With hundreds of MBA programs across the country, identifying the best options can be challenging. Fortune’s ranking of the Best Full-Time MBA Programs is designed to help prospective students evaluate schools based on measurable outcomes, academic rigor, selectivity, and return on investment.
Our 2026 ranking evaluates 72 full-time, in-person MBA programs using a data-driven methodology that balances admissions competitiveness, academic strength, student outcomes, and scale. All data reflect the most recent reporting cycles available at the time of publication.
How We Ranked the Programs
Fortune’s 2026 methodology is based entirely on quantitative data submitted by participating schools through survey. Each program was scored across 10 weighted categories, outlined below. Missing variables or data not provided by universities were given median values of the dataset for the respective variable.
Student Outcomes (55%)
The largest share of our ranking focuses on post-graduation results — particularly compensation and employment outcomes — as these factors most directly reflect return on investment.
- Median Base Salary (30%)
Median base salary reported three months after graduation for the most recent graduating class. - Employment Placement Rate (15%)
Percentage of graduates who accepted a job offer within three months of graduation. - Graduation Rate (2021–2025) (10%)
Percentage of students who completed the MBA program within the expected time frame.
Together, these metrics assess how effectively a program converts education into career success.
Academic Quality & Selectivity (25%)
We evaluated admissions competitiveness and academic profile using the following measures:
- Average GMAT Score (10%)
Average GMAT score of enrolled students in the 2025–2026 entering class. - Average Undergraduate GPA (5%)
Average GPA of matriculated students in the 2025–2026 entering class. - Acceptance Rate (5%)
Percentage of applicants admitted for Fall 2025. - Yield (5%)
Percentage of admitted students who matriculated for the 2025–2026 academic year.
These factors reflect both the academic strength of incoming classes and the market demand for each program.
Program Stability & Scale (15%)
MBA programs vary widely in size and structure. To account for institutional stability and ecosystem strength, we included:
- Size of Graduating Class (2024–2025) (10%)
Total number of graduates in the most recent academic year. - One-Year Retention Rate (2024–2025) (5%)
Percentage of first-year students who returned for their second year.
Cost (5%)
- Total Tuition (Out-of-State) (5%)
Total published tuition for out-of-state students. Programs with lower tuition receive stronger scores in this category.
Given the significant financial investment required to pursue an MBA, tuition remains an important — though not dominant — factor in our ranking.
Our Approach
Fortune’s 2026 ranking prioritizes measurable career outcomes, particularly compensation and employment success, while still recognizing academic strength, competitiveness, and program stability. By weighting salary and employment most heavily, we emphasize real-world return on investment — a central concern for MBA candidates.
At the same time, admissions metrics such as GMAT scores, GPA, yield, and acceptance rate help contextualize the competitiveness and academic caliber of each program’s student body.
We believe this balanced methodology offers prospective students a clear, transparent, and outcomes-focused framework for comparing MBA programs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best MBA to get?
The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania is home to the best MBA program, according to Fortune’s 2026 ranking. However, each candidate is unique, and you should consider picking the program that is best for your personal and career goals.
Which MBA type is best?
The best MBA type depends on your career goals. For those early in their career—say in their late 20s with a few years of work experience, a traditional full-time MBA experience can be transformational. For those who need to continue working, a part-time or online MBA program can be the best of both worlds—allowing you to study and network without forgoing a salary. Finally, for those later in their career, an executive MBA can be great for career advancement with a cohort of experienced business leaders.
Check out all of Fortune’s rankings of degree programs, and learn more about specific career paths.
