Determining the relative efficiency of MBA programs using data envelopment analysis

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used here to determine the relative efficiency of 24 top ranked US MBA programs. Efficiency scores were determined using three output sets of the MBA programs: output that measured student satisfaction, output that measured recruiter satisfaction and output that measured both. DEA is also used here to determine the relative efficiency of three foreign MBA programs as compared to several top ranking US MBA programs. The publicized ranking of MBA programs by national magazines has a significant impact on corporate recruiters, potential MBA students and on business schools themselves. A new ranking based on DEA will more completely and accurately represent MBA programs. Further, DEA will make it possible to more fairly compare specific programs.