Meet Columbia Business School’s MBA Class Of 2026

Look at any first-year core. What subject is missing? That’s right: sales. That’s where it all starts – pen-to-paper – asking the right questions, identifying the needs, painting the picture, and closing the deal. Be it investors, prospects, or employees, your success is predicated on a mx of product, planning, and persuasion. Among business schools, Columbia Business School is surely one of the easiest sells to young professionals.

You could lead with prestige. After all, The Financial Times ranked CBS as the world’s #2 MBA program in 2025. In fact, it is the 19th time in the past 27 years that the school finished among the Top 5 – including a #1 ranking two years ago. Even more, Columbia outperformed Wharton, FT’s #1 program, in a majority of the measures, including pay. Couple that with CBS’ Ivy League status and Wall Street feeder reputation and you can bet that Columbia still opens doors.

THE COLUMBIA SALES PITCH

Size sells as well. Between its January and August intakes, the Class of 2026 boasts 972 students. In total, the school houses nearly 2,500 business students each year, not counting another 50,000 MBA alumni across 123 countries. Speaking of scale, have you seen Columbia Business School’s new Manhattanville campus? Picture two high-rises, spacious and sunny, spanning 492,000 total square feet that feature flexible, high-tech classrooms, laboratories, and interview rooms. The school has even built an underground link between the buildings so students can avoid the winter cold. Talk about $600 million dollars well-spent! And it’s right next to the interstate…and away from the main campus too.

Of course, you can promote the programming too. The faculty features an all-star roster of thought leaders: Sheena Iyenga, Rita Gunther McGrath, Dorie Clark, Gita Johar, and Brue Greenwald…to name a few. Considering the investment that CBS makes in faculty, it is hardly surprising that the school earned the 2nd-highest score from students for its Finance curriculum according to a 2024 survey by The Princeton Review. Last year, U.S. News & World Report surveyed MBA directors and business school deans on the best programs for various concentrations. Sure enough, CBS posted Top 10 scores in International Business, Marketing, Finance, Business Analytics, Nonprofits, and Project Management. That doesn’t count Real Estate, where CBS is regarded as one of the best places to go to break into the industry.

One more reflection of Columbia Business School’s intellectual heft? It was ranked 4th and 3rd respectively by the University of Texas-Dallas and The Financial Times for the scope and quality of its business-related research. Translation: MBAs are exposed to the best ideas from the leading researchers in their fields every day.

Beyond the prestige, scale, and excellence, Columbia Business School can sell its vision. Able to draw resources from Columbia’s Climate School, CBS continues to invest heavily in climate change, offering eight electives and an institute specifically geared to the topic. Always looking to provide future-centered programming, CBS has also opened research labs on digital financial markets, algorithmic decision-making, human-centered technology, and media and entertainment technology. All the more, the school continues to increase its portfolio of courses around artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies – and their impact on industries like healthcare. In other words, CBS sells more than a degree and a network – but deep expertise in the most consequential business issues of the day.

A PLACE WHERE “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE”

Alas, students buy off the sizzle and scent as much as the steak, to borrow a cliché. The school can point to New York City to drive home the sale. For the Class of 2026, the Big Apple was a crucial piece of the decision. Ayodeji Ajuwon, a Nigerian engineer-turned-entrepreneur, argues that New York City is “hands-down” the best place to earn an MBA.

“Imagine this: you’re learning finance in the shadow of Wall Street, studying innovation surrounded by tech disruptors, and analyzing marketing trends as you stroll past some of the world’s most iconic brands. NYC isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing case study in business. The city’s nonstop energy keeps you sharp, and connections seem to spring out of nowhere.”

Ajuwon’s classmates experienced this dynamic first-hand when they came to class “suited up” for a presentation by a top investment bank. “A casually-dressed man struck up a conversation, asking why they were so formally dressed,” he continues. “They answered, wondering who he was. He told them to connect on LinkedIn, send their CVs, and walked off. Only later did they realize he was one of the top finance execs at the very bank they were preparing for! In NYC, every encounter could be with a future mentor, investor, or industry leader. Where else can your classroom double as one of the world’s greatest cities?”

Indeed, New York City’s advantage is access. Headquarters to 41 Fortune 500 firms – with offices for most others – the city provides close proximity to “industry executives, venture capitalists, and policymakers,” says Yusuke Mizui, a Japanese general manager. That means CBS students can easily “pop into the office any day of the week and meet with potential employers” or complete in-semester internships, says Karena Yan, the operations manager for a health startup. This creates a sense that “anything is possible” in New York, says Alyssa Daniel, a Spellman grad.

“I truly believe New York is unparalleled in the opportunities and access it uniquely provides to MBA students,” Daniel adds. “No matter how broad your industry or how niche your focus, there are people, jobs, communities, and resources available in abundance in a way that you just won’t find anywhere else.”

ALL-STAR SPEAKERS AND ADJUNCTS

Infinite opportunities, surrounded by the best ideas and most influential people in finance, media, entertainment, and technology – that’s a hard proposition to pass up. For Brandon Steidley, a senior consultant at Deloitte, New York City is the place to “expand my network, dive into real-world ventures, and stay on the pulse of emerging trends” – particularly in venture capital and high-growth startups.

Similarly, Vasudha Mathur clicks off benefits that NYC MBAs sometimes takes for granted, such as networking events, conferences, and company visits.

“If you want to visit a firm, a quick subway ride can get you to their headquarters in 20 minutes,” adds Josue Silva, a former legislative aide in the U.S. Senate. “If you want to attract a speaker, inviting them to New York is an easy draw. On the social side, because the size of the class is so big, AND you’re immersed in this huge and unique city, there is a flavor for everyone. You can truly find your people.”

Silva continues that Columbia Business School deeply taps into this ecosystem. Over the past year, the school has drawn speakers like Emma Walmsley (GlaxoSmithKline CEO), Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn Co-Founder), and Manny Maceda (Bain & Company Chairman). In addition, the school boasts 17 curriculum pathways along with 236 electives – many taught by seasoned and well-connected adjuncts who’ve held leadership positions in firms ranging from Ernst & Young to American Express. Even more, CBS attracts incomparable class speakers. In the most recent Capital Markets course, for example, students were treated to fireside chats with Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, and James Gorman, current chairman of the Walt Disney Company. Anne Chow, former CEO at AT&T Business, discussed crisis leadership and teamwork principles at the Reuben Mark Initiative for Organizational Character and Leadership. By the same token, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian shared his thoughts on culture and sustainability at the Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics.

SIZE AND PACE FOSTERS CONNECTION

If anything, there is never a dull moment for the Class of 2026. “I’ve been working toward the launch of my fashion startup, Rushway,” explains Lexa Armstrong, previously an OC&C Strategy consultant. “Just yesterday, I went from my core classes on campus, to visit my production partner in the Bronx, to source materials in the Garment District, then back uptown to a CBS club social. It’s amazing all you can see and do in a day here.”

“NYC is unmatched in its sheer variety of things to do,” adds Misan Bolorunfe, most recently a Strategy& consultant. “Where else can you wrap up a negotiation class, grab lunch from a Michelin-worthy food truck, and then go to a Broadway show, all on the same day?”

While its New York City digs leaves CBS open to being labeled as an “urban school” – code for an autonomous and far-flung student body – alumni say it is just the opposite. Just ask Jeff S. McClellan, a 2024 P&Q Best & Brightest MBA graduate.

“While New York City is known for its fast-paced lifestyle and endless possibilities, it does not detract from the sense of community developed within the walls of the school. In fact, I believe the energetic setting enhances the school’s community by providing a rich backdrop for socializing and networking. Despite being situated in one of the world’s busiest cities, CBS prioritizes building connections among its students, faculty, administration, and alumni. Through various extracurricular activities, I have found ample opportunities to build bonds with my peers, engage in meaningful discussions, and form lasting friendships.”

FROM FILMMAKERS TO POLICYMAKERS

Among the first-year class, students can bond with the likes of John Marshall, a Princeton Philosophy major who previously headed up content acquisition for Pigasus Pictures. According to Marshall, his biggest achievement has been being an executive producer for a feature film, FLAVIA, starring Martin Freeman. Before worked in the U.S. Senate, Josue Silva got his start in public policy consulting, where he helped businesses “navigate” the Federal government. He also played a part in the development of the CHIPS Act, designed to enhance American competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing.

“I got to play a role in shaping some of the conversation with clients around that topic. On a personal level, I have been involved in efforts to promote freedom and democracy in Venezuela, so getting to work with former congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (who had spearheaded this cause during her time in Congress) on related programming at Akin felt like a dream come true.”

This experience, Silva says, will enable him to slide into a bridge builder role at CBS. “It is no secret that we face political polarization and gridlock, particularly at the national level. But I felt as though my experiences in community service and as a first-generation American were helpful in helping me foster inclusivity. In the U.S. Senate, I was able to successfully juggle policy work and constituent service, collaborating with stakeholders varying widely by political party, ideology, and geography to lay the groundwork for connections and solutions.”

A BUSY CLASS

Most recently, Vasudha Mathur operated in the plastic waste space, leading an initiative that recycled 5,000 metric tons of plastic. Running a supply chain for over 50 automotive products, Yusuke Mizui contributed to a firm boosting gross profit by over 50%. All the while, Brandon Steidley donned numerous hats in helping a $66 billion dollar bank merger go through.

“I led the integration of over a dozen treasury service products, supported go-to-market strategies, and executed a successful go-live that impacted tens of thousands of treasury service clients. Coordinating 12 cross-functional workstreams and working with hundreds of key stakeholders, I ensured a smooth transition and alignment throughout the organization.”

Think that sounds insanely busy? Just wait until you hear from Daniel Brener. “[I was] balancing the demands of preparing for MBA admissions tests while managing two businesses with a team of 50 people, a newborn, and a two-year-old daughter.”

Oh…and Brener speaks five languages. Ayodeji Ajuwon and Karena Yan are both skydiving and hand gliding adrenaline junkies; Ajuwon also pursues bungee jumping and water rafting, while Yan enjoys ziplining. Yusuke Mizui’s wife is also pursuing an MBA at CBS, while Brandon Steidley is jokingly called “Father Steidley” since he became an ordained minister to officiate his sister’s wedding. And let’s just Columbia is the perfect setting for Lexa Armstrong.

“I’m a performing arts enthusiast – particularly ballet – and have seen over 100 shows here in NYC!”

 A CLASS PROFILE

As a whole, the Class of 2026 features 972 MBA students, 238 coming during the January intake and the remaining 734 arriving in August. This represents a 72-student increase over the Class of 2025 (not to mention 218 students more than the Class of 2019). Like most business schools, Columbia Business School enjoyed a surge of applications during the 2023-2024 application cycle. In the past year, applications rose from 5,895 to 7,487 – a 27% increase. Average GMAT also inched up from 730 to 732 during the same period, with GPA average following suit (3.5 to 3.6). At the same time, the GRE average hit 162. In terms of GMAT range, scores came in between 600 and 780.

Women account for 44% of the class for the third consecutive year, as international students (46%) and minorities (44%) constitute substantive shares of the class. Academically, the class tilts towards business, as 30% of the class hold degrees in business-related degrees and another 18% majored in Economics. Engineering (16%), Social Sciences (13%), Sciences (10%), Humanities (6%), and Technology (4%) majors round out the class. Professionally, 30% of the class last worked in Financial Services. Another 25% held positions in Consulting, followed by Technology (13%) and Marketing and Media (10%).

Last year, Columbia Business School enjoyed better outcomes than many of its peers, particularly in job placement. While financial institutions hired over a third of spring grads, ’24 alum Yussre ElBardicy pushes back against the notion that CBS is a finance school.

“CBS actually has so much to offer beyond finance.  Through professional clubs, centers like the Tamer Center for Social Enterprise and the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship, and the network of peers, faculty, and alumni, there are a ton of resources for those interested in a myriad of different industries and career paths. And it didn’t feel like I was only surrounded by peers interested in finance at all – I was surrounded by folks interested in anything and everything including healthcare, climate, music, aviation, retail, media, and more.”

Next Page: An interview with Paul Tetlock, Senior Vice Dean for Curriculum and Programs.

Page 3: In-depth profiles of 12 members of the MBA Class of 2026.