Historical MBA Rankings

The year 2000 saw a highly anticipated ranking of the top business schools in the United States, published by Best Education USA. This ranking was based on several key factors that have long been integral to determining the prestige and success of MBA programs: starting salaries of graduates, GMAT scores, work experience of students, gender and diversity mix, and overall quality of life at each school.

The top five schools in the ranking — Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), University of Chicago, and Northwestern University (Kellogg) — stand as paragons of excellence in business education.

1. Harvard Business School

As the number one school in the Best Education USA ranking for 2000, Harvard Business School (HBS) has long been considered a leader in the field of business education. With an iconic brand that resonates across industries worldwide, HBS is known for its prestigious faculty, extensive resources, and rigorous academic programs. The school’s MBA program is particularly noted for its case method of teaching, where students are immersed in real-world business problems and must develop solutions that are both practical and innovative.

HBS has been renowned for attracting top-tier students with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Graduates of the school are highly sought after by employers across a range of industries, particularly in management consulting, finance, and technology. Harvard's alumni network is one of the most influential globally, giving graduates access to a powerful and far-reaching network that continues to support their careers long after they leave the school.

One of the key factors contributing to Harvard's ranking in 2000 was the starting salary of its MBA graduates, which consistently ranks among the highest in the industry. Furthermore, HBS boasts a highly competitive GMAT score average, strong work experience requirements for admission, and a balanced gender mix, contributing to its overall appeal. The quality of life at Harvard, with its world-class facilities and vast extracurricular opportunities, also makes it an ideal environment for personal and professional development.

2. Stanford Graduate School of Business

Ranked second in the 2000 Best Education USA rankings, Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is often viewed as the most innovative and entrepreneurial-focused business school in the world. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford GSB has become synonymous with entrepreneurship and venture capital. Its proximity to the world’s most vibrant tech ecosystem provides students with unparalleled opportunities to network, gain exposure to cutting-edge business practices, and even launch their own startups.

Stanford has always been known for its emphasis on fostering leadership skills and encouraging students to think beyond conventional business strategies. The school has a distinctive culture that encourages collaboration over competition, allowing students to focus on creative problem-solving and social responsibility. This unique atmosphere has produced many entrepreneurs and business leaders who have gone on to create some of the most successful companies in the world.

In terms of academic rigor, Stanford GSB has one of the highest average GMAT scores of any top-tier business school. The school also maintains an excellent balance in terms of work experience, with students typically possessing a wealth of practical experience before entering the program. The school’s global network of alumni and its high placement rates with top employers ensure that its graduates are highly regarded by companies across industries. The quality of life at Stanford is also exceptional, with a strong emphasis on personal well-being, outdoor activities, and a collaborative, tight-knit community.

3. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania holds the third spot in the Best Education USA rankings for 2000, reflecting its standing as one of the most prestigious and rigorous business schools in the world. Wharton has long been regarded as the leader in finance education, with a robust curriculum that emphasizes quantitative analysis, financial modeling, and strategic decision-making. However, Wharton’s strengths go far beyond finance. The school offers a wide range of concentrations in areas such as marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and operations, making it an excellent choice for students who wish to explore various facets of business.

Wharton is renowned for its ability to blend academic excellence with practical, real-world applications. The school’s faculty includes some of the leading scholars in business, and the MBA program consistently attracts top students from around the globe. Like its competitors, Wharton also has a highly competitive admissions process, with applicants boasting exceptional GMAT scores and significant work experience.

Wharton’s starting salaries for MBA graduates are consistently high, particularly for those pursuing careers in consulting, investment banking, and private equity. The school also offers a highly diverse student body, with a mix of genders and international students, creating a rich, multicultural learning environment. The strength of the Wharton alumni network is another critical factor that helps to place its graduates at the top of the corporate ladder. Wharton students also benefit from the school’s proximity to Philadelphia, a city with a rich history of business and industry.

4. University of Chicago: Booth School of Business

In fourth place in the 2000 rankings is the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. Known for its highly analytical and data-driven approach to business education, Booth has built a reputation as one of the most intellectually rigorous business schools in the world. The school’s curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in economics and quantitative analysis, while also offering students the flexibility to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.

Booth has consistently ranked highly for its strength in finance, economics, and entrepreneurship. However, the school’s reach extends far beyond these areas, with programs in marketing, operations, and management also attracting top talent. One of the key differentiators for Booth is its commitment to academic freedom and its focus on developing critical thinkers who can tackle complex business problems with creativity and rigor.

Booth students typically have strong professional backgrounds, and the school’s highly selective admissions process ensures that only the most qualified individuals are accepted into its MBA program. In terms of graduate outcomes, Booth alumni enjoy high starting salaries, particularly in fields like consulting, finance, and technology. The school’s downtown Chicago location offers students a wealth of networking opportunities and access to a diverse array of industries and companies. The quality of life at Booth is considered excellent, with access to the resources and amenities of the city as well as a vibrant student community.

5. Northwestern University: Kellogg School of Management

Rounding out the top five in the Best Education USA rankings is Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, a school known for its collaborative culture, emphasis on teamwork, and focus on leadership development. Kellogg’s MBA program is one of the most well-regarded in the world, particularly for students interested in general management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Kellogg’s strength lies in its ability to combine academic rigor with practical, hands-on learning. The school offers a wide range of programs, from its traditional MBA to executive education and joint degree options. Kellogg’s marketing program, in particular, is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, and its students are highly sought after by top companies in the consumer goods, tech, and consulting sectors.

Students at Kellogg tend to come from diverse backgrounds, and the school places a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. This culture fosters an environment in which students are encouraged to work together and learn from one another, enhancing the overall educational experience. Like its peers, Kellogg boasts high starting salaries for its graduates, particularly those who enter consulting and finance roles. The school’s location in Evanston, Illinois, provides students with access to the wealth of business and cultural opportunities in Chicago, making it an attractive option for those looking to develop both professionally and personally.

2000 MBA League Tables:

Top 10 American Business Schools:
(Based on full time MBA starting salaries, GMAT scores, Work experience of students, M/F mix, and ‘Quality of life’ at School)

1- Harvard;
2- Stanford;
3- Pennsylvania,Wharton;
4- Univ of Chicago;
5- Kellogg, Northwestern;
6- Sloan, MIT;
7- Columbia;
8- Univ of Michigan;
9- Tuck,Dartmouth;
10- Darden, Virginia

Top 10 European Business Schools:
(Based on full time starting salaries, GMAT scores, Work experience of students, M/F mix, and ‘Quality of life’ at School)

1- IMD;
2- INSEAD;
3- IESE;
4- London Bus School;
5- Rotterdam;
6- ISA Paris;
7- Manchester Bus School;
8- Bocconi;
9- UBI, Belgium;
10- Nyenrode

Top 10 Asia/Pacific Business Schools:
(Based on full time starting salaries, GMAT scores, Work experience of students, M/F mix, and ‘Quality of life’ at School)

1- Melbourne;
2- Aus Grad Sch of Mgt;
3- IIM Ahmedabad;
4- Int Univ of Japan;
5- Asian Inst of Mgt, Phil;
6- Chinese Univ of Hong Kong;
7- Nat Univ of Sing;
8- IIM Calcutta;
9- Aus Nat Univ;
10- Nanyang Tech Univ

Source: Best Education (USA) 2000