Methodology

Over 200 institutions were contacted by Fortune for our industry-leading full-time MBA ranking. About 100 participated in the 2025 list, of which nearly one-third have a healthcare-centric concentration. The schools were ranked using the same formula as our flagship MBA ranking, and were weighted as follows:

Fortune 1000: 20%
Previous Fortune MBA ranking: 2%
Median base salary: 25%
Employment placement rate: 15%
Graduation rate, 2020–23: 10%
Median GMAT score, fall 2023 entrants: 7%
Total tuition, out-of-state U.S. residents: 5%
Retention rate, 2022–23: 5%
Acceptance rate, fall 2023: 5%
Yield, 2023–24: 3%
Average undergraduate GPA, 2023–24 enrollees: 3%

Learn more: Read Fortune’s MBA methodology.

MBA career paths

What is an MBA in sustainability?

An MBA in sustainability is a graduate business education grounded in environmental awareness, social impact, and sustainable use. Students learn how to apply best practices to a world that cares deeply about corporate responsibility and making a positive impact.

General curriculum and skills taught

Any MBA program teaches the foundations of business leadership, such as on topics like economics, strategy, and marketing. Courses on organizational behavior, finance, and entrepreneurship are also largely part of the core curriculum. With a concentration in sustainability, students will learn an applied understanding of business paired with topics like environmental concerns, resource scarcity, and policy development.

Specializations and concentrations

An MBA in sustainability topics exists in a variety of different nomenclatures, including:

Social impact
ESG Factors for Business
Energy and environment
Sustainable business and innovation strategy
Leaders in sustainability
Sustainability in business
Environmental management
Social change and sustainability
Sustainable enterprise

Admissions information

Landing a seat at a top-tier MBA program requires meeting a comprehensive set of admissions criteria. While requirements may vary among institutions, applications must typically include:

Academics: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, supported by official transcripts.
Experiences: A well-crafted résumé highlighting career achievements and leadership potential.
Essays: Thoughtful essay responses or personal statements that showcase your unique perspective and aspirations.
Recommendations: Strong letters of recommendation from supervisors, mentors, or colleagues who can attest to your capabilities.
Skills: Some programs may require an interview to assess your communication abilities and fit. Moreover, scores from the GMAT or GRE can prove your verbal and quantitative reasoning skills.

GMAT, GRE, and GPA

While GMAT and GRE scores remain important for MBA admissions, programs focused on ESG and sustainability may place additional emphasis on candidates' demonstrated commitment to social impact. Some schools may offer test waivers for applicants with significant experience in sustainability roles. GPA is still considered, but many programs take a holistic view, recognizing that passion for social change may not always correlate with traditional academic metrics.

Which factors drive acceptance?

Admissions committees for ESG-focused MBAs look beyond standard criteria. They seek candidates who demonstrate a deep understanding of sustainability challenges and a commitment to driving positive change. Experience in social enterprises, nonprofits, or corporate sustainability roles can be particularly valuable. Articulating how an MBA will enhance your ability to create meaningful impact is crucial.

How to choose the best MBA in sustainability for you: Factors to consider beyond rankings

When selecting a sustainability-focused MBA program, it is important to keep in mind ideas like: Depth and breadth of sustainability curriculum Partnerships with sustainability-focused organizations Opportunities for hands-on impact projects with local businesses Faculty expertise in ESG and sustainability Program's track record in placing graduates in impact-driven roles These elements can significantly shape your MBA experience and post-graduation trajectory, warranting careful consideration of your circumstances and aspirations.

Accreditation

Not every business school is the same; some hold themselves to higher standards of education. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation is a prestigious certification, held by only 6% of business schools worldwide. It signifies a rigorous curriculum, exceptional faculty, and cutting-edge research capabilities. Graduates of accredited institutions also have a track record of landing jobs, even in a competitive market.

Program logistics

Embarking on an MBA journey requires meticulous planning. It’s important to have candid discussions with your employer and family about the potential impact of your academic pursuits. When researching programs, pay close attention to application deadlines, start dates, and the time required for test preparation and application compilation. This process may span several years, necessitating a long-term perspective

Curriculum and connections

When evaluating the curriculum of an MBA, consider what value it places on sustainable principles across all core business subjects. Some items to look for include:

Dedicated courses on sustainable finance, social entrepreneurship, and impact measurement
Experiential learning opportunities with social enterprises or B Corps
Faculty with real-world experience in sustainability leadership
Strong connections to impact investing firms and social impact organizations

Prestige

The brand reputation of a university matters. When you share your alma mater in an interview—or a recruiter sees it on a résumé—you want them to know the value of your degree. Therefore, there remains merit in selecting a school that is widely known for its academic success.

Concentrations

Many programs now offer formal concentrations in sustainability, social impact, or ESG. However, also consider schools that allow you to create a custom focus through electives and independent projects aligned with your specific impact goals.

Cost

MBA programs can vary in price, and those with ESG concentrations are no exception. Six top MBA programs, the likes of NYU (Stern), MIT (Sloan), and Northwestern University (Kellogg) charge over $80,000 per year in tuition alone. On the other hand, other institutions tend to be more affordable. For example, Georgia Tech (Scheller) and the University of Oregon (Lundquist) charge closer to $40,000 annually.

Network and access to alumni

While ESG is growing in popularity, it remains a competitive field. As a result, finding ways to build connections is paramount. Analyze whether schools facilitate networking events or have easily accessible alumni who are working in your desired field. Increasing your professional circle will only help you get your foot in the door at your dream job.

Internship support

Landing a top internship can be the key to landing a lucrative post-MBA job. Take full advantage of networking opportunities to build relationships to last a lifetime. When looking at schools, be aware of the historical success of students landing internships at companies in their ESG divisions.

Campus impact and community

Making an impact starts directly with the local community. Figure out how committed the business schools on your radar are themselves committed to sustainability. Do they prioritize sustainable energy? Do they have recycling bins? Moreover, research whether the school has active ESG-related student organizations that you could become part of. Being part of a community of change can help build momentum toward a more sustainable future at school. Then, these real-world skills can be applied to a career in business.

Careers for MBA in sustainability graduates

Companies of all shapes and sizes are prioritizing ESG. Outside of roles at environmentally-focused organizations themselves, individuals may be able to find corporate responsibility and sustainability roles at larger companies. Some of the roles you might explore include: ESG consultant ESG analyze Sustainability manager Social impact analyst Corporate social responsibility manager Manager of ESG compliance reporting

Financing and scholarships

In addition to traditional MBA funding sources, keep an eye out for:

Scholarships specifically for sustainability-focused MBA candidates
Fellowships from impact investing firms or social enterprises
Grants from foundations supporting social impact education
Loan forgiveness programs for graduates pursuing careers in the social sector

Remember that many ESG-focused MBA programs emphasize creating both financial and social returns, preparing you for a career that aligns profit with purpose.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best MBA for sustainability?

Northwestern University (Kellogg) is the best MBA program that has a concentration in sustainability topics. The school specifically allows students to take a pathway focused on “Sustainability: Social Impact and Responsible Leadership” or “Sustainability: Climate, Environment, & Energy.”

What is the easiest top MBA program to get into for sustainability?

Among the top 20 MBA programs with sustainability specializations, Fordham University (Gabelli) is the easiest to get into, with an acceptance rate of 58%. It is followed by Brigham Young University (Marriott) and the University of Minnesota (Carlson), with acceptance rates of 57% and 47%, respectively.

Can you study sustainability at Harvard Business School?

Yes, during students’ time at Harvard Business School, environmental topics are part of the required curriculum. Students may also take elective courses on subjects like corporate accountability, sustainable production, and social impact.

Is an MBA in sustainability worth it?

If a sustainable future is key to your business priorities, then yes, an MBA in sustainability can be worth it as you will gain an unparalleled perspective of the intersection of business and the environment, sustainability, and social impact. Many large corporations prioritize ESG long-term, and they need skilled workers to help them meet their goals.

Best MBA Programs – Sustainability for 2025