The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah has emerged as one of the most relevant business schools in the Mountain West, riding the wave of Salt Lake City's explosive tech growth. Silicon Slopes — Utah's tech corridor — has created a regional business environment that rivals Austin and Denver for startup density and venture capital activity. An MBA or business degree from Eccles positions you squarely inside that ecosystem, with faculty, alumni, and recruiting relationships that reflect the state's economic momentum.
University of Utah Business School Rankings and Programs
The Eccles School is AACSB accredited and ranked among the top 50 MBA programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The full-time MBA, part-time professional MBA, and executive MBA programs all receive strong marks. The school's online MBA program — offered through the Eccles Online MBA — gives working professionals access to the same credential at a distance. Eccles also offers specialized master's degrees in Finance, Business Analytics, Accounting, and other fields. Tuition for the online MBA runs approximately $30,000–$40,000, reflecting a strong value proposition given the school's reputation and regional market strength.
What to Look for in a Business School
AACSB accreditation is your first checkpoint — Eccles has it. From there, look at rankings, specialization options, career services quality, and employer networks. For the Eccles School specifically, the Silicon Slopes connection is a genuine differentiator. If you're interested in working at a tech startup, joining a scale-up, or entering the venture ecosystem, few business schools in the Mountain West can match the access Eccles provides through its entrepreneurship programs, Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, and alumni who've built and funded companies across Utah's tech sector.
MBA Specializations at the Eccles School
The Eccles School MBA offers emphasis areas in Finance, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, Marketing, Strategy, and Operations. The entrepreneurship emphasis is particularly strong, connected to U of U's Lassonde Institute and its network of founders and investors. Business Analytics is a fast-growing area and aligns directly with demand from Utah's tech companies. Finance and Strategy tracks are well-suited for students targeting corporate roles or consulting.
Cost and Financial Aid at Eccles
In-state tuition for the Eccles full-time MBA runs approximately $25,000–$35,000 total, which is competitive for an AACSB program with this level of brand recognition. Online MBA programs vary — expect $30,000–$40,000. If your employer offers education benefits, you can exclude up to $5,250 per year from taxable income under IRS Section 127. Merit scholarships, graduate assistantships, and federal loans are available. Given Utah's growing economy and above-average post-MBA salary outcomes, the financial case for an Eccles degree is strong.
Career Outcomes and Salary After an Eccles MBA
Eccles graduates are actively recruited by Utah's tech companies including Adobe, Qualtrics, Domo, and dozens of startups on Silicon Slopes. National employers like Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Amazon, and Google also recruit at Eccles. Post-MBA starting salaries for Eccles graduates typically range from $85,000 to $120,000, with higher earnings in tech and finance roles. The school reports strong placement rates, and the Utah job market's sustained growth means graduates face relatively strong demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the David Eccles School of Business AACSB accredited? Yes. The Eccles School holds AACSB accreditation.
Does the University of Utah offer an online MBA? Yes. Eccles offers an online MBA program for working professionals.
What is the cost of the Eccles MBA? Full-time in-state tuition runs approximately $25,000–$35,000. Online programs run $30,000–$40,000. Check the Eccles website for current tuition schedules.
How strong is the Silicon Slopes connection? Very strong. The Eccles School has deep ties to Utah's tech ecosystem through its entrepreneurship programs, alumni network, and recruiting relationships with local tech companies.
What specializations are available at Eccles? Finance, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, Marketing, Strategy, and Operations are available as emphasis areas in the MBA program.
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