KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Executive MBA (EMBA) program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business ranked No. 6 among U.S. public institutions in the London-based Financial Times’ Top 100 Executive MBA Ranking for 2026, up seven spots from 2025. The program rose nine places to No. 22 among all U.S. colleges and stands at No. 82 in the worldwide rankings.

Making its seventh consecutive appearance in the international ranking, Haslam’s overall performance is drawn from combined data from the college’s EMBA alumni, as well as college-wide faculty and research data.

Benchmarks of Advancement

The Financial Times’ globally respected EMBA ranking evaluates programs across several metrics, including alumni salaries, satisfaction and achievement of career aims. Haslam EMBA graduates continue to report strong career outcomes, earning an average salary of $247,139 three years after graduation. This places the college No. 7 among U.S. public institutions for alumni salaries for the second consecutive year.

The program also ranked No. 4 among U.S. public institutions for overall alumni satisfaction, its third consecutive year in the top four. In alumni aims achieved, Haslam ranked No. 3 among public universities, rising from No. 8 last year.

Preparing Students to Drive Organizational Success

Amy Cathey, Haslam’s associate dean for graduate and executive education, said the college’s seven-year presence in the rankings reflects the program’s continuing commitment to empowering each new EMBA cohort with the skills and expertise to lead their organizations, many of which operate in increasingly fast-paced and competitive environments.

“Our faculty and staff are dedicated to presenting the most current, impactful and relevant learning experiences possible, focusing class content on the needs of the working professional,” she said. “Those who choose Haslam to advance their careers are extraordinary students, as they balance their duties to family, work and school while earning degrees that allow them to advance their careers. We are honored that the alumni input for this ranking gives the EMBA experience such high marks.”

Business colleges elect to participate in the Financial Times Executive MBA ranking, but eligible programs must meet specific criteria. Programs must be accredited by either the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in the U.S. or EQUIS in Europe. They also must use a cohort-based model, enroll and graduate at least 30 students annually and have operated for at least three years.

About the Haslam College of Business Graduate and Executive Education Programs

Haslam offers graduate and executive education programs that prepare students to reach their full potential and advance their careers. At the master’s level, these programs include the Haslam MBA, Online MBA, Professional MBA, Executive MBA (Healthcare Leadership and Strategic Leadership), Aerospace and Defense MBA, Physician Executive MBA, Master of Accountancy, M.A. in Economics, M.S. in Business Analytics and AI, M.S. in Management and Human Resources, M.S. in Marketing, M.S. in Supply Chain Management (Global), Online M.S. in Supply Chain Management and Online M.S. in Business Cybersecurity. Haslam also offers a full portfolio of doctoral programs. 

Haslam’s graduate programs address real-world challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that develops both analytical and leadership skills. Its faculty are industry thought leaders, seasoned practitioners and accomplished researchers who are committed to the creation of rigorous, relevant and dynamic learning experiences.

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SOURCE University of Tennessee on behalf of its Haslam College of Business