MBA Salary: 20 Business Schools Where Graduates Earn The Most

Want a big MBA salary after graduation? We list the 20 business schools with the highest-earning MBA graduates

Considering the amount an average MBA student invests in their degree, it’s hardly surprising that post-MBA salary is a big focus for prospective students.

Students need the promise of a post-MBA salary spike to pay off tuition fees alone, which pack a hefty punch. Take the NYU Stern MBA, the most expensive full-time MBA program according to our BusinessBecause Cost of MBA Report, where tuition alone comes in at over $164,000, or MIT Sloan, with tuition fees of $160,000.

But given the eye-watering salaries that some MBA graduates can expect to earn, the cost doesn't feel quite as significant. Here, we list the business schools with the highest MBA salaries three years after graduation, based on the 2023 Financial Times MBA Ranking.

See the FT’s full rankings table

Best Business Schools For MBA Salaries

20. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, India

A leading public business school located in Ahmedabad on the West coast of India, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad ranks among the top two schools in India, according to the FT.

The school has impressive statistics, with 98% of students gaining employment within three months of graduation. Grads also earn average salaries of $184,418 three years after graduation.

19. University of Michigan Ross School of Business, USA

A prestigious business school based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Ross School of Business is ranked 26th in the overall FT ranking.

Equalling IIM Ahmedabad’s employment results, 98% of students land jobs within three months. However, Michigan Ross MBAs go on to earn slightly higher salaries, averaging at $186,088.

READ: Best Business Schools In The World | Financial Times MBA Ranking

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18. London Business School, UK

London Business School is the UK's highest ranked business school, and also produces its highest paid MBA graduates.

In spite of London’s reputation for its increasing cost of living, students can expect to bring in $187,292 a year three years after they graduate, over $10K more than students at its closest ranked UK-based school, Cambridge Judge.

17. Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, USA

Located in the heart of US government, Washington DC, the McDonough school of Business at Georgetown University offers a well regarded MBA degree (ranked 32nd) and an array of Masters degrees in subjects including sustainability and real estate.

Graduates from the McDonough MBA are high earners, their salaries rise by 152% on average between pre and post-MBA jobs, while total salaries average at $188,194.

16. Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University, USA

Named after the founder of billion-dollar consumer goods company SC Johnson, Cornell Johnson graduates are destined for high earning jobs. Students at this Ivy League business school can expect to earn $192,164 on average three years after graduating.

15. SDA Bocconi School of Management, Italy

SDA Bocconi School of Management is one of Europe’s top business schools, located in the heart of Italy’s business hub: Milan. It’s home to a top-10 ranking MBA program, having risen up the FT list after placing 13th in 2022.

Graduates from the Bocconi MBA tend to see impressive return on their investment, with a 124% increase between pre and post-MBA salary, and average salaries of $192,815, three years after leaving the program.

READ: Best European Business Schools 2022 | Financial Times Ranking

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