The short answer is yes, but you’d expect that from the Kogod School of Business. Don’t want to take our word for it? We have the data to back this up!
Jamie McCrary
Thousands of students enroll in business school each year to pursue an MBA, a degree considered the gold standard for aspiring business leaders.
Completing an MBA is an intensive commitment, requiring time, energy, and money investments. Some programs cost upwards of $100,000, a substantial expense for recent graduates and professionals alike.
For many, this raises a key question: Is business school really worth it? And if so, what ROI can MBA students can expect?
People enroll in business school for various reasons, but the most common is to advance their careers. This makes sense given the focus and benefits of an MBA: It provides credibility, equips students with in-demand skills, and provides an extensive professional network.
According to a recent survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), people cite three specific career-centered motivations for applying to business school:
Most business school alums agree their degree was a valuable pathway to upward mobility and career satisfaction.
“I wanted to learn the intricacies of business dynamics and leadership styles and develop a network of business relationships,” says Sean A. Cahanding, a graduate of Kogod’s online MBA program. “I knew the MBA program would help guide my thinking as an executive. It sets you up for success so that you can confidently choose a path and excel.”
Today, business school classrooms are more diverse than ever. Among applicants who took the GMAT in 2022, citizenship spans nearly 200 countries, and only about a quarter studied business as an undergraduate.
Diversity is a significant benefit of the business school experience. By learning alongside a diverse cohort of classmates, MBA students gain exposure to various perspectives and problem-solving approaches—experiences they can apply to future leadership positions.
Kogod’s Full-time MBA program—voted no. 9 in diversity by Bloomberg Businessweek—aligns with these trends. Out of the program’s 23 graduates in 2022:
Diversity of thought and skill sets is what breeds innovation.”
Mayra Medrano
Kogod School of Business Alumna, MBA '20
“Not everyone in our class had an MBA in business. We approached problem-solving from different angles, not just preserving the bottom line,” says Mayra Medrano, a 2020 Kogod MBA graduate.
According to a vast majority of alums, business school is worth the time and expense. 87 percent of the 3,600 grads surveyed by GMAT last year cite a positive return on investment. Most also say earning an MBA increases their employability.
MBA graduates earn significantly more than they would without their degree—and receive higher earnings throughout their careers.
At Kogod, the average salary among 2022 full-time MBA graduates who accepted jobs and reported salaries was more than $105,000. According to GMAT, this is $10,000 more annually than what the same employers paid new hires without the degree in 2022.
Most 2022 graduates also received job offers within three months of graduation, opportunities largely facilitated through school events like career fairs, mock interviews, and networking panels.
Kogod’s Office of Career Engagement offers similar activities that help set students up for success, including:
“For those ready to dedicate the time to gain knowledge, skills, and experience to be competitive in the marketplace, business school can be an excellent investment,” says Andrea Carpenter, Kogod’s assistant dean for career services.
We know MBA-level jobs are competitive, and we provide the resources and personalized career support to help students land top internships and jobs.”
Andrea Carpenter
Assistant Dean of Career Services, Kogod School of Business
Ultimately, choosing to earn a graduate business degree is a personal choice. Only you can decide if pursuing an MBA is the best decision for your future.
When considering if you should apply, a few questions you might ask yourself include:
An MBA and the business school experience can be a lifelong investment in your professional success. For many—especially those in pursuit of more considerable heights in their careers—the investment is worth it…but of course, we think so.
Have questions about the MBA program or how to apply to the Kogod School of Business? Click here.
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