Anderson and Carlson are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Anderson holds a stronger US News ranking. Anderson reports a higher median base salary. Carlson offers lower annual tuition, and Anderson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Anderson is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Anderson | Carlson |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #182026 | #342026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #162024 | #442024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #242025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #112025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $65,049 | $62,000 |
| Median Base Salary | $172,000 | $125,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 561% | 404% |
| Class Size | 360 | 100 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25.0% | 35.0% |
| Median GMAT | 714 | 661 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
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Want context on the metrics above? These guides break down how to read the numbers — rankings methodology, salary distributions, and ROI math.
UCLA Anderson is a top choice for those looking to work in entertainment, real estate, and tech on the West Coast. Known for its entrepreneurial culture and strong alumni ties in Los Angeles, Anderson offers a high ROI given its public school tuition.
The Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota offers a strong, versatile MBA in the Twin Cities—a major Midwest business hub home to more Fortune 500 headquarters per capita than almost any other US city (Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth Group, Cargill). Carlson's MBA is known for strong finance, supply chain, and brand management programs, with outstanding corporate access and placement within the Midwest's corporate powerhouses.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Anderson ranks higher in US News, but Anderson delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 561%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Anderson is more selective with a 25.0% acceptance rate, compared to 35.0% for Carlson.
Anderson reports a median base salary of $172,000, while Carlson reports $125,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Anderson annual tuition is $65,049 and Carlson is $62,000. Carlson offers a 3,049 lower annual cost.
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