The M7 By The Numbers, 2025 Edition: Who Gets In — And What That Says About The MBA Market

Columbia’s Manhattanville campus. Iwan Baan photo

PRE-MBA INDUSTRIES OF THE M7 CLASS OF 2026

Source: M7 class profiles

RUPAL GADHIA, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MBA ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID, HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

P&Q: What have been the two most important developments in your MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future MBAs?

“We continue to prepare our students to lead in a world driven by technical innovation. We recently announced that our MBA is now STEM-designated. As a result, HBS’ international students may now reside in the United States longer to pursue additional post-graduate opportunities through Optional Practical Training. This new designation reflects our faculty’s ongoing commitment to developing courses and modules that bring the latest research and developments in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and quantitative methods into the classroom. Some examples of these new courses include Data Science and AI for Leaders, Data Visualization for Analysis, and Tough Tech Ventures.

“We also remain excited about our newest joint degree programs. The MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program builds on students’ existing biotech and life sciences knowledge and equips them with the latest business and scientific insights. The MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences Program builds upon students’ existing technical knowledge and skills and prepares them for leadership and founder roles in technology ventures.

“The case method remains the fundamental learning method used in the classroom at HBS. At the same time, our faculty continue to pilot new content and delivery methods, increasing flexibility in the program. We launched Short Intensive Programs (SIPS) in 2017 as no-credit, no-fee week-long elective courses which allow students to explore topics they might not otherwise get to study. This past year we introduced Weekend Sprints, which allow students (and their partners) to explore topics such as the AI revolution and the power of well-being. This additional programming is optional, but we’ve seen incredible engagement with the students and faculty so far and plan to continue to grow these efforts into the future.

“Another focus area is our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our MBA is affordable and accessible to students from all backgrounds. Our need-based scholarship program is the largest of any MBA program in the world. Ten percent of our student body — those with the greatest financial need — receive full-tuition scholarships. We also have a need-based application fee waiver.”

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OF THE M7 CLASS OF 2026

Source: M7 class profiles

EMILY HAYDON, ASSISTANT DEAN FOR ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID, NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG

P&Q: What have been the two most important developments in your MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future MBAs?

“This year, two significant developments have taken center stage at Kellogg: the announcement of the Advanced Private Equity Experience (APEX) program and the launch of the Certificate in the Business of Healthcare. Both these initiatives reflect Kellogg’s commitment to delivering innovative, industry-relevant education that empowers students to excel in their careers.

“Advanced Private Equity Experience (APEX): The APEX program is a groundbreaking addition tailored for select One-Year and Two-Year full-time MBA students aspiring to lead in the private equity (PE) sector. The program features one-on-one mentorship from seasoned private equity alumni, an accelerated curriculum and academic guidance from Kellogg faculty. APEX not only bridges the gap between theory and practice, but also equips students with the knowledge, networks, and skills essential for thriving in a highly competitive field. By fostering close connections with industry leaders, APEX positions Kellogg students to become the next generation of PE trailblazers.

“Certificate in the Business of Healthcare: The new Certificate in the Business of Healthcare offers a comprehensive credential for full-time and part-time MBA students seeking leadership roles in the healthcare sector. Building on Kellogg’s longstanding expertise in healthcare education, the certificate provides students with a foundational understanding of the entire healthcare ecosystem, along with the flexibility to tailor their coursework to align with specific career goals. The program includes a core course in Healthcare Strategy, which can be taken in a traditional format or through an immersive “Deep Dive” experience, as well as elective courses covering topics such as healthcare economics, digital innovation, and biopharmaceuticals. Students also participate in experiential learning opportunities, gaining real-world insights into the complexities of the healthcare industry. The certificate not only prepares students for the fast-evolving healthcare landscape, but also enhances their marketability by equipping them with in-demand skills and a distinct point of view.

“These developments are more than just new offerings; they represent a strategic evolution in how Kellogg prepares its students for the challenges and opportunities of today’s business world.”

PAUL OYER, SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, STANFORD GSB

Economist Paul Oyer will become senior associate dean for the MBA and MSX programs at Stanford Graduate School of Business

P&Q: What have been the two most important developments in your MBA program over the past year? What type of impact will they have on current and future MBAs?

“The Business, Government, and Society (BGS) Initiative conducted its second Views of Business Leadership survey to help students and faculty understand the diversity of opinion on a range of issues, including whether CEOs should speak out on social or political matters and if tax rates should be increased on long-term capital gains. The BGS Initiative is also hosting the Insights & Bites series, which is focused on faculty research.

“We continue to expand our AI curriculum and capitalize on its wide range of impact, such as economic impacts on labor markets and democracy to industries that will be disrupted by automation and increased efficiencies. Students are very interested in learning about business opportunities in the AI market, learning how to use AI to manage organizations effectively, and applying AI tools in class. We have been adding new courses related to AI, infusing AI material into existing courses, and professors are incorporating AI tools in their classes. Our core statistics class, for example, historically taught statistics principles and how to program to apply these principles. The course still does both of those things but also teaches students how AI can help with statistical analysis and how to use AI tools to do the programming that they used to do themselves.”

SEE P&Q’S MEET THE CLASS SERIES:  

HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

THE WHARTON SCHOOL

COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL

CHICAGO BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

STANFORD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

MIT SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Next page: How the M7 rank in all the major rankings