Johnson and Stern are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Stern holds a stronger US News ranking. Stern reports a higher median base salary. Johnson offers lower annual tuition, and Johnson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Stern is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Johnson | Stern |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #152026 | #72026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #182024 | #142024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #272025 | #152025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #222025 | #132025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $71,940 | $76,780 |
| Median Base Salary | $170,000 | $180,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 491% | 486% |
| Class Size | 297 | 362 |
| Acceptance Rate | 27.0% | 23.0% |
| Median GMAT | 710 | 720 |
| 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.
NYU Stern leverages its Greenwich Village location to offer deep connections to finance, media, entertainment, and tech. Known for its specializations in finance and luxury marketing, Stern attracts a globally diverse student body.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Stern 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.
Stern is more selective with a 23.0% acceptance rate, compared to 27.0% for Johnson.
Johnson reports a median base salary of $170,000, while Stern reports $180,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Johnson annual tuition is $71,940 and Stern is $76,780. Johnson offers a 4,840 lower annual cost.
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