Anderson and Stern are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Stern holds a stronger US News ranking. Stern reports a higher median base salary. Anderson offers lower annual tuition, and Anderson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Stern is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Anderson | Stern |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #182026 | #72026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #162024 | #142024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #242025 | #152025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #112025 | #132025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $65,049 | $76,780 |
| Median Base Salary | $172,000 | $180,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 561% | 486% |
| Class Size | 360 | 362 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25.0% | 23.0% |
| Median GMAT | 714 | 720 |
| 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.
NYU Stern leverages its Greenwich Village location to offer deep connections to finance, media, entertainment, and tech. Known for its specializations in finance and luxury marketing, Stern attracts a globally diverse student body.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Stern 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.
Stern is more selective with a 23.0% acceptance rate, compared to 25.0% for Anderson.
Anderson reports a median base salary of $172,000, while Stern reports $180,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Anderson annual tuition is $65,049 and Stern is $76,780. Anderson offers a 11,731 lower annual cost.
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