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Is it ok to do an MBA at the age of 30?

Updated: Mar 18

MBA programs are designed to provide individuals with a broad understanding of business functions and prepare them for leadership positions in their chosen field. While pursuing an MBA degree, students gain essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership, which are highly valued by employers.


One of the most common questions that prospective MBA applicants ask is whether it's ok to do an MBA at the age of 30. The answer is, it depends on individual circumstances, goals, and expectations. According to the data of the average age of leading MBA programs across the world, the average age for MBA students ranges from 26 to 33 years old.


Many individuals pursue an MBA at the age of 30, and it can be a great time to do so. By the age of 30, most people have gained some work experience and developed a good understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. This experience can help them better appreciate and apply the concepts learned in the MBA program. Also, at this age, individuals are still young enough to make significant career transitions and gain the maximum benefits of an MBA degree.


Is it ok to do an MBA at the age of 30 in 2023?


Sharing a list of average age in class from the latest class profile at some leading MBA programs:

  1. Telfer School of Management 33 Years

  2. Warwick Business School 32 Years

  3. Schulich 32 Years

  4. Warwick Business School 32 Years

  5. Mannheim Business School 31 Years

  6. HEC Montreal 31 Years

  7. Simon Fraser University - Beedie 31 Years

  8. Mannheim Business School 31 Years

  9. HEC Paris 30 Years

  10. University of California at Irvine: Merage 30 Years

  11. ESCP Business School 30 Years

  12. Essec Business School 30 Years

  13. City, University of London: Bayes (formerly Cass) 30 Years

  14. WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management 30 Years

  15. University of St Gallen 30 Years

  16. Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University 30 Years

  17. ESMT Berlin 30 Years

  18. UBC Sauder 30 Years

  19. Esade Business School 30 Years

  20. IE Business School 30 Years

  21. Ceibs 29.9 Years

  22. Insead 29 Years

  23. Iese Business School 29 Years

  24. Cornell University: Johnson 29 Years

  25. Duke University's Fuqua School of Business 29 Years

  26. National University of Singapore Business School 29 Years

  27. University of Cambridge: Judge 29 Years

  28. Carnegie Mellon: Tepper 29 Years

  29. University of Southern California: Marshall 29 Years

  30. Georgetown University: McDonough 29 Years

  31. University of Washington: Foster 29 Years

  32. Alliance Manchester Business School 29 Years

  33. University of Texas at Austin: McCombs 29 Years

  34. Indiana University: Kelley 29 Years

  35. McGill University: Desautels 29 Years

  36. Melbourne Business School 29 Years

  37. McGill University: Desautels 29 Years

  38. Alberta School of Business 29 Years

  39. Insead 29 Years

  40. Iese Business School 29 Years

  41. University of Cambridge: Judge 29 Years

  42. Alliance Manchester Business School 29 Years

  43. Western University: Ivey 28.5 Years

  44. Western University: Ivey 28.5 Years

  45. Columbia Business School 28 Years

  46. University of Chicago: Booth 28 Years

  47. University of Virginia: Darden 28 Years

  48. Washington University: Olin 28 Years

  49. Imperial College Business School 28 Years

  50. University of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler 28 Years

  51. University of Rochester: Simon Business School 28 Years

  52. Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business 28 Years

  53. Boston University Questrom School of Business 28 Years

  54. Arizona State University: WP Carey 28 Years

  55. University of Toronto: Rotman 28 Years

  56. University of Texas at Dallas: Jindal 28 Years

  57. Queen's University: Smith 28 Years

  58. University of Toronto: Rotman 28 Years

  59. Queen's University: Smith 28 Years

  60. Imperial College Business School 28 Years

  61. Texas A & M University: Mays 27 Years

  62. University of Georgia: Terry 26 Years


Some individuals may feel that they are too old to pursue an MBA at the age of 30. They may feel that they have missed the boat, or it's too late to make a change in their careers. It's important to note that age is just a number, and pursuing an MBA degree can open up new opportunities and help individuals achieve their career goals, regardless of their age.


Moreover, it's essential to consider the opportunity cost of pursuing an MBA degree. MBA programs can be expensive, and individuals should consider the financial burden of the program, the potential return on investment, and the career opportunities available after graduation.


Pursuing an MBA degree at the age of 30 can be a great career move for many individuals. However, it's essential to evaluate personal circumstances, goals, and expectations before making the decision to pursue an MBA. The average age of MBA students is a good indicator of the age range of students in leading MBA programs, but it's important to remember that individual circumstances and goals may vary.


When considering MBA programs, many prospective students wonder whether their age will affect their chances of being admitted, or whether they should wait until they are older or more experienced before applying. The data on the average age of MBA programs across the world can provide some guidance in this decision-making process. Looking at the data, it is clear that there is a wide range of average ages among the top MBA programs, with some schools having an average age of 26 and others having an average age of 33. This suggests that there is no "right" or "wrong" age to pursue an MBA, and that applicants of all ages can find a program that is a good fit for their needs and goals.

That being said, the average age of a school's MBA program can be a useful piece of information to take into account when deciding which schools to target. For example, if an applicant is in their early 20s and is looking for a program that is more geared toward younger professionals, they may want to target schools with a lower average age, such as the University of Georgia: Terry, which has an average age of 26.

On the other hand, if an applicant is in their mid-30s and is looking for a program that is more geared toward experienced professionals, they may want to target schools with a higher average age, such as the Telfer School of Management or the Schulich School of Business, both of which have an average age of 32 or higher.

Of course, the average age of a school's MBA program should not be the only factor considered when deciding which schools to target. Other important factors include the program's reputation, curriculum, faculty, alumni network, and location, among others. However, taking into account the average age of a school's MBA program can be a useful piece of information to help narrow down the list of potential target schools and ensure that an applicant is applying to programs that are a good fit for their age and experience level.

For a detailed profile evaluation or MBA application assistance get in touch with an experienced MBA admissions consultant at GOALisB .

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