Carlson School of Management 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. Carlson School of Management offers lower annual tuition, and GSB delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Carlson School of Management is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Carlson School of Management | GSB |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | — | #12026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | — | #12024 |
| Financial Times Rank | — | #22025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | — | #42025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $66,000 | $82,455 |
| Median Base Salary | $145,000 | $197,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 449% | 497% |
| Class Size | — | 436 |
| Acceptance Rate | 24.0% | 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.
Want context on the metrics above? These guides break down how to read the numbers — rankings methodology, salary distributions, and ROI math.
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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; Carlson School of Management 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.
Carlson School of Management is more selective with a 24.0% acceptance rate, compared to 6.1% for GSB.
Carlson School of Management reports a median base salary of $145,000, while GSB reports $197,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Carlson School of Management annual tuition is $66,000 and GSB is $82,455. Carlson School of Management offers a 16,455 lower annual cost.
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