Collegedunia Team Content Curator
Content Curator
Deciding between an MBA at Kenan-Flagler Business School (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and The Fuqua School of Business (Duke University) involves significant factors. Fuqua offers a collaborative culture, emphasizing leadership development and global business. Kenan-Flagler focuses on experiential learning, ethical leadership, and social impact. Your decision should align with your career goals, preferred campus atmosphere, and learning style. Fuqua excels in teamwork and global opportunities, while Kenan-Flagler provides a strong network and values-driven education. Assess these aspects to select the program that best suits your professional aspirations and desired MBA experience. Consider visiting both campuses and speaking with current students to make an informed decision.
| UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School | The Fuqua School of Business | |
|---|---|---|
| ranking (overall) | # 51 Financial Times 2025 # 26 Financial Times 2021 # 39 Financial Times 2020 | # 11 Financial Times 2025 # 9 Financial Times 2021 # 16 Financial Times 2020 |
| Programs | PG Programs -13 Doctorate Programs -5 | PG Programs -3 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 66324 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 18618 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 86835 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 15178 Per Year |
| placement (average package) |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 28 for Business by US News 2025 # 124 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 69 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 13 for Business by US News 2025 # 50 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 25 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| application | #781 Applicants # 344 Admissions # 44 % Acceptance Rate | #3036 Applicants # 395 Admissions # 13 % Acceptance Rate |
| exam scores | GMAT - 700/800IELTS - 7/9PTE - 68/90TOEFL - 100/120 | Duolingo - 125/160IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 90/120 |
| Return on Investment/Average Package | #Average Salary126957 | #Average Salary |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Mar 4, 2025 (Round 3 Application Deadline 2025 August Intake) Apr 29, 2025 (Round 4 Application Deadline 2025 August Intake) May 19, 2025 (Round 3 Deposit Deadline 2025 August Intake) Jun 9, 2025 (Round 4 Deposit Deadline 2025 August Intake) Oct 8, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline 2026 August Intake) Jan 7, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline 2026 August Intake) Feb 10, 2026 (Round 1 Deposit Deadline 2026 August Intake) Apr 21, 2026 (Round 2 Deposit Deadline 2026 August Intake) | Sep 4, 2025 (Early Action Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Sep 25, 2025 (Early Action Interview Decision For 2026 Intake) Sep 30, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Oct 16, 2025 (Early Action Final Decision For 2026 Intake) Nov 12, 2025 (Round 1 Interview Decision For 2026 Intake) Dec 2, 2025 (Early Action Deposit Deadline For 2026 Intake) Dec 11, 2025 (Round 1 Final Decision For 2026 Intake) Jan 8, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Feb 20, 2026 (Round 1 Deposit Deadline For 2026 Intake) Apr 24, 2026 (Round 1 Deposit Deadline For 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business are both located in North Carolina. The two universities, along with North Carolina State University, established the Research Triangle Park which is the largest research park in the United States. Because Kenan-Flagler and Fuqua are not very far apart from each other, one may be confused as to which one is better for MBA, in which case the following facts have to be taken into account:
- Fuqua has a much bigger class size of 408, compared to Kenan-Flagler’s 344.
- Fuqua also did better in terms of gender representation, with women making up 46% of the total class. At Kenan-Flagler, this number was 31%.
- The international community made up 38% of the class at Fuqua while at Kenan-Flagler it was only 8%.
- Both colleges offer roughly the same number of concentrations. Fuqua has an additional Track in Management Science and Technology Management (MSTeM) which is a STEM-designated program that enables international students to work in the US for a longer duration.
- Both schools give the option of doing global immersion programs. Kenan-Flagler has checked off more number of countries visited in total but Fuqua has tie-ups with top institutions like London Business School and Melbourne Business School.
- Kenan-Flagler offers more dual degree options, some of which are in fact carried out through partnerships with Duke University schools.
- Nearly 97% of Fuqua students received job offers within three months of graduation while only 86% of Kenan-Flagler graduates did so. The major industry for Fuqua graduates was consulting whereas for those of Kenan-Flagler it was financial services.
- Kenan-Flagler has a bigger list of employers (both schools have similar names on their lists), but Fuqua had more students recruited by top companies like McKinsey and Amazon.
Prospective students are generally advised to opt for Fuqua over Kenan-Flagler, as it holds more brand value and has better placement opportunities.
