Stanford Graduate School of Business
Overview
Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is consistently ranked among the best MBA programs globally. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford GSB offers unparalleled access to the world’s leading tech firms, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The school is known for its focus on leadership, innovation, and developing future global business leaders. Its personalized, flexible curriculum allows students to shape their own academic path.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #1
- Number of Students: ~436 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Average GMAT Score: 733
- Top Hiring Companies: Google, McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Facebook
- Average Starting Salary: $159,544
Notable Alumni
- Phil Knight: Founder of Nike
- Jeffrey Skoll: First President of eBay
- Penny Pritzker: Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce
- Mary Barra: CEO of General Motors
Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley
Overview
The Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley offers a dynamic MBA program that emphasizes innovative leadership and social responsibility. Situated near San Francisco, Haas MBA students benefit from its strong ties to Silicon Valley and the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Haas is known for its “Beyond Yourself” leadership culture and its focus on developing leaders who are not only business-savvy but also ethically driven.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #7
- Number of Students: ~300 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Average GMAT Score: 725
- Top Hiring Companies: Google, McKinsey & Co., Amazon, BCG, Deloitte, Tesla
- Average Starting Salary: $152,831
Notable Alumni
- Shantanu Narayen: CEO of Adobe Systems
- Catherine Cole: CEO of Organovo
- Paul Otellini: Former CEO of Intel
- Barbara Desoer: CEO of Citibank N.A.
Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Overview
UCLA Anderson School of Management provides students with a strong foundation in leadership and general management while offering opportunities to specialize in various business sectors. The school is deeply integrated with the entertainment, technology, and finance industries, given its Los Angeles location. Anderson fosters a collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit, and the school is known for its strong connections to alumni across industries.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #18
- Number of Students: ~360 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Average GMAT Score: 711
- Top Hiring Companies: Deloitte, Google, PwC, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Disney
- Average Starting Salary: $138,176
Notable Alumni
- Richard Riordan: Former Mayor of Los Angeles
- Bill Gross: Founder of Idealab
- Robert Murdoch: President of Star TV
- Tony Pritzker: Managing Partner of The Pritzker Group
Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California (USC)
Overview
USC’s Marshall School of Business offers a globally oriented MBA program that emphasizes entrepreneurship, leadership, and technology. The school has strong ties to the entertainment industry and the Pacific Rim, providing students with a unique perspective on global business strategies. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to customize their learning experience with elective courses, global programs, and internships.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #23
- Number of Students: ~220 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Average GMAT Score: 707
- Top Hiring Companies: EY, Amazon, PwC, McKinsey & Co., Disney, Bank of America
- Average Starting Salary: $131,550
Notable Alumni
- Marc Benioff: Founder and CEO of Salesforce
- George Lucas: Filmmaker and Entrepreneur
- Steven Sample: Former President of USC
- Susan Wojcicki: Former CEO of YouTube
Rady School of Management, University of California, San Diego
Overview
The Rady School of Management at UC San Diego is a young and innovative business school that is particularly well-suited for those interested in technology and life sciences. Rady offers an MBA program designed to foster the entrepreneurial spirit and develop leaders who can drive change in fast-moving industries. The school is located in La Jolla, near San Diego’s growing biotech and research industries.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #54
- Number of Students: ~85 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Average GMAT Score: 680
- Top Hiring Companies: Qualcomm, Illumina, Thermo Fisher, Pfizer, Google, Deloitte
- Average Starting Salary: $116,500
Notable Alumni
- Ashley Van Zeeland: Co-founder and CEO of Cypher Genomics
- Dan Goldin: Former NASA Administrator
- Tyler Orion: CEO of BIOCOM
- Greg Horowitt: Co-founder of T2 Venture Capital
Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine
Overview
The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine offers an MBA program focused on innovation, strategic leadership, and a global perspective. The school has a strong focus on preparing students for the digital world, with an emphasis on how technology impacts business strategy. Merage has built close relationships with Orange County’s thriving tech, healthcare, and real estate industries.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #43
- Number of Students: ~115 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Average GMAT Score: 665
- Top Hiring Companies: Deloitte, PwC, Google, Amazon, EY, Johnson & Johnson
- Average Starting Salary: $115,120
Notable Alumni
- Paul Merage: Entrepreneur and Founder of Chef America
- Barbara Boxer: Former U.S. Senator from California
- Lyndon Taylor: Executive Search Consultant at Heidrick & Struggles
- Michael Mussallem: CEO of Edwards Lifesciences
Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University
Overview
The Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering a curriculum that combines business fundamentals with an entrepreneurial mindset. The MBA program at Leavey provides students with the skills to thrive in industries driven by innovation and technology. With strong ties to the Silicon Valley ecosystem, Leavey students have access to extensive networking and internship opportunities with top tech companies.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #68
- Number of Students: ~70 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Average GMAT Score: 660
- Top Hiring Companies: Cisco, Apple, Facebook, Google, Tesla, Oracle
- Average Starting Salary: $113,500
Notable Alumni
- Aart de Geus: Co-founder of Synopsys
- Steve Nash: NBA Coach and Hall of Famer
- Eric Benhamou: Former CEO of 3Com
- Chris Malachowsky: Co-founder of Nvidia
Graziadio Business School, Pepperdine University
Overview
Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School is known for its emphasis on values-driven leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Located in Malibu, California, Graziadio’s MBA program combines rigorous academics with an emphasis on ethical leadership and social responsibility. The program offers flexibility with part-time, full-time, and executive MBA options, making it attractive to a diverse range of students.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #79
- Number of Students: ~90 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 640
- Top Hiring Companies: EY, Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, Bank of America, KPMG
- Average Starting Salary: $105,500
Notable Alumni
- David Murdock: Chairman of Dole Food Company
- Bill Simon: Former President and CEO of Walmart U.S.
- Deborah Flint: CEO of Greater Toronto Airports Authority
- John E. Anderson: Founder of Topa Equities
Claremont Graduate University – Drucker School of Management
Overview
Named after the influential management thinker Peter Drucker, the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University offers a unique MBA program that focuses on leadership, strategy, and social responsibility. The program encourages students to view management as a liberal art and emphasizes the development of holistic, ethical leaders. The Drucker School’s small class sizes offer an intimate learning environment, fostering close relationships between students and faculty.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #89
- Number of Students: ~65 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average GMAT Score: 620
- Top Hiring Companies: Disney, Microsoft, Southern California Edison, EY, Wells Fargo, Amazon
- Average Starting Salary: $100,000
Notable Alumni
- Peter Drucker: Renowned Management Consultant and Author
- James H. Easton: Chairman of Easton-Bell Sports
- Kay Napier: Former CEO of Arbonne International
- Bernard Kinsey: Philanthropist and Business Leader