EIU Top 100 Full Time MBA Programs

The full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) has long been one of the most sought-after graduate programs for professionals aiming to accelerate their careers, enhance their leadership potential, and gain a deeper understanding of the global business landscape. MBA programs provide students with specialized knowledge in finance, strategy, leadership, marketing, innovation, economics, and other critical business disciplines. To identify the best MBA programs globally, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) conducts an annual ranking based on various criteria to evaluate the quality, opportunities, and outcomes of different programs.

The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2006 Full-Time MBA Rankings are among the most respected evaluations in the business education community, incorporating factors such as new career opportunities, personal development and educational experience, and salary increases post-graduation. These criteria assess the ability of MBA programs to transform students' careers, enrich their academic and leadership experiences, and provide tangible financial returns upon completion. According to the 2006 ranking, the top full-time MBA programs in the world represent a mix of North American, European, and Asian institutions, with their strengths lying in diverse teaching methods, innovative curricula, distinguished faculty members, and successful alumni networks.

The number one MBA program in the 2006 EIU rankings was IESE Business School, located in Barcelona, Spain. IESE has consistently stood as one of the world's leading institutions for business education, and the 2006 ranking highlights its excellent program design and career outcomes. IESE's full-time MBA program is well-regarded for its global focus, innovative teaching methodologies, and emphasis on leadership development. The program offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in global business practices while learning through case studies, interactive workshops, and real-world business applications. IESE's success can be attributed to its combination of academic rigor, its network of successful alumni, and its tailored approach to preparing students for senior leadership positions. With strong international exposure and career support, IESE's graduates have moved on to hold leadership positions in multinational corporations across industries worldwide.

Coming in at the second position in the 2006 rankings were Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business and Stanford Graduate School of Business, which were closely tied in their performance and reputation. The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College has long been regarded as one of the most elite business schools globally, with its strengths lying in its tight-knit community, leadership development, and emphasis on strategic management. Tuck's MBA program offers students a collaborative learning environment, an extensive network of alumni, and access to world-class faculty specializing in business strategy and innovation. Similarly, Stanford's MBA program has established itself as a leader through its innovative approach to teaching, emphasis on entrepreneurship and technological innovation, and unparalleled access to Silicon Valley's business networks. Stanford's strength lies in its ability to balance rigorous academic coursework with practical business experience, fostering a transformative environment for aspiring business leaders.

In the fourth spot in the EIU rankings was the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Chicago Booth's MBA program is celebrated for its analytical rigor, emphasis on data-driven decision-making, and strength in finance and strategic management. Booth is renowned for its focus on quantitative analysis and problem-solving, which equips students with the tools necessary to analyze complex business decisions. Its flexible curriculum and commitment to interdisciplinary learning make it one of the most sought-after programs for students aiming to excel in strategic financial and managerial roles. Graduates of Chicago Booth enjoy exceptional career opportunities in consulting, finance, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Following closely behind was the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland. IMD is a global leader in executive education and full-time MBA programs with a strong focus on leadership development, innovation, and strategic decision-making. IMD’s MBA program is distinguished by its international perspective, emphasis on practical learning, and collaborative approach to leadership development. The program's rigorous curriculum, combined with experiential learning opportunities and exposure to diverse global perspectives, prepares students to lead and innovate in increasingly dynamic and interconnected business environments. IMD graduates are highly sought-after professionals due to their problem-solving capabilities, leadership acumen, and strategic mindset.

In the sixth spot were Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and Harvard Business School. Both institutions have built exceptional reputations over the years, with Kellogg standing out for its strength in marketing, innovation, and organizational behavior, and Harvard being celebrated for its case-based learning and global influence. The Kellogg MBA program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and strategic problem-solving through a combination of academic rigor, practical applications, and industry partnerships. On the other hand, Harvard Business School (HBS) continues to lead as one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Known for its case-based teaching methodology, HBS equips students with a strategic, comprehensive understanding of business operations and leadership. Its MBA program offers students unparalleled networking opportunities, industry insights, and a proven track record of producing influential business leaders across sectors.

Ranked seventh in the 2006 EIU list was Harvard Business School, which has become synonymous with excellence in business education. HBS’s success lies in its ability to combine academic rigor with leadership development through a strong case study approach and a globally connected faculty network. HBS's MBA program places an emphasis on strategic thinking, global business acumen, and problem-solving, making its graduates highly competitive in a variety of industries.

The eighth spot was shared by New York University's Stern School of Business and Yale University’s MBA program. Stern has maintained its reputation as one of the most prestigious business schools by offering students a dynamic mix of corporate finance, risk analysis, technology, and global business strategies. Stern’s MBA program provides students with the opportunity to learn from leading academics and industry professionals while engaging in experiential learning and internships in New York City. Yale's MBA program, on the other hand, offers students a focus on leadership, ethics, and innovation through interdisciplinary learning and strategic development.

In the ninth position was the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. Ross offers a robust MBA curriculum focusing on strategic leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills. The program is known for its emphasis on teamwork, case-based learning, and real-world applications. Ross students benefit from opportunities such as action-based learning projects and corporate partnerships that equip them with the skills and insights necessary for leadership roles.

Finally, the tenth position was occupied by University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Haas's MBA program has become a leader in technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Haas offers students unparalleled access to the innovative tech industry and entrepreneurial business networks. The program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving while preparing students for careers in industries driven by technological change and strategic leadership.

These rankings underscore that the MBA programs in the top ten positions are not only academically rigorous but are also equipped with strong career opportunities, international networks, innovative teaching methods, and distinguished faculty members. They are regarded as transformational experiences, focusing on both the personal and professional development of their students. These institutions prepare students to become leaders capable of navigating the dynamic, globalized, and technology-driven business world. Their alumni networks, career outcomes, and contributions to leadership research continue to influence the direction of modern business education and corporate strategy worldwide.

Ranking of Top 100 Full Time MBA programs:
(based on 14 criteria covering new career opportunities, personal development and educational experience, and salary increase)

1-IESE;

2- Dartmouth,Tuck;

3- Stanford;

4- Chicago;

5- IMD;

6- Northwestern,Kellogg;

7- Harvard;

8- New York,Stern;

9- U of Michigan,Ross;

10- Calif Berkeley,Haas;

11- Cambridge,Judge;

12- Columbia;

13- Virginia,Darden;

14- Henley;

15- UCLA,Anderson;

16- Instituto Empresa;

17- Penn,Wharton;

18- MIT,Sloan;

19- Cranfield;

20- London B School;

21- Ashridge;

22- INSEAD;

23- Cornell,Johnson;

24- Yale;

25- Emory,Goizueta;

26- Vlerick Leuven Gent;

27- U of Washington,

28- Carnegie Melon,Tepper;

29- Duke,Fuqua;

30- York,Schulich;

31- Warwick;

32- Notre Dame,Mendoza;

33- Hult;

34- Ohio State,Fisher;

35- ESADE;

36- Oxford,Said;

37- Hong Kong Sci and Tech;

38- U C Dublin,Smurfit;

39- U of Hong Kong;

40- Leeds;

41- Washington U St Louis,Olin;

42- Bath;

43- City,Cass;

44- HEC Paris;

45- Lancaster;

46- Indiana,Kelley;

47- North Carolina,Kenan-Flagler;

48- Penn State,Smeale;

49- Monash;

50- Minnesota,Carlson;

51- Vanderbilt,Owen;

52- Maryland,Smith;

53- Georgetown,McDonnough;

54- South Calif,Marshall;

55- Texas at Austin,McCombs;

56- Aston;

57- Durham;

58- Edinburgh;

59- Manchester;

60- Wisconsin Madison;

61- Birmingham;

62- EM Lyon;

63- Nimbas;

64- Illinois Urbana Champaign;

65- Strathclyde;

66- Rochester,Simon;

67- Glasgow;

68- Nottingham;

69- Rice,Jones;

70- Wake Forest,Babcock;

71- Bradford;

72- Purdue,Krannert;

73- Pittsburgh,Katz;

74- Southern Methodist,Cox;

75- Int Univ of Monaco;

76- ESCP-EAP;

77- Nanyang;

78- U of Florida,Warrington;

79- Iowa,Tippie;

80- U Calif Davis;

81- Macquarie;

82- British Columbia,Sauder;

83- Rotterdam Erasmus;

84- Melbourne;

85- Int U of Japan;

86- Audencia;

87- Brandeis;

88- Georgia,Terry;

89- Nyenrode;

90- Imperial,Tanaka;

91- Curtin;

92- Newcastle upon Tyne;

93- William and Mary;

94- South Carolina,Moore;

95- Bocconi;

96- HEC Montreal;

97- Otago;

98- Indian Inst of Mgt,Ahmedebad;

99- Nat Univ of Singapore;

100- EADA

Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) 2006