With a longstanding commitment to applicants from all walks of life and industry backgrounds, Chicago Booth values those joining us from military services around the world. Chicago Booth and the University of Chicago as a whole, is committed to providing support, resources, and additional opportunities to our student veterans.
Jesse Smith, Evening MBA alum, Captain in the US Army and former Assistant Professor of Military Science, ROTC at the University of Chicago says coming to Booth set him on a better path than transitioning directly out of the military because it gave him such a broad overview of everything. “I’m able to go in depth on so many topics I find interesting.”
Ready to get started? Here are the resources you can take advantage of as an active military or veteran seeking an MBA at Chicago Booth.
Our military candidates are grounded in ways that reflect Booth values. They are bold, resilient, collaborative, selfless, determined, hardworking, and leaders by example. Though their backgrounds may not be in traditional business roles, veterans and active military candidates are well aligned with many applicants who apply to our program after working in government, education, and the nonprofit sectors, as well as myriad other alternative paths.
Our admissions committee is trained and well equipped to identify skills and leadership experiences across industries, and to take into consideration both qualitative and quantitative qualifications when making a holistic admissions decision. As a sign of our continued commitment to recruiting individuals with military experience, we offer an application fee waiver to all veterans and active military candidates.
Determining how to finance your MBA is a critical component in deciding where you plan to pursue your MBA. In 2019, the Harper Family Foundation made a $10 million gift to provide scholarships for US veterans attending Chicago Booth. That is in addition to the $10 million alumnus Eric Gleacher, ‘67, previously gifted to fund Booth’s groundbreaking scholarship program for US veterans.
Booth also significantly increased its contributions under the Yellow Ribbon Program. Yellow Ribbon awards are not scholarships and are available to all veterans at Chicago Booth who qualify under the VA guidelines. We are the only top MBA program to offer no maximum match. Learn more about this program and financing your MBA.
Support and resources continue while at Booth. The Office for Military-Affiliated Communities provides overarching programming and community for military veterans. Since 2006, the number of veteran MBA students enrolled at Chicago Booth has increased nearly 300 percent. At the center of this community is the Part-Time Armed Forces Group (AFG), a student-led group that holds events throughout the year and serves as a strong network while at Booth and beyond. As part of the greater student population, the AFG community feels like a tight-knit family. They not only help during the application process and with academic related pursuits, but embody Booth’s pay-it-forward culture while assisting the transition to civilian life.
Even though there is no shortage of opportunities to engage with the community while here on campus, we know that the ultimate goal is to graduate feeling prepared to tackle your next step and impact your career. Not only will our Career Services team provide educational programs that address key skills and competencies critical for successfully transitioning into MBA-level jobs and navigating professional careers, but you will have Booth’s support for life.
Each veteran student has a different “why Booth” — explore their stories as you start to think about what your own will be. Learn about all of The University of Chicago resources available to veterans.
Read more from Part-Time MBA veterans Jesse Smith and Gage Ricketts and Full-Time MBA student Ryan Hall.
We chatted with Cody Fennern, co-chair of Booth Pride, learn why he chose Chicago Booth and what makes this community special.
Representing Booth with Pride: Meet Co-Chair Cody Fennern
What does the pay-it-forward culture mean to you? Boothies weigh in on what makes their school a special place.
Paying it Forward One Boothie at a Time
As she nears graduation, student Julia Jain reflects back on her time at Booth and tells us what has inspired and empowered her as a woman pursuing her MBA.
Choose to Challenge: Coming to Chicago Booth from a non-traditional background