Harvard Business School (HBS)
Overview
Harvard Business School (HBS), located in Boston, is one of the most prestigious MBA programs globally. Known for its case method approach to learning, HBS prepares students to tackle real-world business challenges with a focus on leadership and strategic decision-making. The two-year full-time MBA program offers a wide range of electives, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and leadership, Harvard boasts an extensive alumni network and attracts top recruiters from around the world.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #2
- Number of Students: ~930 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Average GMAT Score: 730
- Top Hiring Companies: McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Google, BCG
- Average Starting Salary: $175,000
Notable Alumni
- Michael Bloomberg: Founder of Bloomberg L.P.
- Sheryl Sandberg: Former COO of Meta (Facebook)
- Mitt Romney: Former Governor of Massachusetts
- Jamie Dimon: CEO of JPMorgan Chase
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Sloan School of Management
Overview
MIT’s Sloan School of Management, located in Cambridge, is globally recognized for its emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in technology-driven industries. The Sloan MBA program is highly flexible, allowing students to design their curriculum with a wide range of electives and concentrations. Known for its collaborative culture and strong analytical foundation, Sloan produces leaders in fields such as finance, consulting, and technology. With access to the broader MIT ecosystem, Sloan MBA students benefit from unparalleled opportunities in entrepreneurship and cutting-edge research.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #5
- Number of Students: ~410 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Average GMAT Score: 720
- Top Hiring Companies: Amazon, Google, McKinsey & Co., BCG, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft
- Average Starting Salary: $160,000
Notable Alumni
- Bill Ford: Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company
- Kofi Annan: Former Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Benjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister of Israel
- Carly Fiorina: Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard
Boston University – Questrom School of Business
Overview
Boston University’s Questrom School of Business offers a forward-thinking MBA program with a strong focus on healthcare, digital technology, and sustainability. Located in the heart of Boston, Questrom provides students with access to leading companies and industries in finance, healthcare, and innovation. The MBA curriculum is designed to develop leaders who can tackle the evolving challenges of the business world, with emphasis on experiential learning and global business perspectives. Questrom’s diverse student body, collaborative environment, and focus on real-world applications make it a top choice for MBA candidates.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #39
- Number of Students: ~160 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Average GMAT Score: 670
- Top Hiring Companies: Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, Accenture, EY, State Street
- Average Starting Salary: $120,000
Notable Alumni
- Keith Sherin: Former CFO of General Electric
- Jennifer Taubert: EVP, Johnson & Johnson
- Andrew Dreyfus: CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Jackie Jorda: COO of Oxfam America
Babson College – F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business
Overview
Babson College, located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is renowned for its MBA program’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Babson consistently ranks as one of the top business schools for entrepreneurship, with a curriculum designed to foster entrepreneurial thinking and action. The MBA program offers a variety of formats, including full-time, part-time, and blended learning, providing flexibility for working professionals. Babson’s strong connections to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and its emphasis on real-world applications make it a popular choice for students interested in starting their own ventures or leading innovative initiatives within existing companies.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #72
- Number of Students: ~120 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 620
- Top Hiring Companies: EY, Amazon, Google, Deloitte, Fidelity Investments, PwC
- Average Starting Salary: $110,000
Notable Alumni
- Arthur Blank: Co-founder of The Home Depot
- Roger Enrico: Former CEO of PepsiCo
- John Fish: CEO of Suffolk Construction
- Joan Wallace-Benjamin: President and CEO of The Home for Little Wanderers
Boston College – Carroll School of Management
Overview
The Carroll School of Management at Boston College offers a rigorous MBA program with a focus on leadership, social impact, and ethical decision-making. Located in Chestnut Hill, just outside of Boston, the Carroll School emphasizes a values-driven approach to business education. The program is known for its strong network in finance and consulting, as well as its connections to Boston’s healthcare and education sectors. The Carroll MBA program offers concentrations in areas like finance, marketing, and business analytics, and students benefit from small class sizes and close relationships with faculty.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #41
- Number of Students: ~120 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Average GMAT Score: 680
- Top Hiring Companies: Deloitte, PwC, Boston Consulting Group, Liberty Mutual, Bank of America, EY
- Average Starting Salary: $115,000
Notable Alumni
- Brian Moynihan: CEO of Bank of America
- Amy Woods Brinkley: Former Chief Risk Officer at Bank of America
- Geoff Cottrill: Former CMO of Converse
- Jack Connors: Founder of Hill Holliday Advertising Agency
Northeastern University – D’Amore-McKim School of Business
Overview
Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business is known for its experiential learning approach, with a strong emphasis on corporate partnerships and real-world business experiences. Located in Boston, Northeastern’s MBA program integrates full-time work experience through its signature corporate residency program, where students gain hands-on experience in top firms. The program also offers a variety of concentrations, including finance, healthcare management, and supply chain management. Northeastern’s global network and innovative curriculum make it an attractive option for students looking to accelerate their careers.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #49
- Number of Students: ~150 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Average GMAT Score: 650
- Top Hiring Companies: State Street, GE, Dell, Amazon, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Fidelity Investments
- Average Starting Salary: $115,000
Notable Alumni
- Sandy Dunn: CEO of Deloitte Digital
- Bill Johnson: Former CEO of H.J. Heinz
- Chris Marshall: CFO of Boston Dynamics
- Fredrick McKinney: President of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council
University of Massachusetts Amherst – Isenberg School of Management
Overview
The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst offers a flexible and affordable MBA program that is consistently ranked among the best public business schools in the country. The program offers both online and on-campus options, catering to full-time students and working professionals alike. Isenberg’s MBA curriculum focuses on developing leadership, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making skills, with specializations available in fields such as finance, healthcare administration, and entrepreneurship. The school’s strong reputation in business education and extensive alumni network make it a valuable option for students looking to advance their careers.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #30
- Number of Students: ~130 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Average GMAT Score: 620
- Top Hiring Companies: PwC, Deloitte, Raytheon, State Street, MassMutual, Liberty Mutual
- Average Starting Salary: $105,000
Notable Alumni
- Ron Insana: CNBC Senior Analyst
- Anita Zucker: CEO of The InterTech Group
- Jeffrey D. Klein: Former CEO of 1105 Media
- Michele Buck: CEO of The Hershey Company
Suffolk University – Sawyer Business School
Overview
Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School, located in the heart of Boston, offers an MBA program focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Suffolk’s MBA program is designed for working professionals, offering flexible full-time, part-time, and online learning options. The curriculum emphasizes practical learning experiences, with opportunities for students to work on consulting projects, case studies, and internships with local businesses. Suffolk’s location in downtown Boston provides students with access to major corporations, startups, and non-profits, making it an attractive choice for those seeking to build their professional networks in the city.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~90 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 600
- Top Hiring Companies: State Street, Deloitte, Boston Scientific, Liberty Mutual, PwC, Fidelity Investments
- Average Starting Salary: $100,000
Notable Alumni
- Richard Tisei: Former Minority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate
- John Nucci: Vice President of External Affairs at Suffolk University
- Andrew McAleer: Author and Lecturer
- William Koch: CEO of Oxbow Group
Clark University – Graduate School of Management
Overview
Clark University’s Graduate School of Management, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers a personalized and flexible MBA program with a strong focus on sustainability and social change. Clark’s MBA program is ideal for students who want to develop leadership skills while addressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality. The school offers both full-time and part-time formats, and its small class sizes ensure that students receive individualized attention. Clark’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility is integrated into its curriculum, making it a top choice for students interested in making a positive impact through business.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average GMAT Score: 610
- Top Hiring Companies: Bank of America, Citizens Bank, Hanover Insurance Group, Staples, National Grid
- Average Starting Salary: $95,000
Notable Alumni
- Stanley Weiss: Founder of Business Executives for National Security (BENS)
- Chris Crane: CEO of Exelon Corporation
- David Starr: President of The Republican newspaper
- Richard Freeland: Former President of Northeastern University