Mendoza and GSB are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. GSB holds a stronger US News ranking. GSB reports a higher median base salary. Mendoza offers lower annual tuition, and GSB delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Mendoza is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Mendoza | GSB |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #282026 | #12026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #392024 | #12024 |
| Financial Times Rank | — | #22025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | — | #42025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $65,766 | $82,455 |
| Median Base Salary | $130,000 | $197,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 394% | 497% |
| Class Size | 165 | 436 |
| Acceptance Rate | 42.0% | 6.1% |
| Median GMAT | 670 | 738 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
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.
Stanford Graduate School of Business is the most selective MBA program globally, with an acceptance rate below 7%. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, GSB is the top choice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Its small class size fosters deep relationships and personalized education.
GSB is a top M7 program; Mendoza is a highly ranked T15 school. GSB ranks higher in US News, but GSB delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 497%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Mendoza is more selective with a 42.0% acceptance rate, compared to 6.1% for GSB.
Mendoza reports a median base salary of $130,000, while GSB reports $197,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Mendoza annual tuition is $65,766 and GSB is $82,455. Mendoza offers a 16,689 lower annual cost.
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