Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School (WashU Olin) has released its MBA Class of 2026 profile, showcasing a record-breaking class. With 103 students, the class is 25 percent larger than last year after seeing a 10-year high in application volume.
“This class profile is extremely strong,” says Evan Bouffides, senior associate dean of graduate programs. “We hit Olin records on many important dimensions, including test scores, undergraduate GPA, and selectivity. As importantly, we achieved historic highs related to gender and racial diversity. Our large application volume — about double that of last year — allowed us the opportunity to recruit a tremendously talented class. We couldn’t be happier with this phenomenal group of students.”
Women comprise a record-high for Olin, at 53 percent of the class. Thirty-four percent are U.S. underrepresented minorities, which matches their Class of 2025. Forty-four percent are international students hailing from 27 countries.
| Women | 53% |
| Underrepresented U.S. Students of Color | 34% |
| International Students | 44% |
| Average Work Experience | 4.4 Years |
Academic Achievement and Professional Experience
During their undergraduate years, the new Olin MBAs earned an average GPA of 3.53. Natural science and STEM majors make up over a third of the class at 36 percent, with business and economics majors close behind at 35 percent. Humanities and social sciences degree holders comprise 25 percent of the class.
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.53 |
| Percent majoring in natural science and STEM | 36% |
| Percent majoring in business and economics | 35% |
| Percent majoring in humanities and social sciences | 25% |
The WashU Olin Class of 2026 has the highest average GMAT score for Olin in 10 years at 706. Scores overall ranged from 550 to 780. For those who opted to take the GRE, scores reached a 10-year high; the average Verbal score landed at 163, and the average GRE Quant score at 164.
| Average GMAT Score | 706 |
| GMAT Range | 550 – 780 |
| Average GRE Verbal | 163 |
| Average GRE Quant | 164 |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.53 |
Together, the MBA cohort holds an average of 4.4 years of work experience. Healthcare professionals and financial services, banking, and fintech professionals each represent 15 percent of the MBA class. Those with a tech industry background make up 12 percent, manufacturing and industrial workers 9 percent, and consultants 6 percent.
