Highlights and Key Trends from Bloomberg’s 2024-25 Business School Rankings

Bloomberg Business week has long been regarded as a leading authority in evaluating global business schools. Known for its thorough, data-driven methodology, the annual Bloomberg business school rankings provide prospective MBA students with a reliable guide to the best programs worldwide. The 2024-2025 edition continues this tradition, spotlighting key shifts among top institutions and emerging trends that are reshaping business education.

This article delves into the latest rankings, regional standouts, and the evolving priorities that define the future of business education.

Stanford Leads the Pack

Stanford University once again leads the 2024-25 U.S. business school rankings, holding the top spot for the sixth year in a row with a score of 88.8. Stanford’s excellence in Compensation, Learning, Networking, and Entrepreneurship continues to set the standard for business education, attracting high-caliber talent from around the world.

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business secures second place with a score of 86.2, standing out for its focus on analytics and decision-making. Booth’s global reach is a defining feature, with campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong. Elizabeth O’Neill, Associate Dean for Global Programs, emphasizes, “Our global faculty and diverse locations provide unparalleled learning opportunities.” Alum Anh Nguyen adds, “Booth’s academic rigor and international network made it the perfect program for a global business leader.”

Ranked 12th, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business distinguishes itself with its values-driven education and collaborative learning environment. According to Daytime MBA student Eliot Digby-Jones, “Fuqua’s emphasis on teamwork and leadership development sets it apart in preparing students to make impactful decisions.” Russ Morgan, Senior Associate Dean, highlights the school’s commitment to global perspectives and diverse teams, enabling students to tackle complex challenges and seize international opportunities.

Regional Performances: North America and Beyond

Europe’s business schools continue to dominate global rankings, with institutions like IMD leading the charge. Topping the European list, IMD is praised for its innovative MBA curriculum, tailored to the demands of a rapidly changing world.  Omar Toulan, Professor of Strategy and International Management, and MBA Dean at IMD, emphasizes, “The new IMD MBA curriculum prioritizes leadership, human skills, and impact in an AI era, offering immersive learning through the ‘Future Lab’ and experiential projects to prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving world.” This leadership focus has been transformative for students like Siya Xabanisa, MBA Class of 2024, who shares, “IMD’s leadership approach has equipped me with the skills and mindset to lead with confidence and make a real-world impact.”

Ranking 2nd, IESE Business School excels through its mission-driven, humanistic approach and diverse community. Its reputation for rigorous academics and the case study method resonates with MBA student Christa Zacharia (Class of 2025), who notes, “You hear diverse perspectives in the classroom and work in equally diverse teams, which helps develop a global perspective, critical for all future leaders.” IESE’s commitment to developing leaders who inspire meaningful change continues to be a pillar of its global success.

Oxford Saïd Business School in 7th place also stands out for its distinctive leadership development opportunities. As part of the wider Oxford University, students gain access to leadership programs beyond the business school, enriching their experience with broader perspectives. One MBA student highlights, “Being part of Oxford University, I had the chance to engage in leadership development beyond Saïd, refining my leadership skills in different contexts and interacting with students from other disciplines.”

Copenhagen Business School, ranking 13th in Europe, shines for its emphasis on sustainability. Situated in Denmark, a leader in green business practices, CBS provides a unique advantage as it is located in an environment where authentic sustainability claims can be made without resorting to greenwashing.  As Deekshant Yadav, CBS Full-time MBA alum and Project Development Manager at Bring Cargo AS, shares, “The exposure to different industries and companies, especially in the Nordics, has been invaluable.” This strong focus on sustainable business makes CBS a top choice for future leaders committed to environmental stewardship.

ESMT Berlin, ranked 14th, stands out for its tight-knit and diverse cohorts, along with strong ties to industry leaders and Berlin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its flexible curriculum focuses on leadership, sustainability, and technology, offering real-world experiences with a global business perspective. Anant Parashar, a full-time MBA student (Class of 2025), remarks, “A world-class faculty, exceptional learning opportunities, vibrant community fostering collaboration, and incomparable networking connections with industry leaders offer ESMT students the chance to learn from the best and transform into the best.”

EADA Business School, ranked 16^th, is recognized for its practical learning approach, which emphasizes sustainability, leadership, and innovation. Founded in 1957, EADA has educated over 120,000 professionals worldwide. With a prime location in Barcelona’s bustling business hub, EADA prepares students for international careers. One of its MBA students reflects, “EADA’s focus on real-world business scenarios, supported by experienced faculty, fosters critical thinking and global career readiness, making it an excellent choice for aspiring leaders.”

Across the Atlantic, Western University’s Ivey Business School leads Canada’s rankings, earning a top score of 75.0. Following closely are Concordia University’s Molson School of Business with 72.8, and HEC Montreal at 71.2. In the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) holds the top spot with a score of 77.2, followed by Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (75.1) and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (73.6).

Emphasis on Technology and the Changing Landscape

A key trend emerging from the 2024-25 rankings is the growing focus on technology within MBA programs. As AI, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity become integral to business operations, technology expertise is now a must-have for future leaders. This shift is reflected in the rising number of MBA graduates stepping into C-suite roles centered around tech-driven growth.

Bloomberg’s data also reveals an interesting geographical trend: while U.S. and Canadian business schools are experiencing a rise in applications, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Islands are seeing declines. This migration of talent towards North America underscores the region’s booming tech ecosystems and the appeal of institutions that can prepare students for careers in tech-focused industries. 

The Future of Business Education

Though the top schools in the rankings maintain their positions, business education is undergoing a significant transformation. As technology continues to disrupt industries, MBA programs are evolving by incorporating more tech-oriented courses and hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, the rise of online learning and hybrid education models is reshaping how schools engage with students and structure their curricula.

In the years ahead, business schools that prioritize innovation, entrepreneurship, and global networking will continue to lead the field. For today’s prospective MBA students, choosing the right program goes beyond prestige—it’s about finding a school that aligns with their career aspirations and equips them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.