The Executive MBA program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business is again ranked among the West’s best, according to this year’s rankings by the Financial Times, and continued improving relative to the world’s top programs. The program ranked No. 3 in the West, No. 20 nationally and No. 79 globally (up from No. 86 globally in 2022). It is 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 Executive MBA 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.
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. The 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.
According to alumni survey responses, Eccles graduates increased their salaries by an average of 57% three years after completing the Executive MBA program. 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 applied what they learned 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 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 Dr. Jeff Pettey, vice chair of education at the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center.