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The M7 By The Numbers, 2025 Edition: Who Gets In — And What That Says About The MBA Market
MIT Sloan. Photo by Above Summit/MIT Sloan
KELLY NIXON, SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE MBA & MSMS PROGRAMS, MIT SLOAN
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?
“MBA Fall Core classes at MIT Sloan will integrate AI into both content and pedagogy. To prepare students for these changes, Professor Eric So has created AI Foundations for MBAs. This workshop will prepare students to take full advantage of using AI tools for productivity, selecting between AI tools for analysis, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI. Complementary to this is MIT Sloan’s AI Resource Hub, an ever-growing collection of resources to unlock AI’s potential for enhancing teaching and learning.
“MIT Sloan now offers a portfolio of seven certificates, which give students a choice to tailor their elective curriculum towards specific academic and career goals. These optional credentials are particularly valuable to career changers, who make up a large percentage of each incoming MBA class. They provide a formal signal to the job market regarding a student’s chosen area of focus and create networking opportunities between students with similar professional interests. Certificates also offer dedicated co-curricular programming, skill building, and other topical events and activities. Students can currently pursue certificates in the following areas:
- Business Analytics
- Product Management
- Enterprise Management
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Sustainability“
HOW THE M7 RANK IN THE CURRENT RANKINGS
| Current Rankings | Harvard | Wharton | Columbia | Booth | Kellogg | Stanford | MIT |
| Poets&Quants | 4 (2) | 12 (31) | 7 (4) | 3 (11) | 1 (12) | 2 (1) | 13 (14) |
| U.S. News | 6T (6) | 1 (1T) | 9 (12T) | 4 (3T) | 2T (3T) | 2T (1T) | 5 (5) |
| Businessweek 2023 (2022) | 6 (6) | 7 (8) | 17 (5) | 2 (2) | 3 (7) | 1 (1) | 10 (10T) |
| Financial Times | 13T (11) | 1 (1) | 2 (3T) | 17 (10) | 10 (6T) | NR (23) | 6 (6T) |
| Quacquarelli Symonds | 3 (3) | 2 (2) | 8 (7) | 15 (14) | 11 (12) | 1 (1) | 4 (6) |
| Economist 2022 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Forbes 2019 (2017) | 4 (4) | 5 (1) | 7 (6) | 1 (7) | 3 (4) | 2 (2) | 7 (8) |
Source: Magazine rankings
DON’T MISS P&Q’S COVERAGE OF THE MAJOR MBA RANKINGS:
STARR MARCELLO, DEPUTY DEAN FOR MBA & MASTER’S PROGRAMS, CHICAGO BOOTH
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?
“At the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, we continue to set ourselves apart by our transformative approach to business education, the innovative ideas of our expert faculty, our culture of diverse perspectives and collaboration, and the global impact of our entire Booth community. And we continue to expand our investment in preparing students for successful careers.
“We have deepened our connection with the University of Chicago, one the largest global research institutions, to effectively combine our distinct flexibility and interdisciplinary strengths. Our joint-degrees and certification programs allow students to pursue both a Master degree in select studies from the university and an MBA from Chicago Booth. This collaboration provides intersectional learning experiences for students and increases opportunities to secure jobs post-graduation. The joint-degree program is one of our most popular offerings and continues to grow. More than 80 joint-degree students across eight joint-degree programs started at Booth this year, up from 59 joint-degree students in six joint-programs last year.
“To prepare students to address critical issues facing the healthcare sector, we have expanded our offerings in healthcare. Booth’s Healthcare Initiative integrates business and medical points of view to address complex challenges facing the sector, bringing in experts and practitioners advancing healthcare research around the university. We added new healthcare classes to Booth’s curriculum, launched a new healthcare concentration, and recently created a new joint-degree in Biomedical Science (MBA/MS in Biological Sciences (BMS) Program).
“The new four-course concentration in healthcare — grouped into three categories — Core, Electives, and Labs — creates a wide range of high-demand healthcare career paths for students. These include healthcare consulting, hospital administration, business development, insurance executive, private equity, corporate finance, and more.
“The joint MBA/MS Biomedical Sciences program combines Booth’s approach to business thinking with the research, applied, and clinical training in biomedical science needed to transform healthcare. With a better understanding of scientific bases of healthcare businesses, students are better equipped to address the growing needs in biotechnology, policy, government, and pharmaceuticals.
“The new joint-degree adds to a number of offerings at Booth that integrate diverse disciplines and research across the university. Among these offerings are the two-year MBA and a Masters in Computer Science (MPCS) that focuses on entrepreneurship, fintech, and technology management; the MBS/MS in Applied Data Science that provides cutting-edge skills to leverage data in fields like AI research and machine learning; and our traditional four-year JD/MBA program and three-year accelerated JD/MBA, that examine the connections between legal systems and business. Joint-degrees and certifications signal to prospective employers that a Chicago Booth graduate has deep knowledge of a particular field, along with relevant analytical skills and expertise.
“In addition to our joint-degree programs, Chicago Booth offers Early Career MBA Programs to students, providing more viable pathways to career success. Our Chicago Booth Scholars program (Deferred MBA) gives students the opportunity to secure a spot at Chicago Booth while still in college. Once accepted, students can defer their admission while gaining work experience for up to five years. This helps students who aren’t sure yet which MBA format will best suit their future needs, or if they plan to pursue either Booth’s Full-Time MBA Program or the Part-Time MBA programs. Additionally, student demand for our leadership curriculum (e.g., Interpersonal Dynamics, Actor’s Studio) has grown significantly, so we have expanded our programming and are bringing in more adjunct faculty.
“For professionals with three years or less of full-time work experience who are interested in earning an MBA while continuing to work full-time, we offer the Chicago Business Fellow program, where students can attend classes in the evenings or on weekends. Students find opportunities for growth, senior-level exposure, and working with diverse teams.
“Our graduate management education program allows students to leverage their coursework and drive long-term success of the institutions for which they work. Our unique data-driven curriculum allows for students to apply learned skills successfully and to adapt to ever-changing work environments and needs.
“Additionally, a Booth MBA opens doors for graduates to a range of roles in business, government, education, policy making, and society. These include but are not limited to positions in financial services, fintech, investment banking, big tech, healthcare, automotive/transportation, professional sports, consumer products/retail, private equity, venture capital, and real estate. Students seeking a world-class business education will no doubt benefit from Booth’s offerings.”
U.S. NEWS & FINANCIAL TIMES ASSESSMENT SCORES FOR THE M7
| Assessment Scores 2024 (2023) | Harvard | Wharton | Columbia | Booth | Kellogg | Stanford | MIT |
| U.S. News Recruiter Assessment Score (out of 5) | 4.6 (4.6) | 4.6 (4.5) | 4.2 (4.2) | 4.6 (4.6) | 4.6 (4.5) | 4.6 (4.7) | 4.6 (4.6) |
| U.S. News Peer Assessment Score (out of 5) | 4.7 (4.7) | 4.7 (4.6) | 4.4 (4.4) | 4.6 (4.6) | 4.5 (4.5) | 4.7 (4.7) | 4.6 (4.6) |
| Financial Times’ Aims Achieved | 89% (90%) | 88% (89%) | 89% (89%) | 90% (90%) | 90% (90%) | N/A (94%) | 90% (89%) |
| Financial Times‘ Research Rank | 5 (2) | 1 (1) | 2 (4) | 2 (2) | 25 (14) | N/A (13) | 14 (21) |
| Financial Times’ Salary Increase | 119% (112%) | 113% (121%) | 131% (127%) | 121% (126%) | 118% (125%) | N/A (117%) | 132% (130%) |
Source: U.S News & Financial Times
PAUL TETLOCK, SENIOR VICE DEAN FOR CURRICULUM & PROGRAMS, COLUMBIA
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 past year has been transformative for our MBA program, with several developments to enhance the CBS curriculum and the future of business education for our students.
“We reimagined our curriculum with flexible Curriculum Pathways, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals and interests. This personalized approach empowers them to focus on relevant skills and knowledge, equipping them to navigate the evolving business landscape and lead in diverse industries. This initiative is ongoing with 17 pathways to date, which include: Asset and Wealth Management, Climate, Customer Insights, Data Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Family Enterprise, Fundamental Analysis, Healthcare, Innovation, Leadership, Media, Private Equity, Product Management, Real Estate, Strategy, and Venture Capital. Curriculum Pathways will provide students with curated course sequences that align with career goals, simplifying the course selection process and preparing students for the global business environment. The new pathways will help students navigate the extensive course offerings, identify business areas of interest, and acquire relevant knowledge and skills.
“The Data Analytics pathway, as an example, begins with a core course in Managerial Statistics, then dives into tools (like specialized courses in Generative AI and Data Analytics) and technical skills (such as programming in python and digital literacy). These — along with industry-related electives in real estate, marketing, and other areas — allow students to obtain the level of technical skills needed for their preferred industry.
“As the global business community increasingly prioritizes environmental responsibility, we have expanded our curriculum to include a stronger emphasis on Climate and Sustainability. Our courses and initiatives focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address the complex challenges of climate change and sustainability in business. We offer specialized courses, such as Business & Climate Change, Climate Finance, Measuring and Managing Climate Risk, and Climate Tech (among others). By integrating climate-focused content throughout our MBA program, we are preparing our students to lead with a sense of purpose, enabling them to drive sustainable practices in their future careers. This commitment to sustainability reflects our dedication to educating responsible leaders who will contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.”
U.S. NEWS SPECIALIZATION RANKINGS FOR THE M7, 2023-2025
| U.S. News Rankings by Specialization 2025 (2024, 2023) | Harvard | Wharton | Columbia | Booth | Kellogg | Stanford | MIT |
| Accounting | 30T (15, 13T) | 2 (2, 2) | 20T (22T, 29T) | 6 (6, 6) | 37T (NR, 29T) | 8 (7, 8) | 30T (22T, 26T) |
| Entrepreneurship | 5 (5, 4) | 6 (8T, 6) | 20T (26T, NR) | 20T (16T, 23T) | 23T (26T, NR) | 2 (2, 2) | 3 (3, 3) |
| Finance | 7 (7, 7) | 1 (1, 1) | 4 (4, 4) | 2 (2, 2) | 14T (15, 14T) | 6 (5, 6) | 5 (6, 5) |
| Management | 1 (1, 1) | 3 (5T, 5) | 10T (12, 12) | 12T (15, 19) | 5T (5T, 4) | 4 (3, 2) | 16T (13, 16T) |
| Information Systems | NR (NR, NR) | 16T (NR, 9T) | NR (NR, NR) | NR (NR, NR) | NR (NR, NR) | 8T (NR, NR) | 1 (1, 2) |
| Marketing | 8 (8, 7) | 2 (2, 2) | 6 (6, 5) | 7 (7, 6) | 1 (1, 1) | 4 (4T, 4) | NR (NR, 31T) |
| Production & Operations | 14T (13T, 12T) | 7 (6, 7) | 10T (11T, 17) | NR (18T, 19T) | 16T (13T, 12T) | 3 (5, 4) | 1 (1, 1) |
| Nonprofit | 2 (2, 2) | NR (NR, NR) | 5 (6, 6) | NR (9, 8T) | 7T (8, NR) | 3 (3, 3) | NR (NR, NR) |
| Supply Chain Logistics | NR (NR, NR) | 17T (14T, 15) | 23T (21T, NR) | NR (NR, 25T) | 17T (13, 13) | 9 (10T, 9T) | 1 (2, 2) |
| International Business | 2 (3T, 2) | 3 (3T, 6) | 7T (5, 5) | 20T (NR, NR) | NR (NR, NR) | 18T (NR, NR) | 20T (21, 15) |
| Business Analytics | 36T (12, 11) | 4 (3, 4) | 7 (6, 8) | 6 (8T, 9) | 24T (25T, 16T) | 9 (NR, NR) | 2 (1, 1) |
| Project Management | NR (NR, NR) | NR (NR, NR) | NR (NR, NR) | NR (NR, NR) | NR (NR, NR) | 7 (NR, NR) | 1 (1T, 1) |
| Real Estate | NR (NR, NR) | 1 (1, 1) | 3 (2T, 3) | NR (NR, NR) | 16 (13, 11T) | NR (NR, NR) | 10 (10, 11T) |
Source: U.S News
BLAIR MANNIX, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE ADMISSIONS, WHARTON
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?
“One of the biggest developments has been our New Parents Accommodation Policy, which is designed to give student parents more support and flexibility. Parenting while in business school is no small feat, so the policy provides options that help make balancing family and school more manageable. New parents can tailor their schedules with the help of academic advisors to ensure they’re staying on track without compromising their graduation plans. It covers everyone, too — expecting mothers, surrogates, and adoptive parents — so they’re all able to transition smoothly during this major life change.”
DON’T MISS OUR PAST COVERAGE OF THE M7:
2024: THE M7 BY THE NUMBERS: WHAT IT TAKES TO GET IN & WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR CAREER
2023: THE M7 B-SCHOOLS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
2022: RANKINGS, RATES, ROI & MORE: THE M7 BY THE NUMBERS
2021: HOW THE M7’S MAGNIFICENCE WAS TESTED IN 2020
2020: THE M7: STILL (MOSTLY) THE MOST MAGNIFICENT OF THEM ALL
2019: NEW M7 DATA, FAMILIAR MAGNIFICENCE
2018: M7 SCHOOLS: THE 2018 DATA IS IN & THEY REMAIN MAGNIFICENT
2017: THE M7, ELITE OF THE ELITE, BY THE NUMBERS
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