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Why MBAs Have Less Debt Than All Master's And Undergraduates

Debt levels for graduates appear to be rising – but not for those with MBA degrees. Business school graduates are the least financially burdened, and many leave school debt free.

Wed Mar 26 2014

BusinessBecause
Debt levels for graduates appear to be rising – but not for those with MBA degrees. New data reveals that MBA graduates leave business school with less debt than all other Master’s graduates – and even undergraduates.

The analysis, compiled by the New America Foundation with data from the U.S Department of Education, suggests that debt for graduates accounts for some of the most “dramatic increases” in student borrowing.

MBA graduates, on the other hand, fare much better. The average U.S MBA leaves business school with around $40,000 of debt, according to the report.

This new research also reveals that the median debt load of MBAs has remained steady from 2004 to 2012, despite tuition fees increasing.

It will be welcome news for prospective MBA students who are put off by the steadily rising cost of a top business education. Six of the top-ten ranked schools in the United States plan to increase tuition costs, at an average of around 4 per cent, and others are expected to follow suit throughout the year.

And this is just for U.S MBA graduates, where programs are typically two years in length, compared to European schools’ preference for 12-month programs, meaning European MBAs may be even better off.

From 2004 to 2012, the debt load for a typical MBA borrower increased just $627, to $42,000, resulting in a monthly payment of as little as $5, according to the report.

Over the same period, the debt load for a Master of Science graduate shot up more than $15,000 to $50,400, the report says, while Master of Arts graduates’ debt loads rose about $20,000 to $58,539.

The numbers used include loans used to pay for both undergraduate degrees and post-graduate study. Students who graduate with no debt aren’t included in the median debt figures. This is relevant to MBAs because 43 per cent leave business school debt-free, according to the same study.

Most top-ranking MBA programs require several years’ work experience for candidates, many of whom come from lucrative functions like consulting and financial services.

Interest in executive MBA education has also picked up in recent years and many EMBA candidates have their tuition paid for them by employers.

There are also a range of MBA scholarships offered by business schools, which help off-set the cost of tuition. All of the above offer reasons as to why MBAs leave U.S schools with less debt.

While it has been reported that some schools are hiking up their tuition fees, MBA salaries are also increasing, according to research by the Graduate Management Admissions Council.

A GMAC survey released last week shows that In the U.S, the median base salary for senior-level graduates surveyed by GMAC was $122,000. That dwarfs the $101,093 median starting salaries for European graduates GMAC reported last November.

And although U.S education can be the most expensive, its graduates earn an enormous amount more than some parts of the Asia Pacific region. Senior-level Indian graduates, for example, receive just $40,000 per year on average, according to GMAC.

Contrary to this data, applications to some school’s full-time MBA programs haven’t seen much increase in recent years, despite the fact that MBA degrees remain affordable.

However, cost doesn’t seem to be putting off prospective students. MBAs can recoup their tuition fees within a year of graduating and business schools are developing closer ties with businesses, which are becoming increasingly important, agrees Mark Davies, Employer Relations Manager at Imperial College Business School.

“Businesses have been less willing to take a chance on MBA recruits with potential, looking instead for those who have the practical skills and experience they are sure can deliver value from day one.” 

Student Reviews

Imperial College Business School

Sakshi

Verified

5/11/2023

On Campus

Innovative, Immersive and an Excellent Curriculum

The MSc Strategic Marketing course opens many avenues into the business world at Imperial. The coursework consists of group-based assignments, individual reports, and sometimes, examinations. The Careers team helps you with your CV, Cover letters, and other job application support. Imperial truly lives up to its name!

Shiyun

Verified

19/05/2020

Very applicable courses

I enjoyed studying here for my master degree as I could feel that I was surrounded by very clever people, and I did learn a lot of knowledge that I could directly put into use into my current internship

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9/05/2020

Diversity and Professional Development

Imperial College London is an innovation hub with expertise across multiple industries. The international student body exposes students to endless cultures and experiences. Furthermore, the Careers team at Imperial is second to none as directors help guide students to the career paths of their dreams.

Student

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20/04/2018

Business School

Imperial college business school has amazing facilities, amazing staff. I particularly like the business school cafe although it would be nice if they added a few more power sockets in the open space and heating for winter. The course is really good too. Very interactive classes and highly diverse environment.

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8/07/2020

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Very strong university with good quality faculty and a very strong career services team that prepared students well for the jobs market. Very nice facilities in the city center. Good sessions organised with employers.

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29/05/2020

Chinese students majored in English- now strategic marketing

My undergraduate major was English back in China and now an MSc student in strategic marketing at Imperial. For Chinese students who share similar experiences with me, you can get as much/deep as you want about marketing with some challenging group works and inspiring lectures. At the same time, if you just want to get the degree anyway with less effort, it's possible as well... ...

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