Insights into Acceptance Rates & Yield at Top 100 U.S. MBA Programs

Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Acceptance Rates at Top US MBA Programs Rise in 2023

In a surprising turn of events, the year 2023 saw a significant rise in acceptance rates at some of the top MBA programs in the United States. More than half of the top 50 MBA programs reported an increase in acceptance rates, with seven of the top 10 programs following suit.

This trend is believed to be a result of the decline in MBA applications for the second consecutive year. As a response to this decrease in applicants, many business schools have decided to loosen their selectivity criteria, making it easier for candidates to get into their desired programs. In fact, several schools have increased their enrollment and class sizes to accommodate more students.

However, not all schools experienced an increase in acceptance rates. Some top business schools, such as Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School, and Dartmouth Tuck School of Business, maintained their low acceptance rates in 2023.

On the other hand, schools like Washington Foster School of Business and Rutgers Business School saw significant jumps in their acceptance rates, opening their doors wider for MBA applicants. Overall, the trend in 2023 seemed to be towards greater inclusivity, with only nine schools in the top 100 reporting acceptance rates below 20%.

The highest acceptance rate in the top 100 U.S. MBA programs was reported by Willamette Atkinson Graduate School of Management in Salem, Oregon, at an astounding 99%. This shift in acceptance rates across the board indicates a changing landscape for MBA applicants in the coming years.