The numbers are in and there’s no denying that satisfaction of Executive MBA graduates is high. From salary increases to promotions, the benefits of an EMBA degree keep growing.
The 2017 EMBAC Student Exit Survey revealed that EMBA graduates received a 14.1 percent increase in compensation – combined, both salary and bonuses – after program completion.
In addition, 41 percent of students who completed the survey received a promotion during the program and 52 percent reported increased responsibilities during the program.
“Exit survey data consistently shows great outcomes for alumni, such as salary increases and promotions, as well as high levels of satisfaction,” says Michael Desiderio, EMBAC executive director.
The average salary and bonus package at program start for students in the 2017 survey was $176,490, compared to $157,298 in 2016. By the end of the program, the average salary and bonus package rose to $201,509, compared to $175,621 in 2016.
EMBAC conducts the Student Exit Benchmarking Survey to track the perceptions and opinions of EMBA Program graduates and to help measure the return on investment of the degree. The survey included 2,345 students from 77 EMBA Programs, primarily based in the United States.
EMBA graduates also reported high levels of satisfaction with their EMBA experience, including the program quality. They are likely to recommend their program to a colleague or friend and also to support the program as alumni.
When evaluating programs, survey participants cited the program’s ability to advance their career, the reputation of the business school, the ranking of the business school, and the strength of alumni network as important factors.
The 2017 EMBAC Membership Program Survey was completed by almost 90 percent of member EMBAC Programs. The most comprehensive available look at EMBA Programs worldwide, the survey offered the following highlights:
- Women comprised 30.1 percent of EMBA classes, which broke last year’s record of 29.7 percent.
- More students continue to make a financial investment in their education. In 2017, 45 percent of students were self-funded.
- To support students, 61.4 percent of EMBA Programs offered scholarships and fellowships in 2017, compared to 59.4 percent in 2016.
- More programs report using distance learning for content delivery – 50 percent in 2017 compared to 46 percent in 2016.
- The number of specialized master’s programs continues to grow while numbers of Executive MBA and Part-time MBA programs have remained steady.
- Demographics remain consistent with previous years with an average age of 38 years, with 13.9 years of work experience, and 8.9 years of management experience.
Percept Research conducted both exit and membership surveys for the council.
So, what does this mean for aspiring EMBA students?
Well, if your goal is to achieve a return on your investment, opting for an EMBA could be the right choice—just look at the numbers.
Check out more stories on EMBA Buzz for trends and insights for prospective EMBA students.