HBS MBA

Harvard University · Boston, MA
#4
US News Rank
11.0%
Accept Rate
740
Median GMAT
$260k
Median Salary
$76,410
Annual Tuition

Compare with similar schools

See how HBS compares with other leading MBA programs on the metrics that matter most.

About HBS MBA

Harvard Business School pioneered the case method of teaching and remains the gold standard for general management education. HBS is the most selective MBA program in the world, producing more Fortune 500 CEOs than any other school. Its case study approach prepares leaders to tackle ambiguous business challenges. Compare HBS vs Tuck →

Key Metrics

With a class size of 930 students, HBS offers a large, diverse cohort with extensive networking opportunities. The program's 11.0% acceptance rate makes it one of the most selective MBA programs in the world. See HBS vs Stern side by side →

Graduates report a median starting salary of $260,000, yielding an estimated 5-year ROI of approximately 751% after accounting for two years of tuition at $76,410 per year. Compare ROI and salary outcomes vs SOM →

Employment by Industry

Where recent graduates go after completing the MBA.

Finance 39%
Consulting 18%
Technology 16%
Entrepreneurship 12%
Healthcare / Pharma 6%
Government / Nonprofit 5%
Consumer / Retail 4%

Source: school employment data (2024).

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Employment by Region

Where recent graduates go geographically after completing the MBA.

Northeast 38.0%
Mid-Atlantic 7.0%
Southeast 5.0%
Midwest 5.0%
Southwest 4.0%
West Coast 17.0%
International 20.0%

Source: HBS MBA Employment Report 2024 (2024).

Rankings Across Major Publications

How HBS ranks according to each major business school ranking.

SourceUS NewsFTBBWQS
Rank#4#4#4#5
Year2026202520242025

Historical Rankings by Publication

Track how HBS's ranking has changed over time in each major publication.

US News

−
YearRank
2026#4▲ 2
2025#6▼ 2
2024#4—
2023#4—
2022#4—
2021#4—
2020#4—

Financial Times Global ranking (includes international schools)

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Bloomberg Businessweek Published biennially

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QS Global MBA Global ranking (includes international schools)

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Rankings data compiled from official publications. Global rankings (FT, QS) include international business schools, so positions may differ from US-only lists.

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