Whitman School’s Full-Time MBA Breaks Into Fortune Top 50, Achieves Highest Fortune Ranking to Date
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University has achieved its highest ranking to date in Fortune’s Best MBA Programs list, breaking into the Top 50 for the first time in the publication’s history.
Whitman’s full-time MBA program climbed 25 spots to No. 46 nationally in Fortune’s 2026 rankings. This is the program’s first Top 50 placement in Fortune and its highest position in that ranking to date.
Whitman’s MBA has also been nationally recognized for return on investment, including prior rankings highlighting its exceptional value among private business schools. The Fortune Top 50 placement further underscores the program’s growing national profile and reflects continued investment in the full-time MBA experience, including immersive consulting projects, close faculty mentorship, and strong career outcomes that drive long-term return on investment.
“This milestone is a reflection of the intentional work happening across Whitman,” said Alexander McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School of Management. “Our faculty, staff, alumni and industry partners are deeply committed to preparing MBA students for leadership in a rapidly evolving global economy. Breaking into the Top 50 is not an endpoint. It’s evidence that our strategy is working and that our best days are ahead.”
Fortune’s MBA ranking applies a rigorous, data-driven methodology focused on academic strength, selectivity, return on investment and career outcomes, highlighting Whitman’s continued advancement among nationally competitive programs.
The Whitman MBA combines STEM-designated curriculum, personalized leadership development and immersive experiential learning with direct access to faculty and alumni. Small cohort sizes, hands-on consulting projects and strong employer engagement position graduates for career acceleration in a competitive global market.
The Top 50 recognition reflects broader momentum at the Whitman School, where strategic investments across graduate programs are strengthening academic excellence, industry engagement and career outcomes.
For more information about Whitman’s graduate programs, visit whitman.syracuse.edu/graduate-programs.
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About the Whitman School
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University inspires students for a world of accelerating change. Offering B.S., MBA, M.S. and Ph.D. programs, all accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Whitman School’s faculty includes internationally known scholars and researchers, as well as successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Whitman continues to be ranked among the nation’s top business schools by U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. To learn more about the Whitman School of Management, visit Whitman.syracuse.edu.
About Transformation 2030
Transformation 2030 is the Whitman School of Management's strategic initiative to become a Top 25 undergraduate business school by 2030. The plan focuses on enhancing the student experience, expanding experiential learning, strengthening career outcomes, and building alumni engagement. The initiative reflects Whitman's commitment to delivering world-class business education that is accessible, practical, and transformational. Learn more at (LINK).
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is an independent research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our 13 schools and colleges and over 200 majors close the gap between education and action, so graduates are equipped to be resourceful, responsive and real-world ready. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected issues with innovative approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community of game changers that moves ideas, individuals and impact forward.