Columbia and Olin 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. Olin offers lower annual tuition, and Olin delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Columbia is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Columbia | Olin |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #72026 | #252025 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #92024 | #242024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #52025 | #522025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #72025 | #462025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $82,584 | $63,250 |
| Median Base Salary | $190,000 | $155,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 475% | 513% |
| Class Size | 850 | 155 |
| Acceptance Rate | 16.5% | 32.0% |
| Median GMAT | 729 | 694 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
Keep Comparing
Want context on the metrics above? These guides break down how to read the numbers — rankings methodology, salary distributions, and ROI math.
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.
WashU Olin offers a rigorous, customizable MBA with strengths in healthcare, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. The school's strong corporate connections in the Midwest and intimate class sizes provide a personalized educational experience.
Columbia is a top M7 program; Olin is a highly ranked T15 school. Columbia ranks higher in US News, but Olin delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 513%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Columbia is more selective with a 16.5% acceptance rate, compared to 32.0% for Olin.
Columbia reports a median base salary of $190,000, while Olin reports $155,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Columbia annual tuition is $82,584 and Olin is $63,250. Olin offers a 19,334 lower annual cost.
Now see where you rank against these programs
Plug in your GPA, GMAT, and experience to get a live 0–100 competitiveness score.
Tuition and median salary tell half the story. Our ROI calculator shows your personal payback period in 30 seconds — with your actual pre-MBA salary.
Calculate My ROI → No thanks, I’m done comparingRankings updates, salary benchmarks, and admissions insights — free, every week.
No thanks