Pepperdine Graziadio Full-Time MBA Climbs 24 Spots in Fortune's 2026 Best Business Schools Ranking

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School’s Full-Time MBA program has risen 24 spots year over year in the 2026 Best Business Schools & MBA Programs ranking published by Fortune, securing the No. 42 position nationwide.

Additional rankings derived from an internal analysis of the published data reflect continued momentum across key peer categories:

• Private Institutions: Ranked No. 23 (up nine spots)
• West Coast: Ranked No. 8 (up four spots)
• Southern California: Ranked No. 3 (up one spot)
• Protestant Affiliated Schools: Ranked No. 3 (up four spots)

The Fortune ranking is highly regarded for its focus on professional utility and career ROI. Unlike academic heavy lists, Fortune evaluates programs through a lens of corporate success, primarily weighing outcomes (65%) — specifically median starting salaries and placement rates. The remaining score is driven by a brand survey (25%) of thousands of hiring managers and a Fortune 1000 C Suite Score (10%), which tracks the number of alumni holding top executive roles at America's largest companies.

A climb of 24 spots is a significant indicator of the program’s strengthening "brand equity" in the eyes of corporate recruiters. For prospective students, this ranking is an important benchmark because it prioritizes employability and networking power.

Being ranked highly by Fortune showcases that Graziadio graduates are not only entering the workforce with competitive salaries but are also part of a strong alumni network that reaches the highest levels of American business. The 2026 rankings underscore the Full-Time MBA program’s upward trajectory nationally, regionally, and among private and faith-based peer institutions. Learn more about Pepperdine Graziadio’s Full-Time MBA program and view Fortune’s full 2026 Best Business Schools rankings.