Ithaca is Gorges and 282 new MBA students will be enjoying the scenery as they begin their two years of academic studies at Cornell University’s S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management in New York.
Here are some key elements of the latest MBA class profile:
| Women | 41% |
| Countries Represented (by citizenship) | 34 |
| International Students | 35% |
| Average Work Experience | 5.3 years |
The Cornell Johnson MBA Class of 2026 brings a mix of talent and diversity to the program, even as some demographics shift. Twenty-two percent of the class comprises underrepresented U.S. minorities, including Black/African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans. While this is a dip from last year’s 35 percent, the class still reflects a strong commitment to diversity. Women make up 41 percent of the cohort, continuing to drive progress in gender balance within the business world. Veterans and active service members remain a strong presence at nine percent, nearly matching last year’s 10 percent.
On the global front, 35 percent of the class are international students, representing 34 different countries, adding rich global perspectives to the classroom.
| Median Undergraduate GPA | 3.4 |
| Median GMAT Score | 710 |
Academically, the class has raised the bar, with a median undergraduate GPA climbing from 3.35 to 3.4, while the median GMAT score holds steady at 710. Although Cornell did not report GRE scores or details on undergraduate majors or previous careers, the class brings an average of 5.3 years of full-time professional experience, with the average student age sitting at 28, adding a valuable blend of experience and fresh perspectives to the MBA journey.
