MBA Rankings - The Top 10 List

The Economist’s annual World MBA Ranking is a widely recognized and respected measure of the global landscape of business education. The ranking evaluates business schools based on various criteria, including the quality of the program, career opportunities for graduates, alumni satisfaction, and international diversity. The 2011 edition of the ranking is a reflection of the growing globalization of business education, with schools from both North America and Europe continuing to dominate the list. While the ranking includes a mix of traditional American powerhouses and rising European institutions, the diversity of the top 10 schools also signals a broadening of the field, offering a range of options for aspiring business leaders.

1. Dartmouth College: Tuck School of Business (USA)

Ranked number one in the 2011 Economist World MBA Ranking, Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business stands as a beacon of academic excellence and personalized business education. Tuck’s reputation has been built on its commitment to leadership development and its close-knit, collaborative community. Tuck’s MBA program is known for its intimate, small-class environment, which fosters strong relationships among students and faculty. This is one of the core pillars of the Tuck experience, where collaboration and teamwork are emphasized, and students are encouraged to engage in real-world problem solving. The school’s global network of alumni, which includes prominent figures in business, consulting, finance, and non-profit sectors, offers students access to valuable career opportunities. Tuck’s strong connections to top consulting firms and its impressive record of placing graduates in influential roles in corporate America further cement its reputation as a leading business school.

2. University of Chicago: Booth School of Business (USA)

Ranked second in 2011, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, data-driven approach to business education, and the emphasis on developing analytical and strategic decision-making skills. Booth is often considered a pioneer in integrating a strong quantitative and analytical foundation with real-world business challenges. The school offers a flexible MBA program, allowing students to customize their coursework and tailor their studies to specific career goals, whether in finance, consulting, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Chicago Booth’s faculty includes some of the world’s leading scholars in economics, finance, and strategy, ensuring that students receive a cutting-edge education in the latest business theories and practices. The school is also widely regarded for its global reach, with a network of alumni who occupy influential roles in businesses around the world. Chicago Booth’s location in the heart of Chicago, a major financial and business hub, provides students with access to an extensive range of career opportunities.

3. IMD (Switzerland)

IMD, ranked third in the 2011 Economist World MBA Ranking, stands out for its focus on international business, leadership development, and its commitment to delivering an intense, personalized MBA experience. IMD is known for its small class sizes, which foster a collaborative and intimate learning environment. The school places significant emphasis on global business practices and leadership, and its MBA program is structured to produce graduates who are ready to tackle the challenges of the modern global economy. IMD’s international diversity is one of its key selling points, with students hailing from over 40 countries, and the school’s connections to global corporations help ensure that students receive real-world exposure to the most pressing business issues. IMD’s focus on experiential learning, including company projects and leadership development programs, is designed to help students develop both practical business skills and strategic thinking. The school’s strong reputation in Europe and its robust network of alumni make it an attractive option for students seeking a highly globalized, high-touch MBA experience.

4. University of Virginia: Darden School of Business (USA)

The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia holds the fourth spot in the 2011 ranking, owing to its distinguished reputation in the field of business education. Darden is particularly well-known for its case-method approach to teaching, which immerses students in real-world business scenarios and encourages active participation in the learning process. The school’s MBA program is rigorous and collaborative, emphasizing the development of leadership and decision-making skills. Darden’s commitment to producing ethical business leaders is reflected in its focus on values-based leadership, which encourages students to consider not just the financial implications of their decisions, but also the social and ethical consequences. Darden’s alumni network is vast and highly influential, with graduates working in leadership positions across a variety of sectors, including consulting, finance, healthcare, and technology. The school’s location in Charlottesville, Virginia, provides a peaceful, focused learning environment, while its close connections to Washington, D.C. and major corporate hubs give students access to a wealth of career opportunities.

5. Harvard Business School (USA)

Harvard Business School (HBS) has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, and its fifth-place ranking in the 2011 Economist World MBA Ranking further underscores its global stature. HBS’s MBA program is famous for its case-study method, which challenges students to confront complex business problems and make strategic decisions in a real-world context. This approach fosters a deep understanding of business and management and prepares students for leadership positions across industries. Harvard Business School places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, providing students with the tools to launch their own ventures or lead established companies. The school’s vast alumni network, which spans the globe and includes many high-profile CEOs and entrepreneurs, provides students with unparalleled career resources and networking opportunities. HBS’s rich academic resources, distinguished faculty, and commitment to fostering transformative business leaders have helped it maintain its position as a world leader in business education.

6. University of California, Berkeley: Haas School of Business (USA)

Ranked sixth in the 2011 Economist MBA ranking, the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, offers a highly regarded MBA program with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Haas has earned a strong reputation for fostering a culture of innovation, with its students consistently creating groundbreaking ventures in fields ranging from technology to social impact. The school is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, which offers students unparalleled access to cutting-edge industries, particularly in tech, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. Haas’s emphasis on social responsibility and sustainable business practices is woven into its curriculum, making it a strong choice for students who want to integrate these principles into their careers. The school’s entrepreneurial spirit, robust alumni network, and global reputation make it an excellent option for students seeking a top-tier business education.

7. Columbia Business School (USA)

Columbia Business School ranks seventh in the 2011 Economist World MBA Ranking. The school’s location in New York City, a global financial and business hub, offers its students unparalleled access to top firms in finance, consulting, and a host of other industries. Columbia’s MBA program provides a rigorous academic foundation, combined with opportunities for hands-on learning and internships in one of the world’s most dynamic business environments. Columbia is well-regarded for its strength in finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship, and its alumni network, which is one of the largest and most influential in the world, helps students connect with leading companies and organizations. The school’s strong global orientation and diverse student body further enhance its position as one of the top business schools in the world.

8. Stanford Graduate School of Business (USA)

Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is ranked eighth in the 2011 Economist MBA ranking. Known for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, Stanford is located near Silicon Valley, giving students access to a thriving startup ecosystem and a wealth of resources in the tech and venture capital industries. Stanford’s MBA program emphasizes leadership, creativity, and the development of innovative solutions to business problems. The school’s flexible curriculum allows students to explore various disciplines and tailor their education to their career aspirations. Stanford GSB’s global reputation, distinguished faculty, and emphasis on transformative leadership continue to attract top students from around the world.

9. York University Schulich School of Business (Canada)

Ranked ninth in the 2011 Economist MBA ranking, the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, Canada, offers a world-class MBA program with a strong focus on global business and leadership. Schulich’s MBA program is recognized for its international reach, with students and faculty coming from diverse backgrounds and the school’s partnerships with institutions around the world. Schulich emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to business education, allowing students to specialize in areas such as international business, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. The school’s strong ties to the Canadian business community, combined with its global perspective, make it an excellent choice for students seeking to build careers both in Canada and abroad.

10. IESE Business School (Spain)

IESE Business School, ranked tenth in the 2011 Economist World MBA Ranking, is known for its global outlook and strong emphasis on leadership and ethics. Based in Barcelona, IESE has earned a reputation for producing graduates who are prepared to lead in a rapidly changing global business environment. The school’s MBA program focuses on developing not only managerial and technical skills but also the interpersonal and ethical dimensions of leadership. IESE’s international campuses in New York, Munich, and São Paulo, as well as its extensive global alumni network, give students access to business opportunities around the world. The school’s rigorous academic training and focus on creating responsible leaders help solidify its position as one of the top business schools worldwide.

The Economist World MBA Ranking 2011 (top 10 list):
1 Dartmouth College
2 Chicago
3 IMD
4 University of Virginia
5 Harvard Business School
6 University of California, Berkeley
7 Columbia Business School
8 Stanford Graduate School of Business
9 York University Schulich School of Business
10 IESE Business School

U.S. News & World Report MBA Rankings 2011:
1. Harvard Business School
1. Stanford Graduate School of Business
3. MIT Sloan
4. Kellogg / Northwestern
5. Chicago / Booth
5. Wharton / UPENN
7. Tuck / Dartmouth
7. Haas / Berkeley
9. Columbia Business School
9. NYU / Stern

US News Part-time MBA Rankings 2011:
1. Northwestern University
2. University of Chicago
3. University of California–Berkeley
3. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
5. New York University
5. University of California–Los Angeles
7. University of Texas Austin
7. University of Southern California
9. Carnegie Mellon University
10. Washington University in St. Louis
10. Emory University
10. Indiana University–Bloomington
10. Ohio State University

Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2011 (Top 10 list):
1. London Business School
1. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton
3. Harvard Business School
4. Insead
4. Stanford University GSB
6. Hong Kong UST Business School
7. Columbia Business School
8. IE Business School
9. MIT Sloan School of Management
9. Iese Business School