Booth and Owen 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. Owen offers lower annual tuition, and Booth delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Booth is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Booth | Owen |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #32026 | #352026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #72024 | #472024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #52025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #52025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $80,040 | $70,728 |
| Median Base Salary | $190,000 | $148,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 493% | 423% |
| Class Size | 614 | 185 |
| Acceptance Rate | 20.4% | 38.0% |
| Median GMAT | 730 | 668 |
| 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.
The Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University is the Southeast's most research-intensive MBA program. Located in Nashville—one of America's fastest-growing cities—Owen offers exceptional access to healthcare, music/entertainment, and technology industries. Known for its collegial culture and strong consulting placement, Owen's small, selective program produces alumni who consistently outperform expectations relative to the school's ranking.
Booth is a top M7 program; Owen 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 38.0% for Owen.
Booth reports a median base salary of $190,000, while Owen reports $148,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Booth annual tuition is $80,040 and Owen is $70,728. Owen offers a 9,312 lower annual cost.
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