Due to the constant development and innovations implemented in their curriculums, the top list of best business schools in the United States of America is a variable category. However, there are certain prestigious institutions that consistently find themselves among the top-ranked business schools in the USA, according to several highly respected publications.
The following list is based on a schools’ reputation and the quality of their MBA programs.
10. Duke University: The Fuqua School of Business
Although the average annual salary of Duke graduates is significantly lower than Stanford’s ($141,772 vs. $184,566), this prestigious school still offers a wide range of employment opportunities for its students. Duke’s campaign to open facilities in England, Dubai, India, Russia and China reinforces international connections and career prospects. The program is based on three pillars of learning: decision making, innovation, and making a difference.
9. Northwestern University: Kellogg School of Management
Kellogg is ranked among the 5 best business schools, according to Forbes. The school is distinguished by its leadership and pioneering approach to learning. The statistics of employment after graduation prove the school’s efficiency in developing the next generation of business leaders (over 90% of graduates are being employed within the first 3 months after graduation, with an average salary increase of 94%). Notable alumni include Malika Chopra, Bill McDermont, and Ali Babacan.
8. University of California at Berkeley: Haas School of Business
Berkeley’s Haas School of Business is a leading global producer of business leaders who redefine the practices of the business environment with innovative concepts and ideas. The average salary of alumni three years after graduation is estimated at $149,487. The strong networking, with over 130 active alumni clubs in 74 countries, increases the opportunities for international employment.
7. Yale School of Management
Recently relocated to the new Edward P. Evans Hall, in the northern part of its campus, Yale School of Management offers a favorable environment for insightful and active discussion. The essence of this program is encompassed by its integrated curriculum and the ability of students to easily approach faculty members. The program is based on analysis of stock charts, articles, and case studies. The graduates’ salary percentage increase is estimated on an average of 114%.
6. University of Chicago Booth School of Business
The discipline-based approach to education transforms the students of Booth School of Business into effective, confident business leaders who are ready to face all challenges in the real business environment. The school offers four different programs: full-time MBA, executive MBA, evening MBA, and weekend MBA. The average salary of an alumnus three years after graduation reaches $156,000; which is estimated to be 100% higher when compared to the student’s salary before graduation. Famous alumni from Booth include Antony Pritzker, Joe Mansueto, and Patrick Doyle.
5. MIT Sloan School of Management
The mission of MIT Sloan is to develop inventive, innovative, and principled business leaders who will generate ideas that advance the management practice. The real success of this program is evident through the data for alumni career progress: the average salary percentage increase is estimated at 101%. An impressive 80% of students find employment within three months after graduation. Their teaching methods are aimed at obtaining practical knowledge through action learning and hands-on management experience.
4. Columbia Business School
Columbia Business School ranks high due to the great alumni career progress, with an average salary increase of 116%. All first-year classes are organized in groups of about 64 students – a policy that enforces the sense of community within the program. The program is suitable for students looking for a combination of education, international and domestic networking, prestige, and exposure to real business environment.
3. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton
The Wharton School, established in 1881, has the largest business school faculty. It also leads the way regarding technology of research and learning. Although the total number of students per program is high (above 1,700), their teaching methods are approachable – based on developing strong analytical thinking and writing skills. The Wharton School of Business is the perfect choice for students looking for international perspectives. Another aspect that makes this school special is the largest global alumni network of almost 92,000 graduates.
2. Stanford Graduate School of Business
Stanford Graduate School of Business is one of the most selective business schools in the world (with only 483 full-time students accepted from 7108 applicants). High-profile employers are always interested in hiring Stanford graduates, whose salaries increase at an average estimation of 100% within three months after graduation. Their teaching methods are based on an effective balance between case studies, lectures, problem-solving sessions, and practical labs. Notable alumni include Phil Knight and Jeffrey Bewkes.
1. Harvard Business School
Since it was founded in 1908, Harvard’s business school has grown into the most respected educational institution in the world. The average alumni’s salary increase (after gaining MBA from Harvard) is estimated to be 113%. The teaching methods in Harvard are focused on developing practical skills that successfully launch students into the business world upon graduation. Their MBA program is recommended for students who aim towards increased earnings, career progress, and international mobility.
