For business students across the United States, choosing where to attend college or university can have a major impact on their academic and professional careers. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, a few institutions offer better educational and networking opportunities. Here are the top 10 best U.S. business schools to attend for college and university based on Bloomberg’s comprehensive rankings.
- Stanford — 86.8 Rating
- Chicago (Booth) — 85.7 Rating
- Dartmouth (Tuck) — 85.6 Rating
- Virginia (Darden) — 85.6 Rating
- Columbia — 85.5 Rating
- Harvard — 85.2 Rating
- Northwestern (Kellogg) — 84.9 Rating
- Pennsylvania (Wharton) — 84.7 Rating
- Michigan (Ross) — 84.6 Rating
- MIT (Sloan) — 84.1 Rating
- UC at Berkeley — 84.1 Rating
1. Stanford — Score: 86.8
Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business stands at the top of the mountain with an impressive rating of 86.8. Known for its innovative curriculum and Silicon Valley proximity, Stanford cultivates future business leaders through a combination of academic rigor and real-world application. Notable alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, investment giant Charles Schwab, and Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
2. Chicago (Booth) — Score: 85.7
In the Windy City, the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business blows away the competition with an 85.7 rating. Booth is celebrated for its data-driven approach, emphasizing analytical thinking and fostering a collaborative environment where ideas flourish and perspectives evolve. Notable alumni include Nobel laureate Eugene Fama and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin.
T3. Dartmouth (Tuck) — Score: 85.6
The serene landscapes of Dartmouth College attract many bright minds to the Tuck School of Business, which has earned its accolades with an 85.6 rating. Tuck’s small class sizes and personalized approach empower students to forge deep connections, creating a tight-knit community that extends beyond graduation. Notable alumni include former GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt and Discover CEO Roger Hochschild.
T3. Virginia (Darden) — Score: 85.6
Tied for third place in the rankings, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business matches Tuck’s 85.6 rating. Renowned for its case method teaching, Darden instills practical wisdom and decision-making skills, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the business world with confidence. Notable alumni include Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky and BlackRock co-founder Susan Wagner.
5. Columbia — Score: 85.5
In the bustling heart of New York City, Columbia Business School captures attention with an 85.5 rating. Renowned for bridging theory and practice, Columbia’s diverse programs and global perspective create an enriching learning environment that mirrors the dynamism of the business capital. Notable alumni include billionaire investor Warren Buffett and former Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit.
6. Harvard — Score: 85.2
Stepping into the hallowed halls of Harvard Business School might give some students chills, thanks its rich history and it narrowly missed out on the top five with an 85.2 rating. As a pioneer in business education, Harvard consistently sets the standard for academic excellence and leadership development, producing trailblazers who shape industries. Notable alumni include former U.S. President George W. Bush and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg.
7. Northwestern (Kellogg) – Score: 84.9
Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management secures its position with an 84.9 rating. Kellogg’s emphasis on teamwork and collaboration empowers students to leverage diverse perspectives, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. Notable alumni include former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and IBM CEO Arvind Krishna.
8. Pennsylvania (Wharton) — Score: 84.7
Back in the Ivy League, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School commands consideration with an 84.7 rating. As a global powerhouse in business education, Wharton’s expansive network, coupled with a robust curriculum, positions students to become influential leaders on the world stage. Notable alumni include U.S. President Donald Trump and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett.
9. Michigan (Ross) — Score: 84.6
Moving to the Midwest, the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business stands out with an 84.6 rating. Ross’s commitment to action-based learning and a culture of innovation equips students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. Notable alumni include Google CFO Ruth Porat and Domino’s Pizza CEO Ritch Allison.
10. MIT (Sloan) — Score: 84.1
Transitioning to the realm of technology and innovation, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management holds its ground with an 84.1 rating. Sloan’s focus on technology management and entrepreneurship prepares students to lead in industries at the forefront of innovation. Notable alumni include Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke and Dropbox co-founder and CEO Drew Houston.
10. UC at Berkeley — Score: 84.1
Tied for 10th place in the rankings, the University of California, Berkeley, matches MIT’s 84.1 rating. Known for merging business with innovation, the Haas School of Business fosters an entrepreneurial spirit that resonates throughout the vibrant Bay Area, propelling graduates to become pioneers in their fields. Notable alumni include Gap co-founders Donald and Doris Fisher and Visa co-founder Dee Hock.
