Admissions

Admissions Criteria

We take a holistic look at every application. We’re not just looking at your transcripts and essays. We’re also considering your professional experience, leadership skills, and community involvement. 

We’re here for you every step of the way.

Our admissions team takes the time to work with every applicant. We encourage you to reach out to us early so we can guide you through the admissions process. In addition to the deadlines below, we also accept applications on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply in any of the rounds, the sooner you’ll hear back from us.

Fall 2026 Application Deadlines

*by 11:59 p.m. ET

Application Checklist

Résumé and work history

We require a business formatted résumé and recommend it be no longer than two pages. Focus on quantifying your accomplishments and be sure to keep the formatting clean and easy to read.

Two required essays (250–500 words)

When you are preparing your responses, make sure you fully answer the question and stay within the word count.

College transcripts

School-issued official transcripts, scanned and uploaded for each college attended. Please provide all transcripts—both from undergraduate and graduate institutions.

References

As part of the online application, you will be asked to supply contact information for two references. If the Admissions Committee decides to contact either of your references during the application review process, you will be notified. We strongly suggest listing references who are familiar with you in a professional capacity.

$90 application fee (waiver available)

Simon Business School is honored to waive the application fee for active-duty military members and veterans, and attendees of our live event sessions. Contact admissions with any questions.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores* (international applicants)

Test results scanned and uploaded. See directions below:

• TOEFL School Code: 7260
• IELTS: During the exam, choose from the pull-down menu: University of Rochester - Simon Business School; after you have taken the exam, contact the test center and file a request.
• Duolingo English Test: Enter your scores on the Test Score screen and send us your certified results. 

This requirement is waived for applicants who meet the following conditions prior to matriculation at Simon:
Attended 3 or more academic years (at least 6 semesters/9 quarters/9 trimesters, not including summers) of post-secondary education taught solely in English and received a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college or university where English was the language of instruction.

If you qualify for the waiver, please indicate that in your application. You will be required to upload supporting documentation stating “I meet the English Language Proficiency waiver requirements.”

View online application here.

Program Cost:

The program is $45,000 per year, plus program fees.*

Simon accepts employer tuition benefits for the DBA program, so we recommend students explore with their employers. University of Rochester employee tuition benefits may cover up to 95% of tuition costs, depending on eligibility.

*Does not include travel, transportation costs, or accommodations for in-person experiences. 
Program costs are subject to change.