Booth and Carlson are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. Booth holds a stronger US News ranking. Booth reports a higher median base salary. Carlson offers lower annual tuition, and Booth delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Booth is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Booth | Carlson |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #32026 | #342026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #72024 | #442024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #52025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #52025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $80,040 | $62,000 |
| Median Base Salary | $190,000 | $125,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 493% | 404% |
| Class Size | 614 | 100 |
| Acceptance Rate | 20.4% | 35.0% |
| Median GMAT | 730 | 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.
Chicago Booth is renowned for its flexible curriculum and analytical approach to business education. With a focus on data-driven decision-making and economic theory, Booth produces graduates who excel in consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship. The school is known for its intellectual rigor and diverse student body.
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.
Booth is a top M7 program; Carlson is a highly ranked T15 school. Booth ranks higher in US News, but Booth delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 493%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Booth is more selective with a 20.4% acceptance rate, compared to 35.0% for Carlson.
Booth reports a median base salary of $190,000, while Carlson reports $125,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Booth annual tuition is $80,040 and Carlson is $62,000. Carlson offers a 18,040 lower annual cost.
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