As far as educational experiences go, UVA Darden’s MBA program stands out as one of the best. This was demonstrated in 2022, when the Princeton Review and Financial Times ranked Darden professors first in the nation and its students second in satisfaction among all top schools. Darden’s learning environment is enhanced by its small class size of 350 students on average and idyllic Charlottesville campus at the foot of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Darden MBA is further known for its academic rigor. Its curriculum follows Harvard’s model, with core courses in the first year and electives and concentrations in the second. Darden’s use of the case method, which involves lively discussions among students in class, is another similarity to HBS. In the second year, students can choose from 11 concentrations, a STEM-designated specialization in management science, and a variety of experiential learning opportunities both domestically and abroad. Non-Americans should also take note of Darden’s career support for international students.
As for employment, 32% of the MBA class of 2021 headed to consulting, 26% to finance and 19% to tech. Graduates accepted positions mainly in the Northeast of the US at 29%, followed by the Mid-Atlantic at 21% and the West at 18%. Notable Darden alumni include Warren Thompson (President and Chairman of Thompson Hospitality Corporation, MBA 1983), Elizabeth Wemouth (Founder and Managing Partner of Grafine Partners, MBA 1994), Hal Lawton (President of Macy’s, MBA 2000) and Isao Sekigauchi (President of Nissan Motor Indonesia, MBA 2004).
Small Town
Large City
100
1,000
Flexible
Structured
30%
90%
10,000
110,000
680
740
Top 25
Top 5
$100,000
$175,000
