U.S. MBA Hiring: Predictions vs. Reality

Overview

For more than two decades, the Corporate Recruiters Survey from GMAC has provided the world’s graduate business schools and employers with data and insights to understand current trends in skill demand, hiring, compensation, and perceptions of MBA and business master’s graduates. The latest edition was fielded in January to March 2025 and published in July 2025.

To assess recent changes in the labor market, the Corporate Recruiter Pulse Survey was designed to deploy quickly and collect data on hiring and salary changes in the 2025 calendar year. In partnership with Career Services & Employer Alliance (CSEA), the survey was delivered to U.S. corporate recruiters of MBA graduates and career services professionals from September 17 to October 8, 2025. 

2025 Insights

MBA Hiring 2025: Finding Balance in a Shifting Market - Career Services & Employer Alliance

Quick Facts

• Half of respondents reported a decrease in the hiring of domestic and international MBA talent in the U.S. compared to their expectations at the beginning of the year
• Most respondents signaled salaries aligned with their predictions
• A majority of career services professionals predict major influence of country leaders on the next quarter of hiring
• Employers are most concerned about the influence of the financial status of their own organization on their upcoming hiring plans