GSB and Robert H. Smith School of Business are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. GSB holds a stronger US News ranking. GSB reports a higher median base salary. Robert H. Smith School of Business offers lower annual tuition, and GSB delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Robert H. Smith School of Business is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | GSB | Robert H. Smith School of Business |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #12026 | — |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #12024 | — |
| Financial Times Rank | #22025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #42025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $82,455 | $72,000 |
| Median Base Salary | $197,000 | $148,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 497% | 414% |
| Class Size | 436 | — |
| Acceptance Rate | 6.1% | 23.0% |
| Median GMAT | 738 | 680 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
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Want context on the metrics above? These guides break down how to read the numbers — rankings methodology, salary distributions, and ROI math.
Stanford Graduate School of Business is the most selective MBA program globally, with an acceptance rate below 7%. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, GSB is the top choice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Its small class size fosters deep relationships and personalized education.
Full Robert H. Smith School of Business profile → Calculate Robert H. Smith School of Business ROI →
GSB is a top M7 program; Robert H. Smith School of Business is a highly ranked T15 school. GSB ranks higher in US News, but GSB delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 497%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Robert H. Smith School of Business is more selective with a 23.0% acceptance rate, compared to 6.1% for GSB.
GSB reports a median base salary of $197,000, while Robert H. Smith School of Business reports $148,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
GSB annual tuition is $82,455 and Robert H. Smith School of Business is $72,000. Robert H. Smith School of Business offers a 10,455 lower annual cost.
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