The Auburn University College of Business ranked 58th in "Forbes" magazine's 2011 survey of top business schools. The ranking is an improvement from 64th in "Forbes'" 2009 survey.
The survey rates the best five-year return on investment for Master of Business Administration graduates for the class of 2006. "Forbes" compares MBA graduates' earnings in the first five years after graduation to costs of obtaining the degree.
According to the survey, Auburn graduates had a pre-MBA salary averaging $28,000, while salaries five years after graduation with an MBA average $71,000. Also, the 3.1 years to break even from graduate costs is tied for the shortest among the ranked schools.
Dan Gropper, associate dean of MBA programs, said this is a testament to Auburn MBA students working hard and advancing in the marketplace, and it shows that an Auburn degree pays for itself.
Gropper said the College of Business improved its ranking by opening the Office of Professional and Career Development and by adding an international trip to the course curriculum. Gropper believes the ranking will not only improve the quality and number of students in the MBA program, but Auburn as a whole.
"These kind of things have a halo effect, so a high ranking for one program helps pull every program up," Gropper said. "We think it helps Auburn as a university to get positive recognition. We'd like to see all the programs go up, not just in the College of Business."
Gropper said he would like to see the MBA ranking continue to improve, but said he is more concerned with the program preparing its students well. He said if this is accomplished, the ranking will follow.
Brandon Stephens, senior in finance, was impressed with the ranking.
"It makes me feel good to know that I chose to join a business school that is on the rise and not on the fall," Stephens said. "Anytime Auburn is seen in a positive spotlight is all right with me."
David Washington, senior in management, thinks the higher ranking will boost numbers in the MBA program and encourage people wanting a business degree.
"Hopefully this higher ranking for Auburn will inspire other people to want a major in business and try to apply to join the MBA degree," Washington said. "I know it makes me want to think a little more about applying for a MBA degree at Auburn. It would be cool to get my graduate degree where I received my undergraduate degree."
"Forbes" ranked Auburn 27th among public universities, and seven schools in the Southeastern Conference were included in the rankings.
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