Women in the U.S. with an MBA: Key Statistics

An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a powerful degree that opens doors to leadership roles and higher salaries.

More women in the U.S. are earning MBAs than ever before, but gaps in pay and representation still exist.

This article explores key statistics about women with MBAs in the U.S., including enrollment trends, salary differences, and career outcomes.

Understanding these numbers can help women make informed decisions about pursuing an MBA.

How Many Women in the U.S. Have an MBA?

The number of women earning MBAs has been rising steadily over the years.

According to recent data from a 2024 study, women now make up about 42% of MBA students in top U.S. business schools.

This is a big increase from just a few decades ago when women accounted for less than 30% of MBA graduates.

However, the growth has slowed in recent years, suggesting that more work is needed to reach equal representation.

Many schools are actively working to recruit more female students through scholarships and mentorship programs.

What Is the Average Salary for Women with an MBA?

An MBA often leads to higher earnings, but women still earn less than men with the same degree.

On average, women with an MBA in the U.S. earn about $115,000 per year, while men earn around $130,000.

This means women make roughly 88 cents for every dollar a man with an MBA earns.

The pay gap varies by industry, with finance and consulting showing some of the biggest differences.

Negotiation training and company transparency policies are helping to close this gap slowly.

How Does the MBA Salary Gap Compare to Other Degrees?

The wage gap for women with MBAs is smaller than in many other fields.

For example, women in tech or engineering often face even larger pay disparities compared to their male peers.

An MBA provides strong negotiation power, which may help women secure better salaries than in other industries.

Still, the gap persists, showing that systemic issues in the workplace need to be addressed.

Which Industries Hire the Most Women with MBAs?

Women with MBAs work in a variety of industries, but some fields employ more than others.

Consulting, finance, and technology are the top three sectors hiring female MBA graduates.

Many women also move into healthcare, retail, and nonprofit leadership roles.

Some industries, like private equity and venture capital, still have very low representation of women.

Efforts to promote diversity in hiring are helping more women enter male-dominated fields.

Are More Women with MBAs Starting Their Own Businesses?

Yes, entrepreneurship among women with MBAs is growing.

About 10% of female MBA graduates start their own businesses within five years of earning their degree.

This is higher than the rate for men, which is around 7%.

Many women cite flexibility and control over their careers as key reasons for choosing entrepreneurship.

Access to funding remains a challenge, but female-led startups are increasing every year.

What Are the Biggest Challenges for Women Pursuing an MBA?

While progress has been made, women still face unique challenges in MBA programs.

Balancing work, school, and family responsibilities is a major hurdle for many female students.

Some women also report feeling underrepresented in classroom discussions, especially in male-dominated fields like finance.

Imposter syndrome or doubting one’s abilities is another common issue among women in MBA programs.

Schools and employers are introducing support networks to help women overcome these challenges.

How Can Business Schools Support More Women in MBA Programs?

Business schools play a key role in encouraging women to pursue MBAs.

Offering scholarships specifically for women can help reduce financial barriers.

Mentorship programs connecting female students with alumni provide guidance and networking opportunities.

Creating inclusive classrooms where women feel heard can improve the overall learning experience.

Many top schools are also highlighting successful female graduates to inspire new students.

Women with MBAs in the U.S. are making strides in education and leadership.

While enrollment and salaries are improving, gender gaps still exist in pay and representation.

By supporting more women in business schools and workplaces, we can create a more equal future.