Utah MBA Jumps to Sixth Place

The University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business Executive MBA program secured the No. 6 position among U.S. public business schools in the latest Financial Times rankings. The program also placed No. 84 globally. This marks an improvement from the previous year, when the program ranked No. 7 among U.S. public institutions and No. 88 worldwide.

The Executive MBA program holds the No. 3 position in the Western U.S. and ranks No. 17 among all U.S. business schools. These rankings reflect the program's standing relative to other institutions across the country.

Kurt Dirks, dean of the Eccles School, noted that the results signal growing momentum for the institution. He stated that the recognition reflects the quality of education and the impact graduates have on their careers. "These results are another sign of the momentum we’re building across the David Eccles School of Business," Dirks said.

The Executive MBA is a 21-month program designed for mid- and senior-level professionals. Students attend classes two weekends per month. The curriculum allows participants to balance graduate education with their current jobs. The cohort includes professionals from various industries, which contributes to classroom discussions.

Other graduate programs at the Eccles School have also seen recent ranking increases. The Full-Time MBA program rose to No. 18 among U.S. public schools and No. 44 overall in Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2026-27 Best Business Schools rankings. The MBA Online program ranked No. 10 among public schools and No. 14 overall in The Princeton Review’s Top 50 Online MBA Programs for 2027.

Brad Vierig, associate dean for Graduate Programs and Executive Education, described the program as a space for leaders to sharpen strategic thinking. He emphasized that the experience extends beyond the classroom. "Our Executive MBA brings together accomplished leaders who are looking to sharpen their strategic thinking, expand their perspectives, and navigate increasingly complex business challenges," Vierig said.

The Financial Times rankings methodology evaluates several factors. These include salary growth, career progression, work experience, and alumni networks. The survey also considers faculty and student body composition, as well as research output.

The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah was founded in 1917. The school is located in the Mountain West region. It focuses on academic rigor and real-world learning. The institution connects students to business opportunities through its centers and institutes.