UCLA Anderson is one of the best business schools in the US and the world, with its MBA program ranked among the top 20 globally by the Financial Times.
Despite this, the Anderson MBA admission process is less competitive than other top US schools, with achievable average GMAT scores and acceptance rates.
The Anderson MBA program is also STEM-designated. This is good news for international students on the program hoping to stay in the US and work after graduating, as they can currently apply for the Optional Practical Training visa. This allows students to remain in the US for up to 12 months on an F-1 visa, and then apply for a 24-month extension.
Here’s a deep dive into the UCLA Anderson MBA class profile for the class of 2027.
Who is in the UCLA Anderson Class of 2027?
The MBA class of 2027 at UCLA Anderson is made up of 307 students.
Just over one-third (35%) of those are international students, with a total of 34 different countries represented in the class.
The class is also 46% women, which is higher than the average of 40% among US schools ranked in the Financial Times top 100. However, UCLA Anderson still has a little way to go before it matches the MBA programs that have reached gender parity.
What is the acceptance rate for UCLA Anderson MBA?
According to U.S. News & Report, UCLA Anderson’s MBA acceptance rate is 30.7% (946 of 3,079 applicants were offered a spot). Compared to the acceptance rates at the world’s top business schools, UCLA Anderson is one of the less competitive schools. The average acceptance rate in M7 schools, for example, is 21.8%—with some schools' rates in single digits.
However, while acceptance rates indicate program demand and value, they don’t tell you about the quality of candidates applying. For this, applicants should look to average GMAT scores and score ranges.
What is the UCLA Anderson average GMAT and GMAT score range?
The middle 80% of the UCLA Anderson MBA class scored between 670-750 on their GMAT exam (using GMAT 10th Edition scores), which puts admitted applicants in the top 40% of GMAT takers. That has increased slightly from last year, when the middle 80% range was 650-750.
Overall, the average GMAT score of Anderson MBA candidates is 703 (which equates to a score of 655 in the new GMAT exam). That figure has actually fallen from last year, when the class average was 714. While that may seem intimidating, the average score at Anderson is actually lower than the average GMAT at leading US schools. Earning a strong score in the GMAT will strengthen your MBA application, particularly if there are gaps in your work experience or if you don’t have a background in a related academic subject.
How much work experience do Anderson MBA students have?
The average work experience of students on the UCLA Anderson MBA program is 5.6 years. The majority of the class of 2027 (57%) have between three and six years of experience.
However, 17% of the class have less than three years experience while 26% have more than six years, so there’s quite a wide spread.
This is useful information if you’re thinking of applying, because it shows that UCLA Anderson looks at applications holistically. Students with less work experience can still earn a place on the program by highlighting other relevant life experience or an impressive GMAT score.
Read: How To Get Accepted Into UCLA Anderson's MBA
Which industries do Anderson MBA students come from?
Class profile data also reveals that the top pre-MBA industries among the Anderson cohort are technology (20%) and finance (19%). However, students also join the program from consulting (9%), healthcare (8%), public sector roles (9%), marketing/CPG (7%), media/entertainment (8%), manufacturing (4%) and other backgrounds.
The most notable change from last year is that the percentage of ex-tech workers has increased from 16% to 20%. That may partly be down to the high number of layoffs in the tech industry over the last 12 months.
In terms of previous education, just under one-third of Anderson MBA students (30%) hold a business-related degree. That’s the most popular degree, but plenty of students hold degrees in engineering (22%), humanities and social sciences (21%) and economics (13%).
Interestingly, the number of MBA students with a degree in humanities and the social sciences jumped by 7% this year.
What are UCLA Anderson’s admission requirements?
Applications for the UCLA Anderson MBA program are entirely online, and the school has already started accepting submissions for its fall 2026 cohort. Candidates must have a four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent. International students will have slightly different requirements, so give yourself plenty of time to apply. All international applicants must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.
UCLA Anderson MBA application requirements include:
– Academic transcripts
– A GMAT, GRE, or EA test are optional but recommended for applicants without a quantitative background
– Resume
– Two recommendation letters
– Three short essays of 150-250 words
– One optional 250-word essay
– A 30-minute interview
– $200 application fee
For the 2025-26 application year the essay questions are:
1 - Why is the MBA the right degree for you to pursue both personally and professionally? (150 words)
2 - Describe your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals. (150 words)
3 - What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community? (250 words)
Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)
Like the majority of MBA programs, there are several application rounds at UCLA Anderson. However, it is recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid the cohort filling up.
The round one deadline was October 1st 2025, the round 2 deadline is January 6th 2026, and round 3 is April 7th 2026.
If you want to apply to Anderson or any other MBA program, download theBusinessBecause Application Guide 2026 for more information and advice to support your application.