Economist Which MBA? Ranking - Top 10

According to The Economist’s "Which MBA?" rankings for 2010, several leading institutions stood out globally, offering unique programs that cater to the evolving needs of students and professionals. Among these, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business emerged as the top-ranked MBA program, securing the No. 1 spot in the world, while Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business, the University of Washington’s Michael G. Foster School of Business, and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business also received high praise for their contributions to business education.

University of Chicago Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, renowned for its emphasis on analytical rigor and a highly flexible curriculum, was ranked No. 1 in the world in The Economist’s 2010 rankings. Chicago Booth's MBA program stands out for its academic excellence and ability to shape innovative leaders who can navigate and excel in an increasingly complex global business environment.

Booth is particularly lauded for its strength in finance and economics, fields that are deeply rooted in the school’s history. The program is known for its empirical approach to business theory, which blends quantitative methods with real-world application. This allows students to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage companies and make data-driven decisions in today’s volatile markets. Moreover, Booth’s distinctive "choose your own adventure" approach to MBA education allows students to tailor their academic experience, providing unparalleled flexibility in course selection and career exploration.

The global reach of the Booth MBA program is another key reason for its success. Its diverse student body, as well as strong connections with global businesses and industries, positions Booth as an attractive destination for international students. The faculty at Booth, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields, also contributes significantly to the school’s reputation for excellence in business education. The alumni network, a critical aspect of business school rankings, plays a central role in ensuring that graduates of Booth have access to top-tier opportunities across the globe.

Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business

Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College ranked 2nd in the 2010 Economist MBA rankings, a testament to the program’s longstanding reputation for academic rigor and an unparalleled focus on leadership development. As the only Ivy League business school, Tuck stands out for its close-knit, collaborative community and its ability to provide personalized education, which fosters both intellectual growth and lifelong relationships.

One of Tuck’s key strengths, according to the Economist rankings, is its ability to open new career opportunities for its graduates. Ranked 4th globally in this category, Tuck offers a program that consistently produces graduates who are highly sought after by top employers across various industries, including consulting, finance, technology, and consumer goods. The school’s rigorous curriculum, combined with its strong career services and robust alumni network, provides students with the tools they need to transition successfully into leadership roles.

Tuck is also recognized for the effectiveness of its Career Development Office (CDO), which helps students with job placement, internships, and networking opportunities. The CDO is particularly effective in assisting students in finding positions within industries that are competitive, such as investment banking and consulting. Additionally, the quality of Tuck’s physical facilities, including its modern classroom environments and collaborative spaces, contributes to the overall learning experience, creating an atmosphere conducive to personal and academic growth.

What truly sets Tuck apart, however, is its strong sense of community. With a smaller cohort size compared to other leading business schools, Tuck fosters an environment where students can build close relationships with both peers and faculty. This tight-knit culture is integral to the Tuck experience, and it’s something that consistently receives high marks from students and alumni alike.

University of Washington—Michael G. Foster School of Business

The University of Washington’s Michael G. Foster School of Business secured the 19th spot in the Economist’s rankings for 2010, placing it firmly among the top business schools in North America. More impressively, it ranked 4th among public business schools in the U.S., a remarkable achievement that highlights the school’s growing influence and recognition within the highly competitive MBA landscape.

Foster’s MBA program is known for its strengths in entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in the technology sector, given its proximity to Seattle, one of the world’s major technology hubs. Foster’s location provides students with unique opportunities to network with and intern at global giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, as well as smaller, fast-growing startups. This access to the tech industry, combined with a comprehensive business education, makes Foster a highly attractive option for students seeking careers in technology and entrepreneurship.

The Foster School places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering students opportunities to work on real-world projects and gain hands-on experience through internships and consulting assignments. The school’s focus on innovation, coupled with its academic rigor and emphasis on leadership, ensures that Foster MBA graduates are well-prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Moreover, Foster's relatively lower tuition cost, compared to many private business schools, makes it an appealing option for those seeking a high-quality education at a more affordable price point, making it particularly attractive to domestic students and those considering a career in the Pacific Northwest.

University of Virginia Darden School of Business

The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, consistently ranked as one of the top business schools in the United States, secured the 7th spot in the Economist’s 2010 rankings, both in the U.S. and globally. Darden is renowned for its focus on developing well-rounded leaders through its case-based learning methodology and commitment to providing an immersive MBA experience that stresses collaboration, ethics, and responsible leadership.

Darden stands out in several specialized categories. Most notably, it was ranked 1st for Student Rating of the Program, reflecting the high levels of student satisfaction with the overall educational experience. Darden also ranked 2nd in both Student Rating of Faculty and Alumni Effectiveness, underlining the quality of its teaching staff and the effectiveness of its alumni network in helping students advance their careers.

Additionally, Darden was ranked 6th for Student Rating of Career Services, a vital metric in today’s competitive job market. The school’s Career Development Center provides extensive resources to support students in securing internships and post-graduation employment, helping them connect with a wide range of employers across industries. The high satisfaction levels in these areas reflect the comprehensive, student-centered approach that Darden brings to its MBA program.

Darden’s case-method teaching style, which engages students in real-world decision-making scenarios, is one of the key reasons for the school’s strong student satisfaction. This pedagogical approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning, develop critical thinking skills, and become effective decision-makers. As a result, Darden graduates leave the program with a solid foundation in business fundamentals and a deep understanding of the challenges that leaders face in today’s complex global environment.

2010 Rank, Name, (2009 Rank)
1. Chicago Booth (4)
2. Dartmouth Tuck (6)
3. UC Berkeley Haas (3)
4. Harvard Business School (5)
5. IESE Business School (1)
6. IMD (2)
7. Stanford GSB (7)
8. Wharton (9)
9. HEC School of Management (14)
10. York Schulich (12)
Source: The Economist