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

FAQs

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

The consensus among educators

“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.”

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.

Based on previous years' data, the average age of MBA students at top business schools is around 28–29. However, this doesn't mean that if you're 25 or 32, you're automatically disqualified.

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.

According to this Poets and Quants article, most top MBA programs had an average age of 28 in the 2019-20 intake, and relatively few incoming students were over the age of 30. For example, only 12.5% of Harvard's incoming MBA students in 2019-20 were over the age of 30.

At 45, students will have a clear sense of purpose and be able to use their education to gain a competitive advantage in the job market. Getting an MBA can help you improve your salary as well as qualify for leadership and management positions.

In your 50s, an MBA could offer context around changes to the business landscape, new technologies, and improve your ability to communicate with colleagues across teams and varying age groups. “You're never going to think you have the time or resources to get your MBA, but getting started is the important thing.

The average age of entering MBA students at the top US business schools is 27-28 years old. That has held fairly steady for several years. The Harvard MBA average age is on the younger end at 27, with an average of 4.9 years of work experience. That puts the average MBA graduate age at 29 or 30.

Most B-schools typically don't set an age limit for older applicants applying to an MBA program. Instead, they focus on the concept of “intentionality.” It's about your intention behind pursuing an MBA at the age of 30 and how it aligns with your career goals.

What is the average age for Harvard MBA? ›

The average age of MBA students at top business schools like Wharton or Harvard typically hovers around 27 to 30 years old. If you're younger than this average, there are several pros and cons to consider.

Over 98% of Wharton MBA graduates are extended full-time job offers. An MBA also helps you build business leadership skills, as well as a professional network. Wharton graduates are part of an extensive alumni community — over 99,000 strong in 153 countries. Learn more about the value of a Wharton MBA.

You may also face a disadvantage if you have too much experience. Generally, for full-time MBA students at the top business schools, the range in years of work experience is about two to eight years. If you have over eight years of experience, you might find more success in pursuing an Executive or Part-Time MBA.

Am I Too Old for an MBA? Although most incoming MBA classes have an average age in the late 20s, you're never too old to apply to business school. Age is not a criterion considered in the admissions process. If you have the academic and professional experience required, you're old enough to apply for an MBA.

Northwestern Kellogg MBA graduates enjoy a median base salary of $175,000, significantly higher than those with only a bachelor's degree. Graduates typically receive a median signing bonus of $30,000, with some receiving bonuses of up to $60,000, adding to their initial earnings.

Some have work experience and believe continuing their education will help them move up the career ladder. Others want to make a complete career change but don't want to start their education from scratch. In both cases, the versatility of an MBA can help them reach their goals.

The bottom line is you're never too old or experienced to get an MBA. The average age of a full-time MBA student is 28 years old but that is just an average. Talent is talent, andcountless 30-somethings have received their MBAs at tops schools in the US and Europe and reaped the lifelong benefits of doing so.

Nope, your life does not end at 30! One of my best friends finished her MBA a couple of years ago, and she was over 30. I'm working towards an MBA myself, and I'm approaching my mid-30s. You come in with more experience than the kids in their 20s.

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Programs like Stanford MSx, London Business School Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy and MIT Sloan Fellows are designed programs and good options for older and more senior candidates. European MBA programs, especially LBS and IMD, tend to be more tolerant towards older candidates.