The prestige of the graduate degree trumps that of the undergraduate. And, since the MBA is one of those fields where the reputation of your grad program really does matter to some employers, it can impact you, yes, if you go to a lower ranked program. That is, within reason. If we’re talking Boston University versus Boston College – no difference. If we’re talking Harvard versus Bentley College – yes, it can make a difference.

But fit is still important. If this school fits you well, and it’s AACSB accredited (this is important!) and it’s got a good rep, if not a great rep, it can still do good things for your career.

But yes, someone coming out of Harvard will probably not only get a higher salary than you will, but access to more prestigious jobs. Some employers will only recruit for their top training programs out of the top MBA schools. I’m talking some consulting firms, some management training programs, etc.

But so long as your school has a good rep in the region you hope to work, and it’s appropriately accredited, and you do well there, then you’ll do well getting a job coming out, too. The difference usually is in that first job coming out. After that, it’s all about what you do, rather than where you went to business school.

But expect the question during interviews: “You went to Dartmouth undergrad. Erm… Why did you pick Baruch for your MBA?” Have a good answer.

If you can tell me which schools you’re considering, I can tell you their reps.

Have a good answer.