Booth and Darden 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. Darden offers lower annual tuition, and Darden delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Booth is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Booth | Darden |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #32026 | #112026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #72024 | #92024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #52025 | #202025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #52025 | #182025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $80,040 | $72,200 |
| Median Base Salary | $190,000 | $178,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 493% | 516% |
| Class Size | 614 | 350 |
| Acceptance Rate | 20.4% | 24.0% |
| Median GMAT | 730 | 718 |
| 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.
Darden School of Business at UVA is known for its case-method teaching, second only to Harvard in case study usage. Darden students experience an immersive, discussion-based classroom environment. The school has strong placement in consulting, finance, and general management.
Booth is a top M7 program; Darden is a highly ranked T15 school. Booth ranks higher in US News, but Darden delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 516%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Booth is more selective with a 20.4% acceptance rate, compared to 24.0% for Darden.
Booth reports a median base salary of $190,000, while Darden reports $178,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Booth annual tuition is $80,040 and Darden is $72,200. Darden offers a 7,840 lower annual cost.
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