Methodology

More than 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 healthcare management?

An MBA in healthcare management teaches the fundamentals of leading healthcare systems and prepares students for careers in fields like consulting, administration, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and more. A growing number of MBA programs have created healthcare programs as several of the nation’s biggest corporations are in the healthcare sector, including several Fortune 25 companies like UnitedHealth Group, CVS, and Cigna.

General curriculum and skills taught

The foundations of an MBA program focus on subjects like finance, marketing, and strategy, and teach soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These broader areas are emphasized in year one of a student’s full-time MBA experience. Afterward, more health-focused electives can be selected and may teach a variety of real-world topics like healthcare entrepreneurship and medical technology.

Specializations and concentrations

Students seeking an MBA with a focus in healthcare may search to specialize, concentrate, focus, or obtain a certificate in:

Healthcare
Healthcare administration
Healthcare leadership
Healthcare management
Health sector management
Health systems administration

Admissions information

Securing a spot at a prestigious MBA program requires meeting a comprehensive set of admissions criteria. While requirements may vary among institutions, applicants typically need to demonstrate:

Academic excellence: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, supported by official transcripts.
Professional experience: A well-crafted résumé highlighting career achievements and leadership potential.
Personal insight: Thoughtful essay responses or personal statements that showcase your unique perspective and aspirations.
Professional endorsements: Strong letters of recommendation from supervisors, mentors, or colleagues who can attest to your capabilities.
Interpersonal skills: Some programs may require an interview to assess your communication abilities and fit.
Analytical prowess: While not universally mandated, competitive GMAT or GRE scores can significantly strengthen your application, particularly for top-tier institutions.

GMAT, GRE, and GPA

The GMAT and GRE serve as critical benchmarks for assessing an applicant's quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. While some institutions have adopted test-optional policies, many programs still place considerable weight on these scores. The GMAT remains the preferred choice for business school applicants, though the GRE and other tests are broadly accepted.

Academic performance, as reflected by undergraduate GPA, is another crucial factor. While there's no universal minimum GPA requirement, a strong academic record can significantly bolster your candidacy. However, it's important to note that test scores and GPA are just two components of a holistic evaluation process.

Which factors drive acceptance?

MBA admissions committees employ a multifaceted approach when evaluating candidates. They seek individuals who not only demonstrate academic aptitude but also possess leadership potential, diverse perspectives, and clear career goals. Articulating how an MBA, particularly one with a healthcare focus, aligns with your professional aspirations can set you apart in a competitive applicant pool.

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

When selecting an MBA program, it's crucial to look beyond rankings and consider factors that align with your personal and professional objectives:

Program cost
Institutional prestige
Alumni network strength
Elective course options
Program duration and start dates

These elements can significantly shape your MBA experience and post-graduation trajectory, warranting careful consideration of your circumstances and aspirations.

Accreditation

AACSB accreditation stands as a hallmark of excellence in business education. This prestigious certification, held by only 6% of business schools worldwide, signifies a rigorous curriculum, exceptional faculty, and cutting-edge research capabilities. The impact of AACSB accreditation is evident in the impressive 96% employment rate among graduates from accredited institutions, underscoring its value in the competitive job market.

Program logistics

Embarking on an MBA journey requires meticulous planning. It’s important to talk to your employer and family about the potential impact of your academic pursuits, especially as a program can be time-consuming and affect your day-to-day life. Another thing to consider is the program itself. 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, so it’s important to start researching sooner rather than later.

Curriculum and connections

When evaluating MBA programs, scrutinize the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career objectives. Consider the following:

Availability and depth of healthcare courses
Faculty expertise and industry experience
Course scheduling and flexibility
Alignment of curriculum with your professional goals

Geographic location can play a crucial role in industry connections. For instance, aspiring consultants targeting New York organizations might find east coast programs more advantageous due to stronger regional networks.

Prestige

The significance of a school's reputation varies depending on your career aspirations. For some industries, local prestige may suffice, while others may demand national or global recognition. Many recruiters favor programs known for strong specializations or a history of producing successful alumni in specific sectors.

Concentrations

While formal concentrations can provide focused expertise, their absence doesn't preclude relevant coursework. Programs may offer specialized study areas under different nomenclature or provide flexibility in tailoring your academic experience to your professional interests.

Cost

The price of a program should be an important factor as the ROI can drastically impact how much debt students graduate with. The University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) is the most expensive of the MBA programs with healthcare management specializations at a tuition cost of $84,830 per year. Missouri State University is on the other side of the spectrum, with an annual tuition price of just $13,608. With many institutions’ costs falling between those two, it is important to gauge the value of an MBA program and how much it will be worth the price.

Network and access to alumni

The alumni network is a crucial asset of any MBA program, offering far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond graduation. A robust alumni network can significantly impact your career trajectory and professional growth in several ways:

Career advancement
Mentorship and guidance
Business partnerships and collaborations
Lifelong learning

Internship support

Landing a top internship can be a fast track toward landing a lucrative post-MBA job. In the healthcare industry in particular, getting your foot in the door can be tough, so take 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 top healthcare organizations to know what to strive for.

Careers for MBA in healthcare graduates

Healthcare jobs are in high demand, and there are many avenues to success. Those who get an MBA in healthcare management are best suited to work in the healthcare industry, including roles in administration, consulting, insurance, pharmaceuticals, technology, data, and beyond. Some examples of the roles include:

Hospital administrator (including c-suite)
Healthcare consultant
Health services manager
Project manager

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers are expected to grow by 29% over the next decade.

Financing and scholarships

Financing and scholarships Financing an MBA can be a significant challenge, but there are numerous options available to help offset the costs:

Merit-based scholarships
Need-based financial aid
External scholarships
Employer sponsorship
Military benefits
Student loans

Remember, while the cost of an MBA can be substantial, it's often viewed as an investment in your future earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best MBA for healthcare management?

University of Chicago (Booth) is the best MBA program for healthcare management, according to Fortune’s 2025 rankings. While just 2.8% of its class of 2023 went into the field, the median salary of graduates was $137,500.

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

Of the top 15 MBA programs with healthcare management specializations, Brigham Young University (Marriott) is the easiest to get into, with an acceptance rate of 57%. UCLA (Anderson) and Vanderbilt University (Owen) have acceptance rates of 40%.

Can you study healthcare management at Harvard Business School?

Yes, Harvard Business School has classes for students interested in studying healthcare management. In fact, 5% of its class of 2023 graduates went into the industry, with median base salaries of $165,000.

Is an MBA in healthcare management worth it?

Yes, if you know you’d like to help lead a healthcare organization, then an MBA in healthcare management can certainly be worth it. The degree provides specialized training about the complex interests of business and healthcare and allows students to engage in courses that may not be found anywhere else.

What pays more, MBA or MHA?

MBA graduates tend to earn more than MHA graduates, but it all depends on the sector. While an MBA can generally be used to land a job in a variety of careers, an MHA is more siloed—as individuals tend to have more specialized healthcare knowledge that may not apply as seamlessly at, say, a tech or finance company.

What is the difference between MBA and healthcare MBA?

A regular MBA focuses on broad teachings of core business leadership areas, like finance, strategy, and leadership whereas a healthcare MBA provides a more specific curriculum. For example, students may take courses about health economics, healthcare reform, and medical data.

What is the average salary for an MBA in healthcare management in the US?

Those with an MBA in healthcare management can expect to earn over $100,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median pay of medical and health services managers is $110,680, and those with an MBA often experience increased salaries. For example, the median salary of graduates from Northwestern University (Kellogg) is $132,500—with median signing bonuses of $30,000.

Best MBA Programs – Healthcare Management for 2025