What’s the real ROI of an MBA? Graduates share their career journeys

Return on investment (ROI) is a top priority for aspiring MBA students, who need to understand whether their significant financial and time commitment is worthwhile.

With the estimated average total cost of an MBA at some of the world's most expensive business schools reaching as high as $203,000 in 2025, according to the latest BusinessBecause Cost of MBA Report, ROI is increasingly important today—especially when MBAs can go on to earn six figure salaries immediately after graduation. 

But what does ROI really mean? While the salary increase you gain post-graduation plays a major role in measuring returns, when it comes to business school, value is more expansive. It also includes the skills, confidence, and connections you gain along the way—all of which can transform your career and your life.

We spoke with three graduates from the full-time MBA program at The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, who have launched diverse and exciting careers, to explore what the real long-term ROI of an MBA looks like.

Building business acumen and confidence to lead

Many pursue an MBA to strengthen their business acumen and accelerate their careers. At McCombs, the Hildebrand MBA program is designed to broaden students’ knowledge through a core curriculum covering key topics such as financial accounting, statistics, microeconomics, and operations management.

Armed with this foundation, students often secure high-paying and rewarding roles. For instance, over 85% of the McCombs MBA Class of 2024 received job offers within three months of graduation, earning a mean base salary of $150,000. With program costs at McCombs ranging from $110,000–$122,000, depending on residency—alongside substantial scholarship opportunities—this salary outcome demonstrates clear value for many students.

However, financial return is only one measure of how enhanced business acumen can propel students forward. For McCombs MBA Class of 2024 graduate Priyanka Kingrani (pictured right), the program enabled her to pivot from technical and people management roles into a strategic position as a product manager advisor at FedEx.

“McCombs gave me the leadership experience and business foundation I needed to move to the next level,” she says. 

Equally important are the confidence and self-belief that come with acquiring new skills, both of which are fundamental to maintaining a long, prosperous career.

“The most valuable part of the MBA is probably the confidence you gain. Your mindset totally shifts—you feel like you can do anything, even lead the biggest company. I've certainly taken this mentality into my work life,” says Colton Belochi, an MBA graduate from the Class of 2024, who is now working as a finance manager at Amazon.

Frank Bowers, who became an asset manager at Jupiter Power after graduating in 2022, echoes this sentiment, noting that the McCombs environment fosters both the personal and academic growth essential for advancing your career: “The atmosphere was challenging and supportive—a great combination for those looking to take on the world of business.”

Turning classroom learning into real-world impact 

Hands-on experience is another key aspect of MBA ROI, giving students the chance to apply what they’ve learned within the classroom and build their professional networks.

At McCombs, students complete a summer internship designed to put theory into practice, providing valuable opportunities to connect with companies and gain access to roles specifically aimed at business school students.

For Priyanka, her internship at Amazon as a senior product manager was formative, equipping her with the skills she now uses daily at FedEx. She describes it as one of the biggest contributors to her growth: “McCombs gave me the soft skills—Amazon gave me the hard skills. Together, they’ve prepared me to lead.”

Colton spent time as an Amazon Finance Leadership Development Program (FLDP) intern, which led directly to a full-time role after graduation. This is a common pathway among McCombs students, with 63% of the Class of 2024 sourcing job offers through their internship experience. 

As part of its focus on experiential learning, the school also offers the McCombs+ Program, a tailored experience featuring seminars with industry experts, micro-consulting projects, and leadership coaching.

“I treasure my McCombs+ experience, as I got to see some of my classroom ideas come to life in a business setting, which gave me a real sense of purpose and direction for my career,” says Priyanka.

Additionally, Frank (pictured right) feels the program’s hands-on approach empowered him to discover his interests and strengths in ways that traditional settings rarely allow.

“The MBA is like a giant buffet—you’re given incredible opportunities to get involved in the business world, while McCombs helps you build the perspective and self-awareness to recognize both your strengths and blind spots.”

Just like the MBA itself is a giant buffet of opportunities, the program’s location in Austin adds another layer to the spread. As one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country, the city gives students access to everything from Fortune 500 headquarters to innovative startups, providing even more ways to explore, learn, and apply their skills in the real world.

The power of community and lifelong support 

An MBA is an investment that can pay dividends long after graduation, often through a powerful sense of community and lifelong support from within your network.

As Priyanka enters her second year post-MBA, she notes that her MBA community remains a stable force she can depend on: “I still tap into it for mentorship, advice, and opportunities when necessary.”

For Colton (pictured right), McCombs’ rich global alumni network of over 100,000 individuals has also been a valuable resource after graduation, offering guidance and support whenever he needs it—making his initial investment in the program feel worthwhile in the long run.

“The alumni network is incredible, people genuinely want to help you. It’s one of those things you can’t measure in numbers, but it’s worth so much,” he says.

The school’s lifelong career counseling is another way McCombs hopes to deliver lasting ROI, ensuring graduates continue to benefit from their investment well into their careers.

“They [McCombs] are so invested in our careers… I still get free career counseling to this day and regularly stay in touch with the career team,” Frank adds.

Ultimately, it's clear that the ROI of an MBA goes far beyond financial outcomes. As Priyanka says, “ROI shouldn't just be measured in compensation— it’s all the things you carry for life.”