The Best MBA Programs for Private Equity and Venture Capital

Originally published on September 28, 2023. Updated on March 13, 2025.

If you browse the “Our Team” pages of top private equity and venture capital firms, you’ll notice a trend—many senior investment professionals have MBAs from top business schools. An MBA provides the technical and leadership skills needed to excel in PE and VC. It also connects you to a powerful alumni network that can help with deal flow, fundraising, and career growth.

Whether you’re already working in PE or VC and looking to accelerate your career, or you’re hoping to break into these highly competitive fields, you might be wondering: Which MBA programs offer the best pathway into private equity and venture capital?

To answer that, we analyzed employment data, curriculum offerings, and client feedback to create our ranking of the best MBA programs for private equity and venture capital.

Looking for a more tailored strategy to build your school list? Our expert consultants can help you identify the best MBA programs for your unique background and career goals. Request an initial consultation today.

Our Ranking of the Best MBA Programs for Private Equity and Venture Capital

#1 – Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford GSB is the clear frontrunner, with 27% of its latest class landing post-MBA roles in PE and VC. The school offers electives like “Private Equity – An Overview of the Industry” and hands-on investment opportunities through the GSB Impact Fund. Students also benefit from an active PE Club and VC Club, which help with networking and career support.

#2 – Harvard Business School

HBS places 22% of graduates into PE and VC roles. Its curriculum includes key electives like “Private Equity and Venture Capital,” and its Impact Investment Fund provides students with real-world experience assessing and pitching investments. The VC&PE Club hosts a prominent conference each year, drawing well-known speakers and panelists.

Planning to apply to HBS? Get insider insights on what the admissions committee is really looking for in our Harvard Business School Insider’s Guide.

#3 – Wharton

With 13% of its graduates entering PE or VC, Wharton maintains its strong reputation in finance. The school offers a robust selection of PE/VC-focused courses and an active Private Equity & Venture Capital Club. Additionally, Wharton’s extensive alumni network provides valuable recruiting and networking opportunities for students pursuing these fields.

#4 – Chicago Booth

Booth sends 8% of its graduates into PE and VC, supported by its highly flexible curriculum. The Polsky Center provides students with access to Investors-In-Residence, investment case challenges, and hands-on experience through the PE/VC Lab, which offers funding for internships with PE/VC firms.

#5 – Columbia Business School

CBS sends 7% of graduates into PE and VC roles, with the advantage of being located in New York City—a major hub for private equity. Students targeting the West Coast can benefit from the Venture Capital Club’s annual West Coast Trek. Notably, CBS offers the Columbia Venture Fellows program, an application-only initiative providing hands-on VC experience, and the Private Equity Program, a central resource for PE-related academics and networking.

Thinking about applying to CBS? Make sure you understand what the school is looking for and how to position your application. Check out our guide: What You Need to Know If You’re Applying to Columbia Business School.

#6 – Kellogg School of Management

At Kellogg, 6% of graduates enter careers in PE and VC. What sets the school apart is its Private Equity & Venture Capital Pathway (similar to a major), a structured focus rarely found at other business schools. In addition, students can spend a quarter in San Francisco to immerse themselves in the VC ecosystem.

#7 – MIT Sloan

Sloan reports 7% of its graduates landing roles in PE and VC. One key advantage is the Finance Certificate program, which includes an Action Learning Course that provides real-world experience. with PE and VC firms. Additionally, Sloan’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Club hosts regular networking and educational events.

#8 – Yale School of Management

Yale SOM places 4% of graduates in PE and VC roles. Despite the lower percentage, the school offers a Private Equity Focus Area and an impressive range of industry-related courses. The school’s Private Equity & Venture Capital Symposium recently celebrated its 20th year, highlighting Yale’s long-standing commitment to these industries.

#9 – University of Texas McCombs

UT McCombs may not always be top-of-mind for PE/VC, but it sends 3% of graduates into these industries—more than some higher-ranked programs. With Austin’s booming startup scene and robust offerings through the HMTF Center for Private Equity, McCombs provides strong access to PE and VC. Its Venture Fellows Program allows selected students to intern with local firms alongside their coursework.

#10 – UVA Darden

While Darden doesn’t specify its PE/VC placement, 29% of its class enters finance—more than some similarly ranked schools that didn’t make our list. Darden’s Venture Capital Initiative, includes a speaker series, focused coursework, and a VC investment competition. Its Private Equity Conference features prominent alumni and industry leaders.

Looking for expert guidance to refine your target MBA list and craft a standout application? Request an initial consultation today and take the first step toward your dream school!