The Value of Graduate Management Education: From the Candidate's Perspective (Abstract)

The Value of Graduate Management Education: From the Candidate's Perspective

March 2022

Overview

In this ever-changing work environment, the value of a graduate business degree is increasingly questioned. In response, GMAC conducted a first-of-its-kind global longitudinal study following over 3,600 individuals from their first consideration of business school to successful graduation. This report uncovers:

  • What most motivates the pursuit of graduate management education (GME)?
  • What personal, professional, and financial benefits do business school graduates experience?
  • How graduates assess the value of their business school journeys?
  • Do graduates of different backgrounds experience the value of GME differently?

Read this report to investigate results by gender, region, and race/ethnicity.

We know prospective students are hungry for information about how an MBA or business master’s degree can help them achieve their goals. On behalf of the GME community, GMAC published a companion guide for candidates titled, “Is Business School Worth It?” This guide provides candidates with concrete information to help them decide how best to proceed and reinforce their decision to pursue GME. It also includes insights and real-world testimonials that encourage prospective students to make this the year in which they make GME a reality for them.

To explore these findings alongside recent-graduate interviews, read Is Business School Worth It: The Transformative Power of a Graduate Business Degree.

Quick Facts

  • Overall, more than 90% of graduates rated the value of their GME experience favorably. Over 85% concluded that their investment in GME had a positive return. (pg. 18)
  • About two-thirds of business school graduates reported that they advanced at least one job level after obtaining their degrees. Job growth percentages were greater for those starting at more junior levels. (pg. 14)
  • Women, less often than men, pursued GME for entrepreneurship skills or business ownership. (pg. 10)
  • Under-represented minority (URM) graduates in the United States were more likely to be motivated to pursue GME for the potential to increase their impact on communities than non-URM graduates. (pg. 11)
  • Three out of 4 graduates agree that GME helps them achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals. (pg. 12)