Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students

Badge for BEST FOR MBAS BUSINESS SCHOOLS
By Dave Tomar
Published:
Updated:

Which business schools are the best for earning an MBA? We rank the top programs here.

Key Takeaways

  • The MBA is the most popular graduate degree due to its versatility and the opportunities it provides for career advancement.

  • The best business schools for earning an MBA are noted for their academic excellence, prestige, and influence.

  • We rank the best business schools for your MBA program based on the real-world impact of professors, students and alumni.

See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.

When it comes to business schools, reputation can be very important. After all, earning an MBA from an elite institution like the Harvard Business School or the Stanford Graduate School of Business can carry a lot of weight in both education and the business world.

But how can prospective students choose the best business school for their MBA?

Find top schools with a look at our College and University Rankings, or read on to find out how an MBA could further your career.

 

Why You Should Attend an MBA Program Through One of the Best Business Schools in the U.S.

MBA programs are extremely popular for a reason. Business administration is a gateway to countless careers in the business sector. However, many of the top careers are highly competitive. Business leaders will typically earn their master’s degree in order to compete for top roles.

Attending a top school of business can significantly improve your chances of ascending to a leadership role and earning executive level pay.

Indeed, many of the nation’s best-paid chief executives are MBA graduates from the top business schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chief executives are among the best paid professionals in the labor market.

Top executives earned a median salary of $179,520 in 2021. While a bachelor’s degree can technically qualify you for many roles in business, most of these elite leadership roles are held by those with an advanced business degree from a top business school with a fantastic reputation.

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How to Get into the Best MBA Program For You

Test Scores

Many MBA programs will require you to submit Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Scores or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. These test scores can impact your chances of admission. The best MBA programs—those offered by the most prestigious business schools—may have minimum GMAT or GRE scores.

If you are applying to top business schools that don’t have a minimum score requirement, pay close attention to the average GMAT score or GRE score for students who are admitted. For instance, the average GMAT score for students in the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business Class of 2024 was 733; the average GRE scores were 162 verbal and 162 quant.

MBA applicants can improve their chances of admission to the best MBA programs by ensuring that their standardized test scores match those of current enrollees.

Looking to save time and money on testing? Check out these MBA programs with no GRE and no GMAT required.

Undergraduate Degree

You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year program. This undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You don’t necessarily have to major in business to pursue an MBA program at a top business school.

In fact, many business schools take an interest in students with unique undergraduate backgrounds in areas like psychology, sociology, and legal studies.

Undergraduate GPA

The typical graduate level business administration program will include a requirement for a minimum—usually 3.0. However, students applying to a top business school should generally have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better to be considered competitive.

Learn more about online MBA admission requirements.

Curriculum and Courses

Each college of business will require the completion of different courses, although there are similarities in programs. There are typically core courses, as well as electives and an individualized capstone project.

Typical business master’s program courses include:

  • Financial Management
  • Marketing Management
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Business Ethics
  • International Business
  • Business Analytics

Key Point: Top MBA programs will cover topics such as organizational behavior, corporate finance, and business ethics.

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Careers for MBA Degree Holders

Graduates with an MBA from the best business schools will often qualify for elite leadership roles including:

  • Information Technology Management
  • Project Management
  • Human Resources Management
  • Operations Management
  • Computer and Information Systems Management
  • Administrative Services and Facilities Management
  • Executive Leadership

Key Points:According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for top executives are projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.

The picture is even brighter for those who use their graduate degree to pursue careers as administrative services and facilities managers. Jobs for these positions are expected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031.

Did you know that business is one of the most popular college majors among men and women who have gone on to become governors in the US?

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Factors for Choosing The Best Business Schools for MBA Students

If you’re looking to attend one of the top business schools, be sure you’re ready for a competitive admissions process and a challenging educational experience. Here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing from the best business schools for your MBA:

  • Accreditation: Accreditation is vital. It signifies that the school’s education is in compliance with the standards of the Department of Education and the accrediting body. A school must also be an accredited institution in order to offer federal financial aid to its students. This is especially important in business.

    • In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure your affordable online MBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This national board provides programmatic accreditation, which is an important mark of credibility and academic excellence for the master’s of business administration degree.

  • Triple Crown Accreditation: Many elite business schools hold a special distinction called Triple Crown Accreditation. This distinction is reserved for only the most select international business school programs. This denotes accreditation from three leading global business accreditation councils:
    • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in the U.S.
    • Association of MBAs (AMBA) in the U.K.
    • EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) in Europe

    This prestigious accreditation has been awarded to less than 1% of MBA programs in the world.

  • Cost: It is worth noting that while the majority of these top business schools fall on the higher side of the cost spectrum—topping between $50,000 and $80,000 per year in tuition—many offer generous need based financial aid to those who do qualify for admission.
  • Financing Options: Accredited colleges and universities will offer financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans for students who qualify. Some will also offer work-study programs.
  • Course Delivery: Some of the best business schools provide students an array of learning pathways including a combination of online and in-person educational options. Most online MBA programs are delivered in one of three different ways: synchronous (live online classes), asynchronous (classes that can be attended anytime), and blended or hybrid (a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous).

    • Find out what kinds of course delivery options are available through these prestigious schools.

Learn how to find accredited online MBA programs.

Three students working for their MBA
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How MBA Students Can Find The Best Graduate School Degree

Top business schools will typically be highly reputable as well as highly influential. MBA rankings published by sites like U.S. News & World Report place a heavy weight on reputation surveys alongside factors like acceptance rate and graduation rate.

By contrast, Academic Influence measures excellence with a unique metric called Influence. Influence-based MBA rankings spotlight the real-world impact of a school’s students, alumni, and faculty members.

The resulting ranking does reflect some of the same outcomes as the annual U.S. News rankings. For instance, top business schools like University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, the Columbia Business School, The Northwestern University Kellogg School of Business, and other highly prestigious business schools rank both for reputation and Influence.

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20 Best Business Schools for Earning an MBA

  1. #1

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #3 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $65,508
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $102,176
    Salary after 4 years: $136,352
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Columbia University?

    Columbia University sits in the heart of bustling Manhattan. Founded in 1754 under the name King’s College, Columbia is the oldest university in New York and the fifth oldest in the nation. Today, Columbia serves more than 33,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    The private research university is a member of the vaunted Ivy League, and is widely recognized as a hotbed for scientific innovation and cutting edge research. And with an endowment of over $13 billion, Columbia has the largest endowment of any academic institution in the world!

    The Columbia Business School is among the most prestigious graduate schools in the world.

    • Columbia University is great for students who:

      Enjoy a college experience in the heart of a vibrant city.

    • Columbia University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have a limited budget. Tuition for Columbia typically ranks among the highest in the nation.

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  2. #2

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $62,250
    Expenses: $22,870
    Starting Salary: $109,955
    Salary after 4 years: $146,732
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Yale University?

    Yale University is among the most highly regarded schools in the world. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale was founded in 1701. This makes it the third oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.

    A member of the vaunted Ivy League, Yale is a private research university serving more than 12,000 elite students. It is noteworthy that more than half of enrollees are in pursuit of a graduate degree.

    The Yale School of Management serves roughly 1000 postgraduate students today.

    • Yale University is great for students who:

      Rank near the top of their class. Yale is among the most selective schools in the world.

    • Yale University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer an emphasis on science over humanities. Yale is noteworthy for its excellent liberal arts programs.

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  3. #3

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #3 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #3 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $57,986
    Expenses: $21,864
    Starting Salary: $135,764
    Salary after 4 years: $181,174
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Massachusetts Institute of Technology?

    MIT is among the most selective, influential, and prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1861 as the United States approached the age of industrialization, the private research university is regarded today among the top destinations in the world for studying, teaching, and researching applied sciences, engineering, and more.

    In addition to serving roughly 12,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the Cambridge, Massachusetts institute is widely recognized as a key contributor to essential scientific developments, innovations, and discoveries since its founding.

    1300 graduate students are currently in pursuit of an MBA or related degree at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

    • MIT is great for students who:

      Have achieved academic excellence in the hard sciences. MIT is one of the top destinations in the world for scientific research and innovation.

    • MIT might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a liberal arts experience.

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  4. #4

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #10 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $63,200
    Expenses: $19,996
    Starting Salary: $89,449
    Salary after 4 years: $119,367
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornell University known for?

    Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Cornell University?

    Cornell University was formed in 1865 with the lofty mission of providing education in both the classical and scientific traditions, as well as offering both theoretical and applied learning opportunities. Today, the Ithaca, New York-based Ivy League institution is among the most prestigious institutions in the world.

    Cornell University is one of just a few private land-grant universities, and its main campus spans more than 700 acres in the lush Finger Lakes Region of New York. Today, more than 25,000 students are pursuing undergraduate and graduate level degrees at Cornell.

    Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business currently serves close to 700 students per year.

    • Cornell University is great for students who:

      Appreciate diversity. All 50 states and more than 100 nations are represented in Cornell’s multicultural student body.

    • Cornell University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have financial limitations. Students describe both the cost of attendance and the cost of living as comparatively high.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $58,168
    Expenses: $23,927
    Starting Salary: $69,473
    Salary after 4 years: $92,710
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about New York University?

    New York University was chartered by the New York state legislature in 1831, and began life as the University of the City of New York. Adopting its less cumbersome name in 1896, NYU rapidly emerged as one of the largest institutions in the U.S. By 1917, the Manhattan-based school had topped 9000 in enrollment, and began expanding outward to the Bronx.

    In fact, by 1935, New York University had spun off the independent Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island. Today, NYU serves more than 50,000 students across nearly 20 campuses all over the world.

    The NYU Stern School of Business serves roughly 3000 MBA candidates today.

    • New York University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing postgraduate degrees. Of its enormous student body, roughly half are pursuing an advanced degree.

    • New York University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Do not prefer attending college in a major metropolitan city. NYU is directly immersed in bustling Manhattan.

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  7. #6

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $116,319
    Salary after 4 years: $155,225
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Pennsylvania?

    The University of Pennsylvania was founded in Philadelphia in 1740 by civic leaders including Founding Father and inventor Benjamin Franklin. Today, the vaunted Ivy League institution is the 4th oldest in the United States.

    University of Pennsylvania serves over 22,000 students. Of those, more than half are studying to earn a graduate level degree.

    University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business serves more than 2500 postgraduates today

    • University of Pennsylvania is great for students who:

      Are at the top of their graduating class. University of Pennsylvania is among the most selective schools in the nation.

    • University of Pennsylvania might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t wish to attend college in a big city like Philadelphia.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis , MN
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #8 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #12 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #18 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/29

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Minnesota

    Cost of Degree: $15,859
    Expenses: $15,240
    Starting Salary: $54,822
    Salary after 4 years: $68,621
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Minnesota known for?

    University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Minnesota?

    University of Minnesota was founded in 1851, which actually makes it seven years older than the state of Minnesota itself. Starting life as a preparatory academy, it would gradually evolve into the flagship school in the public state university system. With campuses roughly three miles apart in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the University is among the nation’s leading research institutions.

    With a student body of well over 52,000, University of Minnesota isn’t just the biggest school in its state, but is also among the ten largest schools by enrollment in the nation.

    The university’s Carlson School of Management currently enrolls roughly 1600 students in its MBA programs.

    • University of Minnesota is great for students who:

      Students who are still choosing a discipline. The university offers countless specialized degree programs across 19 academic schools.

    • University of Minnesota might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t enjoy a large school environment.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #7 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $62,688
    Expenses: $20,061
    Starting Salary: $101,204
    Salary after 4 years: $135,055
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Duke University known for?

    Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Duke University?

    Duke University was founded in 1838 in what is now Trinity, North Carolina. Moving to their present location 1892, today Duke covers 8,600 acres of land across Durham, North Carolina.

    The private university consistently ranks among the top schools in the world, and serves nearly 17,000 students across three campuses. And with nearly 10,000 graduate students, Duke dedicates nearly $1 billion to research efforts every year.

    Duke’s Fuqua School of Business serves roughly 1500 MBA candidates a year.

    • Duke University is great for students who:

      Love college sports. Duke’s men’s basketball is among the most successful programs in NCAA history.

    • Duke University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t have excellent grades. Duke is one of the most selective schools in the country.

    Compare school
    11. Team of business professionals at a table

  12. #10

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,242
    Expenses: $19,848
    Starting Salary: $62,346
    Salary after 4 years: $78,040
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Washington?

    The University of Washington was founded in 1861, just ten years after the birth of its hometown of Seattle, Washington. This makes the public research university one of the oldest schools on the American West Coast.

    With campuses in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell, the University of Washington covers a sprawling 20 million square feet of space in the state of Washington.

    University of Washington’s Foster School of Business enrolls roughly 2500 students each year at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    • The University of Washington is great for students who:

      Love reading. With 26 libraries, art centers, museums, labs, and lecture halls, UW boasts one of the largest library systems in the world.

    • The University of Washington might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer sunny skies. The Pacific Northwest is famous for its cloudy climate.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #10 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,698
    Expenses: $18,548
    Starting Salary: $66,198
    Salary after 4 years: $82,862
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Texas at Austin?

    The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883, which makes it both the oldest institution in the state of Texas and the flagship school in the state university system. Today, the public research university is highly regarded for its elite level of research activity. For this reason, University of Texas at Austin is often referred to as one of the “Public Ivies.”

    The University of Texas at Austin is the second largest school in a state that is notable for its large campus populations. Today, UT Austin serves more than 52,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    The McCombs School of Business serves about 1700 MBA candidates each year.

    • The University of Texas at Austin is great for students who:

      Are looking for a college in a vibrant city. Austin is noted for its live music, nightlife, and cultural offerings.

    • The University of Texas at Austin might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a more intimate educational setting.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $21,425
    Expenses: $17,790
    Starting Salary: $71,125
    Salary after 4 years: $89,029
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Virginia known for?

    University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Virginia?

    University of Virginia is a public university with an extremely prestigious history. In fact, the original governing board for this “Public Ivy” included Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. At the time of its founding, Monroe was the President of the United States.

    Among the many prominent graduates of UVA are the founders of Reddit and CNET.

    The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business serves just over 300 MBA candidates each year.

    • University of Virginia is great for students who:

      Enjoy the prestige of an Ivy League school with the affordability of a public university. In-state students enjoy tuition discounts while joining a tradition that has produced 55 Rhodes Scholars.

    • University of Virginia might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more personalized experience. UVA students will often take introductory courses in large lecture halls with scores of other students.

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  15. #13

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC
    #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Georgetown University

    Cost of Degree: $62,051
    Expenses: $22,644
    Starting Salary: $110,662
    Salary after 4 years: $147,676
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgetown University known for?

    Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Georgetown University?

    Georgetown University began life in 1789 as Georgetown College and retains its founding affiliation with the Society of Jesus. Though Georgetown’s student body is largely secular, it is also the oldest Catholic university in the United States.

    Standing on a hill overlooking the Potomac River in Washington D.C., this private research university provides an immersive capital city experience for its 19,000 students.

    Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business serves roughly 1000 MBA candidates today.

    • Georgetown University is great for students who:

      Enjoy college basketball. The Hoyas men’s basketball team has won a record eight Big East titles with five Final Four appearances and one national championship to show for it.

    • Georgetown University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are not among the top students in their class. Georgetown is a highly selective institution.

    Compare school
  17. #14

    Rutgers University

    #1 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs #1 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) #2 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
    Other Rankings
    What is Rutgers University known for?

    Rutgers University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Rutgers University?

    Rutgers University was formed in 1766 as Queen’s College. Based in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers is the second oldest university in the state and the eighth oldest in the nation. In fact, Rutgers is one of only nine colleges to be chartered before the American Revolution.

    For its first two centuries of operation, Rutgers was a private liberal arts school, but became a public research university in the mid-20th Century. Today, the state university of New Jersey serves more than 68,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across three campuses.

    Rutgers Business School serves roughly 2500 MBA candidates across its Newark and New Brunswick campuses.

    • Rutgers University is great for students who:

      Are seeking an affordable education with a wide variety of degree programs to choose from.

    • Rutgers University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a more intimate academic experience. Students describe class sizes as very large.

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #21 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $62,360
    Expenses: $20,400
    Starting Salary: $67,086
    Salary after 4 years: $89,525
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Boston University?

    Boston University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. BU is especially noted for its high level of research activity. In fact, Alexander Graham Bell was a BU professor in 1876 when he used the school’s laboratory to invent the telephone.

    Boston University was founded in 1838 and, today, serves more than 33,000 students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    Boston University’s Questrom School of Business enrolls about 900 MBA candidates each academic year.

    • Boston University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a postgraduate education. Roughly half of the school’s student body is made up of graduate students.

    • Boston University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small, intimate campus. Boston University reflects the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan campus.

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  19. #16

    University of California, San Diego

    La Jolla , CA
    #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #14 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    24%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of California, San Diego

    Cost of Degree: $14,906
    Expenses: $22,134
    Starting Salary: $62,346
    Salary after 4 years: $78,040
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, San Diego known for?

    University of California, San Diego’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of California, San Diego?

    University of California, San Diego was formed in 1960 as part of the broader University of California public system. Today, San Diego is the southernmost of the state system’s ten campuses. The public research university is also among the most popular schools in the U.S. With more than 140,000 applications submitted for the Fall of 2021, UCSD is the second most applied to school in the nation.

    Today, University of California, San Diego. serves a student body of roughly 43,000, with an estimated 10,000 of these students pursuing postgraduate degrees.

    The Rady School of Management serves roughly 2200 MBA candidates today.

    • University of California, San Diego is great for students who:

      Enjoy a temperate climate and ocean views. UCSD spans more than 2000 acres just off the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

    • University of California, San Diego might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a small school with an intimate campus.

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  20. #17

    University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #6 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #11 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #18 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of Pittsburgh

    Cost of Degree: $21,080
    Expenses: $15,948
    Starting Salary: $54,822
    Salary after 4 years: $68,621
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pittsburgh known for?

    University of Pittsburgh’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Pittsburgh?

    The University of Pittsburgh was formed in 1787 and began its history as the Pittsburgh Academy. Though the University of Pittsburgh took its present name in 1908, it was a private institution until 1966. Today, Pitt is described as a public, state-related university.

    Pitt encompasses 17 undergraduate and graduate schools. In fact, the University of Pittsburgh is the second largest non-government employer in this major metropolitan city. Roughly 28,000 students are currently enrolled at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    Today, roughly 900 students are pursuing their MBA at Pittsburgh University’s Katz School of business.

    • The University of Pittsburgh is great for students who:

      Are looking for a top research institution in a bustling metropolis.

    • The University of Pittsburgh might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a more intimate school with smaller class sizes.

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  21. #18

    Indiana University Bloomington

    Bloomington , IN
    #14 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #23 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/29

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Indiana University Bloomington

    Cost of Degree: $11,447
    Expenses: $16,010
    Starting Salary: $51,776
    Salary after 4 years: $64,809
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Indiana University Bloomington known for?

    Indiana University Bloomington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Indiana University Bloomington?

    Indiana University Bloomington was founded as State Seminary in 1820 and evolved into Indiana College within the decade. The Bloomington campus is the flagship institution in the state public university system.

    Indiana University Bloomington is noted for its high level of research activity, and has been referred to as a “Public Ivy.” With top-ranked programs in areas like environmental policy, public finance, and nonprofit management, Bloomington serves more than 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students today.

    Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business serves roughly 2000 MBA candidates today.

    • Indiana University Bloomington is great for students who:

      Like to get involved in campus life. With more than 700 groups and clubs, Bloomington offers an incredible variety of social and recreational opportunities.

    • Indiana University Bloomington might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small campus atmosphere.

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  23. #19

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH
    #19 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #22 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Business degree at Dartmouth College

    Cost of Degree: $62,430
    Expenses: $21,144
    Starting Salary: $97,403
    Salary after 4 years: $129,983
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dartmouth College known for?

    Dartmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Dartmouth College?

    Dartmouth College was founded in 1769. The prestigious Hanover, New Hampshire institution is a part of the esteemed Ivy League. The private research university actually began as a relatively obscure institution constructed to teach Christian values to Native Americans. By the 20th century, Dartmouth had achieved national prominence for its liberal arts curriculum.

    Today, Dartmouth College is noted for its excellence as both a teaching and research institution, with more than 6500 students pursuing degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    Roughly 500+ students are enrolled in MBA programs at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business today.

    • Dartmouth College is great for students who:

      Enjoy academic freedom. Dartmouth offers undergraduates the unique opportunity to develop their own major.

    • Dartmouth College might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have financial constraints. Students describe both the cost of attendance and the cost of living as very high.

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  24. #20

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #16 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Business degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $61,630
    Salary after 4 years: $77,143
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill?

    University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is considered a “Public Ivy,” a school with state funding that offers the prestige and educational experience akin to those at a private Ivy League school.

    The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is the flagship campus for the broader University of North Carolina system and began enrolling students in 1795. This makes UNC the only public school in the U.S. to both teach and graduate students in the 18th Century!

    UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School currently serves 1800 MBA candidates.

    • The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is great for students who:

      Desire a well-rounded education. All students are required to complete a liberal arts education on the way to their chosen major. Popular majors include biology, business administration, and psychology.

    • The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more conservative environment. Many students at UNC note that the campus culture tends to lean to the liberal side of the political spectrum.

    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Business Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business/Commerce

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $43,769
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $54,786
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives-8.21%$161,191
Sales Managers4.06%$117,002
Industrial Production Managers1.62%$106,425
Managers, All Other3.35%$106,040
Construction Managers4.53%$98,198

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$56,229$96,321$154,377

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Virginia5% higher than average$112,729
#3 New York5% higher than average$122,670
#4 Alabama13% higher than average$95,411
#5 Illinois7% higher than average$102,218
#6 Delaware2% higher than average$111,968

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$161,191
Sales Managers$117,002
Industrial Production Managers$106,425
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
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The Best Online MBA Degrees

Many of the best business schools also offer a wide range of online part time MBA programs as well as full time MBA programs online with self-pacing and asynchronous distance learning opportunities.

To learn more about your options, check out the best online master’s programs for MBA students. You can also check out our complete Guide to Online Degrees.

 

Before you launch into business school, it’s worth also considering traditional MBA programs that offer fully online master options. Many of the best business schools offer an array of online courses. And if you are working to balance job responsibilities while attending business school, an online MBA program may make it possible to manage everything at one.

Learn more about applying to and excelling in your advanced degree program with a look at our Guide to Grad Life.

Or jump to our student resource library for tips on everything from studying to starting on your career path.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here