On the West Coast, state schools are among the best in the world, with lower tuition than private schools. Many institutions also provide housing for all of your undergraduate years, allowing you to live in more costly places for much less. While the price difference is definitely important, it does not have to be the deciding element in your decision. The top five MBA programs in the Western United States are listed below.
Having trouble deciding which coast to apply to? Here are a few things to think about.
1. Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University
Stanford's Graduate School of Business provides a competitive, top-ranked MBA program in the heart of Silicon Valley's innovation and venture capital industries. As a result, many instructors are actively immersed in the Silicon Valley business community and bring practical expertise into the classroom. Perhaps this is why Stanford students use phrases like "cutting edge" and "innovation hub" to characterize the university's academics.
2. University of California—Los Angeles - UCLA Anderson School of Management
Aside from its fantastic location in Los Angeles, the UCLA Anderson School of Management encourages a strong collaborative atmosphere and has connections to virtually every sector. For starters, the institution is a pioneer in the fields of renewable energy and transportation. A major emphasis on entertainment, media, and sports is also present. Many students claim Anderson gives them a competitive advantage in the IT world—both in terms of coursework and...connections." UCLA MBAs are also strongly encouraged to lead in areas where they are enthusiastic, such as their industry, wine, intramural sports, charity, and so on.
3. The Berkeley Haas School of Business at the University of California
Berkeley is a top school for academics and recruitment opportunities, especially on the West Coast. Students here note that the MBA program is outstanding on all levels: professionally, academically, and socially. The small, private program is praised by students for being precisely that: small and intimate. One student says, "We only have 240 students each class (at least officially...sometimes one or two more are added.") This close-knit setting fosters a collaborative culture that fosters long-term relationships. The students, teachers, administration, and career services personnel are all of the highest standard, providing a solid foundation for growth. Haas excels at entrepreneurship (not just social entrepreneurship). Its active participation and leadership in the Berkeley Energy Resources Collaborative (BERC) provides opportunities to alternative and green energy innovation. In addition, the school emphasizes health care and international business. Another important aspect of the curriculum is its proximity to Silicon Valley.
4. The University of Texas at Austin - McCombs School of Business
If the MBA program at the University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business could be summed up in one word, it would be collaboration. Students from more than 20 specialties all rave about the program's very collaborative culture, noting it as one of the main reasons they chose it. As a top-20 school, the program also stands out for its strong academics and focus on clean energy, technology, and entrepreneurship. Students may expect an MBA program with perks such as small class sizes, as well as all of the advantages that come with being a part of a bigger university system. The excellent marketing program, the strong real-estate specialization, and the world-class finance and accounting curriculum are all popular among McCombs graduates. Finally, students who prioritized affordability think McCombs offers excellent value for money and return on investment.
5. University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business
The University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business excels in a wide range of areas, including finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, real estate, marketing, and entertainment, as well as strong programs in finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, real estate, marketing, and entertainment. Perhaps most importantly, according to a USC Allumni, it has "the most outstanding alumni network in the country," which will come in handy when it comes time to look for jobs.
Students in the MBA program here are given a high emphasis on gaining an international perspective on business concerns. It goes beyond just stating that USC believes it is critical that you consider various cultures. At Marshall, all students must do a consulting assignment for a firm overseas and participate in the PRIME program to go to that region. USC students have had valuable business, educational, and rewarding experiences in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Western Europe.
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