MBA & Beyond Team
18/04/2024 | 1:55 pm
Tier 1 vs Tier 2 business schools present candidates with the daunting question of “Which college is suitable for me?” This poses a significant challenge, as what makes one institution ideal for one applicant may be disastrous for another.
Top-tier universities are separated into two groups; however, this is a good approach for candidates to decide if tier 1 colleges or tier 2 colleges are the best fit for them. Moreover, it’s crucial to note that these tiers don’t imply that one institution is better than another or that you must attend a high-tier school to succeed in your career. Instead, these tier 1 schools and tier 2 schools show how tough it is to get into a particular college based on its admissions standards and which students have the highest chance of getting into which school based on their ability.
This article will explain and discuss the differences between Tier 1 vs tier 2 business schools and help you reach a conclusion where you’ll better understand which one will fit your goals the best.
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What are Tier 1 and Tier 2 Colleges
Table of Contents
Tier 1 Business Schools
These tier 1 schools have a reputation for cutting-edge research, academic quality, a diverse student body, and the highest levels of innovation, creativity, and masters scholarship. Unfortunately, these tier 1 business schools have an acceptance rate of less than 10%. This means that just ten people out of every hundred who apply for admission are taken in. These tier 1 schools desire academic proficiency and outstanding extracurricular activities, although they simply require consideration.
These top-tier universities are considered the most challenging colleges to get admitted to, but that does not mean it is impossible for all. We say it’s quite the opposite; they will be accessible to all students, including those who are from an overrepresented pool. It does not imply that getting into top-tier universities is unachievable; what we meant is that the competition is at its peak, and chances of getting into tier-1 schools are, therefore, less. It should never be considered a guarantee.
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Tier 2 Universities in USA
These tier 2 universities are still highly competitive, but less so than tier 1 schools. They often have acceptance rates of less than 20%. Tier 2 colleges have equal academic and extracurricular expectations, but the number of students that apply is fewer, which means that each eligible student has a better chance of being accepted.
Tier 2 colleges are also elite institutions. If you consider yourself a highly skilled student, then we suggest you target these top tier 2 colleges because it is reachable schools, but applying to them isn’t always worthwhile. These tier 2 colleges are frequently less well-known than tier 1 schools, yet they are no less challenging academically.
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List of Top Tier 1 and Tier 2 B-Schools
We have listed down top tier 1 colleges in US with their FT rankings. This table contains the data for the 2024 FT rankings. You can check the official website to get the latest data.
Tier 2 Colleges
These tier 2 universities in US are still highly competitive, but less so than tier 1 schools. They often have acceptance rates of less than 20%. Tier 2 colleges have equally academic and extracurricular expectations but the number of students that apply is fewer, which means that each eligible student has a better chance of being accepted.
Tier 2 colleges are also elite institutions. If you consider yourself a highly skilled student then we suggest you target these top tier 2 colleges because it is reachable schools, but applying to them isn’t always worthwhile. These tier 2 colleges are frequently less well-known than tier 1 schools, yet they are no less challenging academically.
List of Top Tier 2 Colleges in USA
We have listed down top tier 2 universities in USA list with their FT rankings. This table contains the data for the rankings. You can check the official website to get the latest data.
| FT Rankings | Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | University of Southern California: Marshall | US |
| 22 | IE Business School | Spain |
| 23 | University of Cambridge:Judge | UK |
| 24 | Shanghai University of Finance and Economics: College of Business | China |
| 25 | National University of Singapore Business School | Singapore |
| 26 | University of Michigan: Ross | US |
| 27 | ESCP Business School | France/Spain/UK/Germany |
| 28 | University of Oxford: Saïd | UK |
| 29 | Rice University: Jones | Us |
| 30 | Esade Business School | Spain |
How are Tier 1 Schools Different from Tier 2 Schools
Three organizations in the academic world are often regarded as national arbiters of an institution’s Tier One Schools status. The Association of American Universities, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and the Centre for Measuring University Performance, which publishes the Top American Research University (TARU) reports, are the three organizations. Tier One classification is determined if any of these three criteria are met.
How is it Determined What Tier 1 Schools or Tier 2 Schools
When it comes to tiers, Tier 1 schools are in the top 20, Tier 2 schools are in the top 50, and Tier 3 schools are in the top 100. There are more category breakdowns in the top 20, but that’s the essence. Depending on whose rating you look at, who is in each category might be a point of contention.
Is it Necessary to Attend a Top 20 School (Tier 1)
No, although tier 1 schools do have several benefits compared with lower-level schools. It is because they are globally recognized, has better networks, and have higher beginning pay. If you want a position like VP or above level manager or in any high-powered role, you should try to get as high on the list as possible; top consultancy and finance firms hire from these tier 1 schools, making them the first target of the applicants.
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When we do Tier 1 vs Tier 2 business schools, the top factor is considered the salary is less. This is partially correct. Starting pay decreases as one moves down the levels, although tuition remains constant. Tier 2 schools are ideal for those who want to learn management but do not have management experience. A top 50 university would suffice, ascending the ladder steadily.
Overall, tier 1 schools provide a better level of growth in consultation, finance, and marketing. In contrast, tier two colleges offer the same but at a lower level when compared to tier 1 schools.
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What is the Significance of Tier 1 B Schools
It attests to a university’s greatness and will assist the country, area, and state economically and educationally. By increasing the number of Tier 1 schools, communities may better compete for the finest and brightest students and faculty, promote economic growth, maintain an educated workforce, and attract innovative research.
According to economists, every $10 million spent on research creates more than 300 new jobs and adds more than $8 million to the local economy.
It’s important to note that these tiers aren’t designed to indicate that one institution is superior to another or that you need to attend a top-tier school to be successful in your profession.
What is the Acceptance Rate of Tier 1 AND Tier 2 Schools
The table is listed here. You can check the official website to get the latest details.
| Tier 1 B-Schools | Acceptance Rate | Average GMAT Score | Tier 2 B-Schools | Acceptance Rate | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford | 4.3% | 610-790 | USC | 11.5% | 716 |
| Harvard | 4.5% | 730 | Washington University | 13% | 700 |
| Princeton | 5.8% | NA | Tufts | 11% | NA |
| Yale | 5.9% | 726 | Tulane | 13% | 630 |
| MIT | 6.62% | 730 | NYU | 12.2% | 729 |
| University of Chicago | 5.92% | 732 | Boston University | 20.1% | 680 |
| Caltech | 6.7% | NA | UNC-Chapel Hill | 23% | 674 |
| Columbia | 5.1% | 729 | University of Michigan | 20% | 722 |
| Brown | 6.6% | NA | Cambridge Business School | 20% | 722 |
| Dartmouth | 6.6% | NA | Notre Dame | 20% | 690 |
| Duke | 5.8% | 713 | Emory | 13% | 684 |
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Placements of Tier 1 and Tier 2 B-Schools
| Tier 1 B-Schools | Tuition Fee ($) | Average Salary ($) | Tier 2 B-Schools | Tuition Fee ($) | Average Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford | 147.768 | 156,000 | USC | 132,842 | 127,000 |
| Harvard | 146,880 | 150,000 | Washington University | 130,437 | 138,000 |
| Princeton | NA | NA | Tufts | NA | 149,000 |
| Yale | 144,700 | 140,000 | Tulane | 107,666 | 106,000 |
| MIT | 154,336 | 150,000 | NYU | 150,964 | 145,000 |
| University of Chicago | 145,880 | NA | Boston University | 117,120 | 128,000 |
| Caltech | 112,728 | 146,000 | UNC-Chapel Hill | 125,869/td> | 126,800 |
| Columbia | 106,416 | 150,000 | University of Michigan | 132,096 | 154,000 |
| Brown | NA | 145,000 | Cambridge Business School | NA | 135,000 |
| Dartmouth | 152,628 | 150,000 | Notre Dame | NA | 126,000 |
| Duke | 140,000 | 141,800 | Emory | 132,500 | 128,000 |
Recruiters of Tier 1 Schools and Tier 2 Schools
Academics, infrastructure, faculty, research, placements, alumni network, and national/international presence are all factors that define tier 1 schools and tier 2 schools. So far, we’ve established that tier 1 schools perform in all of the areas mentioned above. Still, it doesn’t mean that recruiters only target tier 1 schools; let’s take an example of top recruiters.
These are the top 5 top recruiters in the MBA industry: McKinsey & Company, Credit Suisse, Bain & Company, and Deutsche Bank. These recruiters hire from both tier 1 schools and tier 2 schools; the only difference is the pay scale; if you look at the table, you’ll notice that few tier 1 schools receive higher average salaries than tier 2 schools, and in some cases, the opposite is true.
What to Target? Tier 1 or Tier 2
The tiers are not meant to be conclusive; they’re intended to help you decide which schools to apply to and which ones you have the highest chance of being accepted to.
Yes, college tiers are important if you want to work in academics. However, depending on your job options, they’ll take second to other considerations, such as your financial situation. So don’t be swayed just by advertising. Instead, do your homework and apply to the institutions and universities that will provide you with the most value for your money.
Think again before making a decision, but if you still need clarification about which tier is best for you, Our experts are here to tell you about the weaknesses in your profile, which will help you better understand which schools to target.
We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week. We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools, and you can visit here for more queries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 Business Schools
Tier 1 schools are known for cutting-edge research, academic excellence, diverse student bodies, and high innovation, creativity, and scholarship. Tier 2 schools, on the other hand, these colleges are demanding but not as hard as tier one schools. They frequently have acceptance rates of less than a quarter of a percent. While they have the same academic and extracurricular standards, some fewer students apply. Thus each eligible kid has a higher chance of being accepted.
2.
Are Tier 1 Business Schools better than Tier 2 Schools
Tiers may have divided schools into two categories, but this is an effective method for applicants to determine if tier 1 or tier 2 is the greatest fit for them. It’s important to note that these tiers aren’t designed to indicate that one institution is superior to another or that you need to attend a top-tier school to be successful in your profession. Instead, these levels demonstrate how difficult it is to get into a specific institution based on its admissions criteria and which students have the best chance of getting into which school based on their academic abilities.
3.
Is it easier to get into a Tier 2 MBA School
Typically, Tier 2 MBA schools have lower admissions thresholds compared to Tier 1 schools, which can make it relatively easier to gain admission. However, this can vary by school and applicant pool.
