Is the ROI of an MBA Worth It?

In a fast-changing, unpredictable job market, skills and careers can become obsolete faster than ever. Earning an MBA is a worthwhile investment of time and effort. It not only levels up your skills; it future-proofs your career, builds leadership agility, and provides your passport to a global network that grows with you. Cornell’s Two-Year MBA is a prestigious degree that launches you toward long-term success.

Benefits of getting an MBA

The long-term advantages are undeniable. An MBA amplifies your leadership potential across industries, sharpens your critical thinking skills, and strengthens your ability to navigate complex, evolving business landscapes. Beyond business fundamentals, you’ll develop cross-functional leadership skills, data fluency, and the adaptability needed to thrive no matter how markets shift in the future.

Increased earning potential

Graduates who earn an MBA experience an average salary increase of 2 percent to 32 percent over job candidates with comparable experience but without an MBA. The median starting salary of an MBA graduate in the United States is roughly 75 percent higher than the starting salary of a person with a bachelor’s degree. In a 2025 Forte Foundation survey of graduates of 60 elite MBA programs, respondents reported compensation of over $130,000 in their first post-MBA employment. Many MBA graduates also receive performance and signing bonuses averaging more than $20,000.

Expanded career opportunities

An MBA prepares you to lead in executive roles and transition into new industries. According to a 2024 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) survey, employers across sectors report they are most likely to hire MBA talent—especially in high-demand fields like manufacturing and finance.

Enhanced professional network

Joining Cornell’s MBA community means becoming part of a global, purpose-driven network. Connect with more than 250,000 alumni, collaborate with world-class faculty, and gain access to hands-on learning experiences. The Cornell Two-Year MBA creates opportunities for mentorship, internships, alumni engagement, and industry immersion—helping you benefit from meaningful professional relationships.

“To say that the Johnson community has made an incredible impact on my overall MBA experience is an understatement. The support, culture, camaraderie, and the countless shared experiences across the class in these years have been memorable and have led to a transformative chapter in my life.”
—Albert Matlock MBA ’24

Development of advanced skills

Cornell’s immersive MBA curriculum empowers you to apply advanced business concepts immediately—from data modeling to managerial economics. These real-world applications help you thrive in your current role or pivot to a new career path with confidence.

Job security

In a world where entire industries are being disrupted, having an MBA makes you resilient. In 2024, the U.S. economy added an average of 203,000 jobs per month—down from 604,000 in 2021. With applications now outpacing openings, standing out is essential. Earning Cornell’s STEM-designated MBA enhances your profile and value in a crowded market.

What to consider before pursuing an MBA

Not all MBA programs are created equal. It’s important to find one that aligns with your goals—and delivers a valuable return on investment. Key factors to consider include program structure, cost, reputation, and your desired industry or role.

Career goals

An MBA unlocks leadership opportunities across diverse fields—from finance and healthcare to marketing and entrepreneurship. Whether you aim to join the C-suite, build a startup, or lead in consulting, an MBA provides the benefits of a versatile foundation for success. The MBA curriculum typically focuses on business leadership and management, along with building financial and entrepreneurial skills. Identifying your professional goals will help you decide whether an MBA is worthwhile for you—and what program offers the optimal fit.

Financial investment and ROI

At top business schools like Cornell Johnson, MBA graduates earn average salaries ranging from approximately $123,000 to $187,000, with median salaries of graduates reaching as high as $225,000 depending on factors like industry and location. Over a lifetime, the median return on investment can exceed $2 million.

Cornell’s Two-Year MBA program equips graduates to maximize career outcomes. The program’s curriculum—shaped by input from more than 1,000 alumni and recruiters—has brought about exceptional employment results. The Cornell Class of 2024 MBA graduates reported a median base salary of $175,000.

Time commitment and program duration

When weighing whether to pursue an MBA, one of the most important points to consider is the program’s length. The average time required to complete an MBA is around two years for full-time programs and around three years for part-time programs, depending on factors like whether you transfer credits or attend classes online vs. in person.

Cornell’s residential MBA program offers an accelerated path to advancement, preparing students to reenter the workforce with sharpened skills and leadership confidence.

Impact of school reputation

Ranked No. 6 in the U.S. and No. 13 globally by the Financial Times in 2025, Cornell’s MBA delivers both academic rigor and global recognition. The program also ranked No. 1 for Best Administered and No. 2 for Best Professors in the Princeton Review’s 2025 B-School rankings and No. 8 in Compensation in Bloomberg Businessweek for 2024-25, underscoring the excellence and impact of your learning experience. By choosing an Ivy League MBA program with a prestigious reputation, you will benefit from a quality education and set yourself apart as a candidate for highly skilled roles.

How an MBA’s value varies by career stage

The return on an MBA grows throughout your career. Whether you’re just starting out, advancing mid-career, or planning an executive pivot, Cornell’s MBA program offers tailored resources and growth pathways to success.

Recent graduates

Cornell’s Two-Year MBA program provides immersive learning, leadership development, and valuable internship experiences that prepare students for immediate success in dynamic job markets. Most enrollees bring three to seven years of prior work experience. In addition, MBA students have the opportunity to build solid professional networks with a worldwide collection of peers, alumni, and professors.

Mid-career professionals

For mid-career professionals seeking flexibility and customization, the full-time MBA at Cornell offers tech-inclined applicants options to study in New York City and access tailored electives, immersions, and career coaching. You design your path—aligned to your specific ambitions.

Individuals over 40

Career pivots and reinvention are the new norm after 40. Hiring and salary data supports this, and Cornell’s residential MBA is uniquely suited for learners at this career stage. The program supports advancement into senior roles in competitive sectors like consulting and corporate finance. For seasoned professionals wanting an elite MBA outside of a residential program, Cornell offers three Executive MBA programs, each built for busy working professionals.

Success stories from Cornell’s Two-Year MBA program graduates

Cornell MBA graduates have gone on to leadership roles at organizations like McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., Deloitte, JPMorganChase, and Amazon.

Alumni like Douglas Scandrett MBA ‘25 have transitioned into new industries with the support of Cornell’s dynamic curriculum and career resources.

“Johnson offered strong recruiting pipelines to all my target firms and the ability to study in New York City through Cornell Tech and NYC intensives, giving me the best of both worlds.”
—Douglas Scandrett MBA ’25