UCLA Anderson MBA Application Guide
Explore our insights on what the UCLA Anderson MBA program
has to offer, along with the latest facts and stats.
About UCLA Anderson
At UCLA Anderson, MBA candidates learn within a powerhouse university of more than 40,000 students, located in one of the most diverse and creative cities in the U.S. Home to Snap, Hulu, Disney and every company on Silicon Beach, LA’s reputation as a creative city in media and entertainment are unparalleled, but LA’s strengths extend to sectors such as consulting, finance, healthcare and consumer products.
More than sunshine and beaches, it’s a serious business culture: the third largest GDP in the world, the largest manufacturing economy in the western U.S., and a major location for every consulting and banking firm. This nexus of industry, creativity and business-creation offers noteworthy access to company visits, guest speakers, mentors and internships.
In this dynamic environment, UCLA Anderson defines its community by three core qualities: share success, think fearlessly and drive change. Anderson pioneered the nation’s first field study program , more than 50 years ago—the Applied Management Research Program—and establishing the Easton Technology Management Center. That history of innovation is reflected in Anderson’s motto, “Think in the Next,” which speaks to its affinity for bold thinkers who are unafraid to chart new pathways and effect change.
Anderson has a nine-course core curriculum that includes the option to add a specialization for a deeper dive into a target industry or function. The second year of study is entirely by individual design, allowing students to choose from an array of electives. Students also complete an Applied Management Research project (AMR), a two-quarter capstone experience that synthesizes classroom learning and applies it in a real-world business setting.
Strengths and Specializations
Entrepreneurship, finance, technology, marketing, healthcare management, sustainability, real estate, communications, entertainment
Graduating Class of 2026
Number of Applicants: 3,079
MBA Class Size: 305
Avg. Age: 29
Avg. Work Experience: 5.4 years
Avg. GPA: 3.5
Avg. GMAT: 714
International Students: 41%
Female Students: 43%
Tuition:$78,268/year
Post-MBA Careers (class of 2023)
Career Sectors: Consulting 27%; Tech 25.8%; Financial Services 13.9%; Consumer Products 9%; Entertainment & Media 8.2%; Starting Own Business 4.4%
Top Recruiters: Amazon, McKinsey, Adobe Systems, Bain & Company, Bank of America, Deloitte, EY–Parthenon, L.E.K. Consulting, Mattel, PwC, Amgen, Boston Consulting Group, Cisco Systems, Credit Suisse, Epson America, Genentech, Google Inc., Intuit, Kearney, Microsoft Corp., Morgan Stanley, Nike, Paramount, Sony Interactive Entertainment (Playstation), Warner Bros.
Avg. Base Salary: $151,140; Salary Increase: 121% (source: FT Rankings 2024)
Employment offered within 3 months of graduation: 86.9%
UCLA Anderson Rankings
Admissions
Deadlines for 2025-2026:
Round 1: Oct. 1, 2025
Round 2: Jan. 6, 2026
Round 3: April 7, 2026
Essay
For the 2025-2026 application year, UCLA has three short essay prompts that are required for first-time applicants:
1) Why is the MBA the right degree for you to pursue both personally and professionally? (150 words)
2) Describe your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals. (150 words)
3) What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community? (250 words)
Optional Essay) Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (250 words)
Fortuna Tips & Advice
Read Fortuna’s Essay Tips & Strategy for UCLA Anderson
View our MBA Admissions Essay Masterclass on UCLA Anderson, Berkeley Haas, Duke Fuqua & Yale SOM.