Ranking marks ninth consecutive year the Eccles EMBA is Top 25 by Financial Times

The Executive MBA program at the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is again ranked among the world’s best according to this year’s rankings by the Financial Times. The program ranked No. 3 in the West, No. 20 nationally, and No. 79 globally (up from No. 86 globally in 2022). It is among the top academic institutions in the west, and the only school in Utah to be ranked in the Financial Times’ top-100 Executive MBA programs.

The Financial Times draws information for its rankings from two primary sources: surveys of EMBA alumni three years post-graduation and surveys of school administrators addressing a broad variety of criteria. These include alumni career progression, school diversity, international focus, idea generation, and research productivity of the faculty.

According to alumni survey responses, Eccles School Executive MBA graduates increased their salaries by an average of 57% three years after graduation. This translates to an average salary today of $198,076 for the class of 2020—the highest ever reported.

“We’re incredibly proud of our Executive MBA students, alumni, faculty, and staff for the hard work they put in to make our program so incredible,” said Brad Vierig, associate dean of MBA programs and Executive Education. “The Financial Times rankings show how truly valuable our program is and is a quantifiable way for potential applicants to see how much they have to gain by choosing to earn their MBA. Our alumni have all put in their best effort and apply what they learn to receive salary increases, promotions, and increased responsibilities at work. Their return on investment is unparalleled.”

Members of the Executive MBA Class of 2020 described the program as critical to their career success. These alumni consider their education a foundational opportunity for growth, citing the strength of the cohort model and the program’s faculty as key reasons for their improvements.

“The University of Utah’s EMBA program has been an unparalleled journey of empowerment and growth. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to merge the realms of academia and business, equipping me with the strategic vision and leadership acumen. It’s more than just an education; it’s a transformational experience that has amplified my capabilities and perspectives to lead,” said Jeff Pettey, M.D., University of Utah Moran Eye Center Vice Chair of Education and member of the surveyed class of 2020.

The Eccles School also ranked No. 17 in the U.S. and No. 40 globally for the success of its researchers, as measured by publications in the FT-designated top international, academic, and business journals.

The Eccles School Executive MBA is a 21-month program that meets two weekends a month, with a global-focused curriculum geared toward mid- to senior-level professionals. To learn more about the Financial Times rankings, visit rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings.