By Molly Mitchell
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business has achieved a significant milestone, securing the 10th position overall and ranking 2nd among public schools in the latest evaluation of the best graduate business programs in the United States. This year, 2024 stands out as Darden’s most successful ranking year to date, building on its previous achievements.
Darden has advanced by four places from its 2023 ranking of 14th overall and 3rd among public institutions. The current Top 10 position for Darden’s Full-Time MBA program equals its previous highest ranking attained in 2016.
Dean Scott Beardsley expressed satisfaction with the recognition received from various sources, including U.S. News, acknowledging the exceptional educational environment provided by Darden’s faculty and staff, as well as the successful career paths pursued by its graduates. He attributed this success to the dedication of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni in fostering a distinctive learning community.
Darden excelled in several key areas among the Top 10 schools, particularly in terms of post-graduation employment rates. The school ranked highest for “Employed by Graduation,” climbing 5 places to secure the 4th position overall. Additionally, Darden performed well in the “Employed 3 Months After Graduation” category. The institution also demonstrated strong salary outcomes, notably in the “Average Starting Salary and Bonus” category, where it rose to 5th place nationally. Darden maintained its position as the leading public school in this category for the 6th consecutive year. Furthermore, in the new category of “Salary by Profession,” Darden ranked 10th overall and 2nd among public schools, showcasing the school’s competitive average salaries across various industries.
In specialty rankings determined by a survey of business school deans, Darden was notably recognized as the 4th best MBA program for Management, a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 6th.
The U.S. News & World Report rankings are part of a series of outstanding achievements for Darden this academic year, including accolades from The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, and top rankings in a composite assessment by The Princeton Review and Poets & Quants.
Dean Beardsley emphasized that while rankings hold importance for prospective students and their enrollment decisions, Darden remains committed to its mission-driven approach. The school focuses on enhancing the quality of its educational programs, faculty, staff, and campus infrastructure, with positive rankings being a natural outcome of these efforts.
About the University of Virginia Darden School of Business:
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is dedicated to cultivating responsible global leaders through transformative learning experiences. Darden’s graduate degree programs (MBA, MSBA, and Ph.D.) and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning initiatives offered by the Darden School Foundation pave the way for lifelong career growth and influence. With a top-ranked faculty renowned for teaching excellence, Darden shapes modern business leadership globally through research, thought leadership, and business publications. Darden’s presence spans Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C., area, with a diverse community of 18,000 alumni across 90 countries. Established in 1955 at the University of Virginia, a prestigious public university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, Darden continues to uphold its legacy of excellence.
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Molly Mitchell
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Darden School of Business
University of Virginia