GITNUX REPORT 2024

Average MBA Statistics: Salaries, Employment, Costs, Demographics & More

Uncover the fascinating world of MBA statistics: average salaries, program costs, job placements, and more.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

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The average GMAT score for top MBA programs is around 720

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59% of MBA programs reported an increase in applications in 2020

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The average MBA application fee is $150

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42% of MBA programs require the GMAT for admission

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The average MBA program acceptance rate is 44%

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The average MBA application takes 40 hours to complete

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The average MBA application requires 3 letters of recommendation

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85% of MBA programs require work experience for admission

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The average MBA program has a 30% acceptance rate

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56% of MBA applicants in 2022 were international students

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38% of MBA students in 2022 were women

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The average age of MBA students is 28 years old

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The average work experience of MBA applicants is 4.7 years

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The average MBA student has 6 years of work experience

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The average MBA graduate age is 30 years old

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The average MBA program has a 20% international student population

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The average MBA program has a 35% female student population

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The average MBA graduate age at top programs is 28 years old

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29% of Fortune 500 CEOs have an MBA degree

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75% of MBA graduates say their degree was essential for their current job

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87% of MBA alumni say their degree increased their employability

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73% of MBA graduates report high job satisfaction

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89% of MBA alumni say their degree prepared them well for leadership positions

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The average MBA alumni network size is 100,000+

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78% of MBA alumni say their degree was financially rewarding

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82% of MBA graduates say their degree improved their professional network

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69% of MBA graduates say their degree improved their leadership skills

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43% of MBA graduates start their own business within 10 years of graduation

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88% of MBA graduates say their degree was essential for their career progression

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93% of 2022 MBA graduates were employed within three months of graduation

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The consulting industry hires 31% of MBA graduates

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The technology sector hired 20% of MBA graduates in 2022

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The finance industry hires 26% of MBA graduates

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The healthcare industry hires 8% of MBA graduates

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91% of employers plan to hire MBA graduates in 2023

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The average MBA graduate receives 2.3 job offers

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The global MBA market size was valued at $7.23 billion in 2021

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The average cost of a top-ranked MBA program in the US is around $200,000

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62% of MBA students receive some form of financial aid

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The average MBA student debt is $66,300

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The average MBA tuition at public universities is $62,000

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34% of MBA students choose entrepreneurship courses as electives

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40% of MBA programs offer STEM-designated tracks

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68% of MBA programs offer study abroad opportunities

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54% of MBA programs offer concentrations in data analytics

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36% of MBA programs offer entrepreneurship specializations

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The average MBA program offers 100+ elective courses

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47% of MBA programs offer sustainability-focused courses

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52% of MBA programs offer social impact or nonprofit management courses

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Online MBA programs saw a 43.5% increase in applications in 2020

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The average MBA program length is 2 years for full-time programs

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The average MBA class size is 200 students

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45% of MBA programs offer part-time options

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The average MBA student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1

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23% of MBA programs offer accelerated one-year options

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25% of MBA programs offer dual degree options

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The average MBA program has 55 full-time faculty members

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30% of MBA programs offer online learning options

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76% of MBA programs offer career coaching services

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33% of MBA programs offer joint degrees with law schools

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The average starting salary for MBA graduates in 2022 was $115,000

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The average signing bonus for MBA graduates is $30,000

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The average salary increase post-MBA is 77%

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The average MBA internship salary is $7,000 per month

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The average MBA graduate salary after 3 years is $142,000

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Summary

  • The average starting salary for MBA graduates in 2022 was $115,000
  • 93% of 2022 MBA graduates were employed within three months of graduation
  • The average cost of a top-ranked MBA program in the US is around $200,000
  • 56% of MBA applicants in 2022 were international students
  • The average GMAT score for top MBA programs is around 720
  • 38% of MBA students in 2022 were women
  • The global MBA market size was valued at $7.23 billion in 2021
  • 29% of Fortune 500 CEOs have an MBA degree
  • Online MBA programs saw a 43.5% increase in applications in 2020
  • The average age of MBA students is 28 years old
  • 75% of MBA graduates say their degree was essential for their current job
  • The consulting industry hires 31% of MBA graduates
  • The average work experience of MBA applicants is 4.7 years
  • 87% of MBA alumni say their degree increased their employability
  • The technology sector hired 20% of MBA graduates in 2022

Buckle up, aspiring business mavens, because were diving into the wild world of MBA statistics where the starting salary is a tantalizing $115,000, 93% of grads land jobs quicker than you can say ROI, and the average program cost could make your wallet cry. From the global market size valued at $7.23 billion to the 20% of tech sector hires, this blog post is about to school you in all things MBA—from the nitty-gritty numbers to the jaw-dropping success stories, so grab your calculators and lets crunch those career numbers!

Admissions

  • The average GMAT score for top MBA programs is around 720
  • 59% of MBA programs reported an increase in applications in 2020
  • The average MBA application fee is $150
  • 42% of MBA programs require the GMAT for admission
  • The average MBA program acceptance rate is 44%
  • The average MBA application takes 40 hours to complete
  • The average MBA application requires 3 letters of recommendation
  • 85% of MBA programs require work experience for admission
  • The average MBA program has a 30% acceptance rate

Interpretation

In the competitive world of MBA programs, where a high GMAT score seems to be worth its weight in gold (or at least in student loans), it’s no surprise that aspiring business moguls are shelling out an average of $150 just for the pleasure of applying. With the average application demanding 40 hours of dedication and three glowing recommendations, it’s clear that getting into a top MBA program is no walk in the park. But hey, with a 44% acceptance rate on average, maybe there's hope for us mere mortals after all – as long as we have that oh-so-coveted work experience under our belts.

Applicant Demographics

  • 56% of MBA applicants in 2022 were international students
  • 38% of MBA students in 2022 were women
  • The average age of MBA students is 28 years old
  • The average work experience of MBA applicants is 4.7 years
  • The average MBA student has 6 years of work experience
  • The average MBA graduate age is 30 years old
  • The average MBA program has a 20% international student population
  • The average MBA program has a 35% female student population
  • The average MBA graduate age at top programs is 28 years old

Interpretation

In the world of MBA statistics, it seems that international students are flocking to business schools like trendy coffee shops, comprising a significant 56% of applicants, adding a deliciously diverse flavor to the academic brew. While women are steadily breaking the glass ceiling at 38% of MBA student representation, proving that the business arena is no longer just a boys' club. The MBA student body, with an average age of 28, brings a mix of youthful vigor and professional experience, boasting an average of 6 years in the workforce, showcasing a blend of ambition and expertise. As MBA graduates emerge at a ripe age of 30, it's clear that the program is the ultimate vintage worth waiting for. And with top programs serving up graduates at a tantalizing age of 28, it's no surprise that the demand for this high-quality blend only continues to grow. Cheers to the MBA world, where intelligence, experience, and diversity come together in a harmonious symphony of success.

Career Impact

  • 29% of Fortune 500 CEOs have an MBA degree
  • 75% of MBA graduates say their degree was essential for their current job
  • 87% of MBA alumni say their degree increased their employability
  • 73% of MBA graduates report high job satisfaction
  • 89% of MBA alumni say their degree prepared them well for leadership positions
  • The average MBA alumni network size is 100,000+
  • 78% of MBA alumni say their degree was financially rewarding
  • 82% of MBA graduates say their degree improved their professional network
  • 69% of MBA graduates say their degree improved their leadership skills
  • 43% of MBA graduates start their own business within 10 years of graduation
  • 88% of MBA graduates say their degree was essential for their career progression

Interpretation

While these MBA statistics may paint a rosy picture of success and fulfillment, one can't help but wonder if the MBA degree has turned into the ultimate talisman for climbing the corporate ladder. With numbers boasting high job satisfaction, employability, and leadership readiness, it seems an MBA is the holy grail of career advancement. However, one has to question if it's the degree itself or the networking opportunities that come with it that truly propel these graduates forward. Nonetheless, it's clear that the MBA has become not just a degree, but a ticket to a grand, diverse, and lucrative professional journey for many.

Employment Outcomes

  • 93% of 2022 MBA graduates were employed within three months of graduation
  • The consulting industry hires 31% of MBA graduates
  • The technology sector hired 20% of MBA graduates in 2022
  • The finance industry hires 26% of MBA graduates
  • The healthcare industry hires 8% of MBA graduates
  • 91% of employers plan to hire MBA graduates in 2023
  • The average MBA graduate receives 2.3 job offers

Interpretation

In the cutthroat world of post-MBA employment, the numbers don't lie. With 93% of 2022 graduates landing jobs within three months, it seems business schools are churning out sharp minds ready to tackle the corporate jungle. While the consulting industry snaps up 31% of these eager professionals, the finance and technology sectors aren't far behind, each claiming their share of the talent pool. Even the healthcare industry snags a piece of the MBA pie, albeit a smaller slice. Looking ahead, with 91% of employers eyeing MBA grads in 2023 and the average candidate juggling 2.3 job offers, the competition for top talent only promises to intensify. Flex those analytical muscles, MBAs—it's a wild job market out there.

Market Trends

  • The global MBA market size was valued at $7.23 billion in 2021

Interpretation

The $7.23 billion global MBA market size in 2021 proves that in a world where knowledge is power, an MBA remains the golden ticket to career advancement and professional success. It's no surprise that the demand for advanced business education continues to soar, as individuals and organizations alike scramble to stay competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of global business. So, whether you view an MBA as a valuable investment in yourself or simply a pricey piece of paper, one thing is clear: the market speaks for itself, and it's shouting, "MBA or bust!"

Program Costs

  • The average cost of a top-ranked MBA program in the US is around $200,000
  • 62% of MBA students receive some form of financial aid
  • The average MBA student debt is $66,300
  • The average MBA tuition at public universities is $62,000

Interpretation

In the cutthroat world of business, it seems even the price tag on education gets a competitive makeover. With top-ranked MBA programs demanding a hefty $200,000 investment, it’s no wonder 62% of students are hunting down financial aid like a CEO chasing a lucrative deal. Yet, despite the financial support, the average MBA student still ends up with a debt of $66,300—perhaps proving that in the realm of business and academia, balancing the books is just as crucial as acing the exams. And for those on a budget, the average MBA tuition at public universities might seem like a bargain at $62,000, but in the realm of business, is anything truly a steal?

Program Curriculum

  • 34% of MBA students choose entrepreneurship courses as electives
  • 40% of MBA programs offer STEM-designated tracks
  • 68% of MBA programs offer study abroad opportunities
  • 54% of MBA programs offer concentrations in data analytics
  • 36% of MBA programs offer entrepreneurship specializations
  • The average MBA program offers 100+ elective courses
  • 47% of MBA programs offer sustainability-focused courses
  • 52% of MBA programs offer social impact or nonprofit management courses

Interpretation

In a world where career paths are as diverse as a color wheel, the statistics surrounding MBA programs reveal a kaleidoscope of options. From the entrepreneurial spirits to the data wizards, and the jet-setters seeking global perspectives, the modern MBA landscape is a buffet of opportunities. With STEM tracks, data analytics concentrations, and sustainability-focused courses sprinkled throughout, it's clear that business education has adapted to meet the evolving needs of industries and society alike. So whether you're charting a course for profit or purpose, the MBA menu offers something for every taste, ensuring that the business leaders of tomorrow are equipped to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Program Formats

  • Online MBA programs saw a 43.5% increase in applications in 2020
  • The average MBA program length is 2 years for full-time programs
  • The average MBA class size is 200 students
  • 45% of MBA programs offer part-time options
  • The average MBA student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1
  • 23% of MBA programs offer accelerated one-year options
  • 25% of MBA programs offer dual degree options
  • The average MBA program has 55 full-time faculty members
  • 30% of MBA programs offer online learning options
  • 76% of MBA programs offer career coaching services
  • 33% of MBA programs offer joint degrees with law schools

Interpretation

In the numbers game of MBA programs, it seems like the trend for 2020 was all about expansion and flexibility. With a 43.5% spike in applications for online programs, it's clear that the virtual realm is quickly becoming the new classroom. Despite the traditional 2-year duration for full-time programs, the rise of accelerated one-year options (23%) and part-time offerings (45%) showcases a shift towards catering to diverse student needs. And with an average class size of 200 but a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, it seems like the challenge might be less about finding a seat and more about catching the teacher's eye. As for the plethora of dual degree options (25%) and joint programs with law schools (33%), the message is clear: in the world of MBAs, it's all about having many strings to your educational bow.

Salary and Compensation

  • The average starting salary for MBA graduates in 2022 was $115,000
  • The average signing bonus for MBA graduates is $30,000
  • The average salary increase post-MBA is 77%
  • The average MBA internship salary is $7,000 per month
  • The average MBA graduate salary after 3 years is $142,000

Interpretation

In the world of MBAs, the numbers are more than just figures—they tell the tale of ambition, potential, and success. With a starting salary of $115,000, a signing bonus of $30,000, and a whopping 77% salary increase post-MBA, these graduates are not just climbing the corporate ladder; they are sprinting up it with determination. Even their internship salary of $7,000 per month shows that their journey to the top is paved with early rewards. And after three years of hard work, the average MBA graduate is not just reaping the benefits of their education but also cashing in at an impressive $142,000. As they say, invest in an MBA, and watch your career soar.

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