Exterior shot of the Daniels College of BusinessThe Daniels full-time MBA has the highest postgrad job placement rate of any Colorado business school

The Daniels College of Business full-time MBA program rose to the No. 68 spot in the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report rankings of best graduate schools—boosted by high post-grad employment rates and starting salaries. The Daniels part-time Professional MBA program also made the list, ranking 109th.

Nearly 90% of Denver MBA graduates found jobs within three months of commencement—higher than any other Colorado business school. The average starting salary and bonus was $102,127.

“Time and again, our MBA graduates find they have an advantage in the job market,” said Vivek Choudhury, dean of the Daniels College of Business. “In addition to highly personalized instruction and one-on-one coaching, our students gain experience solving real-world problems long before they receive their diplomas.”

A hallmark of the Denver MBA curriculum is hands-on learning, which comes in the form of four challenges, a trip abroad and an internship. Students complete entrepreneurship, social good, corporate and global challenges, which run concurrently with their classes.

“What you learn in the morning, you try out in the afternoon, so you come back to class with a clearer idea of what you do and don’t understand, and what you do and don’t need to get the job done,” said Lowell Valencia-Miller, assistant dean of MBA programs. “To succeed in these challenges, students must use leadership, teamwork, storytelling and the ability to navigate ambiguity. It’s a unique approach that elevates their performance and effectiveness as an MBA graduate that can be translated into experience on a resume.”

Schools in the U.S. News rankings are accredited by the international Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and were surveyed in fall 2022 and early 2023. The methodology for full- and part-time programs is based on peer assessment, recruiter assessment, placement success, undergraduate GPA, previous work experience, acceptance rates, and GMAT and GRE scores—which are not required for admission to Daniels programs.

The Daniels part-time Professional MBA program is known for a flexible schedule that merges leadership training, quantitative skill development and strategic thinking. Students operate in a tight-knit cohort that solves problems, takes on challenges and becomes a business network. On average, graduates saw their salaries increase by 36% within four months of commencement; 86% of graduates received promotions.

In January, U.S. News also released its 2023 list of the best online MBA programs, ranking Daniels at No. 65 in the nation. 

Visit the U.S. News site for a complete list of the rankings and the full methodology.

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The Daniels College of Business offers four MBA programs designed for the individual needs and experiences of business professionals.
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