Columbia and Mendoza are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. Columbia holds a stronger US News ranking. Columbia reports a higher median base salary. Mendoza offers lower annual tuition, and Columbia delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Columbia is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Columbia | Mendoza |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #72026 | #282026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #92024 | #392024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #52025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #72025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $82,584 | $65,766 |
| Median Base Salary | $190,000 | $130,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 475% | 394% |
| Class Size | 850 | 165 |
| Acceptance Rate | 16.5% | 42.0% |
| Median GMAT | 729 | 670 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
Columbia Business School leverages its New York City location to offer unmatched access to Wall Street, media, and real estate industries. Known for its value investing curriculum and strong ties to the financial industry, Columbia attracts ambitious professionals from around the world.
The Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame is distinguished by its values-based approach to business education. Consistently ranked among the top MBA programs for ethics and social responsibility, Mendoza produces leaders known for integrity and collaborative problem-solving. Its strong alumni network, tight-knit community, and growing consulting and finance placement make it a compelling choice for candidates who want a rigorous MBA without the competitive culture of larger programs.
Columbia is a top M7 program; Mendoza is a highly ranked T15 school. Columbia ranks higher in US News, but Columbia delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 475%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Columbia is more selective with a 16.5% acceptance rate, compared to 42.0% for Mendoza.
Columbia reports a median base salary of $190,000, while Mendoza reports $130,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Columbia annual tuition is $82,584 and Mendoza is $65,766. Mendoza offers a 16,818 lower annual cost.
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