Which EMBA: Cornell vs Columbia vs Kellogg

In order: Columbia, Kellogg, Cornell

Columbia
Columbia offers the benefit of a strong university and business school. The CBS network is very strong, especially in finance, and being an EMBA allows you to tap both networks, the university as well as the MBA program. CBS doesn’t need Columbia to lean on. The benefit of Columbia is it’s a large MBA program and has robust resources in NYC, both result in an overall strong program that’s well funded and supported by a wealth of famous academics and great school administrators. Expect strong CBS and CU alumni presence. You definitely get the smart card for going to CBS.

Kellogg
I would put Kellogg in-between both Columbia and Cornell. Northwestern is a fantastic university but unlike Cornell, and similar to CBS, I would argue that Kellogg has its own brand with a dominate presence in consulting/market and is focused on growing finance. The new dean is very impressive and with the new building (which you unfortunately wont’ experience), the overall program is taking the right steps. You definitely get the smart card for going to K.

Cornell
Cornell is a very strong brand name that’s known worldwide, but Johnson hasn’t ever been able to capitalize on its parent and that’s not likely to change. Just look at the website, Johnson’s pitch is only Cornell, the other two programs don’t need their parent. Johnson is also is a smaller MBA program and despite the NYC presence, is predominantly Ithaca based & focused on launching new masters degrees, rather than make its MBA program tops. Sure the NYC site is great, but the reality is the funding for the overall MBA program isn’t as strong as Columbia and Kellogg (less rich successful alum donors), so less $ for academic superstars and weaker administrators to run the overall program. End result, as an EMBA you become part of the Cornell world (yeah), but at a less established/regarded program that isn’t run as well as your other two options (boo). You’ll join the strong Cornell alumni world, but one driven by the large undergrad program while at Columbia and Kellogg you get both, a super strong MBA and world famous university.