The Best Cities For MBAs

In business school, experience can take on different meanings. For some, experience covers classmates – be it academic and professional credentials or diversity in thought and background. To others, it reflects the academic demands or cultural backbone of an institution. Often, experience acts as a catch-all for extracurriculars, resources, facilities, and traditions. In the end, MBA students won’t spend their entire days in the building. Away from campus – that’s where the real experience happens

It is the establishments you frequent, the trails you hike, and the people you meet. It is early-morning farmers markets and late-night clubbing – the festivals, concerts, and sporting events that provide a release. It is the concentration of industries, companies, and experts that amplify everything you learn. It is your surroundings with their distinctive rhythms and abounding possibilities. While you’ll learn as much from your classmates as your professors, you’ll learn even more – and live even better – based on how you spend your time in your new home.

BOSTON OR ITHACA? DEPENDS WHAT MATTERS TO YOU

What do MBA graduates say is the best place to earn a degree? That depends on what they valued. Quiet and slow-paced with predictable routines and wide-open spaces? Those are several benefits inherent to studying in Ithaca, New York – home of Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. The seat of the Finger Lakes region, with four distinct seasons and a wealth of outdoor activities, Ithaca appealed to Frank Hager, a ’24 grad who was a parent to two young children as an MBA student.

“Ithaca offers a diversity of activities to enjoy outside the confines of Sage Hall,” he tells P&Q. “We love family Saturday mornings with the variety of activities: eating breakfast burritos at the Ithaca Farmers Market while watching the Cornell crew team row on Cayuga Lake; running around the exhibits of the Sciencenter or the jungle gym at Stewart Park; golfing at Robert Trent Jones Golf Course or RaNic Golf Club; watching pretty much any Cornell sporting event; or hiking Taughannock Falls State Park followed by lunch at Ithaca Beer Co.”

Straight east, you’ll find an entirely different MBA experience. Think Boston, whose Beantown moniker belies its reputation for high culture and higher education. The area is home to nearly 250,000 college students who matriculate at household names like Harvard and MIT – institutions that have produced 8 American presidents and 97 Nobel Laureates respectively. In sports, Boston produced dynasties running from Bill Russell to Bill Belichick. Long associated with clam chowder and lobster rolls, the city sparked the Revolutionary War and nurtured the Kennedy Camelot. In essence, Boston represents the rebel reflex, tempered by cold-eyed scholarship and forever tethered to its blue collar, immigrant roots. This spirit inspired Sid Agrawal to enroll at Harvard as an undergrad and return to MIT’s Sloan School of Management for his MBA.

“Cambridge/Boston seems to whisper a unique message: Aspire to be smart and delve into those books you’ve always meant to read,” he tells P&Q. “This city feels like a global intellectual hub, bustling with passionate students who aspire to change the world, esteemed professors, and accomplished industry professionals. The vibrant intellectual atmosphere that defines the Boston/Cambridge area serves as a constant source of motivation and inspiration, making it an unparalleled setting for fostering a growth mindset.”

BARCELONA OR BUST

And then there are those once-in-a-lifetime destinations, whose names conjure up images of sophisticated conversations, decadent feasts, and unforgettable adventures. Sun-drenched days, cool breezes, and sparkling waters – a sense that anything can happen if you just take that leap of faith. And that’s Barcelona in a nutshell. Raghad Gomaa, a Boston Consulting Group recruiter, dropped her life in the United Arab Emirates to move to this “magical city” and join IESE Business School’s Class of 2024. What was her scouting report on Barcelona after living there for nearly two years?

“The sun is out most of the time, and the city has everything: beaches, mountains, great shopping, a strong padel culture, a festival in Gracia almost every weekend…and tapas to die for!”

Those weren’t the only advantages of living in the Iberian icon, adds Gomaa. “My favorite thing was the fact that I could walk almost everywhere in the city, and on every corner, there would be something wonderful to take in, such as a Gaudi building or a beautiful road to admire or just the incredible energy of the people on the street (a magical city). Coming from Dubai and Egypt, we don’t really walk much, and it was a great opportunity to get my steps in almost every day!”

Where are the best places to earn an MBA? Last spring, when P&Q surveyed 226 Best & Brightest MBAs and MBAs To Watch, we asked them what they loved about the towns where they attended business schools From Austin to Toronto, they sang the praises of their adopted homes. So forget Fodor’s – here is the inside scoop on the best cities for the MBA experience.

Ann Arbor: “Game days in Ann Arbor surpass anything I could have anticipated. They’re a unifying force, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the local community in a sea of maize and blue cruising and strutting down Main Street. Witnessing the collective spirit of Ann Arbor as it comes alive every Saturday during football season, has been a remarkable experience. The sense of community fostered by Michigan football, with 110,000 fans pouring into the Big House, creates an atmosphere that’s simply magical. This experience has cemented Ann Arbor’s special place in my heart, showcasing a unity and celebration that’s truly unparalleled.”
Andrea Gutierrez Marty, University of Michigan (Ross)

Athens: “Despite being a big city person, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience in Athens, a charming college town. The “Classic City” has a Greek Revival vibe, and the locals are incredibly friendly. The downtown scene is vibrant, with numerous bars and restaurants to choose from. I also appreciated how affordable and accessible it was. From Cutters to Allgood, Athens never failed to keep me entertained.”
Derrick Afriyie, University of Georgia (Terry)

Atlanta: “Atlanta truly has a little bit of everything. Crave that buzzing, big-city energy? Midtown’s your oyster. Feeling outdoorsy? Hike through the lush greenery of Piedmont Park or escape to Stone Mountain. Need your music fix? Dive into the live scene in Little Five Points or East Atlanta Village. And let’s not forget the food coma-inducing culinary adventures, from soul food havens to trendy fusion joints.

And the cool part? This is all within a 10-15-minute drive (Atlanta traffic permitting, of course). Even better, the Goizueta crew is always down to explore. We’ve bonded over hidden gem restaurants, discovered new hiking trails, and even stumbled upon spontaneous street art festivals. As a local, I thought I knew Atlanta’s secrets, but showing them off to my friends has been a revelation. As it turns out, there’s always something new to discover in this ever-evolving city, and sharing it with classmates makes it even more special.”
Sai Konkala, Emory University (Goizueta)

“I love the vibrant culture of Atlanta, particularly as a significant hub for the Black community. Often referred to as the “Black Mecca,” Atlanta holds a special place in African American history and culture. The city’s evolution mirrors the broader story of Black America’s struggle for civil rights and social justice. Atlanta emerged as a focal point for activism and leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, culminating in the passage of landmark legislation. Historically, it has been a center of Black entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, with neighborhoods like Sweet Auburn flourishing with Black-owned businesses. Given this history, I strategically chose to pursue my studies here as there is so much change and rapid development. Atlanta still has a lot of work to do to make sure it continues to thrive as a cultural epicenter for the Black community and I have had the privilege to work on projects that serve that purpose.”
Leah Cabrera, Georgia Tech (Scheller)

Austin: “Austin’s weirdness! The city’s unofficial slogan of “Keep Austin Weird” is very real – and while the skyline and other features have changed in recent years, the underlying culture still rings true. Some of my favorite memories over the past two years have been going with classmates to “Only in Austin” events like Austin City Limits, Formula One, and South by Southwest – along with enjoying our city’s tacos, barbeque, and other delicious cuisine. Fond times have also been spent cycling the Northwest Hills, hiking up Mount Bonnell, and strolling down South Congress.”
Colby Bermel, University of Texas (McCombs)

Barcelona: “Barcelona is certainly one of the best places to live globally due to many factors. The one I love most is the vibrant Spanish culture that means life seamlessly takes place on the street to create an enchanting atmosphere. No matter where you go and what time of the year it is (to be fair its usually sunny here), the streets pulsate with energy: people sitting outdoors enjoying coffee, musicians playing and kids playing in the middle of the many charming pedestrian squares. My favorite area of Barcelona is Gracia, the epicenter of this lifestyle, with an abundance of restaurants and shops nestled along narrow streets. Here I love to sit down with friends to indulge in some tapas and enjoy the vibe. I also asked my two-year-old about Barcelona and she immediately said “agua”. I guess that means I should also mention that the beaches are a big plus for Barcelona.”
Markus Kaschnigg, IESE Business School

Berkeley: “Berkeley is the perfect small city with easy access to San Francisco. I love the abundance of independent coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance, especially after living in rural communities for seven years. However, my absolute favorite aspect of living in Berkeley is having the East Bay Regional Park District at our doorstep. Tilden Regional Park, located near campus, has become a favorite spot for hikes with fellow Haasies, and I’ve set a personal goal to explore as many of the regional parks as possible while living in the East Bay.”
Lizzie Hoerauf, UC Berkeley (Haas)

Boston: “The proximity to water and parks — I learned how to sail during my time in Boston and enjoyed walking along the various local beaches and the esplanade, which is just minutes away from campus.”
Elizabeth Chung Nassar, Boston University (Questrom)

“Many of the world’s most innovative companies and leading investors – Google, Moderna, Biogen, Bessemer Venture Partners – have a significant presence in Cambridge. Because of Sloan’s location, we get access to guest speakers, corporate sponsors, and job opportunities that wouldn’t be possible if Sloan were based elsewhere. Plus, Cambridge is only a few hours from the mountains of New England and the beautiful Atlantic coastline, making it easy to get out of the city for outdoor adventures.”
Stefan Sayre, MIT (Sloan)

“What is there not to love about Boston? Whether heading to Logan Airport or exploring the city’s many attractions like the Institute of Contemporary Art or the Museum of Fine Arts, getting around was a breeze thanks to the convenient train system, especially the Green Line. Additionally, Boston’s walkability made it easy to go on strolls to enjoy the stunning sunsets along the Charles River which provided moments of serenity amidst the busy academic life.”
Christy Bandoh, Boston University (Questrom)

“Wellesley is an amazing location, offering the best of both worlds. It is conveniently close to Boston, allowing easy access to the city’s restaurants, museums and activities, yet it also provides a break from the city. Nestled in the forest, you can enjoy walking under the trees, discover amazing local restaurants like Linden Store, or visit Volante Farms for fresh, locally-sourced produce. The charm of Wellesley is further enhanced by its warm, polite, and friendly community, making it a unique place.”
Ana Paula Schleske Oliveros, Babson College (Olin)