Is a Business Degree Worth It? 6 Reasons Professionals Still Choose an MBA

Deciding whether to pursue business school is rarely a simple choice. For some, it’s about gaining momentum early in their careers. For others, it’s a response to change—an industry shift, a leadership opportunity, or a moment that calls for a new direction.

As professionals navigate layoffs, AI, and shifting definitions of career stability, many are taking a closer look at how education can support long-term growth.

For those considering an MBA or business-focused master’s degree, these are some of the reasons the investment continues to pay off.

6 Reasons Professionals Still Choose an MBA

1. Earning Potential That Grows Over Time

For many professions, one of the most compelling reasons to pursue an MBAis the potential for salary growth. Across many industries, advanced business degrees are still linked to stronger earning outcomes, particularly over the course of a career.

According to recent employment reports and industry surveys, MBA graduates—specifically in consulting, finance, technology, and management roles—typically earn more than peers with only undergraduate degrees.

• High median starting pay: According to a 2024 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) report, the estimated median start salary for U.S MBA graduates was approximately $120,000. This is estimated to be 1.75 times higher than the starting salary for those with only a bachelor's degree.
• Other business master’s degrees: Graduates from programs such as Business Analytics, Finance, Consulting, or Marketing typically expect competitive starting salaries ranging from $80,000–$95,000, depending on factors such as role, experience, and location.
• Career growth and long-term earnings: MBA programs can help students advance into leadership and strategic roles by equipping them with the resources and skills needed for sustained growth, leading to salary increases and strong lifetime earnings.

2. Building Career Flexibility and Mobility

Career paths today are rarely linear. Many professionals pursue an MBA to open up doors, whether that means stepping into leadership or changing industries.

In fact, nearly 90% of global employers planned to hire MBA graduates in 2025. As organizations integrate new technologies and rethink how work gets done, flexibility has become a defining career asset.

An MBA supports career flexibility by helping professionals:

• Pivot into new industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, or consulting
• Move from individual contributor roles into people or project leadership
• Build confidence to navigate career transitions during periods of uncertainty
• Develop skills that remain relevant as roles and responsibilities evolve

Some programs also offer several MBA pathways tailored to your experience level and career goals.

3. Developing Transferable Skills

One of the most enduring benefits of an MBA is the range of transferable skills it develops. Employers value professionals who can think critically, collaborate across teams, and communicate clearly—regardless of job title.

MBA programs help students strengthen skills that apply throughout their careers, including:

• Strategic thinking and structured problem-solving
• Data analysis and decision-making grounded in evidence
• Clear, persuasive communication with diverse stakeholders
• Leadership and team management in complex environments
• Cross-functional collaboration across departments and disciplines

At institutions like Albers, students combine networking and real-world projects to build the experience and confidence needed for successful career transitions and strong backgrounds.

4. Expanding Your Professional Network

A strong advantage of joining an MBA program is the access to a wide network. MBA programs allow students to build relationships with peers and alumni, which can help drive their careers forward.

MBA programs support relationship-building through:

• Peer Connections: MBA programs often feature small cohorts, allowing you to build strong relationships with peers both on campus and online. Expanding these connections is essential, as peer networks support collaboration and professional growth throughout your career.
• Alumni Networks: Business schools maintain a strong alumni network. Whether through LinkedIn or University events, students can connect with alumni throughout their careers, opening up opportunities for new roles and mentorship.
• Career Visibility: Participation in alumni panels, mentorship programs, and networking events allows MBA students to gain exposure to industries and organizations that may not be easily accessible to the public.

At Albers, students can benefit from a strong alumni community and connections through different services at the Albers Career Center. Students can gain ongoing support outside of the classroom, mentorship and access to career opportunities.

5. Building Skills in Leadership and Strategy

As organizations respond to rapid change, leadership today requires more than technical expertise. Employers are seeking professionals who can guide teams through uncertainty and make thoughtful decisions with real-world impact.

An MBA helps students strengthen their analytical skills while learning how to apply business insights in real organizational settings. That’s why leadership development is intentionally integrated throughout the Albers MBA curriculum, combining rigorous coursework with collaborative, real-world learning experiences.

Graduate business education places increasing emphasis on leadership development. The MBA prepares students to:

• Lead through uncertainty: Modern leaders need to evaluate risks and communicate organizational direction clearly.
• Maintain strategic alignment: Teams must connect day-to-day tasks with long-term organizational goals and measurable outcomes.
• Communicate with stakeholders effectively: Leaders are expected to explain decisions clearly across teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Practice ethical judgment and decision-making: Leaders must learn how to consider bias and potential consequences when integrating new workflows or technologies.

By developing soft skills and leadership qualities, students are more prepared to evaluate risks and lead others through transitional phases.

6. Support Personal Growth and Strengthen Your Professional Confidence

For many students, business school is as much about personal development as it is about career advancement. How can you show up at work more confidently? How do you handle unfamiliar changes?

Graduate programs challenge individuals to reflect on how they lead, how they collaborate, and how they want to contribute. Over time, that process strengthens professional confidence in a way that carries into every role, whether someone is leading a team or managing complex projects.

An MBA supports this growth by helping professionals:

• Clarify their leadership style and professional goals
• Build confidence presenting ideas and leading meetings
• Strengthen communication skills in high-stakes workplace situations
• Develop a leadership approach grounded in values and accountability
• Build confidence navigating conflict and making difficult decisions

Prepare for long-term impact, not just the next role

Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics blends real-world projects and expert mentorship, preparing students for long-term career impact. Learn more about our MBA programs and decide which program is right for you.

Professional MBA (PMBA): A flexible, part- or full-time MBA for professionals with work experience seeking to deepen leadership and business expertise while remaining employed.

Online MBA: A no-GMAT, part-time MBA focused on cross-functional business leadership, delivered in a flexible online format for working professionals.

Early Career MBA: A one-year, full-time MBA for recent graduates or early professionals, especially those with non-business undergraduate degrees, designed to accelerate foundational business skills and career momentum. MBA in Sport & Entertainment Management: A specialized MBA tailored for leaders targeting careers in the sport and entertainment industries, with both in-person and online options.

Executive MBA (Leadership EMBA): A cohort-based MBA designed for senior leaders and executives who want to strengthen strategic decision-making, influence at scale, and ethical leadership in complex environments.