August 1, 2024 — Syracuse University’s MBA program at the Whitman School of Management is now ranked No. 1 nationally among private universities for its return on investment (ROI) by Bloomberg. The Whitman School also has the second-highest ROI among all schools in the U.S.

According to Bloomberg, its new, innovative Business School ROI Calculator 2024-25 was created to help students determine whether pursuing an MBA is a financially viable path, and, if so, what are the best choices available to them. They based this on full-time MBA programs in the U.S. The ROI calculator helps students make this decision using a standard measure of financial success: profit relative to initial principal, or ROI, built on the data reported to Bloomberg from surveys distributed for annual rankings. The calculator, which represents the next step in Bloomberg’s efforts to expand its goal of helping potential MBA students make the best decision they can, is accompanied by reporting that considers the factors increasingly recognized as an important part of this assessment — though not easily quantifiable.

Most students worry about whether an MBA will increase their earnings, and that is their main reason for pursuing an MBA. Whitman truly does provide that return on investment, which is highlighted using the new calculator. Whitman’s ROI is 22%. This is based on median cost (tuition and expenses), interest, net forgone income and the total MBA investment.

“Prospective MBA students often emphasize that ROI is crucial when selecting a business school,” says Mary Collier, Whitman’s executive director of graduate recruitment. “That’s why providing an exceptional educational experience and maximizing ROI for our students is a top priority at Whitman. We are delighted that our dedicated efforts have earned us the number 1 national ranking among private schools for ROI among MBA programs. At Whitman, we embrace a holistic approach to student success with a strong focus on achieving outstanding career outcomes.”

“Whitman is thrilled to once again be recognized as an outstanding investment for our students to pursue an MBA,” adds Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “Return on investment should be one of the main criteria for anyone considering an MBA, and our number 1 national ranking for private schools and number 2 overall reflects Whitman’s emphasis on high-quality education, personal touches, outstanding student experience, leveraging the strong Syracuse University network and our commitment to our students’ career success. It is these factors that really translate into this ROI measure. We are pleased that the student-focused investments into our MBA program are paying off for our MBA graduates.”

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, Poets & Quants, and Bloomberg Businessweek, among other rankings organizations. To learn more about the Whitman School of Management, visit Whitman.syracuse.edu.    

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.