20 Best MBA Programs in San Francisco, CA (2023 Updated)
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San Francisco is widely recognized as one of the top cities for innovation, technology, and business in the world. From thriving tech startups to global corporate headquarters, the opportunities for business and management careers in San Francisco seem endless.
It‘s no surprise then that many professionals and aspiring business leaders flock to San Francisco each year to take advantage of the city‘s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and tap into its vast network of investors, founders, and industry experts.
But to truly stand out and succeed in this competitive environment, the right education and credentials are essential. An MBA from one of San Francisco‘s highly-ranked business schools can provide the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to launch or advance your career.
To help you navigate the options, here is an updated list for 2024 of the 20 best MBA programs in San Francisco based on factors like reputation, faculty expertise, career outcomes, facilities and location, application requirements, and overall value offered to students.
1. University of San Francisco School of Management
The University of San Francisco‘s School of Management has a long-standing reputation for excellence in business education with an emphasis on ethics, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Located right in the heart of the city, students benefit from robust industry connections and easy access to internships, networking events, and speaker series featuring successful alumni and business leaders.
Key Highlights:
- Ranked among top 100 U.S. MBA programs by numerous publications
- Among the most diverse student bodies of any b-school in the country
- Flexible full-time, part-time, and online MBA options available
- Dual-degree program options like MBA/JD and MBA/MNA
2. UC Berkeley Haas School of Business
UC Berkeley‘s prestigious Haas School of Business is ranked among the top ten MBA programs nationally and number one in California. While extremely selective, students admitted to Haas enjoy world-renowned faculty, innovative curriculum, and a powerhouse alumni network of industry influencers.
Key Highlights:
- Emphasis on experiential learning through field projects and case studies
- Strong track record for entrepreneurship with access to VC funding via accelerator programs
- Extensive global network with study abroad and exchange term options
3. Stanford Graduate School of Business
While not located directly in the city, Stanford GSB has an unrivaled reputation, especially in the tech space with its proximity to Silicon Valley. From startup founders and venture capital investors to executives at Apple, Google, HP and more, Stanford MBAs have tremendous mobility.
Key Highlights:
- Average starting base salary over $150k with median signing bonus of $25k
- Over 30 entrepreneurship-focused student clubs and initiatives
- Iconic alumni network with founders and leaders from major tech companies
4. Hult International Business School
Hult attracts an incredibly global student body, which is fitting given its multiple campuses across Europe, Middle East, and Asia. At the downtown San Francisco location, students engage in practical learning like consulting projects, pitch competitions, and other events that connect them directly with Bay Area companies.
Key Highlights:
- Dual degree options, including MBA/Masters in International Relations and MBA/Masters in International Marketing
- Option to rotate across different global campuses during program
- 130+ nationalities represented in class creating extensive international alumni network
- Focus on sustainability, social innovation, and developing a global mindset
5. Presidio Graduate School
For those interested in sustainable business practices, social impact, and responsible management, Presidio Graduate School is an excellent choice. The curriculum focuses on how to lead organizations with purpose – while still achieving profitability.
Key Highlights:
- Hybrid model with mix of on-campus and virtual courses
- MBA in Sustainable Solutions fully online incoming class options
- Changemaker Central incubator connects students projects with funding
- Participatory leadership labs to foster collaboration and communication skills
6. University of San Francisco Downtown Campus
In addition to USF‘s main campus referenced earlier, its downtown San Francisco location cater specifically to working professionals looking to earn their MBA through evening and weekend classes. The same School of Management runs this program, meaning its the same prestigious faculty and curriculum.
Key Highlights:
- Convenient downtown location near public transit
- Specialized MBA concentrations in Entrepreneurship or Finance
- Coaching and development for study skills to balance work and academics
- Student lounge, free wifi, secured entry and other amenities catered to commuters
7. Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business
Located 40 miles south in Silicon Valley, the Jesuit institution Santa Clara University has solidified itself as a leading provider of business talent to the likes of Apple, Google, and many other tech giants. Its Leavey School of Business emphasizes ethics, compassion, and conscience within a rigorous business curriculum.
Key Highlights:
- Among top 15% of b-schools globally accredited by AACSB International
- Far-reaching mentorship program connects current students with alumni
- Specialized Executive Development Center supporting senior professionals
- Study abroad and global internship opportunities
8. ESADE Business School SF Campus
ESADE is an internationally renowned business school with campuses in Spain, Asia, and Latin America. In San Francisco, it offers an innovative Global Executive MBA conducted exclusively in English for professionals looking to expand their global perspective and leadership capabilities.
Key Highlights:
- Intensive 1-week residencies in San Francisco, Spain, and China
- Focus on developing global mindset with 70% international students
- Customizable focus through specialized streams – entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, etc.
- Access to global alumni network spanning 80+ countries
9. California College of the Arts MBA in Design Strategy
For those interested specifically in leadership roles within creative industries and design-centric companies, California College of the Arts offers a one-of-a-kind MBA in Design Strategy. The program blends business fundamentals with design principles to develop strategic decision-making skills.
Key Highlights:
- Located in San Francisco arts and design district
- Interdisciplinary approach suitable for broad range of applicants
- Real-world industry collaborations and consulting projects
- Alumni leadership at top companies like IDEO, Apple, Nike, Google
10. Golden Gate University Ageno School of Business
Providing practical, hands-on business education for working professionals for over 50 years, Golden Gate University takes a learner-centric approach with small class sizes. Located right downtown, it allows students to take advantage of the city while building their career.
Key Highlights:
- Evening, weekend and online courses cater to working professionals
- Cohort model provides community and collaboration
- CA governor Gavin Newsom among distinguished alumni network
- Specialized MBA concentrations in Accounting, Healthcare Management, etc.
11. San Francisco State University College of Business
With nearly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students, SF State‘s College of Business touts itself as the largest business school in the region. Offering accessible and affordable education through San Francisco State allows students to immerse themselves locally.
Key Highlights:
- Central downtown location near public transit
- Among most diverse student populations nationally
- Community partnerships and experiential learning focus
- Option to pursue concentration alongside MBA in areas like Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing
12. Dominican University of California Barowsky School of Business
Dominican University in San Rafael focuses on ethical business leadership geared towards positive social and environmental impact. Its flexible small class sizes, customizable schedule, and career coaching result in high ROI and student satisfaction.
Key Highlights:
- Conveniently located 14 miles north of San Francisco
- Design own schedule with classes Monday-Thursday evenings or saturdays
- All professors hold PhDs with extensive industry work experience
- Barowsky Venture Lab provides seed funding and incubator space for startups
13. Northeastern University San Francisco Campus
While known for its flagship campus in Boston, Northeastern University now offers the exact same MBA programs at its West Coast hub focused on the innovation economy sector. Students gain access to two influential business ecosystems on opposite coasts.
Key Highlights:
- Flexible schedule options: full-time, part-time, accelerated, hybrid
- Exclusive opportunities with Silicon Valley tech firms and VCs throughAligned program
- Ability to fast-track undergrad business credits into MBA program
- Cross-disciplinary curriculum combining business, tech and design
14. Sonoma State University School of Business and Economics
Just 45 miles north in California‘s iconic Wine Country, Sonoma State provides an affordable, experiential-focused alternative in a serene setting ideal for life-work balance – while still connecting students to Bay Area opportunities.
Key Highlights:
- Among most affordable accredited MBAs in San Francisco region
- Emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility
- Engagement through consulting projects, competitions, conferences and more
- On-campus MBA Career Hub providing workshops and networking events
15. Saint Mary‘s College of California Graduate School of Business
Saint Mary‘s offers personalized business education informed by social justice values within an intimate, interactive cohort model setting. Located 22 miles east in Moraga, California, it provides a quiet, suburban environment with proximity.
Key Highlights:
- Immersive professional development retreats
- Opportunity to join Women in Leadership club or conference
- Globally-focused curriculum with international seminar/travel
- Incoming 2-year work experience requirement
16. San Jose State University Lucas College and Graduate School of Business
The business and management programs at San Jose State have been educating Bay Area professionals for over 55 years. Located 45 miles south, its downtown location makes it easily commutable. SJSU provides great value by keeping costs low while still delivering positive student outcomes.
Key Highlights:
- High five-year average MBA graduate salary growth of 80%
- Among most diverse campuses nationally
- Robust corporate engagement through advisory councils and partnerships
- Many evening, weekend and online course options
17. University of San Francisco Bay Area MBA for Executives
USF also offers a specialized Bay Area MBA for Executives catering to senior-level professionals through flexible evening and weekend courses spread out over 22 months. The cohort-based program focuses on strategy, leadership, and innovation for advancing or pivoting established careers.
Key Highlights:
- Designed for 10+ years managerial or executive work experience
- Incoming average student work experience is 15 years
- Dedicated career management office supporting participants
- Local and global immersive study trips
18. Touro University Worldwide MBA
Touro University Worldwide offers an accessible online MBA program focused on ethical leadership and delivered through a supportive peer community. With rolling admissions and six start dates annually, TUW provides flexible options for working professionals seeking career advancement.
Key Highlights:
- No GMAT/GRE requirement
- Specializations available in areas like HR Management, Healthcare Administration, Marketing
- Faculty have both academic and professional work expertise
- Regionally accredited by WSCUC with global reach
19. University of the Pacific, San Francisco Eberhardt School of Business
University of the Pacific in Stockton, California has been educating business professionals for nearly 100 years through its reputable Eberhardt School of Business. Its San Francisco campus caters specifically to working professionals and leverages proximity to the innovation economy.
Key Highlights:
- Eight-week accelerated course sessions
- immersive Professional Development seminar series with industry leaders
- Alumni hold executive positions at Visa, Boston Scientific, Cisco, Gap and others
- Hybrid mode blends online and face-to-face instruction
20. Menlo College
Located right off Highway 101 in Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers personalized business education informed by ethical values and focused on innovation/technology sector application. With a prime location, small class sizes, and experiential learning, Menlo MBA students are poised for success.
Key Highlights:
- Direct pathway for bachelor‘s degree holders into MBA
- Required internship credit with Silicon Valley tech or VC firms
- New 30,000 square foot innovation lab opening in 2024
- Recent capital improvements across entire campus
The San Francisco Bay Area is arguably the most pivotal hub of innovation and business globally. An MBA from any of these highly selective top-ranked institutions provides a major advantage in launching or advancing your career within this vibrant ecosystem and dynamic community of entrepreneurs and industry giants alike.
Through a balanced offering of academic rigor, practical skills, industry connections, and professional development, these programs equip graduates to create value for organizations while also driving their own career potential.
Whether your interests lie in technology, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, arts, social impact or another sector, there is an exceptional MBA option locally to align with your vision and position you for success as a leader.
