Dreaming of an MBA from a top U.S. business school? For many, it’s a big goal—but landing a spot in these elite programs is no easy feat.
Knowing a school’s acceptance rate helps you understand how selective they are and can guide you in building your initial list of target schools.
In this article, we’ll break down acceptance rates at top business schools, explain how to make sense of these numbers, and show you how to use them to craft a smart application strategy based on your profile.
Whether you’re shooting for the most competitive programs or balancing reach and safety schools, this data will help you navigate the tricky world of MBA admissions.
Understanding MBA Acceptance Rates
Acceptance rates are a big deal when planning your MBA journey. They show how tough it is to get into a program and help you estimate your odds. By comparing rates across schools, you can figure out which ones are reach, target, or safety picks for you.
Depending on your mix, you might decide to:
- Gain more work experience
- Boost your test scores
- Work with an admissions consultant to strengthen your profile for top programs
Top Business Schools by Acceptance Rates
Acceptance rates vary a lot among top U.S. MBA programs. For example:
- Harvard Business School averages 11% over the last eight years.
- Stanford GSB is even more competitive, hovering around 8% recently.
These ultra-low rates tell you something about who gets in—think high GMAT scores, strong GPAs, and impressive work backgrounds.
On the other hand, some well-respected schools have higher acceptance rates (between 20%–40%). For instance:
- UCLA Anderson accepts about 40% of applicants, making it a more realistic option.
- Duke Fuqua sits around 20%, landing in the middle in terms of selectivity.
But here’s the catch: A school’s acceptance rate doesn’t equal your personal chance of getting in. If you have a stellar GPA, GMAT score, and work experience, your odds are much better than someone with average stats.
Acceptance Rate Data (2023–2017)
(Note: Some numbers are estimates; some schools don’t disclose data every year.)
| MBA Program | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford* | 9% | 7% | 6% | 7% | 7% | 6% | 6% |
| Harvard Business School* | 11% | 10% | 12% | 12% | 12% | 11% | 11% |
| Wharton* | 23% | 19% | 18% | 25% | 23% | 21% | 19% |
| Northwestern Kellogg* | 31% | – | 26% | 20% | 27% | 21% | 20% |
| Chicago Booth* | 30% | – | 23% | 22% | 24% | 23% | 24% |
| Columbia Business School | 20% | 22% | 16% | 17% | 19% | 17% | 17% |
| MIT Sloan* | 15% | – | 12% | 22% | 15% | 12% | 12% |
| Dartmouth Tuck | 33% | – | 29% | 35% | 35% | 23% | 23% |
| Berkeley Haas | 20% | – | 18% | 23% | 18% | 12% | 12% |
| Virginia Darden | 34% | – | 30% | 36% | 36% | 33% | 25% |
| Yale SOM | 28% | – | 24% | 30% | 25% | 20% | 17% |
| Duke Fuqua | 21% | 21% | 19% | 25% | 23% | 22% | 22% |
| Michigan Ross | 28% | 28% | 20% | 37% | 31% | 27% | 25% |
| Texas McCombs | 34% | – | 35% | 34% | 38% | 34% | 28% |
| Cornell Johnson | 31% | – | 29% | 40% | 38% | 33% | 30% |
| UCLA Anderson* | 38% | – | 30% | 35% | 31% | 24% | 22% |
| NYU Stern | 27% | – | 19% | 29% | 26% | 23% | 21% |
| Carnegie Mellon Tepper | 29% | 28% | 30% | 27% | 42% | 35% | 30% |
| UNC Kenan-Flagler | 36% | 36% | 44% | 46% | 53% | 46% | 37% |
| Emory Goizueta | 37% | 31% | 53% | 46% | 44% | 37% | 32% |
| USC Marshall | 25% | 30% | 23% | 24% | 30% | 28% | 29% |
| Georgetown McDonough | 51% | 51% | 48% | 57% | 61% | 55% | 48% |
| Indiana Kelley | 24% | – | 38% | 37% | 35% | 31% | 29% |
| UW Foster | 28% | – | 35% | 41% | 36% | 35% | 22% |
| Rice Jones | 43% | – | 42% | 36% | 37% | 39% | 27% |
() Estimates | (–) Not disclosed*
Lowest Acceptance Rates (2023)
- Stanford GSB: 9%
- Harvard: 11%
- MIT Sloan: 15%
- Berkeley Haas & Columbia: 20%
- Duke Fuqua: 21%
- Wharton: 23%
- Indiana Kelley: 24%
- USC Marshall: 25%
- NYU Stern: 27%
Highest Acceptance Rates (2023)
- Virginia Darden: 34%
- Texas McCombs: 34%
- Dartmouth Tuck: 33%
- Northwestern Kellogg: 31%
- Cornell Johnson: 31%
- UNC Kenan-Flagler: 36%
- Emory Goizueta: 37%
- UCLA Anderson: 38%
- Rice Jones: 43%
- Georgetown McDonough: 51%
For deeper insights, check out our guides on the best U.S. business schools based on Times Higher Education’s 2024 rankings.
Beyond Acceptance Rates: What Else Matters?
While acceptance rates are important, they shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when picking a business school.
1. Program Curriculum & Specializations
Does the school offer courses that match your career goals? Strong programs in your field will give you the right skills and knowledge.
2. Career Outcomes & Networking
Look at employment rates, average salaries, and alumni networks. Schools with strong industry ties can seriously boost your job prospects.
3. Location & Campus Culture
Do you prefer a big city or a quieter campus? Cost of living, local culture, and the school’s vibe all play a role in your MBA experience.
How Acceptance Rates Shape MBA Programs
- Low rates = prestige. Schools like Harvard and Stanford attract top talent, making them even more competitive.
- High rates = diversity. Programs with broader acceptance often admit students with unique backgrounds, enriching classroom discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Acceptance rates help gauge how competitive a school is.
- But don’t rely on them alone—consider curriculum, career support, and fit.
- Lower rates mean tougher competition; higher rates can mean more diversity.
By balancing all these factors, you can choose the MBA program that’s truly right for you.