Cornell University (Johnson) MBA
The Cornell Johnson MBA is a top-ranked full-time MBA program known for its leadership development, immersive learning, and strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. Located in Ithaca, New York, the program offers a flexible 2-year curriculum with opportunities for experiential learning through the Leadership Immersion and Global Network Weeks. Johnson attracts a diverse, collaborative student cohort focused on career advancement across industries such as finance, consulting, technology, and healthcare. Its integrated approach combines rigorous academics with personalized career coaching, making it ideal for professionals aiming for impactful leadership roles and accelerated career growth.
Cornell University (Johnson) MBA – Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered key questions about the Cornell Johnson MBA program, including eligibility, tuition, career support, and program duration.
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Johnson emphasizes leadership development, experiential learning (like Leadership Immersion), and a collaborative culture. Its strong entrepreneurship focus and access to Cornell’s vast alumni network also set it apart
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Johnson has a strong track record of placing international students in top global companies, especially in consulting, finance, and technology. The school offers robust visa support and resources tailored to international career paths
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The curriculum and global immersion experiences equip students with cross-cultural management skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and strategic thinking relevant to dynamic markets such as India
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Johnson offers merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and specific fellowships for international students, including applicants from India, to help reduce the cost of the MBA
Cornell University (Johnson) MBA - Class Profile
A Collaborative, Diverse & Experienced Cohort
The Cornell Johnson Two-Year MBA embraces a tight-knit, diverse cohort built for experiential leadership, innovation, and career transformation across global industries.
- Class Profile Highlights (MBA Class of 2025)
- Class Size: 283 students
- Average Age: 28 years
- Average Work Experience: 5.4 years
- Median GMAT Score: 710 (GMAT Focus & Classic Combined)
- Median Undergraduate GPA: 3.35
- Diversity & Representation
- Women in Class: 43%
- Underrepresented U.S. Minorities (Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American): 35%
- Countries Represented: 39
- International Students (non-U.S. citizens): 42%
- U.S. Military Affiliated (veterans/active): ~10%
- Academic & Professional Mix
- A strong foundation of academic performance combined with seasoned professional experience (avg ~5.4 years) supports students across industries.
- The cohort brings substantial representation from consulting, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and public/non-profit sectors.
Cornell University (Johnson) MBA – Basic Program Information
The Cornell Johnson MBA offers two flagship full-time formats—the Two‑Year Residential MBA and the One‑Year Johnson Cornell Tech MBA—both known for immersive experiential learning, strong leadership focus, and STEM designation for international students.
- Program Duration: 2 Years, including core curriculum, immersion semester, summer internship, and elective year
- Tuition (Domestic & International): ~US $83,106 per year
- Estimated Total Cost of Attendance (per year): ~US $111,436 – includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, supplies, transport, health insurance, and personal expenses
Cornell University (Johnson) MBA - Employment Report (Class of 2025–26)
Graduates of the Cornell Johnson Two-Year MBA consistently secure competitive roles across diverse industries, supported by strong employer engagement and personalized career services.
- Average Post-MBA Salary
- Median Base Salary: $135,000
- Median Signing Bonus: $30,000
- Median Other Guaranteed Compensation: $15,000
- Job Offer Rate
- Employment Rate within 3 months of graduation: 93%
- Top Hiring Sectors
- Consulting: 44%
- Technology: 24%
- Financial Services: 14%
- Healthcare & Industrials: 8%
- Consumer Packaged Goods & Retail: 6%
- Top Hiring Regions
- United States: 90%+
- International: Remaining 10%+ (including India, Europe, Asia)
- Top Recruiters
McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Amazon, Google, Deloitte, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Pfizer - Alumni Network
Over 26,000+ Johnson MBA alumni globally, leveraging Cornell’s powerful network and resources to support career growth and mentoring worldwide.
Cornell University (Johnson) MBA Program Deadlines & Intakes
Cornell Johnson offers a structured admissions process for its Two-Year MBA program, with multiple application rounds to accommodate a diverse pool of applicants.
Application Deadlines for the Class of 2027
- Round 1: September 17, 2025
- Round 2: January 8, 2026
- Round 3: April 7, 2026 (Final Deadline)
Cornell University (Johnson) MBA - Application Requirements
Prepare a comprehensive application package that highlights your academic strengths, leadership potential, professional achievements, and career goals. All materials must be submitted via Johnson’s online application portal by the respective round deadline.
Requirements
- Standardized Tests
GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores are accepted. Johnson also offers a test waiver option for qualified candidates. - Essays
Johnson requires focused written responses to the following prompts to understand your leadership, goals, and personal journey:- Goals Statement (Required): Describe your short-term and long-term career goals and how the Johnson MBA will help you achieve them. Please share how you plan to utilize the resources available at Johnson, as well as any personal resources to transition to your immediate post-MBA career goal. (350 word maximum)
- Impact Essay or The Unique Trait that Defines Me (Required): At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. How do you intend to make a meaningful impact on the Johnson community? (350 words maximum)
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What is something unique about you that others will remember you by, and how will this trait help you contribute and engage with the Cornell MBA community? (350 words maximum) - Optional Essay (Optional): Provide additional context about any aspect of your application (e.g., gaps, challenges). (500 words max)
- Letters of Recommendation
Two professional recommendations are required, preferably from supervisors or colleagues who can assess your leadership abilities, teamwork, and professional impact. - Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview (virtual or in-person) with an admissions committee member or alumnus. The interview assesses leadership qualities, communication skills, motivation for an MBA, and program fit. - Other Documents
- Online application form
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (1-2 pages)
- Academic Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Passport copy (for international applicants)
- Application fee (non-refundable)
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