Columbia Business School (CBS)
Overview
Columbia Business School (CBS), located in the heart of Manhattan, is one of the top MBA programs in the world, renowned for its emphasis on finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Its location provides unparalleled access to Wall Street, multinational corporations, and a vibrant startup ecosystem. Columbia is known for its rigorous curriculum, distinguished faculty, and strong alumni network, making it a top choice for students aiming to pursue careers in finance, consulting, and executive leadership.
The Columbia MBA program offers both full-time and executive MBA (EMBA) tracks. The full-time program spans two years and includes a core curriculum in subjects such as finance, accounting, marketing, and strategy, with a wide array of elective courses that allow students to specialize in fields like healthcare, entrepreneurship, or real estate. The CBS network provides students with excellent access to internships, mentorship programs, and global study trips.
One of the defining features of CBS is its focus on practical, hands-on learning through programs like the Value Investing Program and the Columbia Entrepreneurs Lab. The program’s proximity to New York City enables students to engage with top executives, venture capitalists, and leaders in various industries, providing invaluable exposure to real-world business challenges and opportunities.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Columbia is consistently ranked among the top 10 MBA programs in the world by BusinessWeek.
Number of Students
- Approximately 1,300 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 16%, making it one of the most selective MBA programs globally.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 730, reflecting the program’s highly competitive admissions process.
Top Hiring Companies
- Goldman Sachs
- McKinsey & Company
- J.P. Morgan
- Boston Consulting Group
- Amazon
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Columbia Business School typically earn starting salaries of $150,000 per year, with significant bonuses and incentives, especially in finance and consulting.
Notable Alumni
- Warren Buffett: CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
- Henry Kravis: Co-founder of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR).
- Vikram Pandit: Former CEO of Citigroup.
New York University – Stern School of Business
Overview
The NYU Stern School of Business is another top MBA program located in New York City, with a strong reputation for finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Stern offers both full-time and part-time MBA options, as well as specialized programs such as the Tech MBA and Fashion & Luxury MBA, which cater to students looking to enter specific industries. Stern’s focus on experiential learning, innovation, and global business gives students a competitive edge in a wide range of industries.
Stern’s MBA curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded business education, with core courses in areas like finance, accounting, marketing, and operations, as well as more than 20 specializations ranging from strategy to fintech. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through the Stern Consulting Corps, global immersion programs, and the Stern Venture Fellows program, which helps students launch their own startups.
Located near Wall Street and Silicon Alley, NYU Stern provides students with excellent networking opportunities and access to leading companies in finance, consulting, and technology. The school’s strong connections with industries across New York City enable students to gain internships and job placements in highly competitive fields.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- NYU Stern is consistently ranked in the top 15 MBA programs globally by BusinessWeek, with a strong focus on finance and technology.
Number of Students
- Approximately 800 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 23%, making it a selective program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 720, with high GRE scores also accepted.
Top Hiring Companies
- Morgan Stanley
- Deloitte
- PwC
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of NYU Stern typically earn starting salaries of $140,000 per year, with additional signing bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Notable Alumni
- Alan Levin: CFO of Pfizer.
- Kenneth Langone: Co-founder of The Home Depot.
- Michael E. Novogratz: CEO of Galaxy Investment Partners.
Cornell University – SC Johnson College of Business
Overview
Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, located in Ithaca, offers a top-tier MBA program with a unique blend of academic rigor, leadership development, and real-world experience. The Johnson MBA is particularly known for its strong focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices. The program offers a tight-knit, collaborative learning environment, with access to Cornell’s extensive alumni network and resources.
Cornell’s MBA program includes both a full-time, two-year MBA and a one-year accelerated MBA for candidates with prior business experience. The curriculum is designed to cover foundational business subjects such as finance, marketing, and operations, with the opportunity for students to specialize in areas such as sustainable global enterprise, investment banking, or digital technology. The Johnson MBA emphasizes hands-on learning, with immersive courses like the Management Practicum, which allows students to consult for real companies.
Cornell’s location in upstate New York provides a unique balance of campus life and connections to New York City. The program’s Cornell Tech campus in NYC also offers a specialized MBA in technology and digital business, providing access to Silicon Alley and the city’s growing tech scene.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Cornell Johnson is ranked among the top 20 MBA programs globally by BusinessWeek, with a strong focus on leadership and entrepreneurship.
Number of Students
- Approximately 550 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 30%, making it a competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 700, with a range of 650–740 for most students.
Top Hiring Companies
- McKinsey & Company
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Amazon
- IBM
- Citi
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Cornell’s MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $135,000 per year, with bonuses that vary based on industry and experience.
Notable Alumni
- David Einhorn: Hedge fund manager, founder of Greenlight Capital.
- Irene Rosenfeld: Former CEO of Mondelēz International.
- Jeffrey Immelt: Former CEO of General Electric.
Fordham University – Gabelli School of Business
Overview
Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, located in the Bronx and Manhattan, offers a values-driven MBA program that combines academic excellence with a focus on ethical business practices and social responsibility. The Gabelli MBA is known for its smaller class sizes, collaborative learning environment, and strong emphasis on leadership development. The program offers both full-time and part-time MBA options, making it accessible to both recent graduates and working professionals.
The Gabelli MBA curriculum covers core business areas such as finance, marketing, management, and operations, with a particular focus on ethical leadership and global business. Students can choose from concentrations in areas such as healthcare management, finance, or entrepreneurship, allowing them to tailor their degree to their career goals. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities to participate in consulting projects, internships, and global immersion trips.
Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business has strong ties to New York City’s finance and healthcare industries, providing students with ample opportunities for networking and career advancement. The program’s Jesuit tradition emphasizes social responsibility and sustainability, making it a good fit for students interested in corporate social responsibility or impact investing.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Fordham Gabelli is ranked among the top 100 MBA programs globally, with particular recognition for its emphasis on leadership and ethical business practices.
Number of Students
- Approximately 250 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 40%, offering accessibility to a wide range of applicants.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 620, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience.
Top Hiring Companies
- J.P. Morgan
- Pfizer
- Deloitte
- NBCUniversal
- Morgan Stanley
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Fordham MBA program typically earn starting salaries of $105,000 per year, with additional bonuses and performance incentives.
Notable Alumni
- Mario Gabelli: Billionaire investor and namesake of the Gabelli School of Business.
- Eileen Murray: Former Co-CEO of Bridgewater Associates.
- Don DeFosset: Former CEO of Walter Industries.
Baruch College – Zicklin School of Business
Overview
Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business is one of the most affordable and respected public MBA programs in New York City, offering a high-quality business education at a fraction of the cost of private institutions. Zicklin’s MBA program is particularly well-regarded for its finance, accounting, and real estate programs, making it a top choice for students aiming to pursue careers in these fields. The program is AACSB-accredited and emphasizes a blend of academic theory with practical business skills.
Zicklin offers a full-time MBA program, as well as a part-time MBA for working professionals. The curriculum covers essential business subjects such as economics, marketing, strategy, and finance, with the opportunity for students to specialize in areas like financial engineering, marketing, and international business. The program is known for its strong focus on experiential learning, with students participating in internships, consulting projects, and case competitions.
Zicklin’s location in Manhattan provides students with access to New York City’s vast business ecosystem, including top companies in finance, real estate, and media. The program’s affordability, combined with its strong connections to major corporations, makes it an attractive option for students seeking a high return on investment.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Baruch Zicklin is ranked among the top 50 MBA programs globally for finance and accounting, and is recognized as one of the best value programs in the U.S.
Number of Students
- Approximately 300 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 35%, making it a competitive program within the City University of New York system.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 640, though GRE scores are also accepted.
Top Hiring Companies
- BlackRock
- Bloomberg
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- Citigroup
- Tishman Speyer
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Baruch Zicklin typically earn starting salaries of $100,000 per year, with higher salaries in finance and real estate.
Notable Alumni
- Larry Zicklin: Philanthropist and former Chairman of Neuberger Berman.
- Carolyn Maloney: U.S. Congresswoman.
- Jules Kroll: Founder of Kroll Inc., a global risk consulting company.