M7 MBA Schools: Top US Business Schools
In the United States, M7 MBA institutions are generally regarded as the best places to pursue an MBA. These prestigious universities are renowned for their outstanding academic programs, robust networks of former students, well-connected professors, and successful career results.
Knowing the M7 MBA schools is an excellent place to start if you’re thinking about getting an MBA and have high goals. This article will discuss the characteristics of the M7 MBA programs, their distinctive features, and the reasons they are always rated as some of the finest in the world.
What is an M7 MBA Schools?
The deans of seven of the best business schools in the United States came together to create the M7 network. They are:
- Harvard Business School
- Columbia Business School
- MIT Sloan School of Management
- Stanford Graduate School of Business
- University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business
- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
How much does an M7 MBA Cost?
An M7 MBA typically costs $249,684 in total, according to the BusinessBecause Cost of MBA Report 2024. Tuition fees and other related expenses, including medical care, housing, and other fees, are included in that amount.
With a two-year total cost of more than US$260,000, Stanford is the most costly M7 MBA. Kellogg School of Management is the least expensive of the seven, although the overall expenses still approach US$240,000.
Nevertheless, the price of an M7 MBA shouldn’t deter you. The majority of students get some kind of financial help, and M7 business schools provide considerable MBA scholarships.
At Harvard, for example, all MBA students are automatically eligible for scholarships, and around half of the class is awarded one. The ROI question is another. Even though an M7 MBA can cost up to $240,000, these programs have a high return on investment, so they should pay for themselves within a few years of graduation.
Choosing an M7 MBA Schools
Though M7 MBAs are among the top in the world, it’s important to keep in mind that there are still many excellent programs outside of the M7. Additionally, the M7 status of an MBA is not the only reason to choose it. “Your choice should also be influenced by the program’s location,” suggests Stacy.
“Geography is important, particularly for applicants from outside, but also for those within the US. Location decisions should be based on post-MBA career desires. Even while choosing among M7 business schools, keep in mind that each program has unique offerings that could or might not fit your goals and profile.
M7 MBA Admissions
However, the low acceptance rate of an M7 MBA is arguably its most noteworthy characteristic. Only the world’s top and brightest business brains are accepted into these very competitive and exclusive schools. With admission rates ranging from 33% at Kellogg to just 8.4% at Stanford, the M7 institutions are all among the top 10 most difficult business schools to get into, making it the most competitive MBA program globally.
However, that does not imply that your chances of being admitted are zero. According to Stacy Blackman of the MBA admissions advising company Stacy Blackman Advising, the M7 institutions take a comprehensive approach to the applicant evaluation procedure.
She claims that MBA schools are searching for more than just a candidate who is “perfect on paper.” “Resilience, grit, proven collaboration, and work experience with promotions are critical indicators of success within a program.”
Thus, grades are not the only consideration. To get accepted into one of these M7 MBA programs, you must be a well-rounded applicant with some prior job experience and a strong desire to learn everything you can about business.
Employment and salary of an M7 MBA
Many candidates to any of the M7 business schools have prior employment experience in consulting, media, technology, or business/economics. Harvard MBA students have had positions in technology, finance, energy, private equity, consulting, and other industries.
Wharton MBA graduates have had positions in technological services, government, consulting, and financial services, among other fields. Most M7 MBA candidates find employment in the consulting sector after graduation.
In 2024, the median income for the majority of these institutions is $175,000, if we look at wages. You will receive the highest wage offer if you graduate from these top universities.
Application Process
Applicants must create outstanding applications if they want to get accepted into M7 institutions. This entails obtaining excellent recommendation letters from previous instructors or employers, crafting a powerful statement of purpose, achieving high GMAT scores, and fulfilling any essay requirements.
These institutions place a high importance on particular traits, so it’s critical to demonstrate how you align with their principles. Additionally, you should be very clear about your motivation for wanting to get an MBA. Our M7 alumnus mentors at LilacBuds are available to assist applicants with the application process, including interview preparation.
Conclusion
M7 MBA Schools offer top-notch instruction, robust alumni networks, and remarkable job success, making them the epitome of business education in the United States. The long-term return on investment is substantial, despite the expense and competition. You may make an informed choice about your MBA path by being aware of the distinct advantages of each program and matching them with your objectives.
