Business schools are drumming up revenue by teaching the C-suite

Last year, the cost of running a college outpaced overall inflation. That’s according to data from the asset manager Commonfund, whose “Higher Education Price Index” saw operating costs hit 3.6% in 2025, compared to 2.7% on the consumer price index.

In response, some colleges are trying to expand their services to the corner office in what’s aptly called “executive education.”

“Executive education usually comprises short courses that you can take as a company leader,” said journalist Robb Mandelbaum, who had the story for Bloomberg Businessweek. “They don't count for credit towards an MBA or anything like that. It's sort of like continuing education for the C-suite.”

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal spoke with Mandelbaum about his reporting, including why many colleges who have executive education programs struggle to turn a profit. To listen, use the media player above.