Northwestern Kellogg’s Class of 2025 reported a median total compensation of $200,500—matching its record high—as base salaries and signing bonuses recovered even while early hiring timelines softened. Consulting led placements at Kellogg, and the school saw modest declines in three‑month offer and acceptance rates, underscoring uneven demand across elite MBA programs. At the same time, the annual compilation of 2025 business‑school rankings has renewed scrutiny over ranking methodology, inputs like GMATs and post‑MBA pay, and what those metrics mean for student ROI. Together, compensation data and ranking disputes are forcing career offices, admissions leaders and prospective students to reassess program value, recruiting strategies and messaging to employers.