Financial Times Full Time MBA Ranking - Wharton ranked 1st

In 2007, the Financial Times (FT) Full-Time MBA Ranking provided a comprehensive analysis of the top business schools worldwide, offering insights into the global competitiveness and prestige of the most renowned institutions. The FT’s ranking was widely regarded for its data-driven approach, which combined academic reputation, career progression, salary increases, international exposure, and the diversity of faculty and students. These factors collectively indicated not only the intellectual caliber of each program but also its ability to enhance students' professional and personal growth.

The top five schools in the FT Full-Time MBA ranking of 2007—Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and London Business School—highlighted the global nature of business education and underscored the increasing importance of international business skills in today’s interconnected world.

These top five institutions exemplified what it meant to offer a world-class business education. They provided students not only with academic rigor but also with vast alumni networks, unmatched career opportunities, and strong global exposure, all of which were essential for business leaders navigating a rapidly changing global economy. Their consistent positioning at the top of the FT rankings was a testament to their ability to produce graduates who excelled in the business world, whether in senior management, entrepreneurship, consulting, or finance. The FT ranking of 2007 underscored the competitive nature of top-tier business education and demonstrated how these schools had adapted to the growing demand for highly skilled global leaders.

1. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (USA)

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania retained its position as the number one business school in the world according to the 2007 FT Full-Time MBA ranking. Wharton’s dominance in the rankings was no surprise, given its long-standing reputation for academic excellence, rigorous curriculum, and exceptional career outcomes. Founded in 1881, Wharton was the first business school in the United States and has since become a global leader in business education, attracting top-tier students and faculty from around the world.

Wharton’s Full-Time MBA program is known for its breadth and depth, offering a wide range of specializations, including finance, marketing, management, and operations. The school’s ability to combine cutting-edge business theory with practical application was reflected in its consistent top rankings in the FT list. Wharton’s academic strength was supported by its distinguished faculty, many of whom were leaders in their fields of expertise. The school's case-study method, which emphasized real-world problem solving, prepared students for leadership positions in the global marketplace.

The success of Wharton’s MBA program was also evidenced by its strong financial returns. Graduates from Wharton experienced some of the highest post-graduation salary increases in the FT ranking, reflecting the high demand for its alumni in the corporate world. The school’s vast alumni network, which spanned industries such as finance, consulting, technology, and healthcare, offered unparalleled career opportunities and facilitated professional growth for its graduates. Wharton’s location in Philadelphia, with its proximity to major business hubs such as New York and Washington, D.C., further contributed to its global influence and strategic positioning in the business education landscape.

2. Columbia Business School (USA)

Ranked second in the 2007 FT Full-Time MBA ranking was Columbia Business School, another U.S.-based institution that was known for its rigorous academic approach and strong ties to the global business community. Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia offered its students access to one of the world’s most influential financial and business markets. The school’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, finance, and management made it a highly sought-after destination for prospective MBA students, particularly those aiming to enter the finance and consulting industries.

Columbia’s Full-Time MBA program was structured to provide students with the flexibility to pursue both general management and specialized knowledge. The school offered an extensive set of electives, giving students the opportunity to tailor their education to their career goals. Columbia was known for its finance program, one of the strongest in the world, and its emphasis on international business, which prepared students for leadership roles in a globalized economy.

Graduates of Columbia Business School were highly sought after by top firms in consulting, banking, and private equity. The FT ranking highlighted the impressive salary progression of Columbia graduates, who saw significant salary increases within just a few years of completing their MBA. Columbia’s global reputation, coupled with its location in New York City, enabled its students to leverage opportunities in both the U.S. and international markets. The school’s deep connections with the financial and consulting sectors, as well as its focus on global business and entrepreneurship, made it an attractive option for students seeking to build a successful career in high-stakes industries.

3. Harvard Business School (USA)

Harvard Business School (HBS), one of the most prestigious and influential business schools in the world, ranked third in the 2007 FT Full-Time MBA ranking. Known for its case method, which engages students in real-world business challenges, HBS provided a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment that fostered critical thinking, leadership, and strategic decision-making. The school’s legacy of excellence, its vast alumni network, and its world-class faculty positioned it as a leader in global business education.

HBS’s Full-Time MBA program was renowned for its strong leadership focus. The curriculum was designed to challenge students intellectually while preparing them to lead organizations in a rapidly evolving global economy. HBS offered a general management curriculum with a focus on leadership development and ethical decision-making. This approach produced graduates who were well-rounded, capable of leading with vision, and equipped to tackle complex global business issues.

The school’s strong financial returns, reflected in the FT ranking, were a key feature of its success. Harvard’s MBA graduates experienced one of the highest salary increases post-graduation, and the school’s alumni network, with its extensive global reach, provided students with significant professional opportunities. Harvard’s alumni base, which included CEOs, entrepreneurs, and influential policymakers, further solidified the school’s standing as a global leader in business education.

4. Stanford Graduate School of Business (USA)

Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) ranked fourth in the FT’s 2007 MBA ranking, a position that reflected its unique approach to business education. Stanford’s program was known for its emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford GSB provided students with access to one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems for entrepreneurship and technology, making it a prime destination for those aspiring to build careers in tech and startups.

Stanford’s Full-Time MBA program was distinguished by its flexibility, allowing students to customize their education according to their individual interests. The school’s focus on leadership development, creativity, and problem-solving helped students build the skills necessary to lead in a rapidly changing world. The program’s curriculum integrated business theory with real-world applications, with a particular emphasis on the social, ethical, and environmental dimensions of leadership.

The financial rewards of a Stanford MBA were considerable, with graduates experiencing impressive salary increases post-graduation. Given Stanford’s close ties to Silicon Valley, many of its MBA graduates pursued careers in technology, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. The school’s global reputation, cutting-edge curriculum, and entrepreneurial ecosystem made it an attractive choice for ambitious individuals looking to make an impact in the world of business.

5. London Business School (U.K.)

Ranked fifth in the 2007 FT Full-Time MBA ranking was London Business School (LBS), the top-ranked business school outside the United States. LBS’s global focus, diverse student body, and strong reputation in finance, management, and entrepreneurship made it a leading choice for international students seeking to study in one of the world’s most vibrant financial centers.

LBS offered a highly internationalized MBA program, with students representing over 60 countries. This diversity created a rich learning environment, where students could gain perspectives from different industries and regions, enhancing their ability to lead in a globalized world. The school’s curriculum combined academic rigor with practical business skills, preparing students for leadership roles in global organizations. LBS also had strong ties to the finance and consulting sectors, which translated into impressive career outcomes for its graduates.

Graduates of London Business School’s Full-Time MBA program saw significant financial returns on their investment, with high salary increases and ample career advancement opportunities. LBS’s proximity to London’s financial district, coupled with its international orientation, provided students with an edge in the competitive global job market. The school’s robust alumni network and close connections with multinational corporations made it a strategic choice for those looking to build their careers in Europe and beyond.

Full Time MBA Ranking Top 50 (2007)

1. Uni of Pennsylvania: Wharton - U.S.
2. Columbia Business School - U.S.
3. Harvard Business School - U.S.
4. Stanford University GSB - U.S.
5. London Business School - U.K.
6. Uni of Chicago GSB - U.S.
7. Insead - France/Singapore
8. New York University: Stern - U.S.
9. Dartmouth College: Tuck - U.S.
10. Yale School of Management - U.S.
11. Ceibs - China
12. Instituto de Empresa - Spain
13. IMD - Switzerland
14. MIT: Sloan - U.S.
15. Uni of Cambridge: Judge - U.K.
16. Iese Business School - Spain
17. UCLA: Anderson - U.S.
18. HEC Paris - France
19. Northwestern University: Kellogg - U.S.
20. Uni of Michigan: Ross - U.S.
21. U of Oxford: Saïd - U.K.
22. Manchester Business School - U.K.
23. Duke Univ: Fuqua - U.S.
24. Esade Business School - Spain
25. UC Berkeley: Haas - U.S.
26. U of Virginia: Darden - U.S.
27. U of Toronto: Rotman - Canada
28. Lancaster U Management School - U.K.
29. Cornell U: Johnson - U.S.
30. RSM Erasmus University - Netherlands
31. U of Maryland: Smith - U.S.
32. U of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler - U.S.
33. Emory U: Goizueta - U.S.
34. Georgetown U: McDonough - U.S.
35. U of Arizona: Eller - U.S.
36. Warwick Business School - U.K.
37. Cranfi eld School of Management - U.K.
38. Michigan State U: Broad - U.S.
39. U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - U.S.
40. U of Rochester: Simon - U.S.
41. U of Western Ontario: Ivey - Canada
42. SDA Bocconi - Italy
43. Carnegie Mellon: Tepper - U.S.
44. Pennsylvania State: Smeal - U.S.
45. U of Iowa: Tippie - U.S.
46. U of Minnesota: Carlson - U.S.
47. Rice University: Jones - U.S.
48. Purdue U: Krannert - U.S.
49. Australian Graduate School of Management - Australia
50. U of California at Irvine: Merage - U.S.

Source: Financial Times