Why No MBA Program @ Princeton?
Princeton University is known for its dedication to undergraduate and graduate education, with a focus on a small and highly selective array of programs. Unlike its Ivy League+ peer institutions (e.g. Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, Wharton, Columbia Business School, Duke Fuqua, MIT Sloan, Dartmouth Tuck, Yale SOM), Princeton does not have a business school and does not offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
The Duke Family Legend
According to a popular tale, this decision can be traced back to the early 20th century. The Duke family, renowned for their wealth from the tobacco industry, approached Princeton University with an offer to fund professional schools, including a business program. However, the Trustees of Princeton reportedly declined the offer, emphasizing the university's focus on liberal arts and sciences over vocational training.
Following this rejection, the Duke family decided to establish Duke University a few hours away, where professional education, including a highly regarded business school (Fuqua), became a significant focus. This story remains a fascinating part of the historical relationship and rivalry between the two universities.