Carlson and Johnson are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Johnson holds a stronger US News ranking. Johnson reports a higher median base salary. Carlson offers lower annual tuition, and Johnson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Johnson is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Carlson | Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #342026 | #152026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #442024 | #182024 |
| Financial Times Rank | — | #272025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | — | #222025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $62,000 | $71,940 |
| Median Base Salary | $125,000 | $170,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 404% | 491% |
| Class Size | 100 | 297 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35.0% | 27.0% |
| Median GMAT | 661 | 710 |
| 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.
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.
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.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Johnson ranks higher in US News, but Johnson delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 491%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Johnson is more selective with a 27.0% acceptance rate, compared to 35.0% for Carlson.
Carlson reports a median base salary of $125,000, while Johnson reports $170,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Carlson annual tuition is $62,000 and Johnson is $71,940. Carlson offers a 9,940 lower annual cost.
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