The Enduring ROI of the MBA

Earning an MBA is a significant investment of time and money.  The degree has come under close scrutiny in recent years and its merits questioned. Despite these challenges to the MBA value proposition, degree holders continue to reap strong personal, professional and monetary gains. The degree enables individuals to:

• Expand and Diversify Network of Business and Community Leaders
• Enhance Soft Skills – communication (top reason recruiters hire MBAs), leadership, teamwork
• Master Hard Skills – core business knowledge (e.g., strategy, finance, accounting, analytics)
• Accelerate &/or Change Careers while Gaining Entré to C-level Positions
• Face Lower Unemployment Rates than High School and College Graduates
• Earn an Average Starting Salary 82% Higher than an Undergraduate Degree
• Increase Earning Power  Over Other Master’s Degrees (see chart below)

• Recoup approx. 1/3 of MBA Financial Investment Upon Graduation (see chart below)

Regardless of the ongoing debate over the value of the MBA, it remains a competitive and highly regarded degree. A recent Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) alumni survey found that the vast majority MBA graduates, if given the opportunity again, would choose to earn an MBA.