Top 10 Leading Business Schools in the United States
Explore the top 10 business schools in the US offering world-class education, impressive alumni outcomes, and competitive acceptance rates. Find out about tuition fees, employment statistics, and rankings for each leading institution to guide your application process and career planning.

Top 10 Leading Business Schools in the United States
Discover the best business schools across the US
The US boasts over 70 prestigious business schools featured in the latest global university rankings. Gaining admission to the top business programs of 2018 is a goal for many students. However, not all institutions offer the same quality or return on investment. Some schools provide high-paying graduate roles, while others may not meet expectations. To help prospective students, we've compiled a list of the 10 premier business schools in the US. Continue reading for detailed insights.
Top 10 Business Schools in the US:

1. Harvard Business School:
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is a renowned private research institution founded in 1636. It ranks number one among US business schools and leads globally in accounting and finance studies. The acceptance rate is approximately 9.9%, with graduates earning an average starting salary of $158,049. About 78.9% of students find employment upon graduation. Annual tuition costs around $78,772, with roughly 1,857 new students admitted each year.
2. MIT Sloan School of Management:
Situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT Sloan is a private research university established in 1861. It holds the fourth spot worldwide for business and management and ranks first in the QS World University Rankings. The acceptance rate is approximately 11.6%. Graduates typically start with an average salary of $148,451. Around 84.2% of students gain employment immediately after completing the program. Annual tuition is about $71,312, enrolling around 813 students annually.
3. Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania:
Based in Philadelphia, this Ivy League institution was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. It ranks fifth globally in business and management. The acceptance rate is roughly 19.2%, with graduates earning an initial salary of $159,815. Employment rate at graduation is about 82.3%. The annual fee is approximately $76,580, with around 1,200 students enrolled each year.
4. Stanford Graduate School of Business:
Located in California, Stanford GSB was established in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford. It ranks sixth worldwide and second in QS rankings. Acceptance rate is about 5.7%. The average starting salary for graduates is $159,440. Tuition fees are approximately $68,868 per year, with an enrollment of around 853 students annually.
5. Booth School of Business, University of Chicago:
Based in Illinois, this private research university was founded in 1890. It ranks twelfth globally for business. The acceptance rate stands at 23.5%. Graduates expect an average starting salary of $151,085. The yearly tuition is about $70,364, with roughly 1,176 students admitted annually.
6. Northwestern Kellogg School of Management:
Located in Illinois, Northwestern University was established in 1851. Its Kellogg School ranks among the top business schools worldwide. The acceptance rate is around 20.2%. Graduates typically start with a salary of $146,259. Tuition fees are approximately $70,435 per year, with an annual intake of about 1,296 students.
7. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan:
Situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this public research university was founded in 1817. Its Ross School ranks highly in global management programs. Acceptance rate is about 25.3%, with an average starting salary of $150,052. Tuition costs approximately $67,628 annually, enrolling around 824 students each year.
8. Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley:
Located in Oakland, California, this public university was established in 1868. It ranks among the top US business schools. The acceptance rate is approximately 12.9%. Graduates report a starting salary of about $146,752. The annual fee is around $59,811, with roughly 543 students admitted yearly.
9. Columbia Business School:
Based in New York City, Columbia University is an Ivy League institution founded in 1754. It ranks in the top ten worldwide for business. Acceptance rate is approximately 14%. Graduates earn an average starting salary of $151,849. The yearly tuition is about $74,476, with about 1,297 students enrolled annually.
10. Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College:
Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College was founded in 1769. Its Tuck School is renowned for business education. Acceptance rate is around 23%. Graduates start with an average salary of $152,805. Tuition costs about $72,330 per year, with around 582 new students each year.