ESCP Business School in France offers the best Master in Finance program in the world, according to the latest Financial Times ranking.
2023 marks the first year ESCP Business School has secured the top spot after placing second in the ranking for five years in a row.
French business schools have retained their dominance in the Master in Finance rankings, which lists the best 55 pre-experience Master in Finance degrees (MiF) worldwide. Out of the top 10, five programs are all based in France, including HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, Skema Business School. and EDHEC Business School.
Here’s our breakdown of the world's best Masters in Finance programs:
Best Masters in Finance | The Winners
ESCP Business School has nudged its way to the top spot of the FT's Master in Finance ranking, switching places with HEC Paris after an 11 year stint in first place.
This is due to the school ranking first for its careers services and alumni network as well as 96% of its alumni respondents citing that they have achieved their aims since graduating.
Master in Finance graduate salaries are also important to the rankings, holding the highest weighting of 16%. On average, graduates from the ESCP Business School Master in Finance program go on to earn an impressive salary of $158,176 three years after graduating. That's a 63% increase compared with their previous earnings.
The highest average salary however is earned by graduates from China's Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management with the figure sitting at a hugely impressive $205,387. This year, Tsinghua has risen to fifth place after placing seventh in 2022. It is also the only non-European in the top 10.
HEC Paris, ranked second, also boasts impressive salary stats with a 120% salary increase, the highest on the list. This equals an average of $175,703 three years after graduating.
Beyond the top 10, Europe continues to lead the way in the MiF rankings. Of the top 20 programs, 17 are European, with the remaining spots held by three Chinese schools including Peking University Guanghua and Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance at SJTU who placed second and third respectively for highest salaries.
The University of St Gallen in Switzerland has also risen in the ranks from 14th to sixth place this year.
However, the school that has climbed the most—by 11 places—is ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management, now placing 23rd.
Just five US programs appear in the rankings. The highest is a new entrant, the University of Southern California: Marshall, placing 31st.
MIT Sloan is notably missing from the ranking after placing ninth in 2022.
World's best Masters in Finance programs | Breakdown
Based on the FT’s ranking metrics, the best Masters in Finance programs in the world for overall salary three years on from graduation are Tsinghua, where graduates earn $205,387. This is followed by Peking University: Guanghua where grads earn $191,477 and Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance at SJTU where the figure stands at $186,161.
The top school for salary in Europe is HEC Paris.
The FT ranks Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) top for career progression, followed by Warwick Business School and ESCP. For the fifth time in a row, ESCP’s career service ranks higher than any other school.
The surveys of graduates also revealed that bettering their career opportunities was one of the primary reasons for embarking on a master’s program, as well as increased salaries.
In terms of the diversity of the Master in Finance cohort, the FT credits business schools for the number of women and international students. The University of Oxford: Said soared to the top with 100% international students. The school has also achieved gender parity with 56% female student on its MiF program.
However, the highest number of female MiF students can be found at another UK business school, Durham University Business School which has 63%.
For the first time this year, the Financial Times credits schools for transparency on their carbon emissions and net zero targets. SDA Bocconi in Milan ranks first followed by IE in Madrid and Rotterdam School of Management.
The top business school for value for money is the University of St Gallen.
The FT’s MiF rankings are calculated based on survey responses from alumni who graduated pre-experience programs three years ago, along with school data. Alumni responses make up 58% of each school's score, with school data constituting the remaining 42%.
Schools are ranked using 16 different categories, broadly covering areas including salary and career progression, diversity, international opportunities, and faculty expertise.
The FT also usually ranks the best post-experience programs based on graduate respondents from later in their careers. However, this year there was insufficient data.
When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home.
The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe!
The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro.
The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd.
Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer!
City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.
Lydia
Verified
23/02/2023
On Campus
Learning environment
The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.
Nathaniel
Verified
24/01/2023
On Campus
Classes
I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London
Muhammad
Verified
24/01/2023
On Campus
Classes
The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.
Dorah
Verified
23/01/2023
On Campus
professors
The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather
Nora
Verified
17/12/2022
On Campus
The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Antonia
Verified
21/11/2022
On Campus
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
Muhammad
Verified
15/11/2022
On Campus
Economics and Politics
Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.
Navya
Verified
11/11/2022
On Campus
Clinical biology
I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society
