Guided by its motto, “Leading thought and action,” the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan seeks to develop leaders who thrive and innovate in all areas of business. It does this by pairing its distinctive action-based programs with an internationally renowned faculty, creating a high-value learning experience.

While all top-tier business schools offer a broad management education, Ross distinguishes itself as different because of its “action-based learning” process. It is a fundamental approach, they say, that requires the faculty to constantly create relevant, challenging ways to connect students with the real-world practice of business. Administrators assert that this approach to learning, combined with interdisciplinary, team-orientated education will create students who are leaders, not just managers.

Known as much for its football as its academics, the University of Michigan is a school replete with extracurricular opportunities and spirited activities. That pride spills over into Ross as well, and students tend to be more supportive and team-oriented than competitive. Ross seeks to diversity its student body because it believes that the peer experience is as valuable as the classroom experience. That may be why there are many active clubs and organizations at Ross as well. Although Ross students are invariably burdened with a stressful workload, there is an undeniable collaborative energy and enthusiasm for the education.

Ross is continually ranked in the top echelon of business schools; in fact, one ranking  “the Wall Street Journal/Harris Interactive Survey of corporate recruiters” has named Ross the number one MBA program in the nation twice in the past decade. With more than 38,000 business school alumni in 82 countries, Ross touts its base of graduates as one of its most valuable resources. The “Global Blue Network” is active and remains a big part of life after school.