10 Best Executive MBA Programs for 2024: Rankings, Fees, Salary

An executive MBA is taken by professionals who want to advance in their careers. Different from an MBA, an EMBA is usually shorter. It enhances your leadership skills, deepens your business knowledge, and boosts your career prospects. A recent GMAC study shows that EMBA graduates earn a median base salary of $150,000 (INR 1,24,95,500) three years after graduation. In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 executive MBA programs in the world so that you can make a well-informed choice.

Key Highlights:

• Penn (Wharton Business School), London Business School and HEC Paris are among the top colleges offering EMBA abroad.
• For EMBA programs abroad, candidates typically need 7-10 years of professional work experience, including substantial managerial or leadership roles.
• The average salary for EMBA graduates from top international colleges typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on the institution and location.
• HEC Paris offers a 15-18 month Executive MBA program with online or blended learning formats, with graduates earning an average salary of INR 96,30,000.
• London Business School offers a 20-month program on strategic thinking and flexible learning modes, with graduates earning around INR 96,32,250.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Best Executive MBA Programs in the World Executive MBA Program: Eligibility Criteria Executive MBA Program: Documents Required Average Salaries & Jobs after Global Executive MBA Program

Top 10 Executive MBA Colleges in the World

The EMBA is mostly an 18-20 month long course that can be pursued part-time by people with at least 7-10 years of work experience. It can be pursued online or on campus, depending on the university you choose.

We have discussed the list of reknowned colleges that offer the best Executive MBAs in the world below:

1. HEC Paris

HEC Paris is a leading business school located in Jouy-en-Josas, France. Founded in 1881, HEC Paris is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world. It is particularly renowned for its Master in Management (MiM) program, consistently ranked #1 worldwide by the Financial Times.

HEC Paris has a strong reputation for its research excellence. The school has a faculty of over 120 world-renowned professors who are conducting cutting-edge research in a wide range of business disciplines. HEC Paris is also home to several research centers, including the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Center for Social Business.

2. IESE Business School

IESE Business School is a graduate business school with campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, New York, and São Paulo. It is the graduate business school of the University of Navarra, a private Catholic university. Founded in 1958, IESE is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.

IESE offers a variety of MBA programs, including a full-time MBA, an Executive MBA, and a Global Executive MBA. The school also offers several master's degree programs, executive education courses, and doctoral programs. IESE is known for its rigorous academic programs, international focus, and emphasis on entrepreneurialism. 

3. Oxford (Said Business School)

The University of Oxford consists of a business school known as the Oxford (Said) Business School at the University of Oxford in England. This EMBA program is one of the best Executive MBA programs in the world, spanning over 22 - 24 months. It is a part-time MBA program offered by Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.It is designed for experienced professionals who want to advance their careers and make a global impact. This EMBA program is ranked among the top 10 Executive MBA programs by the Financial Times and The Economist.

The program is delivered through lectures, case studies, simulations, and international modules. Students also have the opportunity to work on real-world business projects with different companies. The Oxford Executive MBA is a highly selective program. Applicants must have at least five years of work experience and a strong academic record. They must also be able to demonstrate English language proficiency.

4. MIT (Sloan School of Management)

The MIT Sloan Executive MBA program is a rigorous 20-month Executive MBA program designed for mid-career executives. The program is designed to help executives develop the skills and knowledge they need to lead and manage in today's complex and ever-changing business environment. The program's core curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to accounting and finance, marketing and management, etc.

In addition to the core curriculum, students also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of electives and specializations. These electives and specializations allow students to tailor their program to their interests and career goals.

5. Penn (Wharton Business School)

The Wharton Executive MBA (EMBA) is a two-year, part-time EMBA program designed for experienced professionals who want to advance their careers in the business world. The program is offered in three cohorts, each with a unique schedule that caters to the needs of working professionals.

The Wharton Executive MBA programs's curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, covering all aspects of business management. Students learn from world-renowned faculty and gain access to Wharton's extensive resources. The program also provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with other experienced professionals.

6. London Business School

The Executive MBA (EMBA) at London Business School is a transformative 20-month program designed for experienced professionals who want to take their careers to the next level. The program is delivered in either London or Dubai and is offered in a modular format, allowing students to continue working while they study.

This EMBA program's curriculum covers business topics, including finance, accounting, marketing, and strategy. Students also have the opportunity to take electives in areas of interest to them, such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability.

7. INSEAD

The INSEAD Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) is a transformative 15-month program designed to elevate experienced professionals into the ranks of global business leaders. Ranked among the top 10 EMBA programs in the world by The Economist, the Financial Times, and Forbes, the GEMBA offers a rigorous curriculum, a diverse global cohort, and a unique blend of classroom learning, experiential projects, and international immersions.

The INSEAD GEMBA is designed for experienced professionals with at least 8 years of work experience, a strong track record of accomplishments, and a demonstrated leadership potential. Applicants should also possess a strong academic background and a passion for lifelong learning.

8. Berkeley (Haas)

The University of California Berkeley Executive MBA Program is a 22-month program designed for experienced professionals who want to advance their careers in their organizations. The program is delivered in a modular format, with classes held on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. This allows students to continue working full-time while earning their MBA.

Students learn from world-renowned faculty and gain hands-on experience through case studies, simulations, and field immersions. The program also focuses on leadership development, helping students develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed as senior executives. The Berkeley Executive MBA is a highly selective program, with an acceptance rate of about 10%. Applicants must have a strong academic record, significant work experience, and a demonstrated commitment to leadership.

9. ESADE Business School 

Esade Business School's Executive MBA is a 20-month, part-time program designed for senior executives who want to advance their careers in the business world. The program is ranked #1 for career progress and #2 for salary increase by the Financial Times. It is also ranked #7 in Europe by QS Top Executive MBA Rankings 2023.

The program covers all aspects of business, including finance, accounting, marketing, strategy, and operations. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as entrepreneurship, technology, or healthcare. The Esade Executive MBA is taught by a world-class faculty of professors who are experts in their fields.

10. Chicago (Booth)

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business's Executive MBA (EMBA) program is a 21-month program designed for experienced professionals who want to advance their careers in their organizations. The program is offered on campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong, and it provides students with a rigorous curriculum that covers all aspects of business.

The Booth EMBA program is consistently ranked among the top Executive MBA programs in the world. In 2022, it was ranked #1 by The Economist and #2 by Bloomberg Businessweek. The program is known for its rigorous academics, strong alumni network, and emphasis on practical skills.

These were some of the colleges offering the best EMBA programs in the world. EMBA colleges are not just limited to the 10 colleges we mentioned above. The list can go on and on and there are various other best colleges for Executive MBA in the world.