Johnson and Mendoza 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. Mendoza offers lower annual tuition, and Johnson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Johnson is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Johnson | Mendoza |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #152026 | #282026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #182024 | #392024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #272025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #222025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $71,940 | $65,766 |
| Median Base Salary | $170,000 | $130,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 491% | 394% |
| Class Size | 297 | 165 |
| Acceptance Rate | 27.0% | 42.0% |
| Median GMAT | 710 | 670 |
| 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 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.
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 42.0% for Mendoza.
Johnson reports a median base salary of $170,000, while Mendoza reports $130,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Johnson annual tuition is $71,940 and Mendoza is $65,766. Mendoza offers a 6,174 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.