Overview
Founded in 1946 on a decommissioned airfield near Phoenix, Arizona, Thunderbird School of Global Management was the first graduate school in the United States dedicated exclusively to international business education. Originally established to train veterans for careers in international trade and diplomacy, the school built a distinctive reputation over decades as the premier institution for global management, cross-cultural competency, and international business. In 2015, Thunderbird became part of Arizona State University, and it has since operated as ASU's dedicated school for global management education, continuing its legacy while gaining access to a major public research university's resources.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Total students | 1,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Graduation rate | 85% |
| Average starting salary | $85,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $29,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $52,000 |
| Room & board | $14,000 |
| Average financial aid | $20,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.4 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Global Management MBA
- Master of Global Management
- International Business
- Global Affairs and Management
- Master of Applied Leadership and Management
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.