What is the acceptance rate for Harvard Business School?

Based on 943 students in the Class of 2027 and 9,409 applications, the implied admit rate is approximately 10%. Harvard Business School does not publish an official acceptance rate, so this should be treated as a directional estimate.

Is there a minimum GMAT score required for HBS?

No. Harvard Business School does not prescribe a minimum GMAT score for admission. The median GMAT score for the Class of 2027 was 685 on the GMAT Classic scale and 730 on the GMAT 10th Edition scale.

What GMAT scores do successful HBS applicants typically have?

For the Class of 2027, the middle 80% of GMAT Classic total scores ranged from 645 to 735, while the middle 80% of GMAT 10th Edition scores ranged from 690 to 770. The median total scores were 685 and 730 respectively.

What GRE score do I need for Harvard Business School?

There is no minimum GRE score required. For the Class of 2027, the middle 80% of GRE scores ranged from 158 to 168 in Verbal and 159 to 169 in Quantitative Reasoning. The median score was 164 in both sections.

Does Harvard Business School prefer the GMAT or the GRE?

No. Harvard Business School states no preference between the GMAT and GRE. Among the Class of 2027, 44% submitted GRE scores, 34% submitted GMAT Classic scores, and 28% submitted GMAT 10th Edition scores. Some applicants submitted more than one test score.

What is the average work experience of HBS MBA students?

Students in the HBS Class of 2027 have an average of 4.9 years of full-time work experience. The middle 80% of students entered with between 3 and 7 years of experience.

What industries do Harvard Business School students come from?

Consulting is the largest pre-MBA industry at 19%, followed by Venture Capital and Private Equity at 16%, Technology at 13%, Financial Services at 10%, Consumer Products, Retail and E-Commerce at 9%, Health Care and Biotech at 8%, Manufacturing, Industrial and Energy at 8%, Nonprofit, Government and Education at 6%, Media, Entertainment and Travel at 5%, Military at 3%, and Services at 2%.

What undergraduate majors are represented in the HBS Class of 2027?

Engineering is the largest undergraduate major at 24%, followed by Business and Commerce at 22%, Economics at 19%, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at 19%, Social Sciences at 11%, and Arts and Humanities at 5%.

How international is the Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2027?

International students make up 37% of the HBS Class of 2027. The class represents 62 countries and more than 50 languages.

What percentage of the HBS Class of 2027 is women?

Women comprise 44% of the Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2027.

What is the racial and ethnic diversity of the HBS Class of 2027?

Harvard Business School reports diversity using both federal reporting guidelines and multi-dimensional reporting. Under federal reporting, the class is 49% White, 26% Asian American, 9% Hispanic or Latino, 7% Black or African American, 4% Multi-Race, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 5% did not report.

What is the average GPA of HBS students?

The average GPA for the HBS Class of 2027 is 3.76, based on students from U.S. institutions using a 4.0 grading scale.

How many universities are represented in the HBS Class of 2027?

Students in the Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2027 come from 283 different universities worldwide.

What percentage of HBS students are first-generation college students?

First-generation college students account for 10% of the Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2027.

Does Harvard Business School offer financial aid?

Yes. Harvard Business School offers need-based financial aid. Approximately 50% of students receive need-based scholarships, 10% receive full-tuition scholarships, and the average need-based scholarship totals approximately $100,000 over the two-year MBA program.

Harvard MBA 2027 Application

Q: How many students are in the HBS Class of 2027?

The Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2027 has 943 students, selected from 9,409 applications received during the 2024-25 admissions cycle.

Jul 10
11 min read

Can an Indian get into Harvard MBA? Yes, Indian students can get into the Harvard Business School with the right preparation and hard work. The first step to get started by understanding who goes into the school and competitively positioning oneself to prepare a strong application.

Harvard Business School Class of 2027: Full Class Profile, GMAT/GRE Scores, and Admissions Data (2026-27 Cycle)

The HBS Class of 2027 has 943 students, drawn from 9,409 applications, with a median GMAT Total of 685 (Classic) or 730 (10th Edition), a median GRE of V164/Q164, and an average GPA of 3.76. International students make up 37% of the class, women 44%, and 62 countries are represented. There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score required, and HBS accepts scores from either test with no stated preference.

How many students are in the HBS Class of 2027?

The class has 943 students, selected from 9,409 applications received in the 2024-25 admissions cycle.

What is the acceptance rate implied by these numbers?

Based on 943 admits against 9,409 applications, the class represents roughly a 10% admit rate. This is a directional estimate; HBS does not publish an official acceptance rate, and admits, matriculants, and applications are not always drawn from the same cycle.

What GMAT score do I need for HBS?

There is no minimum GMAT score to apply. For context, the middle 80% of the class scored:

Metric	GMAT Classic	GMAT 10th Edition
Verbal (middle 80%)	82-90	38-47
Quant (middle 80%)	79-89	45-50
Total (middle 80%)	645-735	690-770
Median Total	685	730

Median Verbal and Quant scores were 86 and 84 (Classic) and 42 and 49 (10th Edition) respectively.

What GRE score do I need for HBS?

Middle 80% of GRE scores ranged from 158-168 (Verbal) and 159-169 (Quant), with median scores of 164 on both sections.

Does HBS prefer the GMAT over the GRE?

No stated preference exists. Of the Class of 2027, 44% submitted the GRE, 34% submitted the GMAT Classic, and 28% submitted the GMAT 10th Edition, with some applicants submitting more than one test score.

What is the average work experience of an HBS student?

The average is 4.9 years, with the middle 80% of the class falling between 3 and 7 years of full-time work experience.

What industries do HBS students come from?

Pre-MBA Industry	Share
Consulting	19%
Venture Capital / Private Equity	16%
Technology	13%
Financial Services	10%
Consumer Products / Retail / E-Commerce	9%
Health Care / Biotech	8%
Manufacturing / Industrial / Energy	8%
Nonprofit / Government / Education	6%
Media / Entertainment / Travel	5%
Military	3%
Services	2%

The 16% share from Venture Capital / Private Equity is notably high relative to many peer programs, and is a useful data point for candidates from buyout, growth equity, or VC backgrounds assessing fit.

What undergraduate majors are represented?

Major	Share
Engineering	24%
Business / Commerce	22%
Economics	19%
Math / Physical Sciences	19%
Social Sciences	11%
Arts / Humanities	5%

Engineering is the single largest undergraduate major category, ahead of Business/Commerce — a detail that runs against the assumption that HBS skews toward generalist or humanities-first backgrounds.

How international is the HBS Class of 2027?

International students make up 37% of the class, with 62 countries represented and over 50 languages spoken among students.

What is the gender split at HBS?

Women make up 44% of the Class of 2027.

What is the racial and ethnic composition of the class (US students)?

HBS reports this in two ways. Under federal reporting guidelines (each student counted once, in a single category):

Category	Federal Reporting
Asian American	26%
White	49%
Hispanic or Latino	9%
Black or African American	7%
Multi-Race	4%
American Indian or Alaska Native	0.2%
Did Not Report	5%

Under multi-dimensional reporting (students counted in every category they identify with, so the column totals more than 100%): Asian American rises to 30%, White to 60%, Black or African American to 9%, and American Indian or Alaska Native to 1%. These two figures are not interchangeable, and any citation of HBS diversity data should specify which methodology is being referenced.

What academic background do HBS students have?

The average GPA is 3.76 (based on US institutions using a 4.0 scale), and students come from 283 different universities. First-generation students make up 10% of the class.

Does HBS offer financial aid?

Approximately 50% of students receive need-based scholarships, and 10% receive full-tuition scholarships. The average need-based scholarship awarded is $100,000 over two years.

How many students are in the HBS Class of 2027? 943 students.

What was the applicant pool size? 9,409 applications in the 2024-25 cycle.

Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE score for HBS? No. HBS states there is no minimum score requirement for either test.

What is the median GMAT score at HBS? 685 on the GMAT Classic scale, or 730 on the GMAT 10th Edition scale.

What is the median GRE score at HBS? 164 Verbal and 164 Quant.

Does HBS prefer GMAT or GRE? No stated preference. Both are accepted, and some applicants submit both.

What percentage of the class is international? 37%, representing 62 countries.

What percentage of the class is women? 44%.

What is the average work experience of an incoming student? 4.9 years, with a middle-80% range of 3-7 years.

What is the most common pre-MBA industry at HBS? Consulting, at 19%, followed by Venture Capital / Private Equity at 16%.

What is the most common undergraduate major at HBS? Engineering, at 24%, ahead of Business/Commerce at 22%.

Does HBS offer need-based financial aid? Yes. Approximately 50% of students receive need-based scholarships, averaging $100,000 over two years.

What percentage of the class are first-generation students? 10%.

Read about the MBA Essay analysis for HBS MBA 2026-28 applications.

HBS MBA Class of 2026 Profile: Data & Demographics

HBS MBA Class of 2026 Overview

Metric	Value
Total Enrollment	930
Applications Received	9,856
Women	45%
International (by Primary Citizenship)	35%
First-Generation College Students	11%
Universities Represented	296
Average GPA	3.69 (US 4.0 scale)
Average Work Experience	5 years

HBS MBA Primary Citizenship Breakdown in Class 2026

Region	Percentage
Africa	2%
Asia	13%
Canada	3%
Europe	8%
Mexico, Central & South America	5%
Middle East	3%
Oceania	<1%
United States	65%

U.S. Race & Ethnicity (Two Reporting Formats)

Federal Guidelines Reporting (adds to ~100%):

Ethnicity/Race	Percentage
Asian American	25%
Black or African American	8%
Hispanic or Latino	10%
White	49%
Multi-Race	4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	—
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	—
Did Not Report	3%

Multi-Dimensional Reporting (can exceed 100% due to overlap):

Ethnicity/Race	Percentage
Asian American	29%
Black or African American	10%
Hispanic or Latino	10%
White	62%
American Indian / Alaska Native	1%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	0.2%
Did Not Report	3%

HBS Undergraduate Majors in Class

Major Group	Percentage
Arts / Humanities	5%
Business / Commerce	24%
Economics	19%
Engineering	22%
Math / Physical Sciences	18%
Social Sciences	12%

Harvard Business School Pre-MBA Industry Background

Industry Sector	Percentage
Consulting	18%
Venture Capital / Private Equity	16%
Technology	12%
Financial Services	10%
Manufacturing / Industrial / Energy	9%
Consumer Products / E-Commerce	9%
Health Care / Biotech	8%
Nonprofit / Government / Education	6%
Military	5%
Media / Travel / Entertainment	4%
Services	2%

Harvard MBA GMAT Score Ranges (Class of 2026)

Metric	Verbal	Quantitative	Total
All Scores Range	27–51	35–51	540–790
Middle 80% Range	38–47	45–50	700–770
Median Score	42	49	740

HBS MBA GRE Score Ranges (Class of 2026)

Metric	Verbal	Quantitative
All Scores Range	145–170	146–170
Middle 80% Range	157–168	157–169
Median Score	163	163

HBS accepts both GMAT (including GMAT Focus) and GRE without preference. 63% of students submitted GMAT scores, 41% submitted GRE scores, and some submitted both.

https://youtu.be/9wkYM3YoUVk

Harvard MBA 2025-27 Application Deadlines:

Round 1: Sep 4, 2024
Round 2: Jan 6, 2025

Harvard MBA Class of 2025: A Snapshot

Class Size: 938 students
Applications: 8,149
Women: 45%
International Students: 39%
U.S. Ethnic Minorities: 45%
Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.73
Median GMAT: 740
Median GRE (Verbal and Quantitative): 163
Average Work Experience: 4.9 years
Top Industries: Consulting (17%), Venture Capital/Private Equity (17%), Technology (13%)
Other Industries: Financial Services, Consumer Products/Retail/E-commerce, Healthcare/Biotech, Manufacturing/Industrial/Energy, Media/Entertainment/Travel, Military, Nonprofit/Government/Education, Services
First-Generation College Graduates: 11%
Domestic Universities Represented: 128
International Universities Represented: 147

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Is an MBA from Harvard Business School Worth It?

Whether or not an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) is worth it depends on your personal and professional goals and priorities some that will help you decide whether to go ahead with the Harvard MBA or not:

Reputation: HBS is widely considered one of the top business schools in the world, and an MBA from HBS may be highly regarded in the job market.
Curriculum: HBS offers a rigorous and highly regarded MBA program that covers a wide range of business-related subjects.
Career opportunities: An MBA from HBS can open up a wide range of career opportunities in various industries and sectors.
Cost: An MBA from HBS is a significant financial investment, and you should carefully consider whether or not you are willing and able to pay the tuition and other costs associated with the program.
Time commitment: An MBA is a full-time program that requires a significant time commitment, and you should consider whether or not you are able to commit to the program while also balancing any other responsibilities you may have.

Is an Harvard MBA worthwhile for you or not depends on personal goals. It may be helpful to speak with current or former HBS MBA students or reach out to the admissions team for more information about the program.

How much does an MBA from Harvard cost ?

The cost of an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) varies depending on a number of factors, including your individual financial situation and the length of the program. According to HBS's website, the total cost of an MBA for the 2020-2021 academic year was $73,440 for tuition and $28,200 for living expenses, for a total of $101,640. This cost does not include additional fees or expenses, such as travel costs or professional development expenses.

It is important to note that the cost of an MBA from HBS is a significant financial investment, and you should carefully consider whether or not you are able to afford the program before applying. HBS offers a number of financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and other forms of assistance, to help make an MBA more affordable for qualified students. If you are considering applying to HBS, you may want to reach out to the admissions team for more information about financial aid options and the overall cost of the program.

What GPA do you need for Harvard MBA?

The Harvard Business School (HBS) does not have a specific minimum GPA requirement for its MBA program However, HBS is a highly competitive program, and the admissions committee seeks candidates with solid academic credentials and demonstrated academic aptitude. A high GPA can be one factor that the admissions committee considers when evaluating MBA applications.

According to HBS's website, the average GPA of incoming MBA students is 3.7. While this is not a strict requirement, it may give you an idea of the level of academic achievement that is typical of HBS MBA students. It is important to note that the admissions committee looks at a variety of factors when evaluating MBA applications, and a high GPA is just one of many considerations. The admissions committee also looks at a candidate's professional experience, leadership potential, and overall fit with the program.

If you are considering applying to the HBS MBA program, it is important to put together a strong overall application that showcases your academic and professional accomplishments and demonstrates your fit with the program.

Different Parameters of the Class Profile of Harvard MBA Class of 2024 has been listed below:

Class size: 1015
Applications received in the 2021-2022 Academic Year: 8,264
Women: 46%
First Generation: 13%
Average GPA: 3.70
Domestic Universities: 134
International Universities: 160
Average Years of Work Experience: 5.0
International: 38%

Educational Backgrounds represented in Harvard MBA:

Engineering: 28%
Business/Commerce: 24%
Arts/Humanities: 5%
Economics: 19%
Social Science: 10%
Math/Physical Science: 14%

Pre-MBA Industries represented in the class of Harvard MBA program:

Consulting: 16%
Consumer Products/Retail/E-Commerce: 9%
Financial Services: 10%
Healthcare/Biotech: 8%
Manufacturing/Industrial/Energy: 9%
Media/Entertainment: 4%
Military: 4%
Nonprofit/Government/Education: 6%
Services: 3%
Technology: 14%
Venture Capital: 16%

GMAT related information for the Harvard MBA:

Range Verbal: 29-51
Range of QA score : 34-51
Total Range: 540-790
Median VA: 42
Median QA: 48
Median GMAT score: 730

GRE related information for the Harvard MBA:

Verbal : 147-170
Quantitative : 150-170
Median Verbal: 163
Median Quantitative: 163

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Is it hard to enter Harvard Business School ?

Harvard Business School (HBS) is a highly competitive program, and it can be difficult to get into. According to HBS's website, the school received over 9,600 applications for the class of 2023, and the acceptance rate was just 11%. 11 out of every 100 that apply.

The HBS admissions committee looks for a variety of qualities in MBA applicants, including strong academic records, professional experience, leadership potential, and overall fit with the program. The admissions process is highly selective, and the committee carefully reviews and evaluates each application to select the most qualified candidates.

If you are considering applying to the HBS MBA program, it is important to put together a strong and well-rounded application that showcases your fit with the program and your potential as a leader. This may include demonstrating your academic and professional achievements, highlighting your leadership skills and experiences, and writing a compelling personal statement. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the admissions process and requirements, and to seek guidance from current or former HBS MBA students or the admissions team if needed.

Eligibility for the Harvard 2 year MBA program:

Undergraduate degree (4yrs) or its equivalent
A degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States or its equivalent (unless you are a senior applying to our 2+2 Program). International three-year bachelor's degree programs are equivalent.
GMAT or GRE Scores Must not be more that 5 years Old
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo test results (If applicable)

Admission Process for the Harvard MBA program:

Written Application
Interview
Post-Interview Reflection
Transcripts
GMAT/GRE Score
TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test
One Essay
Two LORs
Updated CV
Application fees: $250
Codes for Test score submission
TOEFL Code: 3444
GMAT Code: HRLX892
GRE Code: 4064

How much does Harvard MBA cost ?

Harvard MBA costs around $ 2,25,000/- for single International Students. It is in tune with the other prestigious MBA programs like the Columbia MBA or the Wharton MBA .

One year Fee Details for the Harvard MBA:

Tuition fees: $73,440
Indirect Expenses: $31,390
Required Fees: $7,934
Total Fees for Singles: $112,764

Financial Aid

Need-Based Tuition Assistance
Summer Fellowships
Average need-based scholarship awarded over two years: $84,000
Average annual need-based scholarship award: $42,000
Aid distributed each year: $43m
Median salary after HBS: $150,500
Median signing bonus after HBS: $30,000
Students receive need-based scholarships: 50%

Where do Harvard MBAs go to work?

Most around (90%) of the Harvard MBA graduates work in the US. Around 75% of the class works in the field of Finance, Consulting and Technology. The details of the Jobs the graduated fetch after completing their MBA is given below. It covers the Industry-wise as well as the Location wise details.

Job Location:

United States: 91%
Canada: <1%
Latin America: <1%
Europe: 3%
Middle East/North Africa: <1%
Sub Saharan Africa: <1%
Asia: 2%
Australia/Oceania: <1%

Industries

Consulting: 26%
Consumer Products: 3%
Entertainment/Media: 3%
Financial Services: 34%
Healthcare: 5%
Manufacturing: 5%
Nonprofit/Government: 3%
Retail: 1%
Services: 1%
Technology: 19%

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Author Bio:

Shruti P is the Lead Consultant at GOALisB, with 12+ years of experience and numerous successful MBA admissions. She is an ISB and Stanford alumnus and specializes in ISB, IIM, and top global MBA programs.