Financial Times Global MBA Ranking - Harvard ranked No. 1
The Financial Times Global MBA Rankings for 2013 offered a comprehensive look at the top business schools worldwide, showcasing both longstanding leaders and institutions that were making significant strides in terms of academic excellence, corporate social responsibility, and post-graduation outcomes. The rankings considered a range of factors, including alumni salary progression, career advancement, international exposure, and diversity within the faculty and student body.
In the 2013 rankings, Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business were all positioned at the pinnacle of global business education, underscoring their dominance in shaping the world’s future business leaders.
Harvard Business School, ranked No. 1 globally, continued to hold its position as the undisputed leader in business education. The school’s MBA program is renowned for its case method approach, which emphasizes practical learning through real-world business scenarios. Harvard’s long-standing reputation is built on a robust academic curriculum, unmatched resources, and a vast network of alumni who hold influential positions across the world. The school’s dominance in the Financial Times rankings was largely attributed to its consistent ability to produce graduates who secure high-paying jobs and rapidly ascend the corporate ladder. Moreover, Harvard’s focus on leadership, innovation, and global impact has made its MBA program the gold standard for aspiring business leaders. The combination of a rigorous academic environment, world-class faculty, and extensive global networks has allowed Harvard Business School to maintain its top spot year after year.
Following closely behind Harvard, Stanford Graduate School of Business ranked second in the 2013 Financial Times rankings. Stanford’s proximity to Silicon Valley and its emphasis on entrepreneurship have made it a leading institution for those looking to launch startups or transition into the tech sector. Stanford’s MBA program is highly selective and attracts students who are not only academically gifted but also entrepreneurial in spirit. The school’s curriculum focuses on developing leaders who can drive innovation and tackle complex global challenges, with a special emphasis on creating ventures that make a positive impact.
Stanford’s ranking in the Financial Times was further boosted by its exceptional outcomes in alumni salary progression and career satisfaction. Graduates from Stanford’s MBA program enjoy some of the highest salaries in the world, and many are placed in prestigious roles in industries such as technology, consulting, and finance. The school’s collaborative and inclusive culture, coupled with its strong entrepreneurial focus, continues to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, ranked third in the 2013 Financial Times rankings, maintained its position as one of the most prestigious business schools globally. Wharton’s MBA program is particularly well-known for its strength in finance, marketing, and management, with a rigorous quantitative curriculum that equips students with the tools needed to excel in the business world. Wharton’s position in the rankings was bolstered by its impressive global reach, substantial financial resources, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Wharton graduates consistently land top positions at leading corporations, with many choosing to pursue careers in consulting, banking, or technology. The school’s extensive alumni network is another major draw for prospective students, providing access to a powerful community of professionals who help facilitate career opportunities. Additionally, Wharton’s focus on fostering leadership skills and cultivating a global perspective makes it an attractive option for students seeking to make an impact in business at both the local and international levels.
While the top three schools—Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton—dominated the 2013 Financial Times rankings, the report also highlighted several other schools that had made notable progress or demonstrated specific strengths in particular areas. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, ranked 45th overall, stood out for its leadership in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethics, securing the No. 3 global ranking in these areas. CSR and ethics have become increasingly important considerations for business schools, as they reflect the growing emphasis on responsible leadership and sustainable business practices.
Kenan-Flagler’s focus on creating leaders who understand the importance of ethical decision-making, environmental sustainability, and corporate governance is evident in its curriculum and initiatives. The school’s efforts to integrate CSR and ethics into its MBA program, combined with strong outcomes in other areas such as alumni career progression and global exposure, make it a strong contender among top business schools. The school’s ranking in the top five for CSR and ethics was a testament to its commitment to developing business leaders who are not only highly skilled but also deeply conscious of their social and environmental responsibilities.
In the same rankings, the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business was ranked 50th globally and 24th in the United States. Smith’s MBA program offers students a comprehensive education in business management, with a particular emphasis on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The school’s ranking was also bolstered by its strong showing among public universities in the United States, where it ranked 7th. Smith has carved out a niche as a leading public business school, offering a solid education at a more affordable price point than many of its private peers. The program has seen significant investment in its facilities and resources, and its strong focus on producing graduates with high employability and competitive salaries has helped bolster its position in the global rankings.
The University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business also made its mark in the 2013 Financial Times rankings, coming in at No. 54 globally, No. 26 in the United States, and No. 9 among public universities in the U.S. Merage’s MBA program has been recognized for its emphasis on leadership in the digital economy, with a particular focus on technology management, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The school’s proximity to Silicon Valley and the thriving tech industry in Southern California gives Merage students unique opportunities to engage with leading companies and entrepreneurial ventures. One of the school’s standout achievements in the Financial Times rankings was its No. 5 position in the United States for the percentage of students employed within 90 days of graduation, at a remarkable 94%. Merage also topped the rankings for the percentage of women faculty and women students, making it a leader in promoting gender diversity in business education.
In contrast to the highly ranked traditional business schools, Hult International Business School, a global network with campuses in cities such as London, New York, and San Francisco, made significant strides in the 2013 rankings. Hult’s MBA program climbed 37 places in just three years, landing at No. 57 globally. This rapid improvement reflects the growing demand for Hult’s internationally focused MBA program, which offers students exposure to a wide range of cultures, industries, and business practices. Hult’s emphasis on global business education, combined with its strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, has made it an attractive option for international students looking to pursue an MBA that will open doors to global business opportunities. The school’s impressive performance in terms of alumni salaries and career progression, despite the broader economic challenges, highlights the increasing value of Hult’s international perspective and global network.
