Financial Times Global MBA Rankings - Top 100

The 2008 Financial Times (FT) MBA ranking provides a comprehensive look at the best full-time MBA programs globally. The list is a reflection of how business schools are preparing students to excel in a fast-evolving global economy. The ranking takes into account several key metrics, including career progress, salary increases, academic reputation, and international diversity.

1. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (USA)

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania claimed the number one spot in the 2008 FT MBA ranking, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s preeminent business schools. Wharton has long been associated with excellence in business education, particularly in the fields of finance, management, and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1881, Wharton was the first business school in the United States, and its long legacy of academic rigor has contributed to its continued dominance in the global rankings. Wharton’s MBA program offers a robust and comprehensive curriculum, with students having the opportunity to specialize in a variety of areas such as finance, marketing, and operations. The school is known for its rigorous quantitative approach to business education, which is complemented by its focus on leadership development. Wharton’s large alumni network, strong corporate connections, and proximity to financial hubs like New York City offer students an unparalleled advantage in securing high-paying roles in industries such as finance, consulting, and technology. Wharton’s innovative teaching methods and strategic global outlook make it a top choice for students seeking a world-class business education.

2. London Business School (UK)

Ranked second in the 2008 FT MBA ranking, the London Business School (LBS) has established itself as one of Europe’s leading business schools and a prominent global institution. LBS offers an MBA program that combines academic rigor with practical, real-world experience, and it is particularly well-regarded for its global approach to business education. The school draws on London’s position as a global financial and business hub, giving students direct access to leading multinational companies and financial institutions. LBS is known for its diverse student body, with over 90 nationalities represented in the classroom, which enhances the global perspective of its MBA program. The school emphasizes international business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, offering students a rich array of electives and opportunities to study abroad or participate in global business projects. LBS’s MBA program is also known for its strong focus on leadership development, with extensive opportunities for students to hone their skills through experiential learning. Its impressive alumni network, located around the world, helps students secure top positions in industries ranging from consulting and finance to technology and entrepreneurship.

3. Columbia Business School (USA)

Columbia Business School, ranked third in the 2008 FT MBA ranking, continues to be a powerhouse in business education, particularly in the fields of finance, strategy, and consulting. Located in New York City, one of the world’s financial capitals, Columbia provides students with unmatched access to top-tier companies, particularly in finance and consulting. The school’s MBA program is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, which is supplemented by a strong emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and global business. Columbia is recognized for its strong relationships with major financial institutions, providing students with the opportunity to participate in high-profile internships and recruiting events. The school’s case-based teaching approach encourages students to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, and its close-knit community fosters collaboration and teamwork. Columbia’s alumni network is vast and influential, with many graduates holding leadership positions at some of the world’s most prestigious companies. The school’s commitment to academic excellence, along with its strategic location in New York, ensures that Columbia Business School remains one of the most attractive options for prospective MBA students.

4. Stanford University Graduate School of Business (USA)

Ranked fourth in the 2008 FT MBA ranking, Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is known for its entrepreneurial focus and its close ties to Silicon Valley. The school’s MBA program is designed to cultivate leaders who are innovative, analytical, and capable of driving change in the business world. Stanford’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation sets it apart from other top business schools, making it a premier choice for students interested in technology and startups. The MBA program at Stanford offers students the flexibility to tailor their studies to their individual interests, and the school is renowned for its strong leadership development programs. The school’s faculty includes some of the world’s leading scholars in business, and the GSB’s culture of collaboration and idea-sharing fosters a dynamic learning environment. Stanford’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley provides students with access to a wealth of resources, including venture capital, technology firms, and a network of successful entrepreneurs. The school’s alumni network, which includes many of the most influential figures in technology and business, further enhances the value of the Stanford MBA.

5. Harvard Business School (USA)

Harvard Business School (HBS), ranked fifth in the 2008 FT MBA ranking, remains one of the most prestigious and influential business schools in the world. Known for its case-based teaching method, HBS is renowned for its focus on leadership, management, and ethical decision-making. The school’s MBA program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business principles while also developing their leadership abilities. Harvard’s case method, which involves analyzing real-world business scenarios, encourages students to think critically and engage with complex business problems. HBS also places a strong emphasis on global business and international exposure, with opportunities for students to participate in international study trips, internships, and projects. The school’s extensive alumni network, which includes a significant number of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, provides students with a unique advantage when it comes to career opportunities. Harvard’s reputation for excellence, combined with its influential faculty and global focus, makes it a top choice for ambitious business students seeking to develop their leadership potential.

1 University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (US)
2 London Business School (UK)
3 Columbia Business School (US)
4 Stanford University GSB (US)
5 Harvard Business School (US)
6 Insead (France / Singapore)
7 MIT: Sloan (US)
8 IE Business School (Spain)
9 Univ of Chicago Graduate Sch. of Business (US)
10 Univ of Cambridge: Judge (UK)
11 Ceibs (China)
11 Iese Business School (Spain)
13 New York Univ: Stern (USA)
14 IMD (Switzerland)
15 Dartmouth College: Tuck (US)
16 Yale School of Management (US)
17 Hong Kong UST Business Sch. (China)
18 HEC Paris (France)
19 Uni of Oxford: Saïd (UK)
20 Indian School of Business (India)
21 Esade Business School (Spain)
22 Lancaster Uni Management School (UK)
23 Manchester Business Sch. (UK)
24 Northwestern Uni: Kellogg (US)
25 UCLA: Anderson (US)
26 Emory Uni: Goizueta (US)
27 Uni of Michigan: Ross (US)
28 Duke Uni: Fuqua (US)
29 Warwick Business School (UK)
30 Cranfield Sch. of Management (UK)
30 Uni of Strathclyde Business School (UK)
32 UC Berkeley: Haas (US)
33 Uni of Virginia: Darden (US)
34 RSM Erasmus Uni (Netherlands)
35 Imperial College London: Tanaka (UK)
36 Cornell Uni: Johnson (US)
37 Uni of Maryland: Smith (US)
38 Georgetown Uni: McDonough (US)
39 Australian Graduate Sch. of Management (Australia)
40 Uni of Toronto: Rotman (Canada)
41 City Uni: Cass (UK)
41 Shanghai Jiao Tong Uni, ACEM (China)
41 Uni of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler (US)
44 Edinburgh U Management School (UK)
44 U of Washington Business School (US)
46 Nanyang Business School (Singapore)
47 U of Rochester: Simon (US)
48 Carnegie Mellon: Tepper (US)
48 Leeds U Business Sch. (UK)
48 Michigan State U: Broad (US)
48 SDA Bocconi (Italy)
48 York U: Schulich (Canada)
53 Bradford Sch. of Management/TiasNimbas Business School (UK / Netherlands / Germany)
53 U of Western Ontario: Ivey (Canada)
55 U of Iowa: Tippie (US)
55 U of South Carolina: Moore (US)
57 U of Arizona: Eller (US)
58 Pennsylvania State U: Smeal (US)
58 U of California: Davis (US)
60 U of Southern California: Marshall (US)
61 Indiana U: Kelley (US)
61 Texas A & M U: Mays (US)
61 Thunderbird Sch. of Global Management (US)
64 Purdue U: Krannert (US)
64 Rice University: Jones (US)
64 U of Florida (US)
64 U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (US)
68 U of California at Irvine: Merage (US)
69 U of Bath Sch. of Management (UK)
69 Washington U: Olin (US)
71 Boston College: Carroll (US)
71 College of William and Mary: Mason (US)
71 George Washington U (US)
71 U of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (South Africa)
75 Melbourne Business School (Australia)
76 Nottingham U Business School (UK)
76 U of Texas at Austin: McCombs (US)
76 Vanderbilt U: Owen (US)
79 U of Notre Dame: Mendoza (US)
80 Tulane U: Freeman (US)
80 U of Georgia: Terry (US)
82 Brigham Young U: Marriott (US)
82 Nyenrode Business Universiteit (Netherlands)
84 Babson College: Olin (US)
84 Boston U School of Management (US)
84 U of Minnesota: Carlson (US)
87 Ohio State U: Fisher (US)
88 Arizona State U: Carey (US)
88 Temple U: Fox (US)
88 U of Alberta (Canada)
88 U of Wisconsin-Madison (US)
92 U of British Columbia: Sauder (Canada)
93 Ipade (Mexico)
93 U of Pittsburgh: Katz (US)
95 Eada (Spain)
96 McGill U: Desautels (Canada)
97 Vlerick Leuven Gent (Belgium)
98 University College Dublin: Smurfit (Ireland)
99 EM Lyon (France)
100 Case Western Reserve U: Weatherhead (U.S.)

Source: Financial Times 2008