HEC Paris Cracks FT Ranking of MBA Top 10 for First Time

For the first time ever - outside the COVID period, skewered by the fact that many US faculties did not participate - HEC Paris has broken into the Financial Times’ prestigious Top 10 global MBA programs. Today’s 2025 FT Global MBA Rankings see HEC Paris rising three places to ninth, cementing its place among the very best business schools internationally. This milestone follows a strong upward trajectory: in last year’s ranking, HEC surged five spots to reach 12th. It comes hard on the heels of the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, where HEC is in the Top Six for its program.

This rise is attributed to multiple factors, ranging from career outcomes to diversity and international mobility, according to HEC director of Data Accreditations & Rankings, Omar El Arfaoui.  To begin with, HEC Paris MBA graduates report some of the highest compensation levels globally, with an average salary reaching $192,000. This places the school in the third quartile among all ranked institutions. Salary growth is also a major highlight, with HEC MBA alumni seeing an impressive 136% increase three years post-graduation.

But it’s not just about the numbers. The school has also made significant gains in international career mobility. HEC Paris now ranks among the world’s top three schools in this category, climbing two places from last year. This means that not only do graduates land top-tier jobs, but they also have greater opportunities to work across borders - a key selling point for globally minded MBA candidates.

A Richly Diverse MBA Experience 

Diversity is another area where HEC Paris shines. With 94% of its MBA students coming from outside France, the program is 35% more international than the global average. The current cohort thus represents 44 different nationalities, placing the school in the third quartile of all ranked MBA programs in terms of international student representation. 

HEC also boasts one of the most diverse faculty compositions among leading business schools. 67% of its professors hail from outside France - 3% higher than the third quartile benchmark and a full 20% above the average across all FT-ranked institutions.

Adding to the program’s global appeal, HEC Paris provides exceptional sector diversity among its students, ranking 11th worldwide in this category and first among the top 17 MBA programs. This breadth of industry backgrounds ensures a richer classroom experience and broader networking opportunities.

Key Strengths in International Mobility and Sustainability

Another increasingly important ranking factor is sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). HEC Paris places 12th globally in terms of the proportion of core courses dedicated to social and environmental transition, as well as solutions for achieving corporate carbon neutrality. This commitment to sustainability reflects the school’s efforts to prepare responsible leaders for the future of business.

In parallel, HEC Paris stands out for its international academic partnerships, which provide students with unmatched opportunities to gain global exposure. With over 30 academic partnerships worldwide, the school ranks fifth globally for international mobility, and second among the top 27 business schools.

Delivering on Student Ambitions

Ultimately, rankings are a reflection of how well a program meets the expectations of its students and alumni. In this regard, HEC Paris excels: the school ranks 10th globally for “Aims achieved,” with 90% of graduates stating that the MBA helped them reach their career and personal development goals. These goals range from acquiring specialized skills to securing better career opportunities, expanding professional networks, and working internationally.

Brad Harris, Associate Dean of MBA Programs and Professor of Management and Human Resources at HEC Paris, underscored the collective effort behind the program’s success: “The faculty and staff at HEC have designed and consistently deliver a world-class program to world-class students;” he noted after studying the ranking. “We've got amazing professors, a remarkably global student body, a network of incredible alumni and corporate partners, and a talented team of professionals who work relentlessly toward excellence. I hope they all take a moment to enjoy the FT's ranking, but I also want to emphasize that our work is far from done.”

Harris also acknowledged the broader impact of the ranking: “We don't design and deliver a program with rankings in mind, but I am nevertheless pleased to see our daily pursuit of excellence and impact reflected in this year's list. We can only applaud the alumni who were surveyed and the faculty and staff that continually work to change lives for the better.”

Echoing this sentiment, El Arfaoui highlighted the strengths that contributed to HEC’s Top 10 breakthrough: “Our international reach continues to expand, with students moving seamlessly across borders, both immediately after graduation and three years into their careers. This mobility, combined with a truly diverse faculty and student body, makes for a transformative MBA experience. Additionally, our program’s commitment to sustainability is increasingly recognized, ensuring that we develop leaders who are both globally competent and socially responsible. Finally, the rankings show that HEC Paris MBA graduates enjoy some of the highest salaries worldwide, with significant career progression.”

What Future in the Top 10?

Breaking into the Financial Times’ Top 10 MBA programs is a major milestone for HEC Paris, but the school’s leadership remains focused on continuous improvement. Harris reiterated that while rankings are a welcome acknowledgment of progress, the primary goal remains to equip students with the skills, network, and leadership capabilities needed to thrive in a complex world. 

With its strong career outcomes, global mobility, and commitment to diversity and sustainability, HEC Paris has firmly established itself among the elite MBA programs worldwide. Now, the challenge is to sustain and build on this success in the years ahead.