The vast majority of our inquiries are particular on MBA brand, insistent on only the top MBA programs because that’s where the strong value can be easily seen. “Applicants see an MBA as a long-term investment in their future,” says Beth, a former Kellogg School MBA Admissions Officer, now on the Stacy Blackman Consulting team. What makes an MBA program “top” and the factors that contribute to that brand perception are explored here.  Three critical influencers for which MBA program is considered top include

1. Rankings: Patterns over Time
2. Selectivity, Stats and Demand
3. Career Potential

Rankings: Patterns Over Time

We have a love and hate relationship with MBA rankings.  For the most recent US News 2022 ranking summaries, check out their full time and part time MBA program lists here. Below you can see the hierarchy over time of MBA rankings by top programs

Selectivity, Stats and Demand

The higher the rank of the MBA program, the higher the test score, GPA— they are all correllated.  Similarly, selectivity for the top programs is inversely correlated where low selectivity predicts top program program.

* Estimated, Under-Represented Minority – U.S. domestic or permanent residents students who identify as African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and those who are multiracial or multiethnic. URM does not include Asian Americans.
*International MBA students may include dual citizens; data reporting varies.
*Estimated

Career Potential

The most underestimated influencer of how to define a top MBA program is employment recruiting.  The MBA is an investment into your career path and your future employer, possible employment location, an salary will vary based on which business program you choose.

Below is a snapshot of how career recruiting varies and there are more comparisons here.

I recently offered my insights on how to find a top MBA program here:

You can read additional insights on how to evaluate top MBA programs here:

Which MBA: School Comparisons

Career Recruiting by MBA Program

MBA Program Deadlines & Average Test Scores

MBA Program Rankings

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