Aiming for a career in finance and wondering which business schools are best for helping grads enter the sector? These are the 10 best MBAs for finance careers in 2025
Selecting the right MBA program is a pivotal decision that can shape the trajectory of your career, particularly in finance—an industry that offers tough competition and high pressure work, as well as the lucrative opportunity to earn seriously competitive salaries.
Leading financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and HSBC continue to recruit from top business schools around the world, drawn to MBA graduates for their broad business knowledge, analytical expertise, and polished communication skills.
Despite some recent turbulence in the job market business schools remain a key talent pipeline for the industry. According to Bloomberg, median annual salaries in financial services now hit $200,000, and schools like Wharton and Harvard continue to send the highest number of grads into the sector, with 237 and 196 hires, respectively.
As finance jobs in the US begin to recover, several business schools have proven their strength in preparing students for high-stakes roles in everything from investment banking to fintech. With that in mind, here are the MBA programs that stood out in 2024, and who are poised to help launch your finance career in 2025.
Best MBAs For Finance In 2025
10. University of Virginia Darden School of Business
Darden's case method approach and focus on practical application make it a standout choice for finance education. The school's commitment to experiential learning and its strong alumni network provides graduates with the tools necessary for success in finance.
The school's strong links with the finance industry and its commitment to developing practical skills contribute to a reputation as a top choice for aspiring finance professionals. This is clear to see, with top companies such as UBS, S&P Global, and Bank of America listed among the employers of Darden graduates.
In 2024, Darden's class achieved success in the finance industry with 26.2% of students entering the sector, earning a median salary of $175,000.
9. Northwestern Kellogg
Known for its strengths in marketing and leadership, Kellogg also excels in finance—placing 83 graduates into the industry in 2024, with a median base salary of $175,000. Kellogg’s finance curriculum blends analytical rigor with strategic insight, preparing students for high-impact roles in investment banking, corporate finance, and private equity.
The program’s integration of teamwork and experiential learning—hallmarks of the Kellogg approach—gives grads an edge in collaborative, fast-paced finance environments.
With access to a powerful alumni network and strong ties to Wall Street and Chicago’s financial sector, Kellogg remains a top pick for those looking to make their mark in finance.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYU Stern offers unrivaled access to one of the world’s top financial centers. In 2024, 87 Stern MBA grads accepted roles in finance, earning a median salary of $175,000.
Stern's finance program is consistently ranked among the best in the world, backed by faculty who are leaders in financial research and practice. The school's proximity to Wall Street and a broad range of finance electives—from fintech to asset management—make it ideal for students seeking specialized knowledge and strong career placement.
Whether your goal is to work in investment banking, hedge funds, or venture capital, Stern provides both the training and location to help you break in.
7. Indian School of Business (ISB)
As a leading international business school, ISB's MBA program is designed to prepare graduates for global leadership roles across various sectors. This makes it one of the best MBAs for finance.
The first of only two non-US institutions on the list, the school provides a rigorous curriculum, diverse student body, and strong connections in the Indian and global business communities. This makes it a top choice for those seeking a finance career in the dynamic Indian market and beyond.
ISB's class of 2024 had 89 graduates enter the industry, however their median salaries were much lower than those seen in the US at $42,116 ( ₹3,105,000). This is due to a variety of factors, including lower average income levels in India and a cheaper cost of education.
6. Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Business
Located in upstate New York, Cornell Johnson’s 2024 class saw 34.2% of grads entering the finance industry, earning an average salary of $175,000.
Cornell Johnson's finance program stands out for its emphasis on leadership and teamwork. The school's collaborative approach to finance education, coupled with a diverse learning environment, prepares graduates for success in team-oriented financial roles.
Johnson's strong connections with industry leaders contributes to its recognition as one of the best MBAs for finance enthusiasts.
5. London Business School
For those aspiring to build an international finance career, London Business School offers a unique advantage.
LBS is the top MBA outside of the US featured on this list, with 95 finance hires comprising a 26.6% chunk of its 2024 MBA graduating class. These graduates are paid an impressive median salary of $134,690 (£100,000).
The school's diverse student body and faculty bring a global perspective to finance education. London's status as a global financial hub provides students with opportunities to connect with a wide range of financial institutions, making it an excellent choice for a global finance career.
Another M7 business school on the list, Chicago Booth had 162 hires in 2024, a big jump from LBS’s 95. Booth grads earned a median salary of $175,000.
Booth's flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their specific finance interests. Renowned for its quantitative approach that has underpinned financial theories for decades, the school boasts a robust alumni network and intellectual rigor.
Booth's emphasis on curiosity and academic excellence ensures it will equip students with the skills to navigate complex financial challenges.
3. Columbia Business School
Situated in the financial capital of the world, Columbia Business School is the world's best MBA for finance careers, sending more graduates into the financial industry than any other in 2024.
It's no surprise, considering its location in New York City, providing unparalleled access to industry leaders and opportunities, and the school's storied history of close connections to the financial sector.
Columbia saw 195 students among the 2024 class enter the financial sector, making up 40.6% of the cohort.
The school's emphasis on practical application, combined with its location, provides students with extensive networking opportunities. Columbia's prestigious reputation further solidifies its position as a finance powerhouse.
2. Harvard Business School
The birthplace of the MBA degree, renowned for its expansive alumni network and connections with titans across virtually all industries, HBS provides unparalleled networking opportunities.
The HBS MBA's finance curriculum features case-method classes, multimedia simulations, and advanced financial theories, all of which prepare students for the challenges of leading roles within the financial industry.
Graduates are well-prepared, with a range of top financial institutions actively recruiting from HBS, including JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. Among the class of 2024, 196 students entered roles in finance, making HBS the second-best MBA for finance careers.
1. Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
One of the world's most prestigious business schools, Wharton's MBA program is distinguished by a highly quantitative approach to finance that equips students with robust analytical skills.
In 2024, Wharton sent the largest number of graduates into the financial sector. The total number of 237 students entering finance amounted to 37.3% of the entire class.
The school's close ties to Wall Street and an extensive alumni network contribute to its reputation as a finance target school. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, particularly through internships, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the financial industry.
MBA Programs With The Most Finance Hires In 2024
Choosing the right MBA program is a pivotal step toward a successful career in finance. The top 10 schools highlighted here offer unique advantages, whether through strong industry connections, innovative curricula, or global perspectives.
As you continue on your MBA journey in 2025, any of these institutions would be a worthy consideration as a launchpad into a thriving career in finance.
