Based on the results of recent research studies, the Executive MBA has held its value in the market.

While full-time and part-time MBA Programs have experienced ups and downs in application numbers during past years, EMBA has remained a solid performer. 

The 2019 EMBAC Membership Program Survey revealed that more people are applying for EMBA Programs than ever before, with a 31.6 percent increase in applications, the highest since 2015. 

“The amount of inquiries, completed applications received, and applications accepted have trended upward since 2015, and risen year-over-year for the past three years, which shows greater demand for such programs,” says Michael Desiderio, EMBAC executive director.

There is more good news for EMBA Programs, as new programs are continuing to enter the market.

In terms of experience and age, EMBA also continues to attract high-quality candidates. In 2019, the average age of enrolled EMBA students stayed consistent at 38 years. They also came to the program with an average of 14 years of work experience and nine years of management experience.

“The quality of students who enter the EMBA Program leads to a level of discussion that is substantive and hard to duplicate elsewhere,” says Desiderio. 

More than 85 percent of member EMBA Programs completed the 2019 Membership Program Survey, conducted on behalf of EMBAC by Percept Research. Other key findings from the survey include the following:

• The percentage of enrolled female students reached 31.2 percent, the highest on record, showing how the gender gap continues to close.
• In 2019, 93.2 percent of all EMBA Programs offered mandatory or optional global trips. The percentage of programs offering an international trip has remained stable since 2015.
• About 55 percent of EMBA Programs offer distance learning options compared to 42 percent in 2015.
• More than 90 percent of EMBA Programs leverage technology to implement electronic delivery of course materials. Programs also used business simulations, classroom video recording, social media, teleconferencing, virtual learning, webinars, and more. 
• A vast majority – 91.5 percent – of EMBA Programs offer career services to help students manage their career and program goals. 
• The trend toward more self-funded students and fewer fully funded students continues. In 2019, nearly 53 percent of students were self-funded, compared to 41 percent in 2015. More than 15 percent of students received full sponsorship in 2019, down from 23.2 percent in 2015.
• More than 61 percent of programs offer scholarships or fellowships.

“The continued success of EMBA Programs serves as a testament to their value in meeting the organizational thirst for leadership development,” says Desiderio. “Executive MBA Programs give students the tools they need to position themselves as invaluable leaders in the market.”

Learn more about the impact of the EMBA experience on students, their organizations, and the broader world at EMBA Buzz and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.