- October 06, 2026
- 6 min read
What are the best MBAs for finance careers in 2027?
Those graduating from these top MBAs can look at joining top companies in financial hubs like New York ©Vlada Karpovich via Pexels
Business schools are a key talent pipeline for the finance industry, with the likes of Goldman Sachs, JPMorganChase, and HSBC all prolific recruiters from MBA programs.
Although the consulting and tech industries have hired fewer MBAs in recent years, hiring among finance companies has remained solid. What’s more, average salaries in the industry continue to soar—at Stanford for example, average salaries for MBA finance grads now exceed $200,000.
But which schools send the most MBA graduates into the finance industry? Let’s take a look at the best MBAs for finance careers, ranked by the number of graduates who went on to work in the industry from the Class of 2026, using Bloomberg Businessweek data.
What are the best MBAs for finance in 2027?
10. Woxsen University
One of three Indian schools to make this list, Woxsen University is a private institution that was founded in just 2014.
It may not feature as highly in global rankings as some of the other schools listed here, but Woxsen is a school that prepares a significant number of grads to enter a career in finance. 77 members of the class of 2026 moved into finance after graduating, equating to a little over one-third of the cohort.
9. London Business School
The only European school to make this list, London Business School is based in the heart of the continent’s largest financial center. The city offers close access to internships and networking opportunities at the banks and asset managers clustered in the City and Canary Wharf.
A total of 81 students from the most recent graduating class entered the financial sector, earning median salaries of $125,308 per annum (£93,367).
8. Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Business
Located in upstate New York, 40.7% of Cornell Johnson’s class of 2026 entered the finance industry—a higher proportion than any other school in this list.
Cornell Johnson's finance program stands out for its emphasis on leadership and teamwork. The school's collaborative approach to finance education, coupled with a diverse learning environment, prepares graduates for success in team-oriented financial roles. Johnson's strong connections with industry leaders contributes to its reputation as one of the best MBAs for a career in finance.
7. NYU Stern
Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYU Stern offers close access to one of the world’s top financial centers. In 2026, 84 Stern MBA grads from the most recent graduating class are working in finance, earning a median salary of $175,000.
Stern's finance program is consistently ranked among the best in the world, backed by faculty who are leaders in financial research and practice. The school's proximity to Wall Street and a broad range of finance electives make it ideal for students hoping to launch a career in finance.
6. Indian School of Business
MBA graduates from the Indian School of Business went on to earn the highest average salary of all schools in India. The 85 members of the class of 2026 who moved into finance earn a median salary of $35,147 (INR 3,183,640).
Despite this making up just 11% of the graduating class, the Hyderabad-based school makes for a very appealing choice for students interested in a finance career.
5. Chicago Booth School of Business
One of several M7 business schools on this list, Chicago Booth had 148 finance hires in 2026. Booth finance grads earned a median salary of $175,000.
Booth's flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their specific finance interests. Renowned for its quantitative approach that has underpinned financial theories for decades, the school boasts a robust alumni network and intellectual rigor.
4. T A Pai Management Institute
The highest-ranked school in this list outside of the US, the MBA program at T A Pai Management Institute has been accredited by the AACSB and AMBA.
In total, 169 TAPMI graduates moved into finance, comprising 33.5% of the total cohort.
The median salary may be markedly lower than other schools in this list, at just over $15,000 per annum (INR 1,375,000), but it’s important to note this is much more competitive in the context of India.
3. Harvard Business School
The birthplace of the MBA degree, renowned for its expansive alumni network and connections with titans across virtually all industries, HBS provides unparalleled networking and career opportunities.
The HBS finance curriculum features case-method classes, multimedia simulations, and advanced financial theories, all of which prepare MBA students for the challenges of leading roles within the financial industry.
Graduates are well-prepared, with a range of top financial institutions actively recruiting from HBS, including JPMorganChase and Goldman Sachs. Among the school’s MBA cohort, 173 students entered roles in finance, making HBS the third-best MBA for finance careers. The median salary earned by Harvard MBAs in finance places third-highest in the ranking, at $180,000 per annum.
2. The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
One of the world's most prestigious business schools, Wharton's MBA program is distinguished by a highly quantitative approach to finance that equips students with robust analytical skills.
Wharton sent the second-largest number of graduates into the financial sector in 2026. The total number of 202 students entering finance amounted to 38.2% of the entire class.
The school's close ties to Wall Street and an extensive alumni network contribute to its reputation as a finance target school. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, particularly through internships, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the financial industry.
1. Columbia Business School
Situated in the financial capital of the world, Columbia Business School is the world's best MBA for finance careers, sending more graduates into the financial industry than any other in 2026.
It's no surprise, considering its location in New York City, providing unparalleled access to industry leaders and opportunities, and the school's storied history of close connections to the financial sector.
Columbia saw 239 students of its MBA class enter the financial sector, making up 38.7% of the cohort.
MBA programs with the most finance hires
Choosing the right MBA program is a pivotal step toward a successful career in finance. The top 10 schools highlighted here offer unique advantages, whether through strong industry connections, innovative curricula, or global perspectives.
As you continue on your MBA journey, any of these institutions would be a worthy consideration as a launchpad into a thriving career in finance.
All hiring data is sourced from Bloomberg