Forbes MBA Rankings

The Forbes magazine ranking of MBA programs provides a unique perspective on the value of business schools, specifically focusing on return on investment (ROI). For the 2011 edition of its biennial ranking, Forbes analyzed 104 business schools in the United States and abroad, measuring the financial return to graduates three years after completing their programs. Unlike other MBA rankings that may prioritize academic reputation, employment rates, or global reach, Forbes emphasizes the tangible outcomes of the MBA experience, specifically how much graduates earn compared to what they spent on their education.

Penn State Smeal College of Business

Among the top business schools in Forbes' 2011 rankings, Penn State’s Smeal College of Business stands out as a prominent institution. Ranked 10th among publicly supported business schools and 26th overall, Smeal has consistently demonstrated its ability to offer strong financial returns to its graduates. The program’s strong showing in the 2011 rankings represents a modest improvement from its 28th place position in 2009, indicating that the college has made strides in enhancing both the value and the reputation of its MBA program.

Smeal’s position within the top 30 of U.S. business schools is a testament to its solid academic offerings and its focus on preparing students for leadership roles in diverse industries. The program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment, with students working closely with faculty members and peers on complex business challenges. This emphasis on teamwork, leadership, and practical skills ensures that Smeal graduates are well-prepared to thrive in the fast-paced world of business.

A particularly distinctive feature of the Smeal MBA program is its integration of sustainability into business education. Smeal’s focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices is not only a reflection of global trends but also prepares students to lead organizations in a way that balances profit with social and environmental impact. This unique focus on sustainability has helped the program maintain its competitiveness, especially among students seeking to make a difference in the world beyond just maximizing financial returns.

Moreover, Smeal's connections to the corporate world—bolstered by its strong alumni network—play a significant role in helping graduates secure high-paying jobs after completing the program. With a well-established presence in industries such as consulting, finance, technology, and manufacturing, Smeal graduates have access to an impressive range of career opportunities, which, in turn, contribute to the program’s high ROI rankings.

Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business

Another notable school on the Forbes 2011 list is Rollins College and its Crummer Graduate School of Business, which earned a solid ranking of 46th nationally. The Rollins MBA is particularly notable for being the highest-ranked program in Florida, a distinction it has maintained throughout the history of Forbes' biennial rankings. What sets Rollins apart is its consistently high performance; it has been ranked in the top 50 every time Forbes has released its Best Business Schools list, a remarkable achievement for a program that serves a diverse range of students from varying professional backgrounds.

The Crummer Graduate School of Business is known for its strong emphasis on leadership development, ethical decision-making, and entrepreneurship. With a focus on providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them to excel in a rapidly evolving business landscape, Rollins offers a curriculum designed to cultivate innovative thinking, effective communication, and strategic problem-solving skills. These attributes are particularly valuable for those seeking leadership roles in organizations that require both technical business acumen and the ability to lead teams and drive change.

Rollins also benefits from its location in Winter Park, Florida, which places it in close proximity to a growing business hub in the southeastern United States. The school maintains strong connections to both local and national businesses, which provides students with networking opportunities and access to internships and post-graduation employment. With a focus on creating real-world experiences and offering personalized career support, the Rollins MBA is designed to maximize the return on investment for its graduates, making it a compelling choice for students seeking to advance their careers in the state of Florida and beyond.

Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business

The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, ranked 6th in Forbes’ 2011 rankings, is one of the most prestigious business schools in the United States. Tuck's top-tier status reflects not only its academic rigor but also its consistent ability to deliver significant value to students in terms of career progression and financial returns. With a small, close-knit community, Tuck offers an intimate and highly personalized MBA experience that sets it apart from many larger institutions. This personal approach ensures that each student receives tailored career coaching, leadership development opportunities, and exposure to top business leaders.

One of Tuck’s standout features is its unwavering commitment to producing graduates who are well-prepared for leadership roles. The school’s focus on general management education ensures that students develop the broad skill set necessary to tackle complex business problems and lead organizations across a variety of industries. Tuck’s reputation for producing graduates who excel in leadership positions, particularly in consulting, finance, and technology, contributes to its high return on investment.

Tuck’s alumni network is one of the school’s greatest assets, and the strong connections that students form with their peers and professors during their time at Dartmouth often translate into lifelong professional relationships. The school’s location in Hanover, New Hampshire, may seem remote compared to urban business hubs, but Tuck’s small size and emphasis on community foster deep, lasting connections that are beneficial throughout students’ careers.

The strong focus on leadership development, combined with Tuck’s rigorous academic environment and impressive career outcomes, contributes significantly to its high ranking in terms of ROI. Graduates of Tuck go on to work in some of the most influential firms in the world, further enhancing the school’s reputation for delivering substantial financial returns.

Emory University Goizueta Business School

Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, ranked 22nd by Forbes in 2011, rounds out the list of top MBA programs based on ROI. Known for its strong academic curriculum and its focus on leadership development, Goizueta has positioned itself as a key player in the competitive landscape of U.S. business schools. The program offers a comprehensive and rigorous education that emphasizes not only technical business knowledge but also the development of critical soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and decision-making.

One of the defining features of Goizueta’s MBA program is its hands-on approach to learning. Students engage in real-world projects, internships, and case studies that allow them to apply classroom concepts to actual business challenges. This experiential learning model ensures that Goizueta graduates are not only academically well-prepared but also ready to make an immediate impact in the business world upon graduation.

In addition to its strong national ranking, Goizueta is highly regarded for its international focus, with opportunities for global business study trips, international internships, and exchange programs with partner schools around the world. The global exposure that Goizueta offers helps students develop a well-rounded understanding of the complexities of international business, which is a critical skill in today’s interconnected world.

The success of Goizueta’s graduates in securing high-paying jobs, particularly in consulting, finance, and healthcare, contributes significantly to the program’s solid ranking in terms of return on investment. With its comprehensive approach to business education, strong industry connections, and focus on leadership, Goizueta Business School continues to be a top choice for students seeking to maximize their post-MBA earnings.