Kelley Direct: Admissions

Application deadline for spring 2027

Priority deadline

How to apply to our #1-ranked online MBA program

We understand that pursuing an MBA is a big investment, and we’re here to help. Hear from Kelley Direct admissions staff as they cover step-by-step instructions to help make the application process simpler. Explore tuition assistance, executive partnerships, scholarship opportunities, and more.

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We're thrilled that
you're considering

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Kelley Direct, the number
one-ranked online MBA program.

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We understand that choosing
the right graduate program

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can feel overwhelming.

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But rest assured, the
application process

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doesn't have to be.

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Let's dive into Phase 1 of
the Kelley Direct Program

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application.

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It's free and takes just
five minutes to complete.

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In this initial phase, you'll
answer a few simple questions

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and upload a PDF of your resume.

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If we believe you're a
great fit for Kelley Direct,

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we'll contact you within two
weeks of receiving your Phase 1

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application.

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A dedicated Kelley
Direct staff member

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will answer questions and help
you complete the application.

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We understand that
pursuing an MBA

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is a big investment, both in
terms of time and finances.

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That's why we offer several
resources to help you

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along the way.

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Have questions about
tuition and financing?

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We provide personalized
financial planning

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calls to discuss options,
including scholarships,

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how to integrate third-party
support from your employer,

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and other ways to make your
MBA journey more affordable.

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You also have the opportunity
to connect directly

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with our student and
alumni ambassadors, who

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can offer valuable
insights into the program,

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share their personal
experiences,

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and talk about how they balanced
working and earning their MBA.

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Now, let's talk
about the next step,

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completing Phase 2 of
our application process.

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You'll receive an
email with a link

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for submitting final documents,
including specific instructions

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on how to get us your
official transcripts

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from any other degrees
you've received.

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Be sure to save the link in
order to finish the admissions

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process.

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You can submit these
items in any order.

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And if you need to, you
can save your progress

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and return to it later.

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When you're ready,
you'll also need

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to write a personal
statement, keeping it

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under 1,000 words.

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In your statement,
share your goals.

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Why are you applying?

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What do you hope to
achieve in your career?

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And why do you believe that
you're a strong candidate

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for our program?

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Along with your
personal statement,

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you'll submit your resume,
provide contact information

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for professional references,
and pay an application fee.

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You've now completed the
full application process.

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Congratulations!

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Once we have all your materials,
we'll conduct a final review

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and contact you with
an admissions decision

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within two to three weeks.

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I hope you feel more confident
about applying to the Kelley

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Direct Online MBA Program.

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We look forward to
reviewing your application.

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Reach out to us with
questions at any time.

Kelley Direct Online MBA application requirements

Ready to start your application? All you need for Phase 1 is your resume (PDF preferred) and five minutes. It's that simple.

Start your application

If your Phase 1 application meets our admission criteria, you’ll be invited to continue with Phase 2. At this point you will gain access to our Kelley Application Portal and find everything you need to complete your application. Here’s what you can expect:

Your admissions interview. You’ll schedule a 30-minute interview with a member of our admissions team. No need to be nervous—we love getting to know our applicants!
Scholarship application. You’ll access your personal scholarship application link in the Kelley Application Portal.
Personal statement. In 1,000 words or less, write a personal statement that describes:
- Your current professional role and the ways you are influential or authoritative in that role
- Specific examples of how you take responsibility and accountability for your career progression
- Your primary and secondary career goals and how you will leverage the Kelley Direct MBA to achieve those goals
Recommendations from two people. They will be asked to complete an online questionnaire to vouch for your professional accomplishments and potential (current supervisor not required).
Unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts from all conferred degrees will be required before enrollment. Please have all official e-transcripts sent to kdirect@iu.edu.
GMAT is optional. During your admissions interview, your admissions counselor can discuss with you if submitting a score will strengthen your application.
Official TOEFL or IELTS score or official Duolingo English test score (international applicants who are not waived).
Indiana University Graduate School Compliance Form. Your link will be provided in the portal.
$75 application fee. Waivers are available for US military/veterans, as well as applicants who completed or are currently enrolled in the Forté MBALaunch program.

Ready to take the first step?

Start your application

“I was surprised at how easy the admissions process was. It was very straightforward, resourceful, and organized. I thought it would be such a complicated process that it became a roadblock for me when it didn’t need to be. I could have started my MBA sooner.”

Maya PellegrinoKelley Direct Online MBA Fall 2023 cohort student

Applying from outside the US?

If you’re not a US citizen or permanent resident, you’ll be considered an international applicant and will have additional requirements to complete. You can schedule a Zoom meeting with a member of our admissions staff to discuss your questions and next steps, or visit our FAQ to learn more.

Earn an MBA you can afford

Kelley Direct already offers one of the most affordable tuition rates, compared to other top-ranked online MBA programs. We also offer lots of options to help bridge financial gaps and help you pay for your education, including financial aid, scholarships, and military benefits.

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Choosing an online MBA program can be tricky. See how our approach delivers lasting value and unique, personalized experiences for students.

We’d love to meet you

Join us for a 30-minute virtual info session, or meet one-on-one with an admissions staff member during Zoom office hours to talk about the program and the application process.

Schedule a meeting Schedule an info session