Johnson and Questrom 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. Questrom offers lower annual tuition, and Johnson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Johnson is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Johnson | Questrom |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #152026 | #402026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #182024 | — |
| Financial Times Rank | #272025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #222025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $71,940 | $63,264 |
| Median Base Salary | $170,000 | $130,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 491% | 414% |
| Class Size | 297 | 200 |
| Acceptance Rate | 27.0% | 38.0% |
| Median GMAT | 710 | 665 |
| 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.
Boston University Questrom School of Business leverages Boston's unique concentration of world-class hospitals, biotech firms, and technology companies. Questrom graduates are particularly well-placed in healthcare/pharma management, consulting, and financial services. BU's collaborative MBA community, combined with strong ties to Boston's innovation economy (including Harvard Medical Area, Kendall Square, and Route 128 corridor), makes Questrom a top choice for healthcare and tech-focused MBAs.
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 38.0% for Questrom.
Johnson reports a median base salary of $170,000, while Questrom reports $130,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Johnson annual tuition is $71,940 and Questrom is $63,264. Questrom offers a 8,676 lower annual cost.
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