The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan combines a top-15 MBA with an active, student-led Armed Forces Association and a global alumni network. This profile was shared directly by the Armed Forces Association at Michigan Ross to help veterans considering business school understand what the experience really looks like.
"Ross is more than just a business school. Aside from a world-class education that provides world-class opportunities, the community at the university is what drove me to choose Michigan over other schools."
In addition to its robust Full-Time MBA Program, Michigan Ross also has a variety of other MBA options to support you at any stage of your career, including the Weekend MBA, Online MBA, and Executive MBA.
The range of MBA programs offers opportunities to select the format that best integrates into your life to help achieve your professional goals. You also have opportunities to connect with the larger U-M veteran community.
Which military backgrounds thrive
Michigan Ross encourages students of any military background to apply, and the Armed Forces Association reports that they thrive once they arrive. Every service branch is represented in the student body.
Ross has a focus on leadership, collaboration, and an understanding of what it means to be part of something greater than yourself that resonates with the values of many who have served. Veterans tend to concentrate in three industries in particular: investment banking, consulting, and general management.
The broad transferable skills from a career in the military give veterans flexibility to pursue a wide range of potential career opportunities during their time at Ross.
You will also have access to a comprehensive Career Development Office team that provides students with personalized career coaching to accelerate their careers based on specific goals.
Your first six months
The AFA will be your main source of support during the move to Ann Arbor. The club helps incoming students find housing and puts them in contact with people who can make that transition easier, including the VFW and U-M's veteran relations department.
Michigan Ross staff also provide support to those who might be commuting to campus regularly in the Weekend MBA or Executive MBA Programs or participating remotely in the Online MBA Program. You are immediately immersed in the community via orientations and classes, and often connect with peers before you start your first day.
Key resources for veterans
Veterans at Ross rely on three key resources: the Michigan Ross MBA Program Offices, the Armed Forces Association, and the University's Office of Veteran and Military Services.
Ross also offers a variety of clubs that students can find community in, as well as resources across programs and schools.
Where veteran alumni land
Ross veterans land across Fortune 500 companies, MBB consulting, investment banking, and, more recently, in defense startups.
Across programs, Ross is a pipeline to top companies in many industries and has a Career Development Office that provides workshops, resources, a well-connected network, and individualized guidance on career changes.
Geographic reach
The U-M alumni network is global, and the veteran community within it is always willing to help fellow veteran students. With 710,000+ U-M alums and 60,000+ Michigan Ross alums across 107 countries, no matter what industry you are interested in, there will be a Ross connection you can reach out to.
Financial planning and funding
The AFA's advice is to plan financially the way you did in the military, keeping to the principle of living "one pay grade below your means." Ann Arbor helps here, too. It is affordable compared with most major metros, so your money goes a bit further than it would in a larger city.
U-M also provides an extensive range of programs and benefits that provide financial assistance to veterans and their dependents. Visit the U-M Veteran and Military Services website to learn more about these opportunities and how to apply.
Michigan Ross has proudly supported the Yellow Ribbon Program without a cap on the number of students or costs since 2009. The program covers unmet tuition needs for all 100% eligible, post-9/11 GI Bill students.
Traditions and community
Being a part of the Michigan Ross community means belonging to a group of people who are ambitious, collaborative, and committed to making a positive impact through business. The veteran community at Ross also has its own special traditions, such as:
- The AFA military ball. Held every spring, a month after the MBA Formal.
- Football gamedays. The AFA sponsors numerous football gameday events and tailgates.
- A veteran recruiting conference. Each September, the AFA hosts a recruiting conference specifically for veterans, drawing numerous Fortune 500 companies and consulting firms.
Connect with the program
- Program: Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
- Prospective student contact: Dan Youker, Director of Prospective Students, Armed Forces Association (youker@umich.edu)
- Student contact: Sawyer Hess, Co-President, Armed Forces Association (sawyerhe@umich.edu)
- Full-Time MBA Admissions Office: rossadmissions@umich.edu
- Explore other MBA programs: Which MBA is right for me?