Anderson and Owen are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Anderson holds a stronger US News ranking. Anderson reports a higher median base salary. Anderson offers lower annual tuition, and Anderson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Anderson is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Anderson | Owen |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #182026 | #352026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #162024 | #472024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #242025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #112025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $65,049 | $70,728 |
| Median Base Salary | $172,000 | $148,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 561% | 423% |
| Class Size | 360 | 185 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25.0% | 38.0% |
| Median GMAT | 714 | 668 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
UCLA Anderson is a top choice for those looking to work in entertainment, real estate, and tech on the West Coast. Known for its entrepreneurial culture and strong alumni ties in Los Angeles, Anderson offers a high ROI given its public school tuition.
The Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University is the Southeast's most research-intensive MBA program. Located in Nashville—one of America's fastest-growing cities—Owen offers exceptional access to healthcare, music/entertainment, and technology industries. Known for its collegial culture and strong consulting placement, Owen's small, selective program produces alumni who consistently outperform expectations relative to the school's ranking.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Anderson ranks higher in US News, but Anderson delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 561%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Anderson is more selective with a 25.0% acceptance rate, compared to 38.0% for Owen.
Anderson reports a median base salary of $172,000, while Owen reports $148,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Anderson annual tuition is $65,049 and Owen is $70,728. Anderson offers a 5,679 lower annual cost.
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