Rankings / MBA
Best MBA Programs
- 41
- Schools
- $83,891
- Avg. Earnings
- 85%
- Avg. Graduation
- $22,780
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,467
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $56,343 at the low end to $123,938 at the top. That 2.2× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Florida Atlantic University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $56,746 against $7,994 in annual tuition, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Florida Atlantic University, at $7,994 annually in tuition.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Pennsylvania graduates 97% of its students, well above the 85% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Rice University: graduates owe only 0.12× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ($75,971 earnings), not the highest earner, Babson College ($123,938). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Florida Atlantic University ($7,994/yr) and University of Pennsylvania ($87,970/yr) produce graduates earning $56,746 and $111,371 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $79,976 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Florida Atlantic University outperforms Babson College: similar career earnings at a much lower tuition.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the programs that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these programs, begin with Florida Atlantic University and University of Pennsylvania. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
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 $80K within a decade, and management analyst roles are projected to grow 10%. 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 2026-06-15
Source datasets
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
- National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- U.S. News & World Report. Best Business Schools MBA Rankings. Used for MBA program validation.
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 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College #1 overall | $75,971 ▼ -9% vs avg | $3,033 | 72% | 56 |
| 2 Cornell University #2 overall | $104,043 ▲ +24% vs avg | $28,690 | 95% | 55 |
| 3 Rice University #3 overall | $89,718 ▲ +7% vs avg | $13,370 | 95% | 54 |
| $102,772 ▲ +23% vs avg | $12,116 | 93% | 54 | |
| $111,371 ▲ +33% vs avg | $28,699 | 97% | 54 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best MBA Programs
This analysis ranks 41 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $83,891 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 85% and an average net price of $22,780.
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
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Management Education Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about leadership and management education?
$80,137
Median earnings (10yr)
89%
Median graduation rate
$22,367
Median net price
2.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Management education makes a blunt promise: pay now, earn more later. Top-tier programs keep that promise through network effects and placement outcomes. Many others raise earnings barely enough to cover their cost. The spread in outcomes across programs is wider here than in almost any other discipline.
Start with the medians across these 41 programs. Graduates earn a median of $80,137 ten years after enrollment, or about $32,137 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 89%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $22,367 a year with about $18,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 21% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.3%.
In management education, network effects amplify everything. Graduates earn a median of $80,137 ten years after enrollment, and CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads the field. The gap between the top and the middle is wide enough that school selection may be the most consequential financial decision in this category.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College lands at #1 with a 56/100 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, 9% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Cornell University lands at #2 with a 55/100 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, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,690 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 #3
Rice University lands at #3 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (81/100). Graduates earn a median $89,718 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,370 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
Atlanta, GA · 14% accepted · $12,116 net
Why it ranks #4
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus lands at #4 with a 54/100 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, 23% 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 #5
University of Pennsylvania lands at #5 with a 54/100 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, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,699 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
Chapel Hill, NC · 15% accepted · $11,655 net
Why it ranks #6
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands at #6 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (77/100). Graduates earn a median $72,200 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,655 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 #7
University of Florida lands at #7 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Notre Dame lands at #8 with a 53/100 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, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,780 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 #9
Babson College lands at #9 with a 53/100 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, 48% 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 #10
Emory University lands at #10 with a 53/100 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, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,585 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Washington University in St Louis lands at #11 with a 53/100 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, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,786 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 #12
Carnegie Mellon University lands at #12 with a 52/100 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, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,944 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
University of Georgia lands at #13 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (73/100). Graduates earn a median $68,726 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,936 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 #14
Northwestern University lands at #14 with a 52/100 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, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,167 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 #15
Brigham Young University lands at #15 with a 52/100 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, 10% 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 #16
Georgetown University lands at #16 with a 52/100 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, 23% 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 #17
William & Mary lands at #17 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (73/100). Graduates earn a median $73,490 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,096 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 #18
San Jose State University lands at #18 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $78,988 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,760 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 #19
University of Southern California lands at #19 with a 51/100 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, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,740 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 #20
Boston College lands at #20 with a 51/100 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, 24% 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 #21
University of Central Florida lands at #21 with a 51/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 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 #22
Bentley University lands at #22 with a 51/100 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, 44% 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 #23
Florida State University lands at #23 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $61,675 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 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 #24
University of North Florida lands at #24 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 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
Boston University lands at #25 with a 51/100 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, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,402 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 #26
Florida Atlantic University lands at #26 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 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 #27
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University lands at #27 with a 50/100 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, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,953 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
Ramapo College of New Jersey lands at #28 with a 50/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $67,541 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,173 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 #29
The University of Texas at Austin lands at #29 with a 50/100 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, 10% 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
Why it ranks #30
Wake Forest University lands at #30 with a 50/100 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, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,719 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 #31
Northeastern University lands at #31 with a 50/100 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, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,915 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 #32
Binghamton University lands at #32 with a 50/100 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, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,620 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 #33
Florida International University lands at #33 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 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 #34
University of South Florida lands at #34 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 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
SUNY Maritime College lands at #35 with a 50/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $95,951 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,367 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 #36
Santa Clara University lands at #36 with a 50/100 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, 30% 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
Why it ranks #37
University of Utah lands at #37 with a 49/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (67/100). Graduates earn a median $67,170 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,200 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 #38
Lehigh University lands at #38 with a 49/100 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, 26% 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 #39
Texas Christian University lands at #39 with a 49/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $68,424 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,660 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 #40
The College of New Jersey lands at #40 with a 49/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $73,323 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,646 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 #41
James Madison University lands at #41 with a 49/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $69,954 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,322 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 41 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 Management Analysts and related roles — a field with $99,410 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Management Analyst career guide →Choosing the right MBA program is a significant decision with long-term implications for career and earnings potential. With average earnings for graduates from these programs reaching $82,462, it's clear that many institutions can provide valuable returns on investment. As we explore the best MBA programs, we focus on what makes these schools stand out in terms of financial outcomes and social mobility.
The most effective MBA programs are characterized by strong graduate earnings, high completion rates, and manageable debt levels. The data below reveals schools where graduates not only achieve impressive salaries but also benefit from a supportive environment that fosters social mobility. By examining earnings, graduation rates, and net price, prospective students can gauge which programs might align best with their career aspirations and financial situations.
For example, Cornell University boasts an impressive graduate earnings figure of $104,043, with a graduation rate of 95%. In contrast, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College has lower earnings at $75,971 and a graduation rate of 72%. This reflects a tradeoff between immediate salary potential and accessibility, highlighting the importance of aligning personal goals with school offerings as you navigate this list.
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 41 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.3%. 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 San Jose State University (5.4%) and Florida International University (5.2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 5.4% 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 44.9% 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 1.75, 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
When comparing MBA programs, it's essential to recognize that outcomes can vary significantly based on multiple factors. For instance, while Cornell University offers an impressive $104,043 in average earnings, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates earn $75,971. The tradeoff here is evident: Cornell has a higher cost but potentially offers greater financial rewards, while Baruch is more affordable but has lower earnings. Understanding these nuances can help prospective students make informed decisions.
As you sift through the list of schools, consider your own priorities. Think about location, program fit, and campus culture alongside the data. If you find a school with a high graduation rate but higher debt, weigh that against the potential return based on your career goals. Ultimately, what's important is finding a program that aligns with your life plans and financial situation.
This data serves as a critical reminder of the impact an MBA can have on your life trajectory. With thoughtful consideration, one family might choose a program like Georgia Institute of Technology for its balance of reasonable debt and solid earnings potential. Meanwhile, another might opt for a more affordable option like CUNY Bernard M Baruch College to minimize financial strain. Each choice carries weight, shaping not just careers but also futures.
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: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best MBA Programs ranking? +
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College in New York, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Best MBA Programs ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,971 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 72% 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 program has the highest graduate earnings? +
Babson College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $123,938 ten years after enrollment, well above the $83,891 average across the 41 ranked programs with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which program offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Florida Atlantic University leads: graduates earn a median $56,746 against tuition of about $7,994 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 85% 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 an MBA cost at these schools? +
Across the 37 programs with verified tuition, annual MBA tuition averages $44,940, ranging from about $7,994 a year at Florida Atlantic University to $87,970 at University of Pennsylvania. These are tuition figures pulled from official program pages (in-state where the school is public), not estimated net price.
How is the Best MBA Programs 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 41 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
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →
U.S. News & World Report. Best Business Schools MBA Rankings. Used for MBA program validation. →
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