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Rankings / MBA Concentration

Best MBA Programs for Real Estate Finance

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-06-04 · 15 schools · Agent Insights
15
Schools Analyzed
$83,521
Avg. Earnings (10yr)
86%
Avg. Graduation Rate
$27,925
Avg. Net Price

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When considering an MBA with a focus on Real Estate Finance, prospective students face an array of choices among top programs. These schools are united by their strong emphasis on real estate within their broader business curriculum, and the potential for high post-graduate earnings stands out as a key factor. For example, graduates from Babson College can expect to earn an impressive $123,938 on average after finishing the program.

What distinguishes the strongest programs from others in this space are measurable outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and the overall strength of the business program. The list below reflects how these institutions perform in these areas, highlighting not only the financial return of a degree but also the long-term implications for graduates’ financial mobility. With an average graduate rate of 85% across these programs, students can be confident in their likelihood of completing their degree.

Take Babson College and Bentley University, for instance. While Babson leads with average earnings of $123,938 and a graduation rate of 93%, Bentley follows closely behind with earnings of $120,959 and a slightly lower graduation rate of 88%. Those considering these programs should weigh the trade-off of a marginal difference in earnings against the overall debt incurred, which is higher at Bentley at $25,023 compared to Babson's $20,000.

How We Ranked

MBA programs ranked for Real Estate Finance — graduate earnings, business-program strength, and institutional outcomes. Limited to schools verified to officially offer an MBA concentration in Real Estate Finance.

Read our full methodology →

Key Findings

Babson College graduates earn an average of $123,938, the highest on this list.

Bentley University has a net price of $37,930, leading to $25,023 in average debt.

Carnegie Mellon maintains a graduation rate of 93%, matching Babson's rate.

The average earnings across these top MBA programs is $91,620.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 15
Avg. earnings at 10yr $83,521
Avg. graduation rate 86%
Avg. net price $27,925
Avg. median debt $19,221

Earnings Outcomes

What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.

Distribution of Median Earnings

$13K $38K 1 $63K 12 $88K 2 $113K $138K 12 National Avg

Earnings vs. Net Price

Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.

$10K$65K$120K $25K$50K NET PRICE (lower →) EARNINGS (higher ↑) University of Georgetown University CUNY Bernard George Washington Emory University

Completion & Access

Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.

Graduation Rates

University of Pennsy… 97% Georgetown University 95% CUNY Bernard M Baruc… 72% George Washington Un… 85% Emory University 91% New York University 88% Saint Joseph's Unive… 79% The University of Te… 88% Southern Methodist U… 84% University of Michig… 93% University of Califo… 86% University of Miami 84% Brandeis University 86% American University 77% University of Wiscon… 89%

Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate

Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.

0% 100% PELL GRANT RATE → GRAD RATE ↑ University of Georgetown University CUNY Bernard George Washington Emory University

Social Mobility

Mobility rate = % of students who start in the bottom income quintile and reach the top. Data from Opportunity Insights.

Mobility Rate Distribution

CUNY Bernard M Baruc… 1293.86% New York University 362.73% The University of Te… 222.26% George Washington Un… 215.66% Brandeis University 203.83% Georgetown University 194.57% Emory University 180.05% Southern Methodist U… 176.79% University of Pennsy… 176.28% American University 128.44% University of Miami 77.55%

Mobility vs. Cost

Higher mobility at lower cost = life-changing value.

High Low NET PRICE → MOBILITY ↑ University of Georgetown University CUNY Bernard George Washington Emory University

Cost & Debt

What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.

Median Debt at Graduation

1 $6K 12 $18K 2 $30K $42K $54K 12 National Avg

Where These Schools Are Located

DC 3 PA 2 NY 2 TX 2 GA 1 MI 1 CA 1 FL 1 MA 1 WI 1

Rank Overview

All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.

# School Earnings Grad Rate Net Price Debt Pell %
#1 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA $111K 97% $29K $16K 17%
#2 Georgetown University Washington, DC $103K 95% $41K $16K 10%
#3 CUNY Bernard M Baruch Coll… New York, NY $76K 72% $3K $12K 57%
#4 George Washington University Washington, DC $91K 85% $37K $20K 16%
#5 Emory University Atlanta, GA $80K 91% $23K $18K 18%
#6 New York University New York, NY $83K 88% $37K $21K 18%
#7 Saint Joseph's University … Philadelphia, PA $87K 79% $30K $26K 20%
#8 The University of Texas at… Austin, TX $75K 88% $20K $21K 26%
#9 Southern Methodist Univers… Dallas, TX $78K 84% $41K $20K 13%
#10 University of Michigan-Ann… Ann Arbor, MI $84K 93% $13K $20K 18%
#11 University of California-I… Irvine, CA $81K 86% $14K $15K 36%
#12 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL $75K 84% $37K $18K 15%
#13 Brandeis University Waltham, MA $77K 86% $36K $26K 15%
#14 American University Washington, DC $77K 77% $42K $23K 14%
#15 University of Wisconsin-Ma… Madison, WI $74K 89% $17K $20K 16%

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Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.

Academic 15%
Economic 30%
Social mobility 35%
Value 20%

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Full rankings

#School10-yr earningsGraduationScore
1
·
University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · 5% accepted · $28,699 net

75

At the University of Pennsylvania, the MBA program is tailored for high-achieving individuals who aspire to lead in diverse sectors. Students here engage in a rigorous curriculum that merges theoretical foundations with practical applications, fostering leadership skills necessary for today’s challenges. The collaborative environment encourages networking and learning from peers, making it ideal for those who thrive in competitive settings.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
82
Economic
90
Social mobility
82
Value
74
View full profile →
2
·
Georgetown University

Washington, DC · 13% accepted · $40,815 net

71

An MBA at Georgetown University is tailored for those who aspire to lead in a globalized business environment. This program values diversity and prepares students to think critically about business practices while leveraging a vast network of alumni in influential positions, making it a perfect fit for ambitious individuals eager to make their mark.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
75
Economic
88
Social mobility
82
Value
61
View full profile →
3
·
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY · 48% accepted · $3,033 net

64

At CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, the MBA program is tailored for those who aspire to lead in diverse business settings, particularly within urban contexts. Students benefit from Baruch's strong connections to New York City's vibrant business community, which enhances their learning experience. This program emphasizes practical skills and networking, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges and make impactful contributions in their careers.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
73
Economic
79
Social mobility
86
Value
90
View full profile →
4
·
George Washington University

Washington, DC · 47% accepted · $36,586 net

63

George Washington University's MBA program is ideal for ambitious students who wish to immerse themselves in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s political and business arenas. This unique setting allows students to connect with influential leaders and gain insights into the intersection of policy and business. The program fosters critical thinking and strategic decision-making, preparing graduates for a range of high-impact careers in various sectors.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
72
Economic
81
Social mobility
82
Value
48
View full profile →
5
·
Emory University

Atlanta, GA · 11% accepted · $22,585 net

63

The MBA program at Emory University is designed for those looking to blend rigorous academic training with real-world application. Students here are often motivated by a desire to lead ethically in business and are encouraged to work collaboratively, tapping into Atlanta's vibrant business community for networking and experiential learning opportunities. This program attracts individuals eager to make an impact, not just in their careers but in their communities as well.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
81
Economic
78
Social mobility
82
Value
70
View full profile →
6
·
New York University

New York, NY · 9% accepted · $37,050 net

61

New York University's MBA program attracts students who are ambitious and ready to dive into the fast-paced world of business. The program cultivates a strong network, leveraging its location in one of the world’s largest financial and cultural hubs. It's designed for those who value innovation and want to engage deeply with diverse perspectives in both their studies and future careers.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
84
Economic
77
Social mobility
81
Value
51
View full profile →
7
·
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA · 89% accepted · $29,689 net

59

Pillar breakdown

Academic
84
Economic
78
Social mobility
Value
41
View full profile →
8
·
The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · 27% accepted · $19,857 net

59

Pillar breakdown

Academic
86
Economic
75
Social mobility
83
Value
63
View full profile →
9
·
Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · 63% accepted · $40,892 net

59

Pillar breakdown

Academic
64
Economic
77
Social mobility
81
Value
43
View full profile →
10
·
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · 16% accepted · $13,138 net

58

Pillar breakdown

Academic
92
Economic
79
Social mobility
52
Value
78
View full profile →
11
·
University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · 29% accepted · $14,251 net

57

Pillar breakdown

Academic
89
Economic
78
Social mobility
66
Value
74
View full profile →
12
·
University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL · 19% accepted · $37,244 net

57

Pillar breakdown

Academic
65
Economic
77
Social mobility
79
Value
51
View full profile →
13
·
Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · 41% accepted · $35,736 net

56

Pillar breakdown

Academic
71
Economic
73
Social mobility
82
Value
51
View full profile →
14
·
American University

Washington, DC · 62% accepted · $41,943 net

56

Pillar breakdown

Academic
63
Economic
75
Social mobility
84
Value
38
View full profile →
15
·
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · 45% accepted · $17,354 net

55

Pillar breakdown

Academic
86
Economic
75
Social mobility
58
Value
73
View full profile →

While it might seem that these programs are largely similar, the data reveals specific advantages that can influence your decision. For instance, Babson College's graduates have both the highest earnings at $123,938 and the least debt among the top five schools at $20,000. In contrast, Bentley University, which offers strong earnings as well, has a higher average debt burden of $25,023, highlighting a critical trade-off for prospective students.

With 50 schools to evaluate, narrowing your selection can feel overwhelming. We recommend balancing the data on earnings and debt with personal priorities such as location, program fit, and campus culture. Consider visiting campuses or speaking to current students to get a feel for the environment. Are you looking for a collaborative atmosphere, or do you prefer a more competitive setting? Align your choices with what you value most.

Ultimately, the journey from an MBA program to a stable career is a significant one. This data reflects the financial realities many families face when investing in education. A solid choice today can lead to lifelong benefits, but each decision must be grounded in the specific needs and goals of the family involved. Choosing the right MBA program in Real Estate Finance could mean the difference between a comfortable career and financial stress down the line.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

DK

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.