Northwestern’s Kellogg School reported a rebound in median total compensation for the Class of 2025, returning to a record $200,500 even as early hiring timelines softened. Consulting led placements, and base salaries recovered to $175,000. At the same time, ShanghaiRanking’s business-school subject rankings favored European and Chinese programs, altering the global perception of MBA value and complicating how candidates and employers interpret program quality. Together, these developments affect recruitment, alumni networks and how business schools market ROI to applicants.