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Contact Georgina Hannah with any questions. Profile updated: July 17, 2023.

New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business

MBA Program Stats

Annual Tuition: $84,180

Annual Tuition Non-Resident: $84,180

Acceptance Rate: 31%

Full-Time Enrollment: 327

Average GPA: 3.61

Median GMAT: 732

Median GRE: V: 161 / Q: 163

International: 48%

Minority: 17%

Female: 41%

Male: 59%

Average Age: 28

What You Need To Know

In a city like New York, it’s no wonder Stern has held a great reputation since graduating its first class in 1921. The B-school uses NYC as their classroom, where students are encouraged to take calculated risks and experiment with new ways of problem-solving in the community. The B-School is in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, and as one of the largest business schools, it’s all about the people, with industry leaders and experts teaching the students.

“I think the strong sense of community in the large city is something that surprised me most about Stern. Given NYC is such a big city, I assumed going into Stern that many of my peers would have networks of friends in the city already. While many of my classmates and professors do have networks already built in New York, the community at Stern is exceptional. This summer I will be attending many of my Stern classmates’ weddings–I think this just shows how strong the relationships are that you will build at an MBA program like Stern,” says past MBA Brandon Quinn.

Academics And Programs

Stern accepts on average 340 passionate, collaborative, and community-driven students into the MBA each year. Students are evaluated across three dimensions: academic profile, professional achievements and aspirations, and personal characteristics. Admissions looks for those who possess the core values at Stern: IQ and EQ. Students with a strong EQ are those who revere diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging of all people and ideas.

To ensure that students have a solid foundation in all areas of business starting the 21-month program, the majority of the first year consists of Stern’s core courses such as Financial Accounting & Reporting, Statistics & Data Analysis, and a flex core made up of seven course options.

Students’ second year at Stern is focused on electives and specializations. MBAs can choose up to three specializations from more than 20 options and pick elective courses from an impressive 200+ selection.

Through experiential learning and cocurricular programming, students gain an understanding of impacting and driving change by building on three foundational pillars — Leadership, Experiential, and Entrepreneurship programming. Students build these skills from the moment they arrive on campus for MBA orientation and then self-select from a menu of options in each area throughout their MBA experience. For example, the Doing Business in… (DBi) courses that give students the chance to study abroad for intensive immersions and the Endless Frontier Labs, a nine-month program focused on maximizing the potential of science and deep technology startups.

Why Students Chose

“The Fertitta Veterans Program was one of the biggest reasons why I chose Stern. The program gives veterans the opportunity to take two core classes over the summer prior to the start of fall semester. As someone who has been removed from the formal classroom setting for about 10 years now, the opportunity to ease back into learning was extremely appealing. The emphasis Stern places on its military students is second-to-none, and I am very grateful to have been given this incredible opportunity.” Cesar J. Cepeda (‘24)

“IQ+EQ. My past work experiences have taught me that becoming a manager requires more than intelligence. Stern’s culture of diversity and inclusion will help me to reach my fullest potential.” Ian Kim (‘24).

“NYC is one of my favorite cities, and the thought of living in the epicenter of corporate headquarters, diverse cultures, and the best food scene excites me! NYC exposes you to so many careers; it is the perfect place to explore what you want to do and learn what is out there. Being able to visit companies, network with like-minded peers, and have industry leaders a stone throw away will be a great learning enhancement.” Lana Harfouche (’24)

“Stern’s focus on EQ is a big draw for me. In my career, I’ve worked extensively in sales, political advocacy, and education. In these areas, our challenges are human rather than technical, and EQ was critically important for approaching them as people, not puzzles. Developing an emotional connection or an intuitive mutual recognition with a prospect, legislator, or student – or even a co-worker – is far more critical to surmounting challenges at the highest level than are issues of technical know-how. Stern’s EQ-forward program represents a broadening recognition of that fact and the necessity of EQ skills for rising executives.” Joe Geoghegan (’24)

“Books and podcasts have helped me learn about venture capital and impact investing, and I’ll very likely take a class on VC funding at Stern. However, I learn best through hands-on experience, and that’s exactly what the NYU Impact Investment Fund (NIIF) offers. NIIF leverages industry expertise to support student investors looking to invest in social enterprises. Students source deals, speak with founders, and conduct due diligence. Having worked at a venture-backed startup prior to Stern, I’m looking forward to participating in NIIF and seeing the other side of the coin.” Deshani Gunathilake (’24)

Career Stats

Compensation Statistics of Stern MBAs

Compensation   Statistics 2023 2020 2019 2018 2017
Median Base Salary $175,000 $150,000 $140,000 $130,000 $125,000
Median Signing Bonus $ 30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $29,000

NYU Stern MBA Employment Offers

Industry 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Consulting 42% 31.2% 31.3% 32% 37% 28% 26%
Consumer Packaged Products 3% 3.6% 2.4% 6% 6% 5% 0%
Entertainment/Media/Sports 3.4% 4% 2% 1% 2% 2% 3%
Financial Services 29.4% 34.4% 35% 34% 29% 34% 32%
Healthcare/Pharma/Biotech 1.4% 3.6% 0.7% 4% 2% 3% 3%
Non-Profit / Government  / Education  0.3% 1% 1% 1% 2%
Other 5% 4% 4% 6% 17%
Real Estate 1% 0.4% 1.7% 1% 2% 2%
Retail 0.7% 1% 2% 1% 2% 2%
Technology/Communications 14.2% 17% 19.2% 17% 15% 17% 17%

Where Stern MBAs Went To Work

Hiring Firm 2023 2020 2019
Amazon 10 12 9
Bain & Company 12 9
Bank of America Merrill   Lynch 6 7
Boston Consulting Group   (BCG) 13 13 14
Capital   One 4
Citi 6 8 6
Credit Suisse 7 10 7
Deloitte 18 11 17
EY-Parthenon 12 14
Goldman Sachs & Co. 6 6 7
Google 6
Guggenheim Partners 4 6
J.P. Morgan Chase 8 9 9
McKinsey & Company 24 16 17
Morgan Stanley 6 7
PricewaterhouseCoopers 7 6 9
Strategy& 15 12

Admissions For NYU Stern

From NYU Stern

NYU Stern’s programs offer unmatched connections across industries, powered by our NYC location. This enables innovations in learning and equips our students to make an impact in today’s global business environment in real-time. At Stern, embracing change is essential to the student experience, offering Sternies the opportunity to transform themselves and the future of business.

Stern offers multiple paths to the Full-time MBA. This includes our two-year MBA program which is designed for students interested in enhancing their careers or making a career pivot. Students secure internships the summer between their first and second year as part of that program. Additionally, we offer two Focused, one-year MBA programs which are designed for students who have deep interest in technology and entrepreneurship or fashion and luxury. These programs bring together rigorous academics with experiential learning opportunities like Stern Solutions (more below) to provide hands-on exposure to leading companies and organizations. All of our programs are taught by faculty with wide-ranging expertise in a strong community of inclusion, belonging, diversity and equity.

Regardless of sector, we continue to graduate innovators who solve problems and drive results. This year over year success is reflected in our employment reports which consistently put our student outcomes in the top tier of all MBA programs.

IQ + EQ

Our students choose our community because of its people. We start to get to know the whole you before you even start the program. At the applicant phase, we offer the opportunity for candidates to highlight their EQ (emotional intelligence) in our application through our EQ Endorsements and an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee. Once you’re a Sternie, we further cultivate your EQ through leadership training programs and collaborative coursework so that when you graduate you will have challenged yourself to expand your emotional intelligence.

Stern Solutions

Stern Solutions empowers teams of students to solve real business challenges in real time in NYC and around the globe. Whether advising a multinational firm, investing real money to maximize a portfolio’s return, or building a game-changing venture of your own, Stern Solutions curricula connects you to practitioners who are looking for insight from future leaders and thinkers. Experiential learning projects span all industries and allow you to work with a small group of fellow MBA students and an expert faculty member for the semester. This is your chance to apply what you are learning in the classroom by taking action on a business problem. The projects cover a range of disciplines, including: field-based consulting, investment funds, research, and entrepreneurial ventures.

New York City Location

At Stern, New York City is your classroom, your idea incubator, your place to expand and explore. Our location in Greenwich Village has unparalleled access to the entire city, with tech companies, consulting firms, start-up accelerators, top banks, and major media organizations only a subway ride away. The moment you become a Sternie, you will be immersed in NYC and tasked to leverage the city’s energy.

Connect With Us

Visit our website for deadlines and application information and stay in touch with the Admissions office through our virtual and in-person events.

NYU Stern MBA Program Options

We offer a range of options for you to pursue your MBA! Below you can find a brief description of each program and click on the bolded program names to learn more. We encourage you to reach out to the Admissions team and current students in your program of interest. No matter which MBA path you choose, you will be an integral part of the community and a Sternie for life.

  • 2-year Full-time MBA: Designed for students who want breadth and depth in their business education. Our most flexible option, you will take the business core classes and then have the opportunity to specialize in up to three areas from a menu of 26 selections.
  • Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA: A focused MBA program for students interested in working in tech and entrepreneurship. The one-year program includes a business core, industry core, required Stern Solutions experiential learning, and an immersion trip to the West coast.
  • Fashion & Luxury MBA: A focused MBA program for students interested in working in the fashion, retail, beauty, and luxury industries. The one-year program includes a business core, industry core, required Stern Solutions experiential learning, and an immersion trip to Europe.
  • Stern at NYUAD One-year Full-time MBA: The MBA program of choice to build your career in the MENA region. Learn with local UAE businesses in our Abu Dhabi-based modules and build a global business mindset during your summer term in NYC.
  • Langone Part-time MBA: A flexible option for working professionals to pursue their MBA in the evenings or on Saturdays. Students have up to six years to complete the degree and can specialize in up to three areas from a menu of 26 selections.
  • Dual Degrees: Leverage the broader NYU network through our various Dual Degree programs across our other top graduate schools.

Essay Questions For NYU Stern

Stern requires prospective MBAs to answer several questions, the first is not considered an essay question, but students must answer: 

What are your short-term career goals? (150 words)


Essay 1:
Change: _________ it
(350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples:

  • Change: Dare it.
  • Change: Dream it.
  • Change: Drive it.
  • Change: Empower it.
  • Change: Manifest it.
  • Change: [Any word of your choice] it.


Essay 2.
Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:

  • A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).
  • Six images that help illustrate who you are.
  • A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.

Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images that best describe you. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website.

 

Essay 3: Additional Information (optional)

(250 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include important aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information.

Student Features For NYU Stern

Meet NYU Stern’s MBA Class Of 2024

Promising class making their mark in the Big Apple

Meet NYU Stern’s MBA Class Of 2023

An MBA class living in the center of the universe

Meet NYU Stern’s MBA Class Of 2022

The stories and dreams of the newest MBA students at NYU Stern

School Features

NYU Stern Seats Elite MBA Class Of 2025, But Apps Fall Again

Stern MBAs rival those from the top B-schools in GPA and average GMAT, but apps to the program fell for a second straight year

Apps Down & Admits Up In NYU Stern’s MBA Class Of 2024

Stern School sets new records for women & GMAT average as international % soars

NYU Stern MBAs Shattered School Pay Records In 2022

This year's Stern graduates reported the highest median base salary & average total compensation in school history

NYU Stern’s One-Year Tech MBA: 55% Women, 100% Employment

Without an internship, Stern Solutions' high-touch experiential learning courses takes students to top companies on both coasts.

Work Authorization Considerations For The International MBA Applicant

A guide to help you understand what you’re up against, and how to succeed

NYU Stern's Johannes Stroebel Wins Prestigious Fischer Black Prize For Financial Research With Impact

The P&Q Interview: NYU Stern’s Johannes Stroebel, Winner Of The Fischer Black Prize For Financial Research With Impact

The prize validates Stroebel's primary research topics: climate finance & social capital — both considered risky for a financial research career

Congrats to Sabrina T. Howell of the NYU Stern School of Business for being named a 2023 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professor.

2023 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Sabrina T. Howell, NYU Stern School of Business

Congrats to Sabrina T. Howell of the NYU Stern School of Business for being named a 2023 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professor.

2022 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Matthew Lee, NYU Stern School of Business

Congrats to Matthew Lee of NYU Stern School of Business for being named a 2022 Best 40 Under 40 MBA Professor.

2022 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Johannes Stroebel, NYU Stern School of Business

Johannes Stroebel of NYU Stern is one of the leading researchers studying the economic and financial effects of climate change

NYU’s Stern School vs. Columbia Business School

As Frank Sinatra famously sang it, “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. It’s up to you, New York, New York.” These two business schools have an almost unnatural advantage in being located in arguably the greatest city in the world.

MBA Watch For NYU Stern

MBA Watch is where thousands of MBA applicants not only get to tell their story but have John A. Byrne, MBA admissions coaches and our audience, assess their odds of admission and get help to improve their chances of getting in!

Mr. Low GPA Over Achiever

Hello I'm Low GPA Over Achiever, I am from India , specifically the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Humble Iranian Self Employed Businessman

I love stargazing, reading about natural selection, and browsing through Option Chains.

Mr. Tourist Development Of India

I have been working and staying in the unexplored parts of North East India for the last 6 years of my life to uplift the tribal sectors of India.

Mr. Mumbai Consultant

Consultant with a knack for numbers and loves problem solving.

Mr. Indian Electric Tech

I was selected straight from campus for Sr.

Mr. Asian Veteran

6-year US Army veteran, wants to do Part-Time (Weekend) programs.

Mr. Beer Guy

Its all about impact for me.

Mr. Military Officer

8-year US Army officer (captain) with experience specializing in both combat arms and public affairs leadership positions.

Mr. Bioinformatics

I love playing soccer, volunteering and golfing.

Mr. Resume & MBA/MS Program Guidance

I would appreciate feedback on my Resume and some guidance on suitable programs without considering my GMAT score since I plan to improve it.

Rankings Data For NYU Stern

NYU Stern MBA Rankings

Ranking Poets&Quants
2023-2024 11
2022-2023 2
2021-2022 2
2020-2021 2
2019-2020 2

News Coverage For NYU Stern

For Job-Seeking NYU Stern MBAs, 2024 Was A Tougher Landscape Than Covid-Crushed 2020

Job offers & acceptances at graduation and 3 months afterward plummet for graduates of the No. 11-ranked U.S. B-school

Multiple School Records Made Or Matched By NYU Stern’s MBA Class Of 2026

Stern reports a deluge of applications that helps it to enroll 47% women in the new MBA class, up 4 percentage points in one year

The Curtain Is About To Rise On NYU Stern’s Big Mideast Venture: An Accelerated MBA In Abu Dhabi

P&Q interviews Robert Salomon, dean of NYU Abu Dhabi, on the eve of the launch of a pioneering 1-year MBA program

NYU Stern Has A Famous New Student: Barron Trump

The youngest son of the former president & current GOP candidate had Wharton on his shortlist

How An NYU Professor Got Jeff Bezos To Write The Foreword To His Book

Edward Rogoff shares how his one-time tenant, Amazon's future founder, came to write the foreword for his book 'Bankable Business Plans'

sustainability

Five Ways B-Schools Can Pivot Toward Sustainability

Limiting sustainability courses to a subset of interested students will no longer work, warns NYU Stern prof Alison Taylor

scott galloway

Professor Scott Galloway On Why The Kids Are So Angry

Outspoken NYU Stern prof offers unfiltered takes on economic instability, campus protests, DEI & more: 'Young people are just angry. And I think they deserve to be angry'

2024 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Jennifer N. Wynn, NYU Stern School of Business

Congrats to Jennifer N. Wynn of NYU Stern School of Business for being named a 2024 Best 40 Under 40 MBA Professor.

2024 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Zhengyuan Zhou, NYU Stern School of Business

Congrats to Zhengyuan Zhou of NYU Stern School of Business for being named a 2024 Best 40 Under 40 MBA Professor.

NYU Stern Dean Raghu Sundaram To Step Down

Sundaram became Stern's dean in 2018; he will stay at the school with a new title & new roles

In NYU Stern’s Endless Frontier Labs, MBAs Help Bring Science & Tech Ideas To Market

In five years, EFL startups have raised $1.76 billion in capital and have a combined valuation of $4.9 billion

NYU Stern MBAs Join The $200K Compensation Club

2023 saw a huge leap in Stern graduates going into consulting, to more than 40% of the class; across sectors, mean & median salaries grow

NYU Stern’s Online MSQM: Inside ‘This Incredible Community’

Learn about the Stern School's latest cohort of online MSQM students who began classes this fall

NYU Stern Seats Elite MBA Class Of 2025, But Apps Fall Again

Stern MBAs rival those from the top B-schools in GPA and average GMAT, but apps to the program fell for a second straight year

NYU Stern To Launch Middle East-Based One-Year MBA

In the full-time program, students will take spring & fall modules in Abu Dhabi and summer modules in New York City

Harvard & Wharton Slump In New 2023 Businessweek MBA Ranking

Stanford's MBA program claims first for the fifth consecutive year