The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago is a global leader in business education. Focusing on academic rigour and analytical thinking, the Chicago Booth MBA program equips students with the skills and mindset to lead in complex, data-driven environments. From flexibility in course selection to a collaborative yet intellectually challenging culture, Booth attracts high-achieving professionals from across the globe.

Inside the University of Chicago Booth MBA Class Profile 2026

The Chicago Booth MBA class profile 2026 reflects diversity, global representation, and academic excellence. The full-time MBA program welcomed 632 students from 66 countries, highlighting the school’s global appeal. A remarkable 46% of students were born outside the United States, and 11% identify as first-generation college students, reinforcing Booth’s mission of inclusivity.
Gender diversity remains a strong focus, with 42% of the class comprising women. Booth values varied academic backgrounds, and this is evident in the breakdown of undergraduate majors:

• Business: 27%
• Engineering: 23%
• Economics: 22%
• Liberal Arts: 13%
• Physical Sciences: 7%
• Law: 2%
• Other: 6%

Academic and Test Score Averages

Students in this cohort display strong academic aptitude:

• Average GPA: 3.6
• GMAT Range: 590–780
• Average GMAT: 729
• GRE Quantitative Average: 163
• GRE Verbal Average: 161

These numbers reflect the competitive nature of admissions and the academic calibre expected at the Chicago Booth School of Business.

Industry Backgrounds of Incoming Students

The professional backgrounds of Booth’s MBA students are as diverse as their nationalities. The top pre-MBA industries include:

• Consulting: 27%
• Financial Services: 18%
• Technology: 13%
• Non-Profit/Government: 11%
• Private Equity/Venture Capital: 8%
• Healthcare: 5%
• Consumer Products: 4%
• Energy: 2%
• Manufacturing: 1%
• Accounting: 1%
• Other: 9%

This diversity ensures a well-rounded and intellectually stimulating classroom experience.

Understanding the Chicago Booth MBA Acceptance Rate

The Chicago Booth MBA acceptance rate is approximately 32.6%, making it a highly selective program. While Booth doesn’t publish official acceptance statistics annually, the estimate suggests that applicants must demonstrate a compelling mix of academic success, leadership experience, and career ambition to secure admission.

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Chicago Booth MBA Placements: Where Grads Go

Booth graduates consistently secure roles at top firms around the world. The Chicago Booth MBA placements data for the Class of 2024 is particularly impressive:

• 86.8% of job-seeking graduates received full-time offers within three months of graduation
• The median base salary for these roles was $175,000

Top Industries for Employment

• Consulting: 33.8%
• Finance: 32.9%
• Technology: 14%
• Healthcare 4.1%
• Law 2.7%
• Others: Include manufacturing, and consumer goods

These numbers indicate strong demand for Booth graduates and speak to the program’s focus on career readiness.

Booth School of Business Employment Report Highlights

The Chicago Booth employment report reflects not only salary outcomes but also industry trends and recruiter feedback. It consistently highlights the school’s reputation among employers for producing analytically strong, highly prepared professionals. Many students also receive offers from their summer internships, showing how well Booth prepares students for real-world success.

Chicago Booth MBA Fees and Financial Overview

Pursuing an MBA at a top institution comes with significant costs. The Chicago Booth MBA fees for the full two-year program total $168,396. This tuition fee covers up to 2,200 units of coursework—2,000 units are required to graduate.
Tuition is billed in six quarterly instalments, regardless of whether a student completes the degree in fewer quarters. Other costs, such as housing, books, health insurance, and personal expenses, will vary depending on individual lifestyles and choices.

Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships

Financing a top-tier MBA is a concern for many students, and Booth offers a range of scholarship opportunities to ease that burden. Nearly 60% of students receive financial aid, with Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships awarded primarily on a merit basis.

• Average scholarship amount: $40,000 per year
• The university awards full-tuition scholarships to exceptional candidates.
• The Civic Scholars Program supports professionals from the nonprofit and public sectors, covering up to full tuition

Types of Scholarships:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to outstanding candidates based on academic excellence, professional achievements, and leadership potential.​
• The Dennis W. and Jane B. Carlton Fellowship: Supports students who demonstrate exceptional academic and professional merit.​
• The Distinguished Fellows Program Recognizes students with outstanding leadership and academic credentials.​
• Yellow Ribbon Program: For eligible U.S. military veterans, offering additional funding in conjunction with the Post-9/11 GI Bill.​
• Need-Based Aid: Assessed through a comprehensive evaluation of financial circumstances, available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.​

Scholarship decisions are communicated at the time of admission or shortly thereafter. In addition, international students have access to alternative funding sources and dedicated scholarship options to support their education at Booth.

The Cost of Attendance for the 2024–2025 Academic Year

The estimated cost for the Full-Time MBA program over three quarters (nine months) is as follows:​

• Tuition: $84,198
• Student Services Fee: $1,452
• Administrative Service Fee (first year only): $3,000
• Lifetime Transcript Fee: $78
• Books and Course Materials: $549
• Housing & Food: $26,010
• Personal Expenses: $7,250
• Transportation: $1,800
• Computer Allowance (first year only): $1,600
  Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $125,937 ​

These figures provide a comprehensive view of the financial requirements for a single student during the academic year.

How to Approach the Chicago Booth MBA Application

The Chicago Booth MBA application process is thorough, and candidates should invest time in understanding Booth’s values. Booth looks for students who are introspective, thoughtful, and aligned with its analytical philosophy. The school’s two required essays ask applicants to articulate their personal stories, career goals, and fit with Booth.
Interviews, conducted by alumni or admissions staff, are extended only after an initial review of the application. Preparing for the interview with specific Booth-related experiences, goals, and thoughtful questions can leave a lasting impression.

What Are the Chicago Booth MBA Requirements?

Meeting the Chicago Booth MBA requirements involves a combination of academic, professional, and personal qualifications. The admissions team seeks candidates with intellectual curiosity, analytical capabilities, and strong interpersonal skills. To apply, you’ll need:

• A completed online application
• Academic transcripts from all institutions attended
• GMAT or GRE scores
• Two letters of recommendation
• A detailed resume
• Written essays
• An interview (by invitation only)

Booth uses a holistic approach, which means applicants are evaluated not just by numbers, but also by how they will contribute to the Booth community

Chicago Booth MBA Admissions Overview

The Chicago Booth MBA program is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and emphasis on analytical thinking. Admissions are competitive, with a holistic review process that considers various aspects of an applicant’s profile.

Booth School of Business Application Components

To apply for the Booth School of Business, applicants must submit:

• Online Application: Complete the application form through Booth’s official portal.
• Academic Transcripts: Provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• GMAT or GRE Scores: Submit valid test scores taken within the last five years.
• Resume: Detail your professional experience and achievements.
• Essays: Respond to the essay prompts to showcase your goals and fit with Booth.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendations, preferably from professional contacts.
• Interview: Conducted by invitation only, after an initial application review.

Note: Booth does not have a preference between the GMAT and GRE and does not set minimum score requirements.

Chicago Booth MBA Interview Process

Interviews are an integral part of the admissions process and are conducted by invitation only. They can be held:

• Virtually
• On-campus in Chicago
• In-person at various global locations

The interview assesses your fit with Booth’s culture and your potential contributions to the program.

Booth School of Business Student Loans

Financing options are available to assist students in covering the cost of the MBA program. ​

For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents:

• Federal Student Loans: Including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
• Private Loans: Offered by various financial institutions.

For International Students:

• Private Loans: Available through lenders that do not require a U.S. co-signer.
• External Funding: Scholarships and grants from foundations, corporations, and associations.​

Many students can repay their loans within a few years post-graduation, thanks to the strong employment outcomes associated with the Booth MBA.

Conclusion: Why Choose the Booth School of Business?

Selecting the Chicago Booth MBA means being part of an intellectual freedom-inspired community, supported by evidence-driven thinking and courageous leadership. From its high-powered academic reputation to its worldwide network of alumni, or its market-leading employment performance, Booth presents a setting in which inquisitive minds drive success.
From a dynamic curriculum and world-class faculty to premier employers and generous scholarships, the Booth School of Business offers a genuinely life-changing experience for professionals willing to make a difference globally.

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