Purdue News

October 9, 1998 Business Week: Krannert among top business schools WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University is among the top 25 business schools in the country in the latest rankings by Business Week magazine -- due out Monday (10/12). The business magazine surveys graduating master's degree students and the companies that hire them to determine the rankings. Krannert came in 24th overall, and it was in the top 10 in several specific categories: Krannert ranks 10th in technology training. Corporate recruiters were asked to rank the schools where they find the best graduates with specific skills. Krannert graduates led the field in job offers -- 4.2 per person. Krannert ranks third in the "most intimate environment" category, reflecting its student-to-professor ratio in its core and elective courses. Krannert also ranks third among schools whose female graduates earn more than their male counterparts. The average starting annual salary was $79,000 for women and $75,000, for men. Rankings in two additional categories indicate that a Krannert master's degree continues to be a value. The school placed third among the top 25 in the "quickest payback" category. Krannert graduates also finish their studies with the lowest average student debt. Business Week also singled out Krannert as a hospitable business school for international students with its team approach to learning and diverse cultural makeup. "We are very pleased to be recognized among the nation's best business schools," said Dean Dennis J. Weidenaar. "However, we realize that rankings tell only part of the story. They don't mention the schools' areas of expertise, such as Krannert's well-recognized specialty in manufacturing management or our prominence in the area of corporate finance." Weidenaar said Krannert also has made several improvements in recent years that include an ongoing review of its curriculum to assure that the courses reflect the needs of the students and the marketplace; published faculty teaching evaluations in each eight-week module, with an emphasis on teaching performance; an increase in faculty and staff members involved with the master's program; international projects and internships for teams of students; an alumni mentor program; and a Web site to enhance placement opportunities. "Our efforts seem to be paying off," Weidenaar said. "The comments submitted to Business Week by former students are very encouraging." One former student, who is now a senior consultant, told Business Week: "Krannert provides an excellent focus on analytical skills in all aspects of its coursework. The placement services were exceptional -- interviews and second-round interviews were so numerous that I could not schedule them all." A former finance student told the magazine that the program changed his life: "I tripled my salary and changed career paths. ... I will go back to my home country, Peru, with a salary as good as my American classmates." A former student who now is a profit analyst wrote: "Krannert is focused on quality, not quantity. With less than 200 students per year, the school can really tailor to the needs of the student." Krannert is one of five Big Ten schools to rank in the Business Week top 25. Others are Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin. Source: Dennis J. Weidenaar, (765) 494-4366; e-mail, weidend@mgmt.purdue.edu Writer: Kate Walker, (765) 494-2073; e-mail, kate_walker@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page