2011 Application Trends

2011 Survey Report
Application Trends Survey
About This Study
The Application Trends Survey is a product of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global nonprofit education organization of leading graduate business schools and the owner of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The GMAT exam is an important part of the admissions process for more than 5,000 graduate management programs around the world. GMAC is dedicated to creating access to and disseminating information about graduate management education; these schools and others rely on the Council as the premier provider of reliable data about the graduate management education industry.
Accompanying Data
GMAC offers an interactive online data report to accompany the findings presented in this 2011 Application Trends Survey Report. The Interactive Application Trends Comprehensive Data Report is available exclusively to participating business schools and allows them to view the survey responses by multiple demographic levels such as gender, age, program type, citizenship, school location, and more. Participating schools can also access our new interactive benchmark report, which allows them to select up to five different peer groups against which to benchmark their programs. Information on how schools can participate in this study can be found at the end of this report.
2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.
2011 Survey Report
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 2 Key Findings .................................................................................................................................................. 2 TRENDS FOR MBA PROGRAMS .......................................................................................... 3 Full-Time MBA Programs ........................................................................................................................... 4 Two-Year Full-Time MBA Programs .................................................................................................... 6 One-Year Full-Time MBA Programs .................................................................................................... 9 Part-Time MBA Programs ......................................................................................................................... 10 Executive MBA Programs ......................................................................................................................... 11 Flexible MBA Programs ............................................................................................................................. 13 Online and Distance MBA Programs ...................................................................................................... 15 TRENDS FOR SPECIALIZED MASTERS AND PHD/DBA PROGRAMS ..................... 16 Specialized Masters Programs .................................................................................................................. 17 Master of Finance ................................................................................................................................... 17 Master in Management ........................................................................................................................... 18 Master of Accounting ............................................................................................................................. 18 Other Masters Degrees ......................................................................................................................... 18 Doctoral Programs in Business ................................................................................................................. 18 International Applicants ............................................................................................................................. 19 Women.......................................................................................................................................................... 19 RECRUITMENT, MARKETING AND TUITION ASSISTANCE .................................... 20 APPLICANT DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE .......................................................................... 23 CONCLUDING NOTE ......................................................................................................... 24 About the Survey ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Survey Participation .................................................................................................................................... 25 REGIONAL LOCATION OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS ................................................. 26 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 26 CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 26 Authorship ................................................................................................................................................... 26 Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................... 27
2011 Survey Report
programs. Anecdotal evidence from open-ended comments of respondents is referenced in some he 2011 Application Trends instances to help explain some of the Survey conducted by the why for this years trends. Data Graduate Management profiles of the program formats and Admission Council (GMAC) is the degree types analyzed are also industry source for comprehensive included in this summary, with a statistics and timely and reliable insights into the demand for graduate discussion of key measurements management education worldwide. A including: total of 649 programs from 331 Number of programs that business schools and faculties participated in this years survey worldwide representing 45 countries, Overall application volume and 42 states, and the District of shifts over time Columbia participated in this study. By program type, survey respondents Average number of applications (mean and median) represent 467 MBA programs, 158 specialized masters programs, and 24 Acceptance rates doctoral programs in business.1 Quality/qualifications of
Introduction
responses against those of their peer group at no cost. To ensure both privacy and security, a customized link is sent directly to participants for access to their programs interactive benchmark report file. For questions or more information about the Application Trends Survey benchmarking report service, send an email to research@gmac.com.
Key Findings
Two-Year Full-Time MBA Programs. More than two-thirds (67%) of participating two-year full-time MBA programs reported a decline in application volume in 2011 compared with 2010, continuing a trend that began in 2009. One-Year Full-Time MBA Programs. More than half (57%) of one-year full-time MBA programs received fewer applications than last year. The decline was most prevalent among non-US programs, where 62 percent reported a decline compared with 49 percent of US programs. Specialized Masters Degrees. Specialized masters programs reported increases in application volume over last year. Master of Finance programs led the trend with 83 percent reporting an increase, followed by Master in Management programs at 69 percent, and Master of Accounting programs at 51 percent. Increased Academic Quality of Applicants. Though the majority of MBA programs saw a decline in applications versus increased applications for most specialized
For the purposes of this report, two approaches are used to assess changes in the application volume to graduate management programs. The Responses to the 2011 study were relative approach involves monitoring collected from early June to mid-July the number of programs that report 2011. All application numbers and either an increase or decrease in trends discussed in this report refer applications compared with last year. to complete applications onlythose The absolute approach involves that contain all documents necessary monitoring the number of for making an admissions decision applications received by programs. received as of June 30, 2011 for the 20112012 incoming class. Schools participating in the survey have access to all of the This summary report features major comprehensive data from which trends observed in the who, what, these findings are based in an and where of applications for MBA interactive format that allows them to and other graduate management explore the information of greatest interest to their program. Participants also have the opportunity to create instant and dynamic benchmark 1 See the About the Survey section of this report on page 25 for a detailed breakdown reports comparing their program
of respondents by program type.
Since 2000, this survey of admission professionals has provided information on application volume trends, applicant pool composition, recruitment strategies and marketing channels, acceptance and enrollment rates, enrollment structure, and incoming class size.
applicants
World region and/or US subregion analysis Program size analysis
2011 Survey Report
better, as students were able to continue to work while they completed their course work. When MBA application volume historically the most recent global recession trends counter-cyclical to economic began in late 2007, application volume once again rose, growing in conditions. As one respondent Internationalization of the 2008 before peaking in 2009. In the explained, there appears to be a Applicant Pool. Across all reverse cyclical effect. In other words years since, programs have reported degree types, 46 percent of comparatively slower growth. as the economy improves the programs in 2011 reported number of applications goes down. growth in applications from Full-time MBA program application foreign students. Applicants from We also had a very strong application volume continued to taper for the Asian-Pacific (APAC) countries year in 2010, so it may just be a third consecutive year, while partbalancing of our applications to a (mainly China and India) were time application growth leveled off in more typical number. This is the largest source of foreign 2011. In 2010, 59 percent of demonstrated in Figure 1, which applications for full-time executive MBA programs program types around the world. shows the relative change in business experienced an increase in school application volume since Program Class Size. Smaller 2000. In 20012002 when the global application volume, and 17 percent MBA programs reported more reported flat (or steady) growth. This economy slowed, applications to stable application volumes in year, more than half (58%) of MBA programs increased. As the 2011 compared with larger global economy recovered, programs executive MBA programs reported programs. For example, half of reported a decrease in the number of steady (16%) or increased volume the smaller full-time MBA applications received, with full-time (42%). Overall, executive MBA programs (50 students or fewer) programs maintained their netMBA programs bottoming out in saw increased applications, growth in 2011(Figure 2). Many full2004 and 2005. Part-time and whereas only 20 percent of larger time MBA programs noted that as executive MBA programs fared programs saw an increase. economic conditions begin to
masters programs, both program types report that the quality of applicants and their academic credentials are higher in 2011 than for applicants in 2010.
Trends for MBA Programs
Figure 1. Change in Application Volume Over Time Trends for Full-Time, Part-Time, and Executive MBA Programs, 2000-2011
Up signif icantly
Relative change in application volume
No change 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Down signif icantly Executive MBA Full-time MBA Part-time MBA
2011 Survey Report
improve, potential applicants are less likely to leave their jobs to attend a full-time program. Part-time MBA programs meanwhile maintained their application volume for the second year in a row with 13 percent of programs reporting no change and
41 percent noting an increase compared with 2010. Although some change in the average number of applications is noted between 2010 and 2011 (Figure 3), there are no significant differences within any of the program types.
Table 1 displays summary data for each of the different MBA programs types, including average number of applications received, this years target class sizes, last years actual class sizes, and predicted acceptance and enrollment rates.
Figure 2. 2011 Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume

100% 80% 60% 40%
5% 67% 57%
Full-Time MBA Programs

Overall, 199 full-time MBA programs participated in the survey and submitted data accounting for 131,187 applications. At the time of the survey, many of these programs were still accepting and processing applications for the fall 20112012 class. The number of applications received per program varied greatly, from just fewer than 20 to more than 9,000. The average number of applications received was 666, down slightly from 695 reported in 2010 survey results. As a group, full-time MBA programs were less likely to report growth in 2011 than they were in 2010. Globally, 63 percent of programs indicated a decrease in the number of applications received, compared to fewer than half (47%) the programs reporting declines last year. Looking by program length, two-year full-time MBA programs had a more notable decrease in volume than one-year programs.
Percentage of programs
46%
50%
42%
50%
13% 10% 41%
13%
16%
5%
20% 0%
28%
33%
37%
42%
45%
Full-time two-year MBA
Full-time one-year MBA Up
Part-time Flexible MBA Executive MBA MBA Flat Down
Online MBA
Figure 3. Mean Number of Applications, 2010 and 2011

1000
951
800
Number of applications
600
400
354 185 857 397 158 181 192 81 97 163
200
174
Full-time two-year MBA
Full-time one-year MBA
Part-time MBA
Flexible MBA
Executive MBA
Online MBA
2011 Survey Report
Table 1. 2011 Applications Summary Data for MBA Programs All Full-Time Number of programs reporting Average number of applicants (mean) 20112012 target class size 20102011 actual class size Average predicted acceptance rate (mean) Average predicted enrollment rate (mean) N=199 666 124 125 FullTime 2-Yr N=117 857 143 148 FullTime 1-Yr N=82 397 95 92 All Part-Time PartLock- Part-Time Time Step Self-Paced Flexible N=109 158 103 100 N=49 161 91 90 N=60 156 117 109 N=68 181 88 84 All MBA Online Programs N=24 163 110 135 N=467 366 103 102
EMBA N=67 81 54 47
47% 60%
44% 58%
51% 63%
73% 75%
71% 77%
75% 74%
67% 69%
74% 84%
76% 73%
61% 69%
Figure 4. 2011 Full-Time MBA Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume, by Program Type and Region
100%
80% 60% 40% 20% 0% All f ull-time MBA programs Up US Canada

63% 61% 64% 68% 78%
7% 30%
7% 32%
0% 36% 13% 19% 0% 22%
Europe
APAC
Region of school location
Flat
Down
By geographic location, full-time programs in the Asia-Pacific region reported the largest decrease, with more than three-quarters (78%) of the programs reporting declines in growth (Figure 4). Such declines were the reality for the majority of fulltime programs in each world region, however. These numbers could be interpreted as the effects of a gradual economic recovery climate in which prospective students are less willing to commit to extended time away from the workforce. Falling application volumes to fulltime MBA programs have not affected acceptance rates over time, however (Figure 5). In fact, the majority of full-time MBA programs reported an applicant base that is similarly or more qualified than last year (Figure 6). Growth among strong candidates in the applicant pool, as noted in recent GMAT exam data showing higher GMAT Total score averages, could explain this phenomenon of improved quality during leaner times.
Figure 5. Mean Acceptance Rates for All Full-Time MBA Programs

60%
50% 50% 49%
Average acceptance rate
46%
46%
47%
47%
40%
20%
0% 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2011 Survey Report
Figure 6. MBA Programs Reporting Equally or Better Qualified Applicants in 2011

Full-time two-year Full-time one-year Part-time lockstep Part-time self -paced Flexible Executive
91% 86% 94% 88% 88% 95%
reported slight decreases of less than 10 percent in volume this year compared with 2010. Among those who reported declines, the shift was somewhat expected. As one respondent noted, We have been on an all-time high for the last consecutive five years and its bound to go down.
The impact of economic uncertainty on admissions trends for full-time 95% Online MBA programs may still be Percentage of programs underway. Enrollment expectations for some programs face the related issue of increased student deferments reporting an increase in application See the Applicant Demographic Profile for the 2011-2012 academic year. A volume has fallen. In 2011, 67 section on page 23 for details. recent Bloomberg BusinessWeek article percent of programs reported a about the phenomenon stated, In decrease in applications received Two-Year Full-Time MBA the countercyclical world of business (Figures 7 and 8). The majority of Programs school admissions, where these programs experienced only applications rise during bad times Since 2008, the percentage of twosmall fluctuations in application year full-time MBA programs volume, however. In fact, 34 percent and fall during good, deferrals are
Figure 7. Full-Time Two-Year MBA Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume
100%
12% 8% 32%
100%
13%
Down signif icantly

49%
80%
80%
67%
20%
Down moderately Down slightly
4%
60%
10%
60%
34%
Flat Up slightly
40%
80% 64% 5% 41% 28%
40%
5%
Up moderately Up signif icantly
20%
20%
17% 4% 6%
0% 2008 Up 2009 Flat 2010 Down 2011
0%
Full-time two-year MBA programs in 2011
2011 Survey Report
Average number of applications
seen as a symptom of economic uncertainty. With the economy in turmoil and job growth stalled, and the experience of unemployed recession-era MBAs still fresh, many B-school applicants will opt for the sure thing over the risky proposition of two years of unemployment.2 Application volume for two-year fulltime MBA programs varied by program size. Smaller programs experienced fewer declines than large programs did in 2011. In fact, half (50%) of the programs with 50 or fewer students reported an increase in overall volume, while only onefifth of large programs (20%) reported an increase (Figure 9). The majority of the largest programs those with more than 100 students saw decreases in overall and domestic applicant volumes. An influx of foreign talent in the applicant pool for these programs likely lessened the decline: Two-year full-time MBA programs overall saw a significantly higher percentage of foreign applicants in 2011 than in 2010. Nearly three-quarters of 2011 twoyear full-time MBA applicants were from outside a schools local area with 45 percent of the applicant pool coming from outside the country. This is a significantly larger proportion than in 2010, when only 39 percent of the applicants were international.
Haslett, K. L. (2011, August 24), An MBA dream deferred, Bloomberg Businessweek.com. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/businessschools/an-mba-dream-deferred08242011.html.
2
Figure 8. Average Number of Applications Received by Two-Year Full-Time MBA Programs

1,000
909 951 857
889
800
600
374 388 380
400
343
200
0 2008 2009 Median Mean 2010 2011
Figure 9. Percentage of Full-Time Two-Year Programs Reporting Increases in Application Volume in 2011, by Class Size
60% 50%
50% 45% 44% 42% 35% 27% 20% 22% 16%
40% 30% 20% 10% 0% All f ull-time two-year MBA Small, 50 or f ewer Domestic
Foreign Large, more than 100
Applicant citizenship
Medium, 51 to 100
Applicants from Asian-Pacific countries accounted for 57 percent of all international two-year full-time MBA applicant volume at US programs, and 55 percent of
international applicant volume for programs in other regions (Figure 10). US programs reported an average of 28 percent of their international applicant pool
2011 Survey Report
Figure 10. Percentage of Two-Year Full-Time International Applicants by World Regions, US vs. Non-US Programs
Applicant Mix, US Programs
Applicant Mix, All Other Programs
Other 11%
Other 19%
US 28%
US 7% AsiaPacific 57% Europe 19% AsiaPacific 55%
Europe 4%
consisted of foreign citizens already residing in the United States.
Figure 11. US Two-Year Full-Time MBA Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume in 2011, Overall and by US Regions
India continues to contribute the 100% most foreign applicants to two-year full-time MBA programs, with 61 percent of programs reporting India 80% as their top source of foreign talent. 59% 65% 67% 68% 68% Also, 39 percent of programs 60% reported that India is their fastest growing source of foreign 0% 40% applicants. These statistics 6% 7% 10% notwithstanding, two-year full-time 11% 41% 20% MBA programs have seen India 29% 25% 24% 21% volumes drop the most. Meanwhile, the number of applicants from China 0% US (all regions) Northeast South Midwest West looking to study abroad has increased, and the percentage of Up Flat Down programs reporting that China is their largest growing source of foreign applicants increased to 39 US Full-Time Two-Year MBA Programs. volume. Programs in the South were percent of two-year full-time Looking specifically at programs the least affected, with 59 percent programs in 2011. within the United States, 65 percent reporting a decline, and 41 percent of two-year full-time MBA programs reporting an increase over last years reported declines in application volume (Figure 11).
2011 Survey Report
This survey asked respondents from schools within the United States to provide details on the number of applications received in 2011 from underrepresented minority populations. Of the two-year fulltime US programs that chose to respond, more than half (55%) reported a decline in applications received from these minority populations. 3 Programs with target class sizes of over 100 were the most likely to report a decreasewith more than two-thirds (67%) of large programs reporting a decline in application volume from minorities. Mid-size programs were the least likely to note declines, with 39 percent of programs reporting lower numbers, 25 percent reporting no change, and 36 percent reporting an increase compared with 2010.
One-Year Full-Time MBA Programs
and tuition fees for their programs.4
Even with these changes, European one-year full-time MBA programs attracted the greatest share of foreign candidates (83%), compared with 46 percent at Asian-Pacific programs and 36 percent in US programs. Table 2 shows where international applicants send applications across global regions. Asian-Pacific students are the predominant source of foreign applicants for one-year fulltime MBA programs, accounting for As the number of programs 40 percent of foreign applicants to reporting an increase in foreign US schools and 64 percent of foreign applications increased for the United applicants to various schools in the States, Asian-Pacific and European Asia-Pacific region. programs reported large decreases in their international applicants. Some Within the United States, the European schools speculated that majority of one-year full-time MBA this trend was due to changes in visa programs reported flat or increased requirements and new application numbers of minority applications. This year, 57 percent of one-year fulltime MBA programs reported a decline in the number of applications received compared to 2010. AsianPacific and European programs reported the greatest decline (70% and 63% respectively), whereas fewer than half (48%) of the US programs reported a decrease in applicants (Figure 12).
Figure 12. One-Year Full-Time MBA Program Growth

100% 80%
57% 57% 44%
48%
63%
60% 40% 20% 0% All one-year MBA programs Domestic Foreign Up Flat Down United States Europe
18% 10% 33% 10% 15% 33% 38% 42% 22% 9%
70%
0% 30%
APAC
The term minority includes the following ethnicity groups or underrepresented populations among US citizens: Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaskan Native.
Since 2009, several European countries, including Sweden and Finland, have instituted laws establishing tuition and application fees for students from outside the EU and EEA. The Border Agency of the United Kingdom also made changes to the student visa system in 2011. For more information see the reference section.
4
2011 Survey Report
Table 2. Distribution of Foreign Applicants to One-Year Full-Time MBA Programs in 2011, by World Region Geographic Region of One-Year Full-Time MBA Programs World Region of Applicant Africa or Middle East Asia-Pacific Canada Europe Latin America United States Total*
* Total may not equal 100 percent due to rounding.
United States 11% 40% 1% 6% 5% 36% 100%
Asia-Pacific 8% 64% 1% 12% 1% 14% 100%
Europe 16% 37% 3% 23% 10% 11% 100%
Other regions 25% 38% 15% 4% 13% 6% 100%
Thirty-eight percent reported an increase, and 42 percent reported no change over last year. As the international talent pool for one-year full time MBA programs increased, academic quality of applicants is viewed positively. A respondent from a one-year full-time MBA program noted, we are experiencing a decline in the total enrollment as we are now moving from a quantity model to a quality
model which means higher entry requirements, including the introduction of GMAT [scores] for those with less than three years work experience.
Part-Time MBA Programs

Overall, 109 part-time MBA programs participated in the survey and submitted data accounting for 17,247 applications for their 2011-
2012 class. The number of applications received per program varied greatly, from just less than 5 to more than 1,250. The average number of applications received was 158, down slightly from 185 reported in 2010 survey results. Part-time MBA programs had a stable application year, with 54 percent reporting that the number of applications received was the same or
Figure 13. 2011 Part-time Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume, by Program Type, Geography, and Overall
100%
80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
48%
44%
46%
48%
35%
8%
18%
13%
20% 12% 45%
44%
39%
41%
40%
Lockstep
Self -paced Up
Part-time MBA program type
All part-time MBA programs Flat Down
US
Other
10
2011 Survey Report
greater than they received last year. Figure 13 shows that regardless of part-time program type or location there were only slight variations in application volume. One program explained, Candidates with good jobs wanted to keep their jobs and not incur as much debt [as they might] if they pursued a full-time MBA program experience.
the Midwest and 29 percent in the West (Figure 15).
from just less than 10 to more than 590. The average number of US Part-Time Programs. Part-time Executive MBA Programs applications received was 81, down programs within the United States Overall, 67 executive MBA programs slightly from 97 reported in 2010 experienced varying rates of growth. participated in the survey and survey results. Overall, 56 percent of part-time submitted data accounting for 5,352 programs in the Northeast experienced growth, compared to 44 applications for the fall 2011-2012 class. The number of applications percent in the South, 30 percent in received per program varied greatly,
Figure 15. US Part-Time Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume, by US Region and Subgroup
100%
38% 60% 25% 41% 59% 27% 56% 12% 44% 30% 29% 19% 40% 46% 10% 20% 15% 33% 38% 70%
Application volume among US minority populations fared better than the overall applicant growth for all regions of the United States except the West. When specifically asked about minority applications, nearly half (46%) of part-time programs in the South reported an When specifically asked about increase in application volume. In the women, respondents from part-time Midwest, about two-thirds of programs outside the United States programs reported either steady or reported that they received more increasing volume among minority applications from women than US applicants. In the Northeast, 56 programs did. These non-US percent of programs reported no programs also saw increased or stable change in application volume from numbers from foreign applicants, minorities. However, 70 percent of and only 17 percent of programs programs in the West reported a outside the United States reported a decline in US minorities, with only 20 decline (Figure 14). percent observing growth.
Figure 14. Part-Time Programs Reporting Change in 2011 Application Volume for Foreign Applicants, US vs. Non-US Programs
Foreign Applicant Volume for US Part-Time Programs
35%
Flat 26%
39%
Foreign Applicant Volume for Non-US Part-Time Programs
44%
Flat 39% 17%
80%
60%
6% 16%
40%
56%
10%
20%
0% Northeast Midwest South West Up Flat Down Northeast Midwest South West
Overall volume changes by US region Underrepresented population volume changes by US region
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2011 Survey Report
Figure 16. Executive MBA Programs Reporting Change in Volume in 2011, by Citizenship and School Location
100%
25% 25% 53% 40% 25% 5% 21%
80% 60%
42%
39%
29%
16%
42%
40% 20% 0% All executive MBA programs Domestic Foreign

42%
36%
35%
42%
50% 33%
US
Europe
Other
Up
Flat
Down
Number of applications
After seeing accelerated growth in 2010, executive MBA application volume in 2011 remained steady with equal representation of programs reporting an increase (42%) and decrease (42%) in applications, and 16 percent experiencing no change at all (Figure 16). By region, European executive MBA programs saw the strongest volume, with 75 percent reporting an increase (33%) or no change (42%) in application volume, in contrast with US programs, where more than half (53%) reported a decline.
Figure 17. Mean Number of Applications Received Per Executive MBA Program, by Applicant Subgroup and Geographic Region of Program
140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 All executive MBA applicants Foreign applicants Female applicants
9 35 12 15 16 37 69 76 116
As might be expected given their United States Europe Other regions geography, European executive MBA programs reported the highest average number of foreign from women while programs in other One program respondent offered the applicants, significantly more than regions averaged 37 female applicants following explanation for the US programs (Figure 17). in 2011. reduction in executive MBA applications: In the last two year[s] When asked specifically about Some programs that experienced a more people were willing to pay from applications submitted by women in decline in application volume their own pocket for education; as 2011, executive MBA programs indicated that the continuing companies cut educational budget[s], reported receiving an average of 20 economic crisis was causing however, the biggest problem turned applications. Figure 17 shows companies to cut education out [to be that] companies refused to differences by school location, with reimbursement budgets, and give people time off for education as US and European programs individuals to hang on to their well. averaging 15 and 16 applications money in uncertain times.
12 2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.
2011 Survey Report
Other programs indicated that their downturn in numbers was due to improvements in the economy prompting potential applicants to shift their focus to work instead of studying. Other potentials causes cited included competition from other programs and cuts to marketing and advertising. Academic Quality. Respondents were asked to indicate whether candidate academic quality, as defined by undergraduate GPA, GMAT test scores, and other indications of academic quality used in the admissions process, had changed from the previous year. This year, the vast majority (95%) of executive MBA programs indicated that their applicants were as qualified as or more qualified than applicants in 2010 (see Figure 6).
Executive MBA respondents characterized their applicants as getting more sophisticated and demanding, often looking for more than just business skills. Some respondents further indicated that these candidate qualities had had an effect on program class offerings. The new trend of the program is classes on personal development, personal leadership, art and business, not only professional skills, said one respondent. The average acceptance rate for executive MBA programs this year is estimated to be 74 percent, with an 84 percent enrollment rate. See the Applicant Demographic Profile section on page 23 for details.
Flexible MBA Programs

Overall, 68 flexible MBA programs participated in the survey and submitted data accounting for 4,282 applications for the fall 2011-2012 class. The number of applications received per program varied greatly, from just less than 5 to more than 1,200. The average number of applications received was 181, down slightly from 192 reported in 2010 survey results. Growth in application volume to flexible MBA programsprograms that combine full-time and part-time options delivered primarily on campushas gradually declined since 2008. This year, slightly more than a third (37%) of participating flexible MBA programs reported an increase compared with 2010, while about half (50%) of programs reported a decrease (Figure 18).
Figure 18. Flexible MBA Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume Over Time
100%
15% 35% 3% 24% 10% 47% 50%
80%
60%
12% 6% 13% 66% 53%
40%
82%
20%
47%
37%
0% 2007 2008 Up Flat 2009 Down 2010 2011
13
2011 Survey Report
Looking at volume trends by class size, 63 percent of programs with a target class size of over 100 reported a decline in application volume; whereas only 34 percent of small programs with 50 or fewer students noted declines (Figure 19). By subgroup, foreign applicants were the greatest source of growth among flexible MBA programs. Nearly half (48%) of all flexible MBA programs reported an increase in international applicants compared with last year. International applicant growth was especially strong for programs with target class sizes of 51100 students, where 67 percent of programs reported growth in foreign applications since last year (Figure 20). A large proportion of participating flexible MBA programs are in the United States. Among US programs, the percentage reporting growth varied based on US region (Figure 21). Programs in the Northeast reported the most overall growth, with 54 percent of programs reporting an increase; those in the South reported the most domestic growth (47%). The majority of US flexible MBA programs reported growth in applications received from foreign students. More than half of programs in the Midwest, South and West saw increased international applications over last year.
Figure 19. Flexible MBA Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume in 2011, by Target Class Size
100%
34% 54% 63%
80%
60%
17% 0% 13%
40%
48%
20%
46% 25%
0% 50 students or f ewer Up 51 to 100 students Flat Down More than 100 students
Figure 20. Flexible MBA Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume for Foreign Students in 2011, by Target Class Size
100%
19% 25% 8% 13%
80%
30% 33%
60%
40%
67% 52% 53%
20%
0% 50 students or f ewer Up 51 to 100 students Flat Down More than 100 students
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2011 Survey Report
Figure 21. Flexible MBA Programs Within the United States Reporting Change in Application Volume
100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Northeast Midwest South West 54%
8%
12% 29% 46% 75%

0%
29% 46% 61%
31%
27%
35%
27%
36% 67%
9%
29% 50%
29% 13%
24% 15% 22%
73%
24%
75%
31%
18%
20%
47%
38% 17%
18%
47%
55%
13%
53%
53%
55%
38%
22%
41%
38%
17%
9% Northeast Midwest South
13% West Northeast Midwest South West
11% Northeast Midwest South West
All flexible MBA applicants
Domestic applicants
Foreign applicants
Female applicants
Up
Flat
Down
Although not new to the MBA realm, online and hybrid programs are increasingly being introduced at more traditional universities. As one MBA admissions professional explained, Students enjoy the flexibility of hybrid programs, as it allows them to complete coursework at home most of the time, but the program still has a cohort, and they are able to interact with professors in the classroom. Volume changes reported by online and hybrid programs were similar to those of other non-full-time MBA
programshalf (50%) of online accounting for the greatest volume programs reported their application increase (Figure 22). Some programs volume either stayed the same (5%) reporting decreased volume cited Overall, 24 online and distance MBA or increased (45%) over last year, increasing competition among online programs participated in the survey with international applicants programs. and submitted data accounting for 3,911 applications for the fall 20112012 class. The number of Figure 22. Online MBA Programs Reporting Change in Program applications received per program Application Volume in 2011 varied greatly, from just less than 15 to more than 540. The average 100% number of applications received was 163, down slightly from 174 reported in 2010 survey results. 80%
Online and Distance MBA Programs
50%
50%
42%
60%
5% 11% 15%
40%
45%
20%
35%
47%
0% All online MBA applications Up Domestic Flat Down Foreign

15
2011 Survey Report
Acceptance rates for online programs ranged from just above 53 percent of applicants to all (100%) applicants, with an average 76 percent acceptance rate. Of those accepted, it is estimated that 73 percent will enroll in the program. See the Applicant Demographic Profile section on page 23 for details.
Figure 23. 2011 Specialized Masters and Doctoral Programs Reporting Change in Overall Application Volume in 2011
100% 80%
57% 28% 3% 13% 10% 83% 69% 51% 33% 17% 36% 0% 24% 6%
60% 40% 20% 0% PhD or DBA Master in Management Up
Trends for Specialized Masters and PhD/DBA Programs

A total of 182 specialized masters, PhD, and DBA programs participated in the survey and submitted data accounting for 42,021 applications for the fall 2011-2012 class. The number of applications received per program varied greatly, from just less than 10 to more than 4,590. Specialized masters degrees in business have enjoyed strong application growth for several years. Figure 24 shows the change in
70%
Master of Accounting Flat Down
Master of Finance
Other master's programs
application volume for specialized masters programs that participated in the survey from 2008 to 2011. Master-level programs in management, accounting, and finance have grown each year since the survey began tracking data on these program types.
This year, 83 percent of the Master of Finance programs reported growth, and 69 percent of Master in Management programs reported growth. About half (51%) of the Master of Accounting programs experienced an increase in application volume (Figure 23). PhD/DBA programs differed with more declines than growth reported,
Figure 24. Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume Over Time For Specialized Masters Programs, 2008-2011
100% 80% 60% 40%
63% 63% 62% 38% 0% 25% 13% 31% 7% 28% 3% 21% 14%
13% 9% 28% 11% 13% 78% 62% 51% 36%
7% 20% 24% 8% 26% 9%
17% 0%
69%
65%
73%
83% 68% 65%
20% 0% 2008 2009 2010 2011 2008 2009 2010
2011
2008
2009
2010
2011
Master in Management
Master of Accounting
Master of Finance
Up
Flat
Down
16
2011 Survey Report
with 57 percent of programs indicating they received fewer applications than the previous year. As specialized masters programs continue to grow in application volume and quality, they are expanding class size. Table 3 shows the 20112012 target class size, along with last years actual class size for each program type. Masters of finance, management and other disciplines expanded their average class size over the 20102011 academic year.
Specialized Masters Programs

Specialized masters degrees in business continue to report growth in all program types. Several factors have influenced the continued overall growth among specialized masters programs, including higher industry requirements for employees and worldwide demand for higher education. In the past, a bachelors degree was sufficient education for employment, but increased job
competition and stricter industry requirements have encouraged applicants to return to school.
Master of Finance
Master of Finance programs continue to enjoy positive growth, with 83 percent of programs reporting an increase in the number of applications received (Figure 25). Areas of growth for the master of finance program are for foreign applicants (80% of programs reported an increase) and women
Table 3. 2011 Applications Summary Data for Specialized Degrees Master of Finance Number of programs reporting Average number of applicants (mean) 20112012 target class size 20102011 actual class size Average predicted acceptance rate (mean) Average predicted enrollment rate (mean) 30 461 65 53 37% 56% Master in Management 29 478 99 94 54% 57% Master of Accounting 41 159 54 55 61% 66% Other Master's Programs 58 88 31 24 65% 63% PhD or DBA 24 111 12 11 32% 69% Total 182 231 53 46 53% 62%
Figure 25. Specialized Masters Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume in 2011
100%
28% 3% 29% 30% 36% 27% 46% 8% 13% 8% 83% 69% 57% 59% 65% 51% 46% 50% 17% 17% 0% 33% 13% 7%
80%
60%
14%
11%
40%
80%
20%
0% Overall Domestic Foreign Overall Up Domestic Flat Down Foreign Overall Domestic Foreign
Master in Management Master of Accounting Master of Finance
17
2011 Survey Report
(82% of programs reported an increase).

Master in Management
Other Masters Degrees
Master in Management programs continue to experience overall growth69 percent of programs received more applications this year than in 2010 (Figure 25). Foreign candidates account for 59 percent of all masters in management applicants. Individuals from Asian-Pacific countries represent 43 percent of the applicants to Master in Management programs, followed by 30 percent from Europe.
Master of Accounting
Fifty-six additional masters degree programs responded to this years Application Trends survey, including programs in information technology, human resources, and marketing to name a few. Among these programs, 70 percent of programs reported an increase in application volume overall, with 60 percent reporting an increase in foreign applications, and 55 percent reporting an increase in domestic applicants.
Doctoral Programs in Business

Twenty-four doctoral programs participated in the 2011 Application Trends Survey, and of those, onethird (33%) reported an overall increase in application volume (Figure 26). This is down sharply from nearly half (49%) of PhD programs reporting growth last year.
Figure 26. Doctoral Programs Reporting Change in Program Application Volume, 2011
100%
38%
Master of Accounting programs reported the lowest level of growth among specialized masters programsbut notwithstanding, only 36 percent of programs reported a decrease in volume (Figure 25). Sixty-five percent of programs reported growth in international applications.
80%
57%
43%
60%
19% 24%
40%
10%
20%
33%
38%
38%
0% All applications to doctoral programs Up Domestic Flat Down Foreign

18
2011 Survey Report
Figure 27. Applicant Sources by World Region and Specialty Program Type in 2011
Asia-Pacif ic United States Af rica/ Middle East Europe Latin America Canada -25% Master of Accounting 0%
3% 5% 3% 7% 3% 20%
43%
63%
72%
14% 23%
30%
2% 2% 3% 0% 1%
6%
25% Master of Finance
50% Master in Management
75%
International Applicants
Following the trend for MBA programs, applicants from AsianPacific countries dominated the candidate pool for specialized masters programs, accounting for 43 percent of the Master in Management applicants, 63 percent of Master of Finance, and 72 percent of Master of Accounting programs (Figure 27). All specialty program types reported growth in the number of foreign applications received.
we need to be able to attract students to study at [our school] even though it now costs a lot of money. We are working hard and we will hopefully receive an increase in the applications next year, one respondent noted.
Women
percent in the past five years5 to more than 19,000 exams taken. According to 2011 mba.com Prospective Students Survey, 83 percent of Chinese women are considering pursuing a specialized masters degree, compared with 43 percent of US women, and half of all women. Female applicants currently account for 36 percent of specialized masters and PhD/DBA degree applicants, and the majority of all program types continue to report that they received more applications from women than the previous year. When asked specifically about their female
The number of women seeking specialized masters degrees has increased, as has the number of women taking the GMAT exam. The 2011 GMAT testing year marked the first time women accounted for more Although most masters programs than 40 percent of all GMAT testreported increases in foreign student takers. While the United States has applications, 40 percent of European the largest number of female programs experienced a decline. A examinees (50,053), much of the handful of these programs attributed recent growth in female GMAT the decline to new student fees. The examinees is driven by Chinese introduction of tuition/application women, with an increase of 228 fees has totally changed the playing field. We have a big challenge ahead;
Graduate Management Admission Council. Data for testing years 2006 and 2011 of GMAT examinees. Reston, VA: GMAC.
19
2011 Survey Report
applicants, 82 percent of Master of Finance programs reported an increase over last year. Accounting programs noted the highest percentage of women in their applicant pool at 54 percent, however.
Recruitment, Marketing and Tuition Assistance

This year, 71 percent of all surveyed programs reported that they conducted special or targeted recruitment and/or outreach.6 The vast majority of part-time MBA programs outside of the United
States reported conducting recruiting increasing the recruitment budget, or efforts (90%), compared to 72 focusing upon a specific subgroup. percent of US part-time programs. (Note: Participating schools are invited to explore all comments we All participating MBA and masters received, which are available in the programs had the opportunity to interactive data report.) share comments about the primary reasons for the change in application Sixty percent of the survey volume. The word cloud in Figure 28 participants who submitted responses illustrates by size a frequency of the to the optional portion of the survey top 100 words included in their dedicated to recruiting and marketing open-ended responses. reported engaging in recruitment or marketing activities to attract this Among those who responded to this years applicants. Analysis showed optional question, 21 percent there was a positive correlation7 volunteered that they had increased between conducting outreach and the their recruitment effort through total number of applications received changes such as targeted marketing, from the population they targeted.
Figure 28. Top 100 Words Used in Open-Ended Responses to Explain Changes in Application Volume*
*For frequency reference, Economy and Economic were mentioned 78 and 46 times, respectively, while Deadline appeared only six times in comments.
Survey results discussed in the Recruitment, Marketing and Tuition Assistance section of this report are based on the optional portion of the survey, which 57 percent of respondents chose to complete.
Women: r = .194, n = 244, p .05 Foreign: r = .309, n = 257, p .05 US Minority: r = .289, n = 155, p .05
20
2011 Survey Report
Full-time two-year MBA and executive MBA programs that targeted recruitment activities to women received more applications from women. Programs specifically targeting US minorities saw an increase in US minority applicants, especially at full-time two-year MBA and flexible MBA programs. Similarly, programs recruiting foreign applicants received more international applications. This was especially true for full-time two-year MBA programs.
Outreach by Candidate Type. Figure 29 displays, by percentage, each programs efforts to attract target candidates through various recruitment activities. The center of the diagram represents 0 percent, and the outer ring 100 percent. Doctoral and masters programs focused their efforts on undergraduate students and foreign applicants. Full-time MBA programs targeted women and foreign applicants, while part-time MBA, executive MBA and, to a lesser degree, flexible MBA programs recruited working professionals.
Outreach by Region. The majority of US graduate business programs conducted outreach in Asian-Pacific countries, with heavy focus on potential applicants from India, China, and South Korea. Programs outside the United States looked to a wide variety of countries for applicants, but the most commonly listed countries were the United States, India, and China. With the most heavily recruited countries grouped into geographic regions, Figure 30 illustrates that US programs focused the majority of
Figure 29. Percentage of Programs Conducting Targeted Outreach to Special Groups in 2011, by Program Type
Full-time MBA Part-time MBA Flexible MBA

Women
Executive MBA PhD and Masters

Foreign applicants
100%
Military personnel
Working professionals
US minorities
Undergraduate students
Occupational specialities
21
2011 Survey Report
their recruitment efforts on AsianPacific countries, while non-US programs spread their recruitment efforts across several regions. Within the Asia-Pacific region, 24 percent of US programs recruited applicants from India, compared to half that percentage (12%) for programs outside of the United States. Tuition Assistance. Financial scholarships were the most prevalent form of financial aid offered to MBA and masters program students, with 74 percent of programs offering tuition assistance through scholarships as a part of their financial assistance package (Figure 31). Forty-four percent of two-year full-time MBA students and 36 percent of all incoming business students to other programs will be offered a scholarship. We are clearly seeing an increase in applications, but we are also seeing that our applicants are applying to more schools and that financial concerns continue to be a primary driver, said one survey respondent. Although most respondents reported offering tuition-assistance, not every incoming student will receive aid, and not all will receive the same type of aid. Among incoming students to US programs, 38 percent will be offered loans from the schools, whereas 52 percent of students who enroll in a program outside of the United States will be offered such loans.
Scholarships are most common form of tuition assistance in the United States, where 42 percent of incoming students will be offered a scholarship, as opposed to 25 percent of students
attending programs outside the United States. Reduced tuition (35%) and stipends (30%) are also popular forms of funding provided by US programs.
Figure 30. Top Regions Where Full-Time MBA Programs Recruit Foreign Applicants
69%
Asia-Pacif ic Latin America US Europe Af rica/Middle East Canada

7% 7% 5% 1% 0% 13% 18%
34%
30% 11%
4%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
US
Other regions
Figure 31. Percentage of Programs Offering Financial Assistance in 2011, by Type of Aid
80%
74%
60%
40%
27%
26% 17%
20%
14% 9%
0% Scholarships Fellowships Reduced tuition Stipends On-campus work- School-to-student study program loan program
22
2011 Survey Report
Applicant Demographic Profile

Tables 4 and 5 show details about the demographic profile of the 2011 applicant pool, as indicated by participating programs.
Table 4. Demographic Profile for 2011 MBA Applicants Full-Time 2-Year MBA Number of programs reporting* 2010 (for reference only) 2011 Less than 1 year 1 year, but less than 3 years Work experience 3 years, but less than 6 years 6 years, but less than 10 years 10 years or more Younger than 22 22 to 25 Age 26 to 30 31 to 34 35 to 39 40 or older Distance from program Gender Academic profile (percentage of programs) Local National International Women Men More qualified About the same Less qualified 130 117 16% 23% 39% 17% 5% 3% 38% 44% 10% 3% 1% 26% 29% 45% 35% Full-Time 1-Year MBA 93 82 9% 15% 43% 24% 10% 3% 29% 40% 18% 8% 2% 24% 20% 56% 34% Part-Time Lockstep MBA 53 49 3% 13% 34% 35% 15% 0% 16% 42% 23% 10% 8% 83% 13% 4% 37% Part-Time SelfPaced MBA 58 60 7% 17% 33% 28% 15% 2% 23% 40% 19% 8% 8% 77% 15% 8% 37%
Flexible MBA 57 68 23% 21% 27% 18% 12% 8% 40% 28% 12% 6% 6% 61% 16% 24% 40%
EMBA 67 67 0% 1% 7% 29% 62% 0% 2% 15% 24% 31% 28% 65% 25% 10% 27%
Online MBA 18 24 8% 13% 29% 27% 23% 2% 17% 26% 20% 20% 14% 33% 46% 21% 38%
65%
38% 53% 9%
66%
40% 46% 13%
63%
41% 53% 6%
63%
38% 50% 12%
60%
41% 47% 12%
73%
39% 56% 5%
62%
38% 57% 5%
23
2011 Survey Report
Table 5. Demographic Profile for 2011 PhD and Masters Programs Applicants PhD or DBA Number of programs reporting 2010 (for reference only) 2011 Less than 1 year 1 year, but less than 3 years Work experience 3 years, but less than 6 years 6 years, but less than 10 years 10 years or more Younger than 22 22 to 25 Age 26 to 30 31 to 34 35 to 39 40 or older Distance from program Gender Academic profile (percentage of programs) Local National International Women Men More qualified About the same Less qualified 33 24 15% 8% 30% 9% 37% 0% 12% 39% 20% 11% 18% 20% 24% 56% Master in Management 32 29 56% 29% 8% 4% 4% 19% 53% 17% 5% 3% 4% 24% 16% 60% Master of Accounting 50 41 70% 16% 8% 4% 3% 14% 61% 14% 5% 3% 3% 48% 16% 36% Master of Finance 25 30 60% 17% 10% 12% 2% 22% 54% 15% 6% 2% 1% 13% 17% 70% Other Master's Programs 49 58 48% 26% 15% 6% 5% 11% 61% 14% 6% 5% 3% 27% 27% 46%
35% 65%
25% 71% 4%
48% 52%
54% 46% 0%
57% 43%
53% 38% 10%
42% 58%
69% 28% 3%
52% 48%
50% 30% 20%
programs have observed even larger declines in application volumes; 67 The findings in the 2011 GMAC percent of full-time programs Application Trends Survey are reported declines in numbers from reflective of the economic cycles, and 2010. However, part-time MBA and thus, are similar to those reported in executive MBA programs application 2003, when the global economy was volumes have remained stable for the also viewed as at the end of a second year in a row. slowdown. That year, more than half (53%) of full-time MBA programs In contrast to MBA programs, reported declines in overall specialized masters programs have application volume, and more partbeen able to sustain continued time programs experienced a decline growth in application volumes in in volume than an increase (45% 2011. The majority of Master of decline vs. 34% increase). What Finance (83%), Master in makes 2011 noticeably different for Management (69%), and Master of MBA programs is that full-time Accounting (51%) programs reported
Concluding Note
that application volumes were higher than they were in 2010. Regardless of program type, there are two noticeable shifts in the Who the quality and source of applicants for graduate management programs. The majority of MBA and masters programs reported that they are seeing applicants in 2011 of the same and even higher caliber from last year. The proportion of applications received from international candidates is increasing for almost every program type. In one year, the share of applications sent by
24
2011 Survey Report
international applicants to two-year full-time MBA programs jumped from 39 percent to 45 percent of incoming talent. Similarly, the percentage of full-time one-year MBA applications submitted by international students now represents 56 percent of the talent pool, up from 50 percent in 2010. Specifically, applicants from countries in the AsiaPacific region (including China and India) account for a greater portion of the potential student talent pool, making up 61 percent of the international student applications to full-time MBA programs in the United States, as well as 68 percent of the talent pool of applicants for schools located in the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition to receiving access to the Interactive Comprehensive Data Report, participating graduate business programs receive access to the Application Trends Interactive Benchmark Tool, which allows them to compare their responses with aggregated responses from their peer Percentages in tables may not add to programs. All research publications of the Graduate Management 100 percent, due either to multiple responses provided by respondents Admissions Council, including the or to rounding. Data are not reported Application Trends report series, are if the number of observations in a complimentary to participating cell is less than 10. Unless otherwise schools. specified, responses dont know, prefer not to say, or not Survey Participation About the Survey applicable are not included. Visit The year 2012 will mark the 13th The 12th annual Application Trends gmac.com/applicationtrends for anniversary of the GMAC Application Survey was conducted from June 1 to more details about the survey Trends Survey. Admissions mid-July, 2011. Approximately 1,819 methodology. professionals at business schools and graduate business schools and faculties were invited to participate in These findings are based on analysis universities that offer graduate management programs can secure this years application trends survey. of survey data reported in the 2011 the survey invitation by visiting By the survey closing date, 331 Interactive Application Trends gmac.com/surveysignup. graduate business schools and Comprehensive Data Report. The faculties had participated in this Interactive Comprehensive Data Report, Participation benefits for schools survey by submitting data for 649 which is available exclusively to include comprehensive statistics, graduate management programs, participating business schools, customized reports, advance access including 117 full-time two-year contains detailed data tables and to survey findings, and an MBA, 82 full-time one-year MBA, analysis of the survey responses by 109 part-time or professional MBA, graduate management program type, opportunity to be included in a drawing for one of three US$500 gift 67 executive MBA (EMBA), 68 program length, world and US flexible MBA, and 24 online or geographic locations, class size, and baskets of edible goods for the distance-learning MBA programs. school governance, along with overall admissions office. Also participating were 41 Master of analysis. The 2011 Interactive Application Trends research consists Accounting, 29 Master in Comprehensive Data Report also of two independent studies. All Management or International provides verbatim comments from Management, 30 Master of Finance, admissions professionals on reasons graduate management programs are and 58 other master-level programs why graduate management programs eligible to participate in either one or in business fields, as well as 24 PhD experienced a change in application both regardless of their location, or DBA programs. Overall, 467 volume this year compared with last affiliation, or admissions structure. programs from 218 responding year. The open-ended comments also MBA programs as well as doctoral
2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved. 25
schools were in the United States; 89 programs from 60 schools were in Europe; 40 programs from 26 schools were in the Asia-Pacific region; 37 programs from 16 schools were in Canada; and 16 programs from 13 responding schools were in other world regions. Findings reported in this document are based on survey responses, which represent data from the responding programs, and are not a census of all graduate management programs.
include respondent observations about industry trends and issues. A list of business schools that participated in the survey is publicly available at gmac.com/surveys.
2011 Survey Report
and specialized masters in business offered in full-time, part-time, executive, flexible, or distancelearning formats are invited online. A private Preliminary Application Trends Survey, open by invitation only to schools that participated in the main survey, is conducted in early February each year. Results from this survey are distributed exclusively to participating schools and provide advance information on the application volume during the early stages of the application cycle for programs that start in AugustSeptember and a quick snapshot of the end-of-cycle results for programs that start in January. A comprehensive Application Trends Survey is open from June to early July of each year. In addition to assessing longitudinal trends in application volume of a broad spectrum of graduate management programs and providing detailed applicant profile statistics to participating schools, this study has served as a primary source of application trends information for the graduate management education community worldwide for more than a decade through an annual publicly released executive summary.
United States: United States of America and its territories Europe: Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and United Kingdom
tuition_and_scholarships/ tuition_fees. Home Office, UK Border Agency (2011, March 22), Government outlines overhaul of student visas. Retrieved from: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk /sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/ march/54-student-visas.
Regional Location of Survey Respondents

World geographic classifications used in this report are based on the following categories: Asia and Pacific Islands (APAC): Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam Canada: Canada
Ministry of Education and Research, Other World Regions: Brazil, Government Offices of Sweden Costa Rica, Egypt, Israel, Kenya, (2010, February 19), Fees for foreign Lebanon, Nicaragua, Nigeria, students to be introduced in autumn Peru, South Africa, and United term of 2011 (Press Release). Arab Emirates. Retrieved from: http://www.sweden.gov.se/ In addition, US graduate management programs were grouped sb/d/12821/a/140013. geographically using the following Tuition fees for foreign students to regional classifications: be introduced on trial basis in 2010, Helsingin Sanomat. Retrieved from: Northeast (NE): Connecticut, http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Tui Massachusetts, New Hampshire, tion+fees+for+foreign+students+to New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island +be+introduced+on+trial+basis+in +2010/1135238644147. Midwest (MW): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Contact Information Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin For questions or comments about the study findings, methodology, or South (S): Alabama, Arkansas, data, please contact the GMAC District of Columbia, Florida, Research and Development Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, department at research@gmac.com. Maryland , Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Authorship Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia The following individual made significant contributions to the West (W): Arizona, California, concept and design or analysis and Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, interpretation of data and the drafting/revising of the manuscript Utah, and Washington for intellectual content:
References
26
Centre for International Mobility (CIMO), Helsinki, Finland, Study in Finland, Tuition fees. Retrieved from: http://www.studyinfinland.fi/
Rebecca Estrada, Survey Research Manager, Research and Development, Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
2011 Survey Report
Acknowledgements
Gregg Schoenfeld, Director, Graduate Management Education Research, GMAC; Michelle Sparkman-Renz, Director, Research Communications, GMAC; Rachel Edgington, Director, Market Research and Analysis, GMAC, editing of manuscript for intellectual content; Veronica Sinz, Lead Research Publications Manager, GMAC; Paula Bruggeman, Editor/Writer, Manager, GMAC; Alex Chisholm, Senior Manager, Statistical Analysis, GMAC; Dr. Lawrence M. Rudner, Vice President, Research and Development, GMAC. The Graduate Management Admission Council extends sincere appreciation to the business school admissions professionals who generously contributed both time and information to the 2011 Application Trends Survey. Their participation in this research ensures the continuous availability of application trends statistics for the graduate management education industry, prospective students, researchers, media, and the general public.
27
2011 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of GMAC. For permission contact the GMAC legal department at legal@gmac.com. GMAC, GMAT, Graduate Management Admission Council, Graduate Management Admission Test, and the GMAC logo are registered trademarks of the Graduate Management Admission Council in the United States and other countries. Adobe Flash is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

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Application Trends Survey

About This Study

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.

Application Trends Survey

2011 Survey Report

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.

2011 Survey Report

Application Trends Survey

World region and/or US subregion analysis Program size analysis

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.

Application Trends Survey

2011 Survey Report

Trends for MBA Programs

Relative change in application volume

Down signif icantly Executive MBA Full-time MBA Part-time MBA

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.

2011 Survey Report

Application Trends Survey

Figure 2. 2011 Programs Reporting Change in Application Volume

Full-Time MBA Programs

13% 10% 41%

Full-time two-year MBA

Full-time one-year MBA Up

Part-time Flexible MBA Executive MBA MBA Flat Down

Figure 3. Mean Number of Applications, 2010 and 2011

354 185 857 397 158 181 192 81 97 163

Full-time two-year MBA

Full-time one-year MBA

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.

Application Trends Survey

2011 Survey Report

80% 60% 40% 20% 0% All f ull-time MBA programs Up US Canada

0% 36% 13% 19% 0% 22%

Region of school location

Figure 5. Mean Acceptance Rates for All Full-Time MBA Programs

Average acceptance rate

0% 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.

2011 Survey Report

Application Trends Survey

Figure 6. MBA Programs Reporting Equally or Better Qualified Applicants in 2011

Down signif icantly

Down moderately Down slightly

80% 64% 5% 41% 28%

Up moderately Up signif icantly

0% 2008 Up 2009 Flat 2010 Down 2011

Full-time two-year MBA programs in 2011

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.

Application Trends Survey

2011 Survey Report

Average number of applications

Figure 8. Average Number of Applications Received by Two-Year Full-Time MBA Programs

0 2008 2009 Median Mean 2010 2011

Foreign Large, more than 100

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.

2011 Survey Report

Application Trends Survey

Applicant Mix, US Programs

Applicant Mix, All Other Programs

US 7% AsiaPacific 57% Europe 19% AsiaPacific 55%

consisted of foreign citizens already residing in the United States.

2011 Graduate Management Admission Council. All rights reserved.