We delve into the Financial Times MBA 2024 Ranking, analyzing top global business schools. See this year’s top ten schools, our analysis of the rankings, and how you can best use the rankings to find your ideal MBA program.
The 2024 Financial Times (FT) MBA ranking highlights the world’s premier 100 full-time MBA programs. Here are the top 10 business schools leading the chart:
1. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton
2. INSEAD
3. Columbia Business School / SDA Bocconi School of Management
5. IESE Business School
6. Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management / MIT: Sloan
8. London Business School
9. Cornell University: Johnson Graduate School of Management
10. University of Chicago Booth School of Business
This ranking offers invaluable insights for prospective MBA students seeking world-class education and various career opportunities. But why is FT a reputable source?
The Financial Times MBA Ranking is one of the world’s most-read and most respected business school rankings. It was first launched in 1999, and in 2024 it marks its 26th year.
To be eligible for the ranking, a business school must be accredited by either AACSB or EQUIS. Only full-time MBA programs are eligible, and the program must have been running for at least three years. Only English language programs are considered, and each cohort must contain at least 30 students.
Unlike other MBA rankings, including the Bloomberg Businessweek, the Financial Times list comprises business schools worldwide.
The Financial Times (FT) MBA ranking methodology is a comprehensive evaluation system that assesses global MBA programs. It emphasizes post-graduation outcomes like salary increase, career progress, and the diversity and international reach of the school and its MBA program.
Surveys of alumni and schools contribute to the data, focusing on the quality of faculty, research capabilities, and the ethical and social dimensions of the programs.
The aim is to provide prospective students with a multifaceted view of the value and impact of an MBA from the institutions featured in their rankings. For detailed insights into their methodology, visit the FT’s official website.
FT 2024 MBA Rankings reveal significant shifts among the world’s elite business schools. Wharton School of Business climbed back to the top, a notable comeback from being unranked the previous year. The school showcases its excellence across various criteria, including value for money, alumni achievements, and diversity.
INSEAD maintains its strong performance, securing the second spot consistently, reflecting its global reach, quality of education, and academic research.
Columbia Business School, last year’s leader, now shares the third position with SDA Bocconi School of Management, which made an impressive leap from sixth place. These changes highlight both schools’ commitment to fulfilling alumni study aims and their strong alumni networks with global reach.
IESE Business School has fallen slightly from third to fifth despite its excellence in alumni satisfaction and ESG teaching.
Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and MIT Sloan have both made gains. Kellogg moved from ninth to joint sixth with MIT Sloan, which was not in the top ten last year. These movements reflect their effective career services and the international diversity within their programs.
London Business School holds steady in the ranking, indicating a consistent quality of education and international exposure. Cornell University Johnson School of Business slightly rose to ninth, showcasing its alumni network and career progress for graduates.
Chicago Booth entered the top ten, underscoring its substantial salary increase and international course experience.
Notably, Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business have dropped out of the top ten, to 11th and 23rd, respectively. This was due to factors like alumni network rank and salary percentage increase, despite their historically high standings.
These changes accentuate the competitive nature of MBA programs, with schools making significant strides in diversity, alumni success, and sustainability.
Finding the ideal MBA program is a challenge. The FT 2024 MBA Ranking provides a comprehensive, data-driven overview aiding future students in identifying programs that align with their values and aspirations.
Consider the overall ranking and how schools perform in criteria that matter most to you, like salary increase or sustainability. Candidates should also explore beyond the rankings to truly understand what each top-ranked MBA offers.
Engaging with the schools’ ambassadors provides a window into these prestigious institutions’ real-world experiences and community life. So, for more in-depth insights, visit our ambassadors page.
