Top 25 US MBA Programs (Full time)

Stanford is known for its Silicon Valley location, but it has something to offer anyone with big ideas who is looking to change the world.

In the Harvard MBA program, students work with real businesses, and start their own microbusinesses – a great place for students with a global mindset and spirit to drive change.

Known as a finance school, Wharton also has one of the best marketing programs in the world. It also creates a strong sense of community through clusters, cohorts, and learning teams.

The MIT MBA is about problem solving and invention. Action Learning labs are a big draw to the program.

Strong in both finance and consulting, Columbia offers access to diverse industry leaders in New York City and a strong sense of community through clusters and learning teams.

Though well-rounded, Kellogg is especially strong in consulting and in marketing. One-year and two-year MBA programs are available.

Booth is well-known for its flexible curriculum, as only 1 course is required. It’s a good match for those strong in critical thinking and looking to make a global impact.

With around 40% of its class coming from outside the US, Fuqua has one of the most diverse MBA programs in America. Aside from consulting firms (Deloitte, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, etc.), Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Dell are also among the top employers of Fuqua grads.

With an emphasis on emotional intelligence (self-awareness, empathy, communication, etc), Stern is a top MBA program for those hoping to work in financial institutions. It also offers a Tech MBA and a Fashion & Luxury MBA.

The Haas MBA is known for its student-initiated courses and global emphasis, including the International Business Development program, which gives students experience in global management consulting.

Johnson is one of a few US MBA programs that can be either 2 years or 1 year in duration. Attractions include a Tech MBA as well as a bilingual 2 year MBA with Tsinghua University.

Strong in consulting, Tuck requires a first-year project in which students apply their learning to real organizations. Benefiting from small electives and a great faculty-to-student ratio, Tuck graduates are also seeing notably high compensation rates recently.

UCLA is looking for fearless non-conformists who can collaborate and explore independently. Most of its grads go into the technology industry. Los Angeles is also a great city for start up activity and venture capital.

Known for the “raw” case approach in which students sift through and analyze extensive information with their teams, Yale also aims to be the most global US business school.

More than just a finance school, Darden is a great option for those interested in entrepreneurship and innovation. Located in Charlottesville, a city with an entrepreneurial culture, it also offers a global perspective. Students can work on projects with clients from around the globe or travel with faculty for courses abroad.

Michigan Ross is strong in consulting and technology (top employers include PwC, Amazon, Deloitte, EY, Microsoft, and McKinsey), and offers immersive education abroad through its Multidisciplinary Action Projects course.

Located in the nation’s capital, Georgetown’s business school is especially appealing to business leaders interested in international affairs and policy. Most graduates go into financial services, but it’s generally a good program for those with a global mindset. (In addition to the MBA, McDonough offers a Master in Finance and a Master in International Business and Policy.)

Carnegie Mellon’s business school is a top technology school. If you’re interested in analytics and the intersection of business and technology, this is the place for you. It also boasts strong offerings in product management (including a Master of Science in Product Management).

Most graduates from Foster head into technology; employers include Amazon and Microsoft whose headquarters are not far from the school, as well as Google and Facebook, also headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. Foster also offers certificates in entrepreneurship and global business.

McCombs is especially strong in entrepreneurship, product management, energy finance, and social enterprise. Located in the entrepreneurial city of Austin, it’s a good choice for innovative thinkers looking for a collaborative environment.

Situated in Los Angeles, a global entertainment and media hub, Marshall sends graduates into consulting, media and technology. Top employers include Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros.

Jones offers a tight-knit community in the diverse, innovative city of Houston. Strong in entrepreneurship, it is also recognized for its concentrations in energy, healthcare, and real estate.

One of a few US schools offering the option of a 1-year MBA program, Goizueta is known for its low student to faculty ratio (5 to 1). Attractions include centers in marketing analytics and alternate investments (private equity, hedge funds) as well as social enterprise fellowships.

UNC Kenan-Flager offers a comprehensive leadership development through experiential learning. A good choice for those interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, family business, or real estate development.

Boasting a number of specializations, including information technology management, business analytics, global supply chain management, and entrepreneurship & innovation, this MBA is a nice option for more mature applicants, as the average years of work experience is 7 (class of 2017).