Losing ground: Carlson - Minnesota
Index: 63.3
2010 Rank: 26
Average GMAT: 686
Acceptance rate: 41%
Median base salary: $95,507
Suggested two-year budget: $129,600
Carlson's program combines case study teaching and experiential learning projects in a small, family-like program. It boasts a strong reputation largely with local headquartered companies and the regional offices of larger enterprises. But the school lost its dean this year to University of Michigan's Ross School.
The result: Carlson lost ground in three major MBA rankings. The school, which had been ranked 75th globally by The Financial Times in 2010, fell off the FT's list of the best MBA programs in 2011. It also lost ground in the latest rankings by Forbes and The Economist, in both cases dropping two places to ranks of 28 and 65, respectively.
Percentage of MBAs with job offers at graduation: 72%