EMBA continues to help students realize many tangible returns on their education, according to recent research findings. 

EMBA Program graduates received a 14.6 percent increase in compensation – combined, both salary and bonuses – after program completion, according to the 2018 Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) Student Exit Survey.

The average salary and bonus package at program start for students in the 2018 survey was $172,498. By the end of the program, the average salary and bonus package rose to $197,719.

2018 marks yet-another year in the uptick of compensation increases for students during their time in the EMBA Program. According to the 2017 EMBAC Student Exit Survey, graduates received a 14.2 increase in compensation – combined, both salary and bonuses – after program completion.

“As the demand for competent and innovative leaders continues to rise, companies and individuals will look for ways to advance their abilities to stay competitive in the ever-changing business landscape, says Michael Desiderio, EMBAC executive director.

“It’s easy to understand why students are seeing exceptional value in these programs. They are able to apply what they learn – whether new knowledge or skills – in real time, which helps advance their careers and bolster their compensation. In turn, companies reap the benefits from the results of the application of that knowledge and those skills.”

EMBA students in the survey often found themselves with growing responsibilities and new opportunities during their time in the program: 39 percent of students who completed the survey received a promotion during the program and 54 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 Desiderio. 

EMBA Programs offer a wide variety of leadership development tools, greater strategic vision, and immediately applicable skills, he says. The survey shows that graduates improve their critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills, to name a few. Those who complete the program also gain better insight into economic factors that impact businesses today, as well as accounting and financial acuity.

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.

EMBAC conducts the Student Exit Survey in collaboration with Percept Research to track the perceptions and opinions of EMBA Program graduates and to help measure the return on investment of the degree. The survey included 2,399 students from 74 EMBA Programs, primarily based in the United States.

“This annual survey helps us quantify a few of the many positive impacts of an EMBA education,” says Desiderio. “It consistently confirms what we hear all the time – that students make strides in compensation and job growth while in program and value their EMBA experiences.”

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