FT Ranking of Top Canadian MBA Programs

The Financial Times (FT) MBA League Table 2009 ranks business schools worldwide based on a variety of criteria, and the inclusion of five Canadian business schools in the Global Top 100 list highlights the strength and global recognition of Canadian MBA programs. These schools offer a range of top-tier business education, with graduates achieving impressive career outcomes and notable salaries. The universities featured—University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School, York University's Schulich School of Business, University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, and University of Alberta’s School of Business—are all renowned for their rigorous academic programs, high employment rates, and the strong career progression of their alumni.

The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management ranks 47th in the world according to the 2009 FT rankings. Rotman graduates experience impressive career outcomes, with an average salary of $97,413 and a remarkable 92% salary increase from their pre-MBA earnings. This increase in salary is a testament to the program’s ability to significantly boost the earning potential of its graduates, reflecting the high regard that employers have for Rotman’s rigorous academic curriculum and its focus on leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation. The school’s strong reputation is further demonstrated by its high alumni recommended rank, at 19th globally. Alumni recommendations are a critical component of business school rankings, as they reflect the satisfaction and success of past graduates, and Rotman’s impressive position in this category suggests that its alumni feel confident in the value of their education. The school’s career progress rank is lower, sitting at 98th, which may be due to various factors such as the diversity of alumni career paths or specific regional employment dynamics. However, the strong employment rate (90%) and placement success rank (67th) suggest that the vast majority of Rotman graduates successfully enter the workforce after completing their MBA.

Following closely behind in the FT rankings is the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School, which is also ranked 47th in the world. Ivey is known for its case-based teaching methodology, which places students in real-world business scenarios that require critical problem-solving skills and strategic decision-making. The Ivey MBA program produces some of the highest-earning graduates, with an average salary of $104,456— the highest among the five Canadian schools listed in the rankings. Additionally, Ivey’s graduates see a salary increase of 98%, which is one of the most significant jumps in the FT rankings, demonstrating the immense return on investment that the Ivey MBA provides. The school also performs well in terms of employment, with an employment rate of 91% within three months of graduation, suggesting that its graduates are highly sought after by employers. However, Ivey’s career progress rank (72nd) and aims achieved rank (57th) reflect slightly less favorable perceptions in these areas when compared to other top institutions. That said, the school remains highly competitive in global business education, consistently ranking highly for the value it offers to students and its alumni.

York University’s Schulich School of Business, ranked 49th in the world, is another top contender in Canada’s business education landscape. Schulich’s MBA program provides a global perspective on business education, with a focus on cross-cultural understanding and international business practices. Schulich’s graduates earn an average salary of $88,609, which is slightly lower than those of Rotman and Ivey graduates, but still a strong figure within the global context. The salary increase for Schulich alumni is 97%, one of the highest in the rankings, further emphasizing the school’s ability to propel its graduates’ careers. The school ranks 43rd for value for money, indicating that the return on investment for a Schulich MBA is highly regarded. Despite slightly lower rankings in career progress (65th) and aims achieved (71st), Schulich continues to stand out for its strong global network, diverse student body, and a curriculum that is responsive to the changing global business environment. The employment rate for Schulich graduates stands at 90%, on par with the other Canadian schools in the rankings, while the school’s alumni recommended rank (29th) suggests a high level of satisfaction among graduates with the education they received.

The University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business ranks 71st in the world according to the FT 2009 rankings, performing well in various categories. Sauder’s graduates have an average salary of $89,682, and their salary increase is 83%, which is lower compared to the other Canadian schools listed. However, Sauder’s alumni are highly satisfied with their education, as reflected in the alumni recommended rank of 49th. The school performs well in terms of employment, with a 92% employment rate within three months of graduation, indicating that Sauder’s MBA graduates are highly sought after by employers in Canada and around the world. Sauder’s value for money rank is 38th, a strong position that suggests the school offers a competitive educational experience relative to the cost of the program. The school’s career progress rank (75th) and aims achieved rank (80th) reflect room for improvement in terms of the long-term outcomes of its graduates. Nevertheless, Sauder’s reputation for producing capable business leaders who are well-equipped for success in global markets continues to attract high-quality candidates from around the world.

Finally, the University of Alberta’s School of Business ranks 77th globally, rounding out the list of Canadian schools in the FT rankings. While the salary for Alberta MBA graduates is slightly lower than that of their peers at other schools, at $75,084, their salary increase of 95% is significant and highlights the strong return on investment that the program offers. The employment rate for Alberta MBA graduates is the highest of all the Canadian schools listed, at 98%, underscoring the strong demand for graduates from this program in the job market. Alberta’s value for money rank (29th) is one of the best among the Canadian business schools in the FT rankings, indicating that the program provides a good balance between cost and quality. The school’s career progress rank (30th) is one of the highest in Canada, suggesting that Alberta’s MBA program has a strong record of helping graduates achieve their career goals. However, its alumni recommended rank (78th) is the lowest among the five Canadian schools, suggesting that while the school offers strong employment prospects, its alumni may have somewhat mixed feelings about the overall impact of the program.

In conclusion, the five Canadian business schools ranked in the Financial Times 2009 MBA League Table—University of Toronto’s Rotman, University of Western Ontario’s Ivey, York University’s Schulich, University of British Columbia’s Sauder, and University of Alberta’s School of Business—demonstrate the strength of Canada’s business education landscape. These schools not only offer strong academic programs and rigorous curricula but also provide their graduates with competitive salaries, excellent employment rates, and strong career progression. Each of these schools has its unique strengths, and the rankings reflect the diverse opportunities and outcomes available to students who choose to pursue an MBA in Canada. Whether through global exposure, high salaries, or high alumni satisfaction, these schools have earned their place among the top business schools worldwide, continuing to attract top talent from across Canada and around the globe.