The Financial Times 2025 Global MBA Rankings are out, and this year’s list reveals some fascinating shifts in the business school landscape.
First, a personal highlight—HEC Paris (my alma mater) makes a strong return to the Top 10, a testament to its growing global influence. But beyond that, this year’s rankings bring some unexpected trends that challenge conventional wisdom about MBA prestige and career outcomes.
Key Insights from the FT 2025 MBA Rankings
1. Europe Dominates the Top 10
For years, U.S. business schools have led global MBA rankings, but in 2025, Europe has six out of the top 10 spots, marking a continued shift in business education’s global center of gravity.
- IESE Business School climbs to #3
- INSEAD holds strong at #4
- London Business School secures #7
- HEC Paris MBA returns to the Top 10 at #9
This reflects Europe’s increasing prominence in business education, thanks to diverse class profiles, global mobility, and strong employer demand for graduates.
2. Harvard and Stanford Take Big Hits
Perhaps the biggest shocker:
- Harvard Business School (HBS) drops to #13
- Stanford Graduate School of Business doesn’t even make the list (!).
This goes to show that MBA rankings aren’t just about brand prestige—they heavily weigh student outcomes and alumni engagement.
- HBS’s decline is partly due to recruitment trends, as consulting and finance firms scaled back hiring.
- Stanford’s exclusion is linked to low alumni participation in the FT survey (less than 20% responded).
A stark reminder that elite branding alone doesn’t secure a top ranking—schools need strong alumni networks, competitive post-MBA salaries, and broad employer appeal.
3. The Wharton-Columbia-MIT Sloan Trio Leads the U.S.
Despite shifts elsewhere, Wharton retains the #1 spot, followed by:
- Columbia Business School (#2)
- MIT Sloan School of Management (#6)
While other U.S. schools faced ranking volatility, these three continue to deliver some of the highest post-MBA salaries and maintain their strong appeal among recruiters.
4. Indian and Asian Business Schools Gain Global Recognition
Emerging markets are making their mark in the global MBA space:
- Indian School of Business (ISB) rises to #27, reaffirming its position as India’s top-ranked B-school.
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) lands at #31.
- NUS Business School (#37) and Nanyang Business School (#22) strengthen Singapore’s presence in global business education.
- HKUST Business School (#36) continues to establish Hong Kong as a top destination for MBAs.
These institutions are proving that an MBA in Asia isn’t just a regional choice—it’s a globally competitive one, with strong career outcomes and increasing employer demand.
Beyond Rankings: Choosing the Right MBA for You
Rankings are a useful benchmark, but they shouldn’t be the only factor in your MBA decision. Ask yourself:
- Career Alignment – What % of the class enters your target industry?
- Geographic Fit – Does the school’s location support your post-MBA job goals?
- Class Size & Learning Style – Do you thrive in a large cohort or a smaller, close-knit environment?
- Global Mobility – Will the school’s brand open doors internationally?
- Return on Investment (RoI) – How does tuition compare to post-MBA salary potential?
An MBA is a personal investment—choosing the right program means looking beyond rankings and focusing on the best fit for your career goals, industry aspirations, and learning preferences.
What Surprised You Most?
This year’s FT MBA Rankings definitely shook up expectations. What stood out the most to you? And when choosing an MBA, what factors matter most in your decision? Drop your thoughts in the comments.