The Best Cities (And Towns) To Earn An MBA

Oxford: “What I loved the most about being in Oxford was its insistence that learning can come from people we do not necessarily agree with. From the Oxford Union debates to the seminars across both University and town, Oxford is a place that still believes in the harder discipline of staying in conversation when we would much rather withdraw to our affirmation chambers. Whether in classrooms, over dinner, or after speaker events, there is an expectation that you listen closely, argue carefully, and remain intellectually open even when you are unconvinced. I found that deeply refreshing. It also resonated with something I had valued earlier as a Hansen Leadership Fellow at the University of San Diego, where some of the most meaningful conversations came from learning how to engage people we did not agree with across politics, culture, and lived experience. Oxford sharpened that instinct. It reminded me that disagreement, handled well, is not a threat to community. It is one of the ways a serious community thinks.”
Daina Mandewo, University of Oxford (Saïd)

Philadelphia: “Philadelphia has a warmth that sneaks up on you. It’s the City of Brotherly Love, and that’s not just a slogan – people here are genuinely friendly in a way that surprises you for a major East Coast city. Center City is incredibly walkable, the food scene is far more diverse than most people expect, and my favorite thing is running along the Schuylkill River Trail, where you get this beautiful stretch of water and greenery right in the heart of the city. For a place with this much history and character, it’s remarkably unpretentious.”
Harshwardhan Singh, Wharton School

Phoenix / Tempe: “What I liked most about the area around W. P. Carey was how much business activity is happening nearby. Phoenix is growing quickly, and that growth is evident in the industries moving into the region, like semiconductors, electric vehicles, logistics, and technology. This rapid growth meant that many of the topics and concepts we discussed in class were not abstract. Companies building factories, supply chains, and new technologies were doing so just a few miles away.

That proximity made the MBA feel more connected to the real world. Guest speakers were often executives working on projects happening in the region. Internships and networking opportunities were tied to companies actively expanding in the area. Instead of studying industries from a distance, we could see how decisions were being made in real time.

The other thing I appreciated about Phoenix is that it still feels accessible despite its size. It is large enough to attract major investment and companies, but small enough that you can build real relationships with people in the business community. That combination made it a great place to learn and develop new skills.”
Jewell Wilson, Arizona State (W. P. Carey)

Pittsburgh: “Coming from Silicon Valley, what I appreciated most about Pittsburgh is that it feels like a city with real character. Silicon Valley is an incredible place, but it can sometimes feel a little transient — people move quickly from one opportunity to the next. Pittsburgh, by contrast, feels deeply rooted. The city has a strong sense of identity and pride in its history.

I also loved that Pittsburgh strikes a rare balance: it’s big enough to have everything you’d want from a city — great food, culture, sports, and beautiful neighborhoods — but small enough that it still feels cozy and personal. Over time you start to recognize familiar places and people, which makes the city feel very livable.

Finally, I find Pittsburgh’s story incredibly inspiring. It transformed itself from a steel powerhouse to a city that struggled after the collapse of that industry, and today it has reinvented itself again as a center for technology, healthcare, and innovation. That sense of reinvention and resilience gives the city a unique energy that I really admire.”
Samuel Lin, Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)

Provo: What I loved most about my business school’s town was how close the campus is to the mountains. Living near the Wasatch Range meant that incredible outdoor experiences were always just minutes away. One of my favorite memories was taking a skiing class during the MBA program (something that would have been much harder to do in most cities) with several other MBA students. The resort was only about 15 minutes away, which made it possible to go from the classroom to the slopes in almost no time.

Having easy access to the outdoors added a unique balance to the intensity of business school. After long days of classes, group projects, and recruiting preparation, being able to step outside and see the mountains, or spend time skiing with classmates, was refreshing. Whether skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying the view on the drive to campus, the mountains made the town feel like a special place to spend two transformative years.
Rebekah Koster, Brigham Young University (Marriott)

Rochester: “What I love the most about Rochester is how it completely transforms when the weather gets warmer. After months of winter, the city suddenly fills with festivals that make you forget the cold ever happened.

The Lilac Festival, Jazz Festival, and Fringe Fest quickly became some of my favorite traditions. During Jazz Fest, downtown turns into one big stage, where you can catch Grammy winners one night and ,

Those festivals became some of my favorite MBA memories. They gave us a reason to step away from academics and recruiting and just enjoy being together outside.”
Karla Camarillo Huitron, University of Rochester (Simon)

“What I love most about Rochester is the nature and the campus environment. I love running, and going for runs on campus during the fall was one of the most beautiful experiences, with the trees changing colors around the river. Rochester is also full of amazing parks. Highland Park is especially beautiful in the spring during the Lilac Festival. Close to campus, Genesee Valley Park is perfect for running, walking, or enjoying nature along the river. And if you want a beach atmosphere, Ontario Beach Park offers beautiful views of Lake Ontario.”
Ligia Fonseca, University of Rochester (Simon)

St. Louis: “My favorite thing about St. Louis is likely a crowd favorite – there is so much to do in Forest Park. I love having a chance to disconnect by going for a run, enjoying some music and coffee on Art Hill, or enjoying my hammock at a new spot within the park. I have also created so many Washington University-related memories at Forest Park, such as Olin’s inaugural MBA Networking Bash at Ruthie’s, Night at the Zoo with the Graduate Professional Student Council, and lunches at the Boathouse with my previous on-campus job. Although Forest Park is one of my favorite places to slow down, I have absolutely loved experiencing new coffee shops, Tower Grove Farmers Market and park, and each St. Louis neighborhood’s unique personality. What I’ll miss most is how the city always felt within reach; you didn’t need a full weekend or a big budget to find something worth remembering.”
Jasdeep Kaur Dulay, Washington University (Olin)

Seattle: “The natural beauty of Seattle is, in my book, unmatched. The water, the mountains, and the greenery all combine to make me excited to step out of the house each morning. It is true that world-class outdoor recreation is accessible just an hour outside the city, but I find the ability to enjoy nature in the day-to-day – whether during the daily commute or over a lunch break – so special. A lot is made of Seattle’s weather, which is fair enough, but let me tell you: a beautiful summer day in Seattle, when the mountain (aka Mount Rainier) is out and the sun is shining, is unparalleled. I am convinced it is the country’s best-kept secret. In fact, I regret sharing it. Forget I said anything.”
Benjamin Vester, University of Washington (Foster)

“Nature and people. I know people complain about the weather, but I genuinely love the rain. And I love mountains too, and Seattle has plenty of both. I was obsessed when I first saw pictures of people hiking, skiing, and just being outdoors here, and it’s even better in real life. Mount Rainier randomly showing up in the background [on campus] still gives me butterflies. This city is ridiculously beautiful.

The other thing I’ve loved is the energy of the broader Seattle community. With so many tech companies here, there’s always something happening, and it’s been surprisingly easy (and fun) to meet people outside of school.”
Aarushi Singla, University of Washington (Foster)

Shanghai: “What I loved most about studying in Shanghai was the intoxicating blend of sheer vibrancy and the absolute freedom it offered. It is a city that constantly pulses with relentless energy and innovation, yet it never dictates who you have to be within it. Amidst the towering skyline and the fast-paced business environment, there is a profound, liberating space to simply be yourself. Whether I was exploring its dynamic neighborhoods or engaging with its diverse, cosmopolitan communities, the city provided a canvas where I could strip away professional expectations and authentically explore my own identity. Shanghai doesn’t just push you to achieve more; it gives you the vibrant freedom to discover who you truly are outside the classroom.”
Jincai FAN, CEIBS

Washington, DC: “The District sits at the intersection of business, policy, and international affairs. At any given moment, there are speakers, panels, and events happening across the city featuring leaders from government, global institutions, and industry. Having access to those conversations while studying business added a dimension to the MBA experience that felt truly global.

Returning to D.C. during this stage of life allowed me to see the city through a new lens: a dynamic hub where ideas and perspectives from around the world converge.”
Lara Kornblut, Georgetown University (McDonough)

“Washington, D.C. is unlike any other city in which to pursue a business degree. The proximity to policy, power, and purpose is something you feel constantly, whether it is a guest speaker who helped shape legislation or simply the backdrop of iconic institutions as you walk to campus. For someone interested in the intersection of business, ethics, and societal impact, D.C. is not just a setting. It is a constant reminder that what we study and build has stakes beyond the classroom.”
Katarina Montague, Georgetown University (McDonough)

Wellesley: “What I loved most about Wellesley was its distinctly New England character. The town has a quiet elegance, with tree-lined streets and a landscape that shifts beautifully with each season. Because there are only a limited number of restaurants and gathering places, they quickly become shared spaces for students and contribute to a genuine sense of community. During holidays such as Halloween, the neighborhoods become especially vibrant with decorations and local festivities that make even a simple walk-through town memorable.”
Martina Marrali, Babson College (Olin)

 

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