Booth and Johnson 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. Johnson offers lower annual tuition, and Booth delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Booth is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Booth | Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #32026 | #152026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #72024 | #182024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #52025 | #272025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #52025 | #222025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $80,040 | $71,940 |
| Median Base Salary | $190,000 | $170,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 493% | 491% |
| Class Size | 614 | 297 |
| Acceptance Rate | 20.4% | 27.0% |
| Median GMAT | 730 | 710 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
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.
Cornell Johnson sits within a research university renowned for hospitality, tech, and real estate. Johnson offers immersion learning through its semester-long deep dives into specific industries. Its Tech MBA program in New York City is a unique offering.
Booth is a top M7 program; Johnson 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 27.0% for Johnson.
Booth reports a median base salary of $190,000, while Johnson reports $170,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Booth annual tuition is $80,040 and Johnson is $71,940. Johnson offers a 8,100 lower annual cost.
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