Top MBA Programs for a Career in Consulting

Management consulting jobs are one of the most popular jobs for many MBA graduates. Some are already in consulting prior to graduate school, and may even have their MBAs sponsored by their respective firms, while others use the time to pivot into consulting.

MBB – McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company – is typically considered the pinnacle of management consulting firms, but there are many other excellent firms across different industries, geographies, specialties, etc. for aspiring consultants to consider.

In this article, we’ve combined the most important information that hopeful MBA candidates should consider when deciding on the right business school. In selecting these schools, we looked at the percentage of consulting graduates, salary and bonus info for those graduates, clubs, and organizations that support recruiting, top employers, and more. Remember, however, that these are here to guide you, but the top MBA for consulting will be the one that fits you and your needs the best. With that being said, let’s dive in.

10 Best MBA Programs for Consulting

Business schools rarely offer specific consulting specializations, but many provide concentrations in strategy or strategic management. All the best programs have relevant courses within their core and elective offerings and often allow students to gain hands-on experience through consulting projects for credit. Additionally, many of the top business schools have strong connections with leading consulting firms, offering on-campus recruiting sessions that give students valuable networking opportunities and a pathway to consulting roles.

At a glance, here are the top MBA programs in the world for a career in consulting:

• Northwestern University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• Columbia University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Chicago
• University of Virginia
• Duke University
• University of California

Here is a list of the top ten business schools in the U.S. for entering a career in consulting.

1. Kellogg School of Management – Northwestern University

Kellogg is known for its collaborative culture, team-based curriculum, and strong emphasis on leadership development. The school offers a Strategy major and pathways in Asset Management and Data Analytics, with many courses designed to mirror real consulting projects. With a Class of 2025 median GMAT of 733 and GPA of 3.7, Kellogg remains highly selective. About 33% of recent graduates entered consulting, and Kellogg is a top feeder to MBB firms, with 33 students joining BCG, 20 joining Bain, and consistent McKinsey recruitment. The school’s emphasis on communication, collaboration, and executive presence makes it a standout choice for future consultants. Kellogg alumni entering consulting roles report a median base salary of $190,000 post-MBA.

Learn more at The Kellogg School of Management — MBA Program & Application Overview.

2. Tuck School of Business – Dartmouth College

Tuck offers a uniquely close-knit community, with just 250 students per class and a heavy focus on leadership development and team-based learning. Students craft personal leadership development plans and gain hands-on experience through electives like Client Project Management and OnSite Global Consulting. Tuck sends 47% of its graduates into consulting, the highest of any top school, making it a prime choice for those targeting firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and Deloitte. With a median GMAT of 727 and a strong track record in consulting placement, Tuck combines academic rigor with a highly supportive environment. Graduates choosing consulting earn a median base salary of $190,000, with total median compensation reaching around $220,000, including bonuses.

Read more about the program at Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business—MBA Program & Application Overview.

3. Harvard Business School - Harvard University

Harvard Business School offers a general management curriculum centered around the case method, honing students’ decision-making and influence skills. While only 18–25% of HBS graduates enter consulting, the school remains a magnet for top firms thanks to its brand, leadership focus, and unparalleled alumni network. McKinsey, Bain, and BCG heavily recruit on campus, and consulting-bound students can enhance their skills through electives in strategy, operations, and analytics. With an acceptance rate under 10%, a median GMAT of 740, and strong career outcomes, HBS remains a powerhouse for those seeking leadership roles in consulting. MBA graduates entering consulting roles earn a median base salary of $190,000, with 25th and 75th percentiles hovering between $190,000–192,000.

Learn more about HBS at Harvard Business School—MBA Program and Application Overview

4. Columbia Business School - Columbia University

Columbia’s location in New York City gives students direct access to top consulting firms, along with project opportunities in finance, healthcare, and technology. Roughly 30–36% of students enter consulting, and firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Strategy& are among the top recruiters. The school emphasizes quantitative rigor and offers electives in Decision & Risk Analysis, strategy, and operations. With a median GMAT around 730 and deep ties to the management consulting industry, Columbia prepares students well for both the analytical and interpersonal demands of consulting careers. Consulting-bound grads report a median base salary of about $188,000–190,000 (with a $30K signing bonus).

More details can be found at Columbia Business School — MBA Program & Application Overview.

5. Sloan School of Management – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT Sloan offers a tech-forward, data-driven MBA experience with a global outlook. About 34–35% of its graduates go into consulting, with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain leading the list of employers. The curriculum emphasizes analytics, problem-solving, and global collaboration through labs and consulting-focused electives. Sloan students can also pursue a finance or entrepreneurship track, making it an ideal fit for those interested in strategy consulting at the intersection of business and technology. With a median GMAT of 730 and a STEM-designated curriculum, Sloan is a top choice for analytical thinkers aiming for MBB. Sloan MBAs entering consulting earn roughly $179,000–190,000, with median estimates around $190,000.

Discover more at MIT Sloan—MBA Program and Application Overview.

6. Wharton School – University of Pennsylvania

Wharton is renowned for its strength in finance, analytics, and global business strategy, making it a consistent feeder into consulting. About 29% of graduates enter consulting roles, with top firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG actively recruiting on campus. The school offers relevant majors such as Strategic Management, Business Analytics, and Organizational Effectiveness. Wharton's rigorous quantitative curriculum, combined with leadership-focused programs like the McNulty Leadership Program, provides a strong foundation for problem-solving at scale. With a median GMAT of 733 and GPA around 3.6, Wharton remains one of the most competitive programs in the world. Consulting graduates from Wharton typically earn a median base salary of $190,000.

Learn more at Wharton Business School — MBA Program & Application Overview.

7. Booth School of Business – University of Chicago

Chicago Booth offers unmatched academic flexibility and deep quantitative rigor, making it a strong launchpad for a successful consulting career. Around 39% of Booth students enter consulting, and the school consistently sends large cohorts to MBB—71 McKinsey, 52 to BCG, and 30 to Bain in recent years. Booth’s curriculum includes electives in Industry Analysis, Strategy Simulation, and Decision Modeling, which align directly with consulting skillsets. With six Nobel laureates on faculty and a reputation for intellectual rigor, Booth appeals to analytically minded students who want to solve complex business problems at top-tier firms. Booth MBAs entering consulting report an average base salary of $192,000.

Get more details at Chicago Booth—MBA Program and Application Overview

8. Darden School of Business – University of Virginia

Darden offers a practical, leadership-oriented MBA experience rooted in the case method. Known for its tight-knit culture and focus on ethics and communication, Darden sends about 46% of graduates into consulting, one of the highest rates among top schools. Students can concentrate in Strategy Consulting and take electives like The Consulting Process, Operations Strategy, and Darden Consulting Projects. With robust recruiting from McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, Darden is a strong choice for those who value hands-on learning and real-world project experience. While specific consulting salary data is limited, Darden MBAs average a base salary of around $190,000 in their most common career paths, such as consulting.

More details can be found at The University of Virginia Darden School of Business — MBA Program & Application Overview.

9. Fuqua School of Business – Duke University

Fuqua emphasizes collaboration, leadership, and experiential learning, creating a strong pipeline into the consulting industry. About 43% of students go into consulting, with nearly all of them entering strategy or management consulting roles. BCG, McKinsey, Bain, and Deloitte are top employers, collectively hiring more than 100 business school graduates. Fuqua’s curriculum is flexible and includes courses in business strategy, data analytics, and organizational behavior. The school also offers the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP), giving students the opportunity to tackle real consulting problems. Fuqua is particularly appealing to candidates who thrive in team environments and value client-facing experience. Fuqua consulting grads earn approximately a $190,000 median base salary.

Learn more at Duke Fuqua—MBA Program and Application Overview

10. Berkeley Haas – University of California

Berkeley Haas combines a values-driven culture with strengths in innovation, sustainability, and strategy. About 28% of its students go into consulting, with McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Deloitte among the most active recruiters. Haas offers a Strategy/Consulting pathway with courses like Strategic Leadership, Global Strategy, and the International Business Development Program (IDP), where students work on real-world consulting projects around the globe. The school’s smaller class size, Bay Area location, and commitment to “leading through innovation” make it an attractive option for future consultants with an interest in tech, impact, or entrepreneurship. Haas alumni entering consulting report a median base salary of $192,000.

Discover more at the University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business—MBA Program & Application Overview.

What Consulting Firms Look For

Top consulting firms seek aspiring consultants with a blend of analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Consulting firms, particularly MBB firms, value MBA consulting graduates who demonstrate strong teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.

They target schools with individuals who are effective communicators and possess the ability to manage complex projects. A consulting firm often favors candidates with a proven track record in strategic thinking and quantitative skills, as well as those who can quickly assess challenges and provide actionable solutions.

A top-ranked MBA program that emphasizes real-world consulting experience, rigorous quantitative training, and leadership development helps candidates develop these competencies, making them strong contenders in the competitive consulting field.

Other Strong B-Schools for Aspiring Management Consultants

While M7 and T10 programs are often top of mind, several other b-schools around the world offer exceptional training, networks, and MBA hiring outcomes for future management consultants.

• Stanford Graduate School of Business blends elite academics with innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. Although a smaller share of graduates enter consulting (~15–20%), Stanford’s deep alumni ties and emphasis on leadership development create long-term value. It’s a top choice for those seeking roles at McKinsey, Bain, or BCG in tech or strategy-focused paths.
• INSEAD, often dubbed the “Business School for the World”, has an accelerated one-year format and places around 50% of graduates into consulting, making it one of the most consulting-heavy programs globally. With rich experiential learning opportunities, global case competitions, and alumni in 170+ countries, it’s ideal for internationally focused candidates.
• NYU Stern combines its strong New York location with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities like the Stern Consulting Corps and Tech & the City immersion. It consistently sees strong MBA hiring numbers in consulting, especially with Deloitte, Strategy&, and Accenture.
• IE Business School (Madrid) and ESADE Business School (Barcelona) are top European programs that emphasize global strategy and social impact. Both offer consulting labs, capstone projects, and strong pipelines to firms like McKinsey and Roland Berger, attracting candidates looking for cross-border experience and a globally oriented business degree.
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller College of Business) is an often-overlooked U.S. option with impressive MBA hiring rates for internal and tech-focused management consultant roles. Its location in Atlanta, ties to Fortune 500 companies, and strength in analytics and sustainability make it a compelling regional choice.
• Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business) in Dallas also offers a solid platform for boutique and internal consulting careers, particularly in the Southwest. With close faculty mentorship and growing experiential learning opportunities, Cox prepares students well for industry-specific strategy roles.

Exploring a wider range of b-schools allows applicants to match their goals with the right program, balancing firm access, leadership development, business degree format, and industry alignment. The best path to becoming a successful management consultant may start in more places than you think.

Where Can I Start?

For aspiring consultants interested in a career in Management Consulting, read these articles to get a head start:

• A Day in the Life of a Management Consultant
• Best 30 Free Resources to Get Into Management Consulting
• An Overview of Different Jobs in Consulting
• What is Management Consulting?

Coach Recommendations

Prefer to work one-on-one with a coach for help getting into a top MBA program for consulting? To navigate the consulting application process, here are some of Leland’s top coaches for consulting and MBA:

FAQs

Which MBA specialization is best for consulting?

• MBA specializations in management consulting and strategic management are ideal for consulting professionals. They develop key consulting skills in data analysis, decision-making, and client relationship management. Specializations in finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship are also beneficial for consultants.

Is an MBA useful for consulting?

• Most top MBA programs can help you land a lucrative position in the field of consulting through their education, network, and recruitment opportunities, although certain programs like INSEAD, Booth, and Kellogg distinguish themselves in terms of post-MBA consulting placements.

Does McKinsey require an MBA?

• If your heart is set on McKinsey and you're wondering 'Should I get an MBA? ', the short answer is no – you do not have to have an MBA to break into McKinsey.

Does BCG pay for an MBA?

• The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) does offer full tuition reimbursement for employees who plan on remaining with the company after business school.