in areas like Real Estate, Sustainability, AI and Analytics, Private Equity and Venture Capital, and Tech Management. For Ellie Bentley, the pathways provide the flexibility to “tailor [the] academic experience with their specific interests and career goals.” That’s exactly why Shannen Lawson plans to take advantage of the Growth & Scaling Pathway.

“I’ve always been comfortable in planning mode, breaking down problems and mapping out strategy, but I want to get better at execution. This pathway feels like the perfect way to build that muscle, especially in fast-paced, high-growth settings.”

Among alumni, Healthcare is among the unheralded strengths of the Kellogg MBA, says Ilana Solomon. “Academically, Kellogg has provided hands-on experiences that align with my goals including a consulting project focused on health equity, healthcare analytics courses, and a “deep dive” opportunity with guest lecturers who are leaders in the industry. Outside of the classroom, Kellogg has given me the opportunity to travel to and study value-based care in New Zealand through a funded Levy Inspiration Grant, help organize and attend the Kellogg Business of Healthcare Conference, compete in a global mental health focused case competition, and build an invaluable network with current and future industry leaders.

A FORCE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Entrepreneurship has also grown increasingly popular among students, say alumni. In fact, the program ranks among the country’s leaders in producing MBA founders. Neha Mehta and Catherine Malloy leaned heavily on Kellogg’s resources when building their Rora startup, which supports women undergoing menopause. That included spending 10 weeks at The Garage’s Jumpstart pre-accelerator incubator. An innovation space for Northwestern entrepreneurs, The Garage provided the duo with everything from funding to coursework to mentorship, with the program culminating in a Demo Day.

“Every day during Jumpstart, we had programming led by incredible founders, operators, professors, and mentors, covering everything from financial modeling and accounting to brand strategy and investor pitching,” explain the founders. “We also took full advantage of The Garage’s physical space, designing prototypes and holding discovery sessions where women in our target demographic came in for live testing. We also ran exercises to understand their preferences.”

Mehta and Malloy also earned admission into the Zell Fellows program, a year-long accelerator designed to be “an accelerator of founders” more than ventures. Custom tailored to each founder, the program offers space and a stipend, along with site visits, international treks, and alumni networking. Each founder is also paired with a personal advisory board – including entrepreneurs, business professionals, and investors – to provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship. More than that, the program is designed so that the founders interact with each other, share feedback, collaborate, and (most importantly) hold each other accountable. The feedback part was particularly valuable to Mehta and Malloy.

“One of the most impactful parts of the Zell Fellows program has been the Design Review sessions, where the entire cohort comes together to workshop a real challenge brought in by a fellow. These aren’t surface-level brainstorms; they’re deep, thoughtful, and action-oriented. Fellows jump in with feedback, intros, resources, and even shared decks or frameworks if they think it will help.”

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ASSISTANT DEAN

Beyond the programming are the traditions. Maybe Kellogg’s most popular one is KWEST – or the Kellogg Worldwide Exploration Student Trips. Picture a student-led overseas trip before business school…with a twist. Students can’t share their personal details at the start. That means no last names, hometowns, alma maters, or employers. As a result, KWEST members can’t rely on assumptions and bond on a deeper level. Even more, it makes the “Big Reveal” all the more special during the middle of the trip.

“I chose the Amazing Race, which took 30 of us across Lithuania solving clues and challenges,” writes Ignacio Martos Jimenez. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bond with my peers, and it blew my expectations out of the water, creating community before classes began.”

What can the Class of 2028 expect from the Kellogg MBA? Last fall, P&Q reached out to Emily Haydon, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid. During an exclusive interview, Haydon shares some of the new developments happening on campus, along with how the program supports first-year and international students.

P&Q: What have been the two most important developments in your MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future MBAs?

Haydon: “This year, Kellogg launched two transformative initiatives that underscore our values of purpose, innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The Matt Caldwell Veterans Program honors U.S. Army veteran and Kellogg JD-MBA alumnus Matt Caldwell ’10, now CEO of the Florida Panthers. It builds on Kellogg’s strong legacy of supporting military veterans by expanding scholarship resources, mentorship opportunities, and alumni engagement. The program is designed to enhance the recruitment and success of veteran MBA students. These individuals bring outstanding leadership, resilience, and teamwork into our classrooms and broader community. As more service members transition to civilian careers, we’re proud to support them with a dedicated support system that continues well beyond graduation.

We also announced the Abrams Climate Academy, an interdisciplinary fellowship that brings together graduate students from Kellogg, the McCormick School of Engineering, the Pritzker School of Law, Medill School of Journalism, and the Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy. Starting Fall 2025, student fellows will work in teams alongside corporate partners on yearlong projects focused on urgent climate challenges. This program exemplifies Kellogg’s commitment to experiential learning and social impact, preparing students to lead with purpose in an increasingly sustainability-focused world.

P&Q: What do you see as the main differentiator that distinguishes your MBA program from other schools? How does it enhance the student experience and make them more attractive to employers?

Haydon: “Our students don’t just study leadership; they practice it. We offer abundant opportunities for experiential learning. Whether it’s through our world-class experiential offerings like Levy Inspiration Grants and Treks, Labs in Ventures, Healthcare Entrepreneurship or Private Equity, or client projects like the MBAi capstone, Kellogg students can apply classroom learnings to business challenges in real time. This focus on action-based learning provides them with the confidence and agility employers are looking for in today’s ever-changing market.

Equally important is our culture, which fosters empathy and high-impact collaboration, not competition. Our students often cite the strength of our community as a defining part of their experience. From the moment they are admitted, they’re welcomed into a network known for generosity, humility and pay-it-forward ethos. That includes not only classmates and faculty, but also partners, families and children. Whether it’s a professor offering flexibility so a parent can attend a child’s recital, classmates organizing a pizza party for Kellogg Kids, or partners finding their own community through the Joint Ventures Club, support is built into the fabric of the Kellogg experience.

Next Page: Profiles of 12 Members of the MBA Class of 2027

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