MBA graduates face declining salaries and job prospects
For newly graduated MBAs, the job market has become increasingly challenging, with starting salaries expected to decline and employer hiring targets often proving overly optimistic, The Wall Street Journal reports. The median starting salary is expected to decline to $120,000 in 2026 from $125,000 in 2025, according to a survey of more than 600 corporate recruiters by the Graduate Management Admission Council. Employers are increasingly concerned about graduates' AI proficiency, while international MBA students face mounting hiring challenges amid stricter U.S. immigration policies.
The job market for newly graduated MBAs has grown increasingly difficult in recent years. Starting salaries are projected to decline, and many employers’ hiring targets have proven overly optimistic, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The median starting salary for MBA graduates is expected to fall to $120,000 in 2026, down from $125,000 in 2025. This forecast comes from a survey of more than 600 corporate recruiters conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council.
Employers are placing greater emphasis on AI skills when evaluating candidates. Many recruiters express concern about whether new graduates possess sufficient proficiency in artificial intelligence tools and applications.
International MBA students are encountering additional hurdles in the U.S. job market. Stricter immigration policies are making it more difficult for them to secure employment opportunities after graduation.
Overall, these trends signal a tougher environment for MBA graduates entering the workforce. The combination of lower salaries, higher skill expectations, and policy changes is reshaping career prospects in the field.
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