What is a good age for an MBA? - The Advisor (2024)

FAQs

What is a good age for an MBA? - The Advisor? ›

The average MBA student is around 28-29 years old, with most students ranging from mid-twenties to early thirties. However, the average age of MBA students varies a lot and many applicants above and below this average age are admitted to MBA programs.

The consensus among educators and students is that an MBA education adds value at any age. For younger students in their 30s, the credential could help propel you into higher-level roles earlier in your career.

Here's the thing: MBA admissions committees care deeply about “fit.” They want to admit candidates who will be successful members of the MBA community – candidates who will be easily “recruitable” when they graduate. But for the most part, MBA admissions committees don't really care about your age, exactly.

Full-time program students average about 27 years old when starting their MBA programs. This fits in with the three to six years of work experience most graduate students have before starting their MBA. Most full-time U.S. MBA students have an average of five years of work experience.

An EMBA, or an Executive Master of Business Administration, is also a two-year program, but it's aimed at business executives with five years or more of managerial experience. The average age of students is 38 years old.

There's no perfect answer regarding whether you're too young for an MBA, but if you are under that 80% range of work experience, you should have some clear and specific reasons why you're applying now to give yourself the best chance at admission.

“You're never too old,” NYU Stern's longtime Associate Dean of MBA Admissions and Program Innovation Isser Gallogly told us at the CentreCourt MBA Festival a few years ago. “It comes down to work experience, it depends on what your background is and what your goals are.”

Every stage in life brings advantages and challenges to graduate education. Still, you can be comforted in knowing that there is no age limit for higher learning. In fact, an MBA at 40 could deliver many unique benefits above and beyond those enjoyed by younger students.

Career Goals and Work Experience

Therefore, the average age of MBA students tends to be between 27–32 years. However, this does not mean that you cannot pursue an MBA before or after this age range. It all depends on where you are in your career and what you hope to achieve with an MBA.

In Conclusion: Age is Not a Limit, but a Perspective

Whether you're considering an MBA at 36 or beyond, clarity of purpose, confidence in your unique value, and choosing the right program are key to navigating the journey successfully.

Is an executive MBA better than an MBA? ›

While both EMBAs and traditional MBAs are valuable for advancing a career in business, Executive MBA programs are often viewed as more prestigious and selective, given the high level of experience and leadership skills they require of their students.

Yes! Graduates of MBA programs command a much higher salary than students with a bachelor's degree, and it makes financial sense to earn that higher salary for as many years as possible. In 2021, the median salary of MBA graduates was $115,000, 77% more than those with a bachelor's degree ($65,000).

MBAs often come with a pricey tuition and can be a substantial expense, especially for more recent college graduates. Most MBA graduates confirm the degree is worth it, leading to better quality jobs and better-paid jobs.

Generally, EMBA and MBA programs result in the exact same degree. Some schools might differentiate between the two by adding “executive” to their EMBA degrees, but since the curriculum is fairly consistent across programs, most top universities don't distinguish between the two on the degree.

Generally, you can expect a nearly 50% increase in your salary after completing an MBA. A study from Transparent Career showed that MBAs reported about a 46% increase in salary after earning their degree, with a $41,000 average higher salary, and $95,000 extra in total compensation.

An Executive MBA is a type of MBA. Unlike a field-specific Masters program (for example, a Master of Science in Finance), an MBA is a general Masters in Business Administration. Therefore, an Executive MBA is a type of MBA designed for mid-career professionals. Most people who pursue an EMBA have managerial experience.

The average age of an MBA student is 28 years old. If you're considering getting an MBA at 30 or above, you might be pondering that question. While you're never too old to improve your business education, enrolling in an MBA course may prohibit you from achieving your career goals.

Still, you can be comforted in knowing that there is no age limit for higher learning. In fact, an MBA at 40 could deliver many unique benefits above and beyond those enjoyed by younger students. Still not convinced? You might change your mind once you realize how much you stand to gain from earning your MBA after 40.

Most MBA programs look for a GPA of at least 3.5 (B+ to A-), which reflects the level of academic excellence that top business schools expect.