The University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business MBA Class of 2026 profile has once again demonstrated a commitment to bringing together an accomplished cohort with diverse experiences. Out of a class numbering 396, at least 40 percent across the board are women, U.S. minorities, or international students. The average GMAT score also jumped nine points compared to last year’s class.
Diversity and Life Experience
The Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2026 is a truly global and diverse community, with international students hailing from 40 different countries, making up 44 percent of the cohort. Women represent 40 percent of the class, continuing to push the needle towards gender equity in business leadership.
| Women | 40% |
| Countries Represented (by citizenship) | 40 |
| International Students | 44% |
| Average Work Experience | 6 years |
In an even more significant pursuit of inclusivity, 53 percent of U.S. students and permanent residents identify as students of color, with underrepresented U.S. students of color accounting for 29 percent of the class—both reflecting a 10 percent increase from last year’s class. This vibrant mix of backgrounds and perspectives promises to foster richer discussions and a more inclusive learning environment.
The class also includes nine percent of students who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, further enriching the diversity of thought and experience. Additionally, 15 percent of students are either active-duty military members or veterans.
Academic and Professional Achievement
The Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2026 boasts an average undergraduate GPA of 3.42 and 22 percent are first-generation college students, a five percent increase over last year’s class. Thirty-eight percent hold a STEM degree. Business degree holders make up 39 percent, and 23 percent graduated with a humanities degree. Additionally, 11 percent of the class has taken on the challenge of pursuing dual degrees at Ross, further enhancing their cross-disciplinary expertise.
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.42 |
| Percent majoring in STEM | 38% |
| Percent majoring in business | 39% |
| Percent majoring in humanities | 23% |
The average GMAT score landed at 728. For those who took the GRE, they earned a mean Quant score of 162 and a mean Verbal score of 159.
| Average GMAT Score | 728 |
| GMAT Score Middle 80% | 690 – 760 |
| GRE Average Verbal | 159 |
| GRE Average Quant | 162 |
When it comes to professional experience, the class brings an average of six years to the table. They come from a broad array of industries, with 21 percent having worked in finance and 17 percent in consulting. Another 14 percent each hails from technology or energy/manufacturing. Health rounds out the top five industries at eight percent.
Together, this dynamic group forms a class that not only excels academically, but also represents a broad spectrum of perspectives, experiences, and stories.
