Best MBA Programs – Consulting for 2025
If your sights are set on working at one of the “Big 4” consulting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMC—then honing your MBA in consulting is a no-brainer. Most business schools have courses that will prepare students to become consultants, but only a select few have consulting specialization or concentration programs. Using data from Fortune’s flagship ranking of the best MBA programs for 2025, this list highlights the best MBA programs with consulting concentrations.
- Order/Rank
- A - Z
- California
- District of Columbia
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Charlottesville, VA
- College Park, MD
- Fort Worth, TX
- Houston, TX
- Knoxville, TN
- Los Angeles, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Provo, UT
- St. Louis, MO
- Washington, DC
- Williamsburg, VA
*Please note that not all schools offer this specific type of information.
1. University of Virginia (Darden)
Charlottesville, VA| Acceptance rate | 39% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $175,000 |
| Median GMAT | 710 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $81,700 |
2. Washington University in St. Louis (Olin)
St. Louis, MO| Acceptance rate | 28% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $130,000 |
| Median GMAT | 700 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $68,882 |
3. University of Southern California (Marshall)
Los Angeles, CA| Acceptance rate | 23% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $150,000 |
| Median GMAT | 730 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $79,893 |
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA
STEM-designated. Tar Heel ROI. No compromises.
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA is designed for experienced professionals looking to take their career to the next level. Students have access to lifelong career benefits and a global network of 51,000+ business school alumni. Earn your MBA online in as few as 18 months or up to three years. MBA Fellowships Available.
4. University of California–Los Angeles (Anderson)
Los Angeles, CA| Acceptance rate | 40% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $150,000 |
| Median GMAT | 720 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $76,396 |
5. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
Chapel Hill, NC| Acceptance rate | 38% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $141,300 |
| Median GMAT | 700 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $68,844 |
6. University of Tennessee–Knoxville (Haslam)
Knoxville, TN| Acceptance rate | 29% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $108,000 |
| Median GMAT | 650 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $34,606 |
7. Brigham Young University (Marriott)
Provo, UT| Acceptance rate | 57% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $120,000 |
| Median GMAT | 660 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $15,528 |
8. Texas Christian University (Neeley)
Fort Worth, TX| Acceptance rate | 27% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $113,000 |
| Median GMAT | 650 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $65,715 |
UC Davis Master of Management
The online Master of Management from UC Davis is a graduate business degree designed for recent college graduates, ambitious young professionals and career-changers aspiring to leadership roles.
The 15-month online Master of Management program provides aspiring leaders with a foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and strategy. No minimum professional experience is required.
9. University of Maryland (Smith)
College Park, MD| Acceptance rate | 32% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $130,000 |
| Median GMAT | 660 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $60,272 |
10. University of Minnesota (Carlson)
Minneapolis, MN| Acceptance rate | 47% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $135,000 |
| Median GMAT | 680 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $91,200 |
11. American University (Kogod)
Washington, DC| Acceptance rate | 22% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $110,000 |
| Median GMAT | DNP |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $45,000 |
12. University of Houston (Bauer)
Houston, TX| Acceptance rate | 34% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $95,000 |
| Median GMAT | 660 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $43,402 |
13. College of William & Mary (Mason)
Williamsburg, VA| Acceptance rate | 58% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $112,000 |
| Median GMAT | 650 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $49,712 |
The Online MBA From Rice Business
Rethink Your Approach to Business
GMAT waivers are available for the online MBA from Rice Business, ranked a Top-20 Online MBA by U.S. News & World Report. Ranked #1 in graduate entrepreneurship in the U.S. by the Princeton Review for 2024, aspiring entrepreneurs can earn their MBA in as few as 24 months.
14. Louisiana State University A&M (Ourso)
Baton Rouge, LA| Acceptance rate | 66% |
| Median base salary of new grads | $69,500 |
| Median GMAT | 545 |
| Tuition per year, out-of-state | $35,200 |
The Online MBA From Rice Business
Rethink Your Approach to Business
The online MBA program from Rice Business prepares students to apply both traditional and cutting-edge business principles to current real-world challenges. Students amplify their technical and leadership skills and can select from electives such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, strategy and operations. Located in the energy industry hub of Houston, Texas, Rice Business also features specialized electives focused on the energy field. GMAT/GRE waivers are available. Learn more.
Methodology
Fortune attempted to contact hundreds of schools for its flagship full-time MBA ranking. Close to 100 chose to participate in our list, and less than 15 programs have concentrations or specializations in consulting. The institutions were ranked using the same calculation as our main best MBA ranking and were weighted as follows:
- Fortune 1000: 20%
- Previous Fortune MBA ranking: 2%
- Median base salary: 25%
- Employment placement rate: 15%
- Graduation rate, 2020–23: 10%
- Median GMAT score, fall 2023 entrants: 7%
- Total tuition, out-of-state U.S. residents: 5%
- Retention rate, 2022–23: 5%
- Acceptance rate, fall 2023: 5%
- Yield, 2023–24: 3%
- Average undergraduate GPA, 2023–24 enrollees: 3%
Learn more: Read Fortune’s MBA methodology.
MBA career paths
What is an MBA in consulting?
A master’s in business administration with a focus in consulting emphasizes the best business management, strategy, and organizational leadership practices. Students learn the in-demand skills that organizations seek including effective communication, cross-team collaboration, and seamless problem-solving. Graduates are well-prepared to land jobs that pay six figures.
General curriculum and skills taught
No matter the format or university, MBA programs focus on core areas of business like finance, leadership, and marketing. These courses may take up one’s first year of any MBA program, then the door is open to other electives. In year two, individuals may take more focused coursework in leadership, problem-solving, and logical analysis to fulfill consulting concentration requirements.
Specializations and concentrations
Students seeking an MBA with a focus on consulting may search to specialize, concentrate, focus, or obtain a certificate in:
- Consulting
- Strategy consulting
- Management consulting
- Business consulting
- Marketing consulting
Admissions information
Requirements to apply to MBA programs differ from school to school, but they generally include:
- Bachelor’s degree: a transcript must be provided from an accredited college or university
- Work experience: expressed via a résumé. Be sure to highlight any relevant consulting experience
- Essay responses: answer specific questions about career aspirations and thinking processes
- Letters of recommendation: validation of your skills from a supervisor, former professor, or other individual who knows you in a professional capacity
- Interview: select applicants may be asked to engage in an interview with an admissions counselor. Not getting an interview request does not mean you will not get accepted
- Test scores: GMAT, GRE, or other scores are not required for some schools, but they are at many top institutions and can overall be used to boost applications
GMAT, GRE, and GPA
GMAT and GRE scores are accepted for admission into most MBA programs. Either test is accepted at a majority of schools, and it is up to the applicant to choose which is best for their skill set.
MBA programs tend to not have GPA requirements per se, but those with a certain GPA may be exempt from providing standardized test scores. Those with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are those who typically see the best success at top programs.
Which factors drive acceptance?
No one factor will make or break an MBA application. Admissions teams look at applications holistically, meaning every factor is considered. Those seeking to have a career in consulting may do best at expressing to the admissions team why an MBA is best for them—and why the school is the right fit.
How to choose the best MBA in consulting for you: Factors to consider beyond rankings
When evaluating MBA programs, it's essential to look beyond rankings and consider various factors that aren't easily quantified. Some important aspects to consider include:
- Program reputation
- Career and networking prospects
- Strength of alumni connections
- Program length
These elements can greatly influence your MBA journey and post-graduation career opportunities, making it essential to carefully evaluate them in relation to your personal goals and aspirations.
Accreditation
Accreditation serves as a crucial indicator of a business school's quality, ensuring high curriculum standards, qualified faculty, and robust research capabilities. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation is particularly esteemed, with only 6% of business schools worldwide achieving this recognition. Notably, 96% of graduates from AACSB-accredited schools find employment, underscoring the value of this certification in the job market.
Start times, schedule, and program length
Many institutions offer various options to suit different student needs:
- Rolling admissions processes
- Multiple entry points throughout the year
- Accelerated programs (completion possible in just one year)
This flexibility is particularly attractive to professionals seeking career growth or transition without interrupting their current work commitments.
Coursework, locations, and connections
When considering an MBA specialization, it's important to examine the specific courses offered by each program. Key questions to ask include:
- What types of consulting courses are available?
- Who comprises the faculty? Are they former industry experts?
- Are courses offered every semester?
- Will the curriculum align with your career objectives?
Some business schools may have stronger ties in certain areas due to their location or partnerships. For example, if you want to work at a New York consulting firm, then it could be advantageous to apply to MBA programs on the east coast, rather than the west.
Prestige
Students aiming for specific job markets may find local reputation more important, while those with broader career aspirations might prioritize national or global recognition. In numerous industries, recruiters often prefer programs known for particular specializations or those with a track record of producing successful graduates in their field.
Concentrations
Even if an MBA program does not have a strict consulting concentration does not mean there are no opportunities to become a consultant at other schools. While all the M7 institutions do not have consulting concentrations, hundreds of thousands of their alumni work in consulting roles across the country.
Cost
The price of an MBA program is a grounding factor for many students, as the costs can differ drastically. For example, the tuition per year at the University of Virginia (Darden) is $81,700, whereas the annual price at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Haslam) is just $34,606. Nevertheless, both institutions offer students with opportunities for consulting careers.
Network and access to alumni
The worth of an MBA goes beyond academic learning, encompassing the professional relationships developed during the program. A robust and active alumni network can provide substantial career growth opportunities. Prospective students should evaluate not just the size of the alumni community but also its level of involvement and the institution's efforts to cultivate meaningful connections among its graduates.
Internship facilitation
In consulting, landing a top internship is very valuable, and it is a process that takes many months or even years to achieve. However, once you start obtaining real-world experience, it becomes easier to market yourself as someone with practical skills to start working in a professional setting on day one after graduation.
Careers for MBA consulting graduates
As the name indicates, those with an MBA concentration in consulting typically go on to work at a top consulting firm. This may include a role at one of the big 4—Deloitte, EY, PwC, or KPMG—or other large firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Accenture, or Booz Allen Hamilton. While there are a variety of opportunities, consulting remains competitive. Networking and experience (including internships) are crucial to getting one’s foot in the door.
Financing and scholarships
Paying for an MBA often involves a variety of sources, including self-funds, loans, scholarships, and employer reimbursement. Because business school can be an expensive endeavor, it is crucial to utilize all available resources, including scholarships, employer assistance, and other benefits to get the best ROI. Check to see what scholarship opportunities your top schools offer—and what deadlines you need to follow to be eligible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best MBA for consulting?
The University of Virginia (Darden) has the best MBA program for those seeking a concentration in consulting. Close to half—46.3%—of Darden’s graduating class of 2023 entered consulting careers. The median base salary of graduates is $190,000—with $30,000 median bonuses.
What is the easiest top MBA program to get into for consulting?
Louisiana State University A&M (Ourso)—commonly known as LSU—is the easiest MBA program to get into with a consulting concentration. The school’s acceptance rate was 66% for the fall 2023. College of William & Mary (Mason) and Brigham Young University (Marriott) are also fairly easy to get into, with acceptance rates of 58% and 57%, respectively.
Can you study consulting at Harvard Business School?
Yes, Harvard Business School offers classes for aspiring consultants—with a curriculum grounded in top leadership and strategy practices. A quarter of HBS’s class of 2023 went into consulting after graduating—with median salaries of $192,000.
Is an MBA in consulting worth it?
If your sights are set on becoming a consultant but you do not have a ton of consulting experience yet, then concentration in the subject during your MBA can be worth it. It is important to keep in mind that above all, you want to distinguish yourself in a competitive business marketplace, so you should take courses that can best enhance the skills that you lack.
Do you need an MBA to go into consulting?
No, an MBA is not needed to go into consulting. Many students are able to land jobs at firms straight out of their undergraduate education, especially if they are able to land an internship during their time in school. An MBA can certainly help advance one’s career into eventually a senior partner role.
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