Rankings / MBA Concentration
Best MBA Programs for Corporate Finance
- 50
- Schools
- $90,045
- Avg. Earnings
- 86%
- Avg. Graduation
- $31,347
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,924
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $75,121 to $123,938, a 1.6× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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CUNY Bernard M Baruch College delivers the most for the money: roughly $75,971 in median earnings against $3,033 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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CUNY Bernard M Baruch College is the lowest-cost school here at $3,033 a year in net price.
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University of Pennsylvania graduates 97% of its students, versus a 86% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Cornell University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.13× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College costs $3,033 a year and Pepperdine University costs $58,098. Yet their graduates earn $75,971 and $82,939, nowhere near the $55,065 price gap.
- On value, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College beats Babson College: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: University of Pennsylvania finishes 97% of students while George Mason University finishes 69%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and University of Pennsylvania. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $87K within a decade, and financial analyst roles are projected to grow 9%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-20
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Babson College #1 overall | $123,938 ▲ +38% vs avg | $40,514 | 93% | 81 |
| 2 Bentley University #2 overall | $120,959 ▲ +34% vs avg | $37,930 | 88% | 78 |
| 3 Carnegie Mellon University #3 overall | $114,862 ▲ +28% vs avg | $31,944 | 93% | 76 |
| $111,371 ▲ +24% vs avg | $28,699 | 97% | 75 | |
| $104,043 ▲ +16% vs avg | $28,690 | 95% | 74 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best MBA Programs for Corporate Finance
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $90,045 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 86% and an average net price of $31,347.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Bernard M Baruch College — Net Price: $3,033 | Graduation Rate: 72%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Pennsylvania — 97% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Babson College — Median alumni earnings: $123,938
CollegeRanker Primary Research
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Finance & Accounting Careers Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the future of finance, accounting, and compliance careers?
$86,352
Median earnings (10yr)
87%
Median graduation rate
$30,745
Median net price
2.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Accounting and finance programs feed a labor market in transition. A widening CPA shortage pulls firms toward these pipelines even as automation absorbs the routine bookkeeping and reconciliation work that once defined entry-level roles. The durable demand is for judgment: analysis, controls, audit, and compliance work that software cannot fully own.
The median graduation rate across these 50 schools is 87%. Median graduate earnings reach $86,352 ten years after enrollment, roughly $38,352 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $30,745 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $21,000. Some 19% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.4%.
What we’re seeing: automation keeps raising the bar for entry, and programs feeding the CPA and analyst pipelines hold their value best. Graduates earn a median of $86,352 ten years after enrollment, against roughly $21,000 in median debt. That return depends on finishing the credential as much as on the degree itself.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Babson College lands at #1 with a 81/100 composite, led by academic quality (96/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $123,938 a decade after enrolling, 38% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,514 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Bentley University lands at #2 with a 78/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $120,959 a decade after enrolling, 34% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,930 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Carnegie Mellon University lands at #3 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $114,862 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,944 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Pennsylvania lands at #4 with a 75/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $111,371 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,699 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Cornell University lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by academic quality (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (72/100). Graduates earn a median $104,043 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,690 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Santa Clara University lands at #6 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $109,183 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $50,062 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Atlanta, GA · 14% accepted · $12,116 net
Why it ranks #7
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus lands at #7 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $102,772 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,116 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Notre Dame lands at #8 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $99,980 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,780 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Boston College lands at #9 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $103,937 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,704 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Georgetown University lands at #10 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $103,494 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,815 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Lehigh University lands at #11 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $105,584 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,931 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Stevens Institute of Technology lands at #12 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $108,772 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,346 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Villanova University lands at #13 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $100,423 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $43,756 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
University of Southern California lands at #14 with a 67/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $92,498 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,740 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute lands at #15 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $102,051 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,228 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Northeastern University lands at #16 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $92,538 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,915 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Northwestern University lands at #17 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (71/100). Graduates earn a median $89,363 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,167 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Washington University in St Louis lands at #18 with a 65/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (76/100). Graduates earn a median $86,182 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,786 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College lands at #19 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (73/100). Graduates earn a median $75,971 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,033 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
George Washington University lands at #20 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $90,873 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,586 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Emory University lands at #21 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (70/100). Graduates earn a median $80,137 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,585 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Blacksburg, VA · 55% accepted · $24,953 net
Why it ranks #22
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University lands at #22 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $81,698 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,953 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of San Diego lands at #23 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $86,522 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,365 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Boston University lands at #24 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $83,238 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,402 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Fairfield University lands at #25 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $88,794 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $48,095 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Loyola University Maryland lands at #26 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $82,652 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,574 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Providence College lands at #27 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (24/100). Graduates earn a median $87,054 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $48,523 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
New Jersey Institute of Technology lands at #28 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $84,276 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,504 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Binghamton University lands at #29 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $80,596 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,620 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Wake Forest University lands at #30 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $78,158 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,719 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
University of San Francisco lands at #31 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $89,812 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,431 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Case Western Reserve University lands at #32 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $87,989 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $41,190 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
New York University lands at #33 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $82,509 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $37,050 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Brigham Young University lands at #34 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (75/100). Graduates earn a median $75,790 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,564 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Fordham University lands at #35 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (28/100). Graduates earn a median $85,569 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $44,338 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
University of Portland lands at #36 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $82,804 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,210 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Gonzaga University lands at #37 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $78,892 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $35,119 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Charlottesville, VA · 17% accepted · $21,565 net
Why it ranks #38
University of Virginia-Main Campus lands at #38 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (95/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $86,863 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,565 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
George Mason University lands at #39 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $76,343 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,915 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Philadelphia, PA · 89% accepted · $29,689 net
Why it ranks #40
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia lands at #40 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $86,881 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,689 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
University of Rochester lands at #41 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $79,042 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,278 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Pepperdine University lands at #42 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (27/100). Graduates earn a median $82,939 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $58,098 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
The University of Texas at Austin lands at #43 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $75,121 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,857 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
College Park, MD · 45% accepted · $15,678 net
Why it ranks #44
University of Maryland-College Park lands at #44 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $82,860 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,678 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Loyola Marymount University lands at #45 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $78,349 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $48,381 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Marquette University lands at #46 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $78,257 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,487 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Southern Methodist University lands at #47 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $78,354 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $40,892 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Butler University lands at #48 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $77,235 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,041 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Champaign, IL · 42% accepted · $14,355 net
Why it ranks #49
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign lands at #49 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $81,054 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,355 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor lands at #50 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $83,648 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,138 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Top states on this list
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Financial Analysts and related roles — a field with $95,080 median pay and 9% projected growth.
See the Financial Analyst career guide →When considering an MBA with a focus on corporate finance, prospective students often look for programs that blend strong academic foundations with impressive career outcomes. With average earnings for graduates in this field reaching $91,620, choosing the right school can significantly impact one's financial future. This list highlights 50 MBA programs that excel in developing skills relevant to corporate finance, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success.
The schools in this ranking distinguish themselves through key metrics such as graduate earnings, completion rates, and debt levels. High graduation rates, like the 97% at the University of Pennsylvania, reflect strong program support, while average debt levels, for instance, $14,000 at Cornell University, show a potential financial advantage. As you explore the list, consider how these factors align with your personal and career goals.
For example, Babson College stands out with the highest average earnings of $123,938, coupled with a commendable graduation rate of 93%. In contrast, Bentley University, while still impressive with $120,959 in earnings, carries a higher average debt of $25,023. These numbers illustrate the trade-offs between financial outcomes and the cost of education, making it essential to weigh each program's strengths against your individual needs.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 45 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.4%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads the group at 12.9%, with New Jersey Institute of Technology (6.5%) and Binghamton University (5.1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 4.8% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College enrolls the most, at 27.6%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 50.6% across the list, peaking at 68.2% at Babson College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.80, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Boston College is highest at 1.89.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
The data reveals an interesting pattern when comparing schools like Babson College and Bentley University. While Babson graduates enjoy the highest earnings at $123,938, Bentley's $120,959 earnings come with a higher average debt of $25,023. This difference highlights how financial outcomes can vary based on the cost of attendance and post-graduate salaries, which are critical for prospective students to consider.
After reviewing the list of 50 schools, it's important to prioritize what factors matter most to you. Consider location, program fit, campus culture, and financial implications. For instance, if minimizing debt is a priority, schools like Cornell University with lower average debt levels might be more appealing, even if their post-graduation earnings are lower than others.
Ultimately, this data underscores the importance of choosing a program that aligns with your career aspirations and financial situation. A thoughtful decision can lead to a stable financial future, making the investment in an MBA a worthwhile endeavor for one family at a time. Choose wisely, as the right path can significantly influence your journey from college to a successful career.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best MBA Programs for Corporate Finance: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best MBA Programs for Corporate Finance ranking? +
Babson College in Wellesley, MA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best MBA Programs for Corporate Finance ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $123,938 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 93% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Babson College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $123,938 ten years after enrollment, well above the $90,045 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads: graduates earn a median $75,971 against net price of about $3,033 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Pennsylvania has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 97%, compared with a 86% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $31,347 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,033. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best MBA Programs for Corporate Finance ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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