Why Some Prefer the Forbes Ranking of Business Schools Over U.S. News World Report and Financial Times

As an SEO expert, I understand the importance of understanding what drives the preferences of different stakeholders when it comes to ranking business schools. A common belief is that return on investment (ROI) in an MBA should be the primary criterion for evaluating the value of an MBA program. This perspective is often simpler and more straightforward, unlike the complex methodologies used by U.S. News World Report and the Financial Times.

However, it is essential to note that there is no widespread consensus that the Forbes ranking—which ceased ranking MBA programs as of 2019—is definitively better than those from U.S. News World Report and the Financial Times. Each ranking employs different methodologies to prioritize various factors, leading to distinctive outcomes.

Focus of the Rankings

The focus of each ranking is as follows:

Forbes

Forbes places a strong emphasis on return on investment (ROI). The ranking is particularly appealing to those who believe that the financial return on their investment should be the primary factor in evaluating an MBA program. This is achieved through:

Alumni surveys Public data

These methods aim to directly measure the salary increase and post-graduation employment success of alumni.

U.S. News World Report

The U.S. News World Report focuses on broader metrics such as reputation, student selectivity, faculty resources, and employer reputation. This ranking is often more appealing to those who prioritize a well-rounded indicator of a school's reputation and its preparedness to place graduates in top-tier positions.

Financial Times

The Financial Times takes a global perspective, emphasizing the international reach of the program and career opportunities abroad. This factor is particularly relevant for students who plan to work or intern overseas and value the global network and international exposure provided by the program.

Methodology of the Rankings

Each ranking utilizes a different methodology, leading to distinct approaches in data collection and analysis:

Forbes

Forbes employs a relatively straightforward methodology that involves:

Alumni surveys - Gathering information directly from graduates to measure ROI. Public data - Utilizing publicly available data on salary increases and employment rates.

U.S. News World Report

U.S. News World Report combines surveys with data provided by business schools. This method provides a more comprehensive view but can be more subjective and reliant on the specific metrics and data reported by each school.

Financial Times

The Financial Times employs a more comprehensive approach, relying on:

Alumni surveys - Gathering information from graduates about their experiences post-graduation. Employer surveys - Collecting data from employers regarding the performance and success of graduates in their respective workplaces. School data - Utilizing information provided by business schools on various metrics.

Preferences and Reliability

Supporters of the Forbes ranking appreciate its direct focus on salary outcomes, which is a tangible and easily quantifiable indicator of ROI. However, some may argue that self-reported salary data from alumni could be less reliable compared to data collected by other sources. On the other hand, U.S. News World Report and the Financial Times rankings might be preferred for their broader and more diversified methodologies which account for various qualitative and quantitative factors.

Ultimately, the choice of ranking depends on the individual or organization's preferences and priorities. Deciding which ranking to trust may be influenced by the balance between quantitative and qualitative factors, such as ROI, reputation, and global reach.

Understanding the methodologies behind each ranking can help individuals and organizations make more informed decisions when selecting a business school. Whether it's the focus on ROI, broad reputation metrics, or global perspective, each ranking offers unique insights into the value and potential of an MBA program.