A Strategic Choice for Aspiring Finance Professionals
Despite the growing prominence of tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Apple, the banking sector continues to be a major employer for MBA graduates. In fact, the slowdown in the tech industry in 2022 has allowed finance to re-establish itself as the second most popular industry for MBA professionals.
If you’re considering a career in finance, choosing the right MBA program is critical. The location of a school plays an even more important role in finance than in other industries, and factors like proximity to major financial hubs, such as Wall Street in New York or the City of London, can make a significant difference in the recruitment process. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best MBA programs for finance, based on the schools' reputation, recruitment opportunities, and proximity to financial centres.
Why Finance Remains a Top Choice for MBA Graduates
Even with the rise of tech firms, finance continues to be a popular and lucrative career path for MBA graduates. Investment banking, private equity, asset management, and corporate finance remain highly attractive to many top MBA candidates due to the high earning potential and opportunities for career growth. Furthermore, finance offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment that appeals to ambitious professionals looking for challenge and impact.
While the tech sector's influence has grown, the finance industry continues to hold strong as a leading employer of MBA talent. The Global Financial Centres Index is a valuable tool for identifying financial hubs and refining the list of the best MBA programs for finance.
Top MBA Programs for Finance
When selecting an MBA program for a career in finance, it is important to consider both the reputation of the school and its location. The United States dominates the list of the top MBA programs for finance, with schools in New York and California benefiting from their proximity to major financial markets. However, Europe also has strong contenders, particularly in the U.K., where schools like Oxford Said, Cambridge Judge, and London Business School consistently rank highly for finance placements.
Top MBA Schools Placement and Salaries
Top MBA Schools Placement and Salaries
School
Placement
Top Subsector
Top Subsector Average (Median*) Salary
Stanford Graduate School of Business
38%
PE (18%)
US$ 215,000*
Wharton
36.7%
IB (13.5%)
US$ 175,000*
Columbia Business School
36.3%
IB (16.4%)
US$ 175,000*
Harvard Business School
35%
PE (17%)
US$ 185,000*
Cornell University: Johnson
35%
IB (24.5%)
US$ 175,000*
University of Chicago: Booth
32.6%
IB (11.1%)
US$ 175,000*
New York University: Stern
29.4%
IB (23.3%)
US$ 175,000*
University of Oxford: Saïd
26.7%
IM (9.8%)
£ 86,218
LBS
26%
PE (7%) | IB (7%)
£ 100,268
1. New York University Stern School of Business
NYU Stern remains one of the best MBA programs for finance, thanks in large part to its location in New York City—the heart of global finance. Stern's close ties with Wall Street provide students with unparalleled access to top financial firms, making it a top choice for those pursuing careers in investment banking, private equity, or hedge funds. Around a third of Stern's MBA graduates enter the finance sector each year, a figure that has remained consistent for years. The school’s strong finance curriculum and robust recruitment pipeline solidify its place as a top MBA program for finance professionals.
2. University of Pennsylvania Wharton School
Wharton has long been considered a top-tier school for finance, offering a specialized finance MBA that prepares students for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, and private equity. Wharton’s finance faculty is renowned for its research and expertise, and the school’s location in Philadelphia allows for close connections with top financial firms in both New York and other financial hubs on the East Coast. Wharton’s finance MBA programs boast strong career placement rates in leading finance firms, and the school’s extensive alumni network plays a critical role in the recruitment process.
3. Harvard Business School
Harvard is widely regarded as one of the best MBA schools for consulting and finance, consistently placing a large percentage of its graduates in top-tier finance firms. Located in Boston, Harvard Business School (HBS) benefits from its prestigious global reputation and vast alumni network in the finance industry. HBS graduates regularly enter investment banking, private equity, and hedge funds, with a strong focus on developing leadership skills to tackle complex financial challenges. Harvard’s emphasis on case-based learning also prepares students for real-world financial decision-making, further enhancing their suitability for top finance roles.
4. London Business School
In Europe, London Business School (LBS) is one of the top MBA programs for finance. The school’s location in London, a major global financial centre, provides students with excellent access to financial firms in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. LBS is particularly strong in investment banking and private equity, and its extensive ties with major financial firms make it a go-to choice for those looking to break into the finance industry. The school’s active Finance Club and alumni network provide valuable connections to top finance recruiters, helping students secure internships and full-time roles.
5. Oxford University Saïd Business School
Oxford Said is another leading UK business school known for its strong finance program. The school’s focus on leadership and global finance provides a solid foundation for students seeking careers in corporate finance, private equity, and venture capital. Oxford Said benefits from its location in Oxford, which offers access to London’s finance sector, and its rigorous academic curriculum prepares students for the challenges of the fast-paced finance world. As one of the best MBA schools for finance in Europe, Oxford continues to attract top-tier finance professionals from around the world.
6. Cambridge Judge Business School
Cambridge Judge is also considered one of the best business schools for finance in the UK. Like Oxford Said, Cambridge Judge is strategically located near London, providing students with opportunities to connect with leading finance firms. The school’s MBA program focuses on finance, leadership, and entrepreneurship, offering students the flexibility to tailor their studies to their specific career interests. Cambridge Judge has a strong reputation in the finance sector and continues to place graduates at top financial firms globally.
Other Notable MBA Programs for Finance
While the top-tier MBA programs like Wharton, Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, and London Business School dominate the finance recruitment landscape, other business schools like Berkeley-Haas, INSEAD, Columbia Business School, and MIT Sloan also provide excellent opportunities for students pursuing careers in finance. These schools offer specialized finance MBA programs and strong connections to private equity, venture capital, and investment banking firms.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best MBA Program for a Career in Finance
If you’re pursuing a career in finance, choosing the right MBA program is crucial to your success. NYU Stern, Wharton, Harvard, London Business School, and Oxford Said offer top-tier programs that provide access to the best financial firms and offer exceptional placement rates in the finance sector. Proximity to financial hubs like Wall Street and the City of London is essential for aspiring finance professionals, and these schools provide the networking opportunities, academic rigor, and practical training needed to succeed in the competitive finance industry.
If you’re interested in pursuing an MBA and need help navigating the application process for top MBA programs for finance, Crimson’s expert advisors can guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey toward a successful career in finance!
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