Harvard HBS MBA
The Harvard Business School (HBS) MBA is one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the world, located in Boston, USA. Renowned for its rigorous case method teaching, the 2-year, full-time MBA program shapes global business leaders through immersive learning, leadership development, and a strong general management foundation. With unmatched access to Harvard’s vast resources and a powerful alumni network, HBS equips students to drive innovation, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact across industries worldwide.
Harvard HBS MBA – Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve addressed some of the most common queries applicants have about the prestigious HBS MBA program—covering admissions, fees, career outcomes, and more.
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Yes, Harvard Business School requires a valid GMAT or GRE score for MBA applicants. There is no preference between the two tests, but a strong score enhances competitiveness
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The tuition fee for both domestic and international students is USD 78,700 per year. The total estimated cost, including living expenses and other fees, is approximately USD 117,600 annually
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The Harvard MBA is a full-time, 2-year program. It includes a structured first year core curriculum and a flexible second-year with electives tailored to your post-MBA goals.
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Yes, HBS provides extensive internship and placement support through its Career & Professional Development (CPD) office. Students benefit from personalized coaching, global employer connections, and one of the world’s strongest MBA alumni network
Harvard HBS MBA - Class Profile
A Diverse, Experienced, and Leadership‑Oriented MBA Cohort
Harvard Business School attracts high-achieving professionals from across the globe, creating a transformative and collaborative learning environment shaped by diversity, real‑world leadership, and robust general management experiences.
Class Profile Highlights (MBA Class of 2026)
- Class Size: 930 students
- Applications Received: 9,856
- Gender Diversity: 45% women
- International Representation: 35% (from 60 countries)
- Average Work Experience: ~5 years
- First-Generation College Students: 11%
- Universities Represented: 296 (worldwide)
- Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.69 (on U.S. 4.0 scale)
Harvard HBS MBA – Basic Program Information
The Harvard MBA is a globally recognized, full-time business program that emphasizes leadership, innovation, and general management across a two-year immersive journey.
- Program Duration: 2 Years (Full-Time MBA)
- Tuition Fees (Domestic & International): USD 78,700 per year
Includes tuition, course materials, and access to Harvard campus facilities - Estimated Living Expenses: USD 38,900 per year
Covers housing, meals, health insurance, transportation, and personal expenses - Global MBA Ranking: #13 (as per latest rankings)
Harvard HBS MBA - Employment Report (Class of 2025–26)
Graduates from HBS achieve exceptional career outcomes, reflecting the program’s strength in leadership development, career acceleration, and global placement.
Average Post‑MBA Salary & Bonuses
- Median Base Salary (Class of 2024): USD 175,000
- Median Signing Bonus: USD 30,000 (about 65% of graduates)
- Median Variable/Performance Bonus: USD 48,000
Job Offer Rate (3 months post‑graduation):
- ~77% of graduates actively seeking employment had accepted offers within three months.
- Note: ~30% of class members pursued entrepreneurship, sponsorship, or deferred roles instead of job-seeking
Top Hiring Functions:
- Finance (38%): Median base USD 200,000; signing bonus USD 50,000; performance bonus USD 113,000
- Consulting (18%): Median base USD 192,000; signing bonus USD 30,000; performance bonus USD 40,000
- Venture Capital & Private Equity (23%): Median base USD 200,000; signing bonus USD 30,000
Top Hiring Industries:
- Consulting: 18%, median base USD 190,000
- Private Equity: 19%, median base USD 200,000
- Technology: 16%, median base USD 185,000
- Investment Management/Hedge Funds: 6% ($192k median)
- Investment Banking: 5% ($185k median)
Top Hiring Regions:
- Northeast U.S.: 49% of graduates, median base ~USD 192,000
- Other U.S. Regions: Midwest 6%, West 17%, etc.
- International: ~12% employed abroad (Asia, Europe, etc.)
Top Recruiters:
- HBS graduates were hired by leading global firms across industries—McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock, Google, and Amazon
Entrepreneurship & Alternative Paths:
- ~14% launched startups; ~13% stayed with current employers; others pursued fellowships or further studies instead of full-time employment
Alumni Network & ROI:
- With a worldwide alumni network exceeding 100,000 professionals, HBS offers extraordinary access to mentors, industry leaders, and career resources—amplifying ROI through lifelong connections and opportunity pathways.
Harvard HBS MBA Program Deadlines & Intakes
Harvard Business School offers two application rounds for its MBA program, providing flexibility for applicants to choose the timeline that best aligns with their professional and academic plans.
MBA Class of 2028 (Enrolling Fall 2026)
- Round 1
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
- Decision Notification: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
- Round 2
- Application Deadline: Monday, January 5, 2026
- Decision Notification: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Harvard HBS MBA - Application Requirements
Prepare a comprehensive application package showcasing your academic excellence, leadership potential, and personal impact. Submit all materials via Harvard’s online application portal by the chosen round deadline.
Requirements:
- GMAT / GRE:
Submit a valid GMAT or GRE score. Harvard accepts both equally and does not have a minimum cutoff, but competitive scores typically fall in the higher percentiles. - Essays:
- Business‑Minded Essay (up to 300 words)
- “Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve.”
- Leadership‑Focused Essay (up to 250 words)
- “What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become?”
- Growth‑Oriented Essay (up to 250 words)
- “Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth.”
- Business‑Minded Essay (up to 300 words)
- Recommendations:
- Two professional letters of recommendation required, preferably from current or former supervisors who can speak to your leadership, teamwork, and professional achievements.
- Interview:
- By invitation only after application review.
- Conducted by HBS alumni either virtually or in person, focusing on leadership potential, fit with the HBS community, and career aspirations.
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae:
- Submit a one-page professional resume outlining work experience, education, skills, and extracurriculars.
- Transcripts:
- Official or unofficial academic transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Additional Documents:
- Optional materials may include certificates, awards, or other relevant achievements.
- Passport copy is not mandatory but may be required later for visa purposes.
- Application Fee:
- Non-refundable fee of USD 250, payable online. The application is processed only after payment
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