Why isn't Yale School of Management (SOM) better ranked among the top business schools for its MBA and EMBA?

Abhiyudaya Chauhan

Sr. Consultant

While Yale School of Management (SOM) is highly respected and consistently ranks among the top business schools, several factors can affect its relative position in MBA and EMBA rankings compared to other elite institutions:

1. Younger Program: Yale SOM was established later than many other top business schools, which have had more time to establish their reputations and alumni networks. Yale SOM was founded in 1976, while schools like Harvard Business School and Wharton have been around since the early 1900s. 
2. Focused Mission: Yale SOM's distinct mission to "educate leaders for business and society" emphasizes a broader societal impact, including non-profit, government, and entrepreneurship, rather than focusing solely on traditional corporate leadership. This can affect its appeal to prospective students who are primarily interested in climbing the corporate ladder in sectors like finance or consulting, industries that often see higher immediate post-graduate salaries—a factor influential in some rankings.
3. Size and Scope: Yale SOM has traditionally maintained smaller class sizes compared to other top business schools. While this allows for a more intimate and engaging educational experience, it also means fewer alumni and potentially less influence in the global business community. Smaller class sizes can limit the volume of successful alumni stories needed to boost rankings.
4. Specialized Programs: Yale SOM has placed a significant emphasis on integrating its business education with other parts of the university, offering joint degrees and interdisciplinary programs. This interdisciplinary approach is highly innovative and appealing to a certain segment of students but may not always align with the criteria and metrics traditionally used by ranking organizations focused on more conventional MBA paths.
5. Global Brand Recognition: While globally respected, Yale SOM might not yet have the same level of brand recognition specifically for business education as older, more established schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Wharton. This can impact perceptions and rankings, especially when assessed by global employers and academics.

Despite these factors, Yale SOM continues to excel in areas like leadership development, integration of global issues, and a strong ethical focus, which are highly valued in the increasingly interconnected and socially conscious business world. Its rankings in specialized areas and the high regard in which it is held by those aware of its unique strengths speak to the quality and impact of its education.