October 14, 2011 — The University of Virginia's Darden School of Business took fourth place in the world in The Economist newspaper's 2011 ranking of full-time MBA programs, released Thursday. The Darden School moved up from 11th position last year. In the North American ranking, Darden ranked third, up from seventh. 

Within the criteria, the Darden School is rated the No. 1 full-time MBA "education experience" in the world.

"We at Darden focus everyday on creating the most transformational, high-engagement learning experience in the world for our students," Darden Dean Bob Bruner said. "And we are delighted that the ranking has recognized the School for the experience that makes up its core, and as one of the world's top MBA programs."

Darden is also ranked in the top five for:

•    Opening new career opportunities;
•    Diversity of recruiters;
•    Student assessment of career services;
•    Personal development and educational experience;
•    Faculty quality;
•    Alumni effectiveness;
•    Facilities.

The London-based Economist surveys students and alumni and collects data from the business schools in compiling its rankings. The ranking covers four categories: opening new career opportunities (35 percent); personal development/educational experience (35 percent); increasing salary (20 percent); and the potential to network (10 percent). The publication collates hard data, such as salary and faculty qualifications and annual alumni giving, with subjective marks from the school's students.

"The Economist's method has been to ask students – some 250,000 over the years – about why they decided to take an MBA," writes the paper, which publishes the results in its "Which MBA?" guide.

Visit The Economist website for full details.