Johnson and Jones 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. Johnson offers lower annual tuition, and Johnson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Johnson is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Johnson | Jones |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #152026 | #282026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #182024 | #342024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #272025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #222025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $71,940 | $72,560 |
| Median Base Salary | $170,000 | $153,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 491% | 427% |
| Class Size | 297 | 130 |
| Acceptance Rate | 27.0% | 33.0% |
| Median GMAT | 710 | 710 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
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.
The Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University is Houston's premier MBA program and one of the top energy MBA programs in the world. Its small class size (~130) ensures exceptional faculty access and tight alumni networks. Jones graduates excel in energy, consulting, and finance, with strong placement at energy majors (ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron), investment banks, and McKinsey/BCG/Bain. Located in the Texas Medical Center, it also has growing healthcare and biotech placement.
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 33.0% for Jones.
Johnson reports a median base salary of $170,000, while Jones reports $153,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Johnson annual tuition is $71,940 and Jones is $72,560. Johnson offers a 620 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.