Harvard Business School’s MBA program stands out globally for its intense curriculum centered around nurturing leadership talents. The case study-based pedagogy trains students to examine business situations from multiple lenses. The diverse and accomplished student body at HBS contributes to a collaborative and dynamic learning environment. An HBS MBA opens doors to the world’s best firms with the highest ROI among B-schools due to the extensive alumni network’s support. Harvard Business School’s MBA equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and network to excel in diverse professional settings, making it a premier choice for those seeking a transformative business education.
What’s unique about Harvard Business School?
Faculty expertise- Harvard Business School boasts faculty members who are widely recognized for their expertise. These educators lead discussions that bridge theoretical concepts with practical insights, enhancing the overall learning experience.
FIELD Program- FIELD is another unique aspect of HBS. FIELD is a two-part program during your required first-year curriculum. Integrated into the mandatory first-year curriculum, FIELD facilitates the practical application of theoretical learning. This program synergizes effectively with the case method, offering a platform to apply classroom-learned business skills while testing leadership and teamwork capabilities.
Large network- Harvard Business School, is one of the largest business school globally, which offers numerous opportunities. The diverse student body enables varied global connections during their time on campus. Clubs and electives cater to different interests. Additionally, the extensive HBS network is a valuable global resource.
Case-based Learning- Harvard Business School has a one-of-a-kind approach to management education, centered around analyzing real business situations. Instead of just theoretical lectures, students at HBS spend most of their time delving into case studies. By dissecting these challenges, students deepen their understanding of business intricacies and refine their practical problem-solving abilities.
Class Profile
Academic Statistics
| Class of 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Class Size | 938 |
| Applications Submitted | 8149 |
| Average GPA | 3.73 |
| Average Age | NA |
| International Students | 39% |
| Countries Represented | NA |
| Female Students | 45% |
| Average GMAT | 740 |
| Average GRE (Verbal / Quant) | 163/163 |
| % Reported GRE | NA |
| Average Work Ex | 4.9 years |
The Harvard Business School Class of 2025 boasts strong academic credentials of 938 students with a median GPA being 3.73 and an average GMAT of an impressive 740. The class reflects good diversity with 39% being international students. Women comprise 45% of the incoming class, attesting to HBS’s commitment to inclusion. With an average work experience of 4.9 years, the class brings maturity alongside qualifications. In terms of academic backgrounds, 22% have undergraduate degrees in Business, Economics(21%), and Engineering(25%). The prominence of Consulting and Finance as key pre-MBA sectors continues with their commensurate 17% and 10% representation. Thus holistically, the HBS Class of 2025 enters with a well-rounded mix of strong prior performances, global orientations, key competencies, and experiences to contribute towards the case-based pedagogy. By driving both academic and viewpoint diversity among gifted peers, the Wharton program facilitates invaluable peer learning and networking that enhances the community. Through this full talent pipeline, the school can nurture leaders to make meaningful impacts across different industries in the current age of disruption.
Harvard Business School Application Guide
Applying to Harvard Business School is both challenging and rewarding. Applying requires the candidate to go through a resume that describes in detail information about his experience, transcript reports, as well as GMAT or GRE results. Writing a personal essay emphasizing your goals and how HBS fits into the realization of your vision is a must. Two professional recommendations highlighting your leadership potential and achievements are necessary for the application. For shortlisted candidates, in-depth interviews await them. Authenticity is key-having uncommon experiences, leadership, and commitment to create impact. Preparation, clarity of purpose, and attention to detail would point out being exceptional in this preparation. Prepare your compelling narrative reflecting your ambitions and alignment with HBS values.
This guide demonstrates what it takes to join the Harvard community and how this will shape your future—whether by helping you move to a new career, advance in your field, or start your venture.
What is the Harvard Business School MBA Program acquiring rate?
In all, 8,149 individuals submitted applications to join the Harvard Business School class of 2025. Nonetheless, 938 students joined when Harvard offered 11.5% of the applicants a chance.
Applications Received by Harvard Business School – 8,149
Total Enrolled – 938
Enrollment rate – 11.5%
(Reference: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/financial-aid/tuition-assistance/Pages/cost-of-attendance.aspx)
What is the Harvard Business School MBA Cost?
The average tuition fee for a Harvard Business School MBA is $76,410. The cost structure is below.
MBA Program: Cost of Attendance for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Single | Married | Married with 1 Child | Married with 2 Children | |
Tuition | $76,410 | $76,410 | $76,410 | $76,410 |
HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF) | $1,592 | $1,592 | $1,592 | $1,592 |
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) | $4,202 | $4,202 | $4,202 | $4,202 |
Hushp FOR STUDENT SPOUSES/DEPENDENTS | $0 | $9,112 | $13,828 | $16,198 |
COURSE & Program MATERIALS Fee | $2,650 | $2,650 | $2,650 | $2,650 |
Housing (9 months) | $17,280* ($1,920/mo) | $26,820** ($2,980/mo) | $34,560*** ($3,840/mo) | $34,560*** ($3,840/mo) |
Food (9 months) | $6,120 ($680/mo) | $8,190 ($910/mo) | $10,296 ($1,114/mo) | $11,430 ($1,270/mo) |
Transportation (9 months) | $2,280 ($253/mo) | $3,924 ($436/mo) | $4,029 ($448/mo) | $4,029 ($448/mo) |
OTHER LIVING EXPENSES (9 months) | $8,320 ($924/mo) | $10,736 ($1,193/mo) | $13,351 ($1,483/mo) | $15,071 ($1,675/mo) |
Total | $118,854 | $143,636 | $160,918 | $166,142 |
Computer (variable; not included in above budgets) | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
*based on the average area market rate for a 2-bedroom apartment with a roommate
**based on the average area market rate for 1 bedroom apartment
***based on average area market rate for 2 bedroom apartment
(Reference: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/financial-aid/tuition-assistance/Pages/cost-of-attendance.aspx)
Does Harvard Business School give out loans and grants?
Yes, Harvard Business School offers loans and scholarships and they include:
MERIT-BASED ADMISSION NEED-BASED AID
55% of students receive need-based Harvard scholarships. 1 in 4 pays nothing to attend.
Every single candidate who gets into HBS proves the ability of the student to transform themselves into a leader who will be making a difference in the world. This means that although student financial needs are considered in the awarding of financial aid, admission into the institution is by merit.
Shared investment in your future
Business school is simply an investment in your future. HBS is privileged to play its part in this process by providing need-based scholarships to eligible domestic and international learners. Scholarships from HBS are gifts that are non-repayable. HBS offers need-based scholarships to around half of its students; the average scholarship amount is about $46,000 annually or $92,000 in total.
HBS’s financial aid staff urges you to seek other sources of funding, including student loans, scholarships from other sources, and coterminal fellowships, to meet the cost of attendance and complement any need-based HBS Scholarship.
Scholarships & Grants:
When you are eligible for Harvard financial aid, they will pool together all available resources to construct a student-specific aid package that covers the demonstrated need. This can include scholarship funds, student employment, and any other outside awards. Parent and student loans are also available for interested families.
Because Harvard is committed to affordability, their scholarships are designed to cover 100% of your demonstrated financial need. Here is their process:
- They start by calculating your prize based on your parent’s contribution.
- Next, they take into account any outside accolades you may have obtained as well as your student employment.
- Scholarship money, which is grant-based and never has to be paid back, will meet the rest of your needs.
Federal and state grants
If you are an American student or have a residence in America, there are Federal Pell Grants or Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) for you. Your Eligibility is calculated through the information provided in your FAFSA: which stands for the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid.
It also administers the Pell Grants and the SEOG both of which are government-funded based on the needs of the students. This means that depending on your financial needs, FAFSA will advise you whether you are qualified to get a Pell Grant by sending you a Student Aid Report within 10 days.
You may also qualify for a state Gilbert Grant which is means-tested if you are from Massachusetts.
(Reference: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works/types-aid)
Student Loans
LOANS FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Federal Student Loan Programs
Federal student loans are extended under the Federal Direct Loan Program. Federal student loans come in two varieties: Grad PLUS loans, Stafford loans for Independent students as well as Unsubsidized Stafford loans.
- Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Students who apply must be US citizens or US permanent residents of the United States. These are capped at $20,500 and their interest rates are constant.
- Graduate PLUS Loans: These are for students who have US citizenship are residents of the country, and who meet the stipulated standard. The annual loan limit is determined by subtracting the cost of attendance from other financial help obtained, and they have a fixed interest rate.
Since a Stafford Loan often has a lower interest rate and loan cost, many students apply for one first. To make up the gap, students then apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan.
Private Student Loans
Private student loans are of two options: they come from banks as well as other credit unions.
- While today most lenders provide variable and fixed rates for students, rates are primarily variable, and your interest rate as well as payments will also increase.
- Those of you with good credit ratings who want to pay off your student loans within five years after graduation may wish to consider taking up private student loans.
- They may not offer quite the same terms as federal student loan repayment options.
- Subtracting the cost of attendance from other additional financial aid provided produces an annual loan maximum.
It is always suggested that you secure a copy of your credit report before applying for a private student loan to ensure all documents state your credit report accurately.
(Reference: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/financial-aid/tuition-assistance/student-loans/Pages/domestic-students.aspx)
The MBAid Journey
For gifted future leaders from all backgrounds, HBS is dedicated to enhancing financial accessibility and affordability. Need-based scholarships are provided to almost half of MBA students in HBS and the grants usually fall in the range of $2500 to $76000 per year. For instance, last year, need-based awards amounted to $46,000 per year or $92,000 over two years.
HBS provides extensive aid throughout and after your time as a student, including Career Support & Exploration, Summer Fellowships, and Need-Based Tuition Assistance.
Summer Fellowships: Funding for possible summer internships throughout your first and second years.
Career Support & Exploration: Support that the graduates can only access after completing their studies through scholarships and grants as well as, those which are offered after the completion of studies through subsidy and loan repaying programs.
(Reference: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/financial-aid/Pages/default.aspx)
What are the demands of doing an MBA from Harvard?
- Submit A Written Application
- Transcripts
- GRE/GMAT
- English Language Test
- Essays
- Recommendations
- Resume
- Fee or Fee Waiver
- Acceptance of Policies
- Interview
- Post-Interview Reflection
(Reference: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/application-process/Pages/default.aspx)
Harvard Business School MBA Deadlines?
The application dates for the MBA Class of 2027 (matriculating fall 2025) are:
Application Periods: | Application submitted by 12 PM noon Boston time: | Notification of the MBA Admissions Board’s decision: |
Round 1 | 04 SEP 2024 | 10 DEC 2024 |
Round 2 | 06 JAN 2025 | 26 MAR 2025 |
The 2025 application dates for 2+2 deferred admission applicants are:
Application Periods: | Application submitted by 12 PM noon Boston time: | Notification of the MBA Admissions Board’s decision: |
2+2 Round | 23 APR 2025 | 26 JUNE 2025 |
(Reference: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/Pages/application-dates.aspx)
What ranking does Harvard Business School MBA have?
Harvard University is ranked No. 6 out of 124 in Best Business Schools. Schools were assessed on their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
- Global Ranking: #6 (current ranking for MBA programs globally)
- Class Composition: 930 enrolled. Class Entering 2026
- Class Size: The percentage of Women is upto 45%. 35%International students.
(Reference: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/class-profile/Pages/default.aspx )
Why Choose Harvard Business School?
Harvard Business School (HBS) is one of the global leaders in business education. Its rigorous MBA blends case-based learning with intensive exposure to real-world applications, fostering critical thinking and leadership. Distinguished and vibrant faculty, a diverse peer group, and extensive global alumni contacts broaden opportunities for students. The state-of-the-art facilities and focus on innovation make it a hub for aspiring business leaders. Through cutting-edge research and customized career guidance, HBS allows students to grow to their highest potential in various industries. This is why HBS is a place for ambitious professionals who seek to transform their careers.
Our Support for Harvard MBA Application
If you seek to gain admission to Harvard Business School’s transformational MBA program, The MBA Edge can support that aspirational goal through our comprehensive application advisory services. Our abroad MBA Consultant mentors you – understanding your unique experiences and attributes and articulating your candidature in an authentic, impactful manner. Through customized coaching interactions, we share insights on sharpening your essays, resume, and interview preparation to compellingly position you as a promising candidate for the HBS classroom. Our application specialists further advise on best presenting any career gaps, switches, or weaknesses. With a tailored approach fine-tuned to target HBS, we enable you to bring out your best self. Our support through your application journey aims to not just secure an admission but also prepare you to thrive at Harvard Business School.
Client Testimonials
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Recent Admits
