Top 20 Business Schools

The 2016 Financial Times MBA Survey ranked Insead as the top MBA provider globally, reflecting its prestigious position in the world of business education. The rankings, which evaluated business schools based on a variety of factors, including the success of alumni, the reputation of faculty, and the quality of the programs offered, placed Insead at the forefront of MBA providers. The Financial Times survey is one of the most respected sources for determining the standing of business schools globally.

Insead’s top ranking is no surprise given the school’s exceptional global reach, diverse student body, and outstanding faculty. It is known for its one-year, intensive MBA program, which offers students an international perspective on business through its campuses in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), and a partnership with the Middle East (Abu Dhabi). The school's focus on global business challenges and its rigorous academic curriculum make it an attractive choice for individuals seeking to accelerate their careers and become leaders in the international business world.

The Financial Times MBA survey uses several key metrics to rank business schools. Among these are alumni salary increases, the diversity of the student body, the quality of the faculty, the school’s international exposure, and the recruitment success of graduates. Insead’s success can largely be attributed to its ability to provide students with a truly global learning environment. With one of the highest proportions of international students among top business schools, Insead offers an enriching cross-cultural experience that prepares graduates for leadership roles across the world.

While Insead’s global reputation is strong, other prestigious schools such as Harvard Business School, London Business School, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School follow closely in the rankings, all of which provide top-tier business education and contribute to shaping the future of business leadership globally. Harvard Business School, ranked second, is renowned for its case-study methodology, which immerses students in real-world business situations and challenges them to think critically and strategically. Harvard’s vast alumni network, influential faculty, and its location in one of the world’s leading business hubs—Boston—make it a leader in the MBA space.

London Business School (LBS), which came in third in the 2016 rankings, is also highly competitive in terms of faculty and student body diversity. With its location in one of the world’s major financial centers, LBS attracts students seeking to build careers in global finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship. The school is particularly strong in the finance sector and benefits from its close proximity to London’s robust business environment. LBS is also known for offering a flexible MBA program that can be completed in 15, 18, or 21 months, catering to students at different stages of their careers.

The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, ranked fourth, is one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in the United States. Wharton has a distinguished reputation for its rigorous quantitative and analytical approach to business education. The school is known for its strength in finance and has a highly sought-after MBA program that emphasizes leadership, innovation, and a global approach to business. Wharton’s vast and influential alumni network also plays a significant role in helping students land top positions across a variety of industries.

Stanford Graduate School of Business, ranked fifth, is one of the most elite business schools in the world. Stanford offers a two-year MBA program that is renowned for its innovative curriculum, focus on entrepreneurship, and strong connections to Silicon Valley, which provide students with opportunities to collaborate with the tech industry. Stanford’s culture of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit attracts ambitious students eager to create change in the world through business. Its proximity to Silicon Valley also enhances its position as a top school for those looking to work in the tech sector.

Columbia Business School, ranked sixth, is another leading global institution that offers a comprehensive MBA program with strong focuses on finance, entrepreneurship, and strategy. Columbia’s New York City location provides unparalleled access to top firms in finance, consulting, and media, making it an excellent choice for students pursuing careers in these industries. The school’s curriculum is known for its flexibility, allowing students to customize their education to suit their career goals.

The University of California at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, ranked seventh, is known for its innovation, social responsibility, and focus on leadership development. Haas places a strong emphasis on creating leaders who are not only equipped with business skills but also possess a strong ethical compass. Its MBA program is particularly recognized for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, with many students choosing to work in Silicon Valley’s booming tech industry.

The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, ranked eighth, is renowned for its quantitative approach to business education and its focus on developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Booth offers a flexible MBA program, allowing students to tailor their courses and experiences according to their interests and career goals. The school’s strengths in finance, economics, and data-driven decision-making have made it a highly respected institution among MBA aspirants.

MIT Sloan School of Management, ranked ninth, is known for its emphasis on innovation and technology-driven business practices. MIT Sloan’s MBA program offers students opportunities to engage with groundbreaking research and collaborate on projects that are shaping the future of business. The school has a strong focus on the intersection of technology, business, and entrepreneurship, making it particularly appealing to students looking to work in the tech industry or launch their own startups.

The University of Cambridge, ranked tenth, is another institution that combines academic rigor with a global perspective. Cambridge Judge Business School’s MBA program emphasizes leadership development, with an innovative approach to teaching that includes case studies, simulations, and team-based projects. The school is known for its close-knit community and strong ties to the global business community, making it an attractive option for students who want to work in global firms or start their own ventures.

Following these top ten institutions, schools like Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, IE Business School, IMD, and HKUST Business School have continued to establish themselves as leaders in business education. Kellogg, ranked 11th, is particularly known for its focus on teamwork, leadership, and marketing, offering a diverse and collaborative environment. IMD, ranked 13th, is a Swiss business school with a strong focus on executive education and leadership development, while HKUST, ranked 14th, is known for its strong ties to the growing business environment in Asia, making it an excellent choice for those looking to work in the region.

HEC Paris, Iese Business School, Ceibs, and Yale School of Management continue to round out the list of top-ranked business schools. These institutions, each known for their high academic standards, diverse student bodies, and strong global connections, offer world-class MBA programs that prepare students for leadership roles in the global business environment.

Finally, prestigious schools such as New York University’s Stern School of Business, the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, and other top institutions have consistently been recognized for their academic excellence and global reputations. These schools continue to attract top talent and contribute significantly to the development of future business leaders.

In conclusion, the Financial Times MBA Survey of 2016 highlights the elite status of institutions such as Insead, Harvard Business School, and London Business School, as well as the growing global recognition of schools like Wharton, Stanford, and MIT Sloan. The rankings reflect a broader trend in the business world where institutions with a global focus, diverse student populations, and a commitment to academic excellence continue to lead the way in shaping the future of business education. Each of these top business schools offers unique strengths and opportunities, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to face the challenges of the global business landscape and emerge as successful leaders in their respective industries.

Top 20 Business Schools in the world according to the Financial Times MBA Survey of top 100 business schools 2016:
1. Insead 2. Harvard Business School 3. London Business School 4. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton 5. Stanford 6. Columbia Business School 7. University of California at Berkeley: Haas 8. University of Chicago: Booth 9. MIT: Sloan 10. University of Cambridge 11. Northwestern University: Kellogg 12. IE Business School 13. IMD 14. HKUST Business School 15. HEC Paris 16. Iese Business School 17. Ceibs 18. Yale School of Management 19. New York University: Stern 20. University of Michigan: Ross