Abhyank Srinet 
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary in 2026?
- How Has the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary Changed?
- What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary by Industry?
- What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary by Job Function?
- Where Do UCLA Anderson MBA Graduates Work?
- What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Employment Rate?
- Which Companies Hire UCLA Anderson MBA Graduates?
- What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary for International Graduates?
- Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary Worth the Cost?
- What Should Indian Applicants Know About UCLA Anderson MBA Salary?
- Related Blogs
The latest UCLA Anderson MBA salary data shows a median base salary of approximately ₹1.53 crore ($160,096) and a mean base salary of ₹1.47 crore ($153,566) for the Class of 2025. The median signing bonus was approximately ₹28.75 lakh ($30,000). Among graduates seeking employment, 74.7% had accepted a job within three months and 85% had accepted one within six months. Technology, consulting and financial services together accounted for 73.3% of job acceptances.
Introduction
The UCLA Anderson MBA salary is an important benchmark for applicants comparing the cost of a US MBA with its post-graduation career outcomes. UCLA Anderson's latest Full-Time MBA Employment Report covers the Class of 2025 and shows strong compensation across consulting, financial services, technology, product management and other major career paths.
For Indian applicants, the headline salary is only one part of the decision. Work authorisation, industry, job function, location, signing bonus, tuition, living costs and loan burden can all change the real return on the degree. In this blog, we explain the UCLA Anderson MBA salary by industry, function and location, along with employment outcomes, top hiring firms, programme cost and ROI.
What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary in 2026?
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The latest official UCLA Anderson MBA salary benchmark is a median base salary of approximately ₹1.53 crore ($160,096) for the Class of 2025. The mean base salary was approximately ₹1.47 crore ($153,566). UCLA reports that 86.7% of employed graduates provided salary data, so the median is a useful headline benchmark but should still be read alongside industry, function and work-authorisation outcomes.
The table below summarises the latest compensation figures reported by UCLA Anderson.
| Compensation Metric | Mean | Median | Reported Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Base Salary | ₹1.47 crore ($153,566) | ₹1.53 crore ($160,096) | ₹30.38 lakh–₹2.40 crore ($31,709–$250,000) |
| Permanent US Work Authorisation | ₹1.50 crore ($156,510) | ₹1.62 crore ($169,250) | ₹71.86 lakh–₹2.35 crore ($75,000–$245,000) |
| Non-Permanent US Work Authorisation | ₹1.43 crore ($149,551) | ₹1.49 crore ($156,000) | ₹30.38 lakh–₹2.40 crore ($31,709–$250,000) |
| Signing Bonus | ₹32.60 lakh ($34,027) | ₹28.75 lakh ($30,000) | ₹2.40 lakh–₹62.28 lakh ($2,500–$65,000) |
Data note: UCLA Anderson states that compensation is self-reported and does not publish salary data for categories with fewer than four data points. INR conversions on this page are approximate and use ₹95.82 per US dollar, based on the RBI reference rate available for 22 September 2026. Original US-dollar figures should be treated as the official values.
Source: UCLA Anderson Class of 2025 Full-Time MBA Employment Report.
How Has the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary Changed?
The median UCLA Anderson MBA salary increased by 12% from the Class of 2024 to the Class of 2025. UCLA reported a median base salary of approximately ₹1.37 crore ($142,800) in 2024 and ₹1.53 crore ($160,096) in 2025.
The year-on-year change is useful for showing direction, but applicants should avoid assuming that the same growth rate will continue every year.
| Graduating Class | Median Base Salary | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Class of 2024 | ₹1.37 crore ($142,800) | — |
| Class of 2025 | ₹1.53 crore ($160,096) | 12% |
What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary by Industry?
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The UCLA Anderson MBA salary varies significantly by industry. Consulting and financial services reported the highest median base salary among the major disclosed industries at approximately ₹1.68 crore ($175,000), while technology was the largest hiring industry at 28.3% of accepted jobs.
This distinction matters: the industry hiring the most graduates is not necessarily the industry paying the highest median salary.
| Industry | Share of Hires | Mean Base Salary | Median Base Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | 28.3% | ₹1.43 crore ($148,731) | ₹1.41 crore ($147,000) |
| Consulting | 25.6% | ₹1.65 crore ($172,289) | ₹1.68 crore ($175,000) |
| Financial Services | 19.4% | ₹1.52 crore ($158,448) | ₹1.68 crore ($175,000) |
| Entertainment & Media | 7.2% | ₹1.29 crore ($135,022) | ₹1.30 crore ($135,200) |
| Healthcare | 5.6% | ₹1.28 crore ($133,675) | ₹1.26 crore ($131,500) |
| Consumer Products | 5.6% | ₹1.14 crore ($118,500) | ₹1.16 crore ($121,500) |
| Real Estate | 2.8% | ₹1.19 crore ($124,000) | ₹1.10 crore ($115,000) |
Which Industries Offer the Highest Salaries to UCLA Anderson MBA Graduates?
Consulting and financial services offer some of the highest UCLA Anderson MBA salaries. For the Class of 2025, both industries reported a median base salary of approximately ₹1.68 crore ($175,000). These sectors remain attractive for graduates targeting strategy consulting, investment banking, corporate finance and related roles.
Technology was the largest hiring industry, accounting for 28.3% of accepted jobs, with a median base salary of around ₹1.41 crore ($147,000). This shows that the industry hiring the most UCLA Anderson MBA graduates is not necessarily the one offering the highest median salary. Students should therefore compare compensation with job function, career goals and long-term growth when choosing an industry.
Technology
Technology was the largest destination for UCLA Anderson MBA graduates, accounting for 28.3% of accepted jobs. The median technology salary was approximately ₹1.41 crore ($147,000), while the mean was ₹1.43 crore ($148,731). UCLA also reports that 73.8% of technology hires received stock, equity or options, so base salary does not show the full potential compensation package.
Consulting
Consulting accounted for 25.6% of hires and reported a median UCLA Anderson MBA salary of approximately ₹1.68 crore ($175,000). About 87% of consulting hires received a signing bonus, with a median bonus of ₹28.75 lakh ($30,000). This makes consulting one of the strongest disclosed paths for both base pay and signing compensation.
Financial Services
Financial services represented 19.4% of accepted jobs and also reported a median base salary of approximately ₹1.68 crore ($175,000). Within finance, investment banking accounted for 13.3% of hires and reported a ₹1.68 crore ($175,000) median base salary and a ₹47.91 lakh ($50,000) median signing bonus.
Entertainment and Media
Entertainment and media accounted for 7.2% of accepted jobs, with a median base salary of approximately ₹1.30 crore ($135,200). UCLA Anderson's Los Angeles location can be especially relevant for applicants targeting film, television, streaming, gaming, sports and entertainment strategy roles.
What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary by Job Function?
Job function is one of the biggest missing pieces when applicants look only at the overall UCLA MBA average salary. UCLA's Class of 2025 report shows that consulting and finance functions had median salaries of approximately ₹1.68 crore ($175,000), while product management reported a median of approximately ₹1.63 crore ($170,000).
The table below gives a more useful role-level view of UCLA Anderson MBA salary outcomes.
| Job Function | Share of Hires | Median Base Salary | Median Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 24.4% | ₹1.68 crore ($175,000) | ₹28.75 lakh ($30,000) |
| Finance & Accounting | 24.4% | ₹1.68 crore ($175,000) | ₹47.91 lakh ($50,000) |
| Marketing & Sales | 21.7% | ₹1.38 crore ($144,000) | ₹28.75 lakh ($30,000) |
| General Management | 13.3% | ₹1.37 crore ($142,800) | ₹31.58 lakh ($32,963) |
| Operations & Logistics | 7.2% | ₹1.27 crore ($132,600) | ₹34.97 lakh ($36,500) |
High-Intent Role Salaries
Applicants often search by specific role rather than broad industry. UCLA reports a median base salary of approximately ₹1.63 crore ($170,000) for product management, ₹1.42 crore ($148,125) for product marketing, ₹1.68 crore ($175,000) for investment banking and ₹1.26 crore ($132,000) for corporate finance.
| Specific Role | Share of Hires | Median Base Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Banking | 13.3% | ₹1.68 crore ($175,000) |
| Product Management | 8.9% | ₹1.63 crore ($170,000) |
| Corporate Finance | 5.6% | ₹1.26 crore ($132,000) |
| Product Marketing | 5.6% | ₹1.42 crore ($148,125) |
Where Do UCLA Anderson MBA Graduates Work?
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Most Class of 2025 job acceptances were in the United States. UCLA reports that 93.9% of accepted jobs were US-based, while 6.1% were outside the US. California alone accounted for 67.8% of hires, reflecting UCLA Anderson's strong West Coast and Los Angeles employer network.
Location can materially change the UCLA Anderson MBA salary because the industry mix and cost of living differ across regions.
| Job Location | Share of Hires | Median Base Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | 67.8% | ₹1.64 crore ($171,000) |
| Northeast US | 9.4% | ₹1.68 crore ($175,000) |
| West excluding California | 7.2% | ₹1.37 crore ($142,800) |
| Southwest US | 4.4% | ₹1.20 crore ($125,000) |
| Asia | 3.3% | ₹1.08 crore ($112,309) |
| Midwest US | 2.2% | ₹1.53 crore ($160,000) |
| Mid-Atlantic US | 2.2% | ₹1.19 crore ($123,950) |
| Latin America | 2.2% | ₹88.42 lakh ($92,281) |
| United States Total | 93.9% | ₹1.61 crore ($168,500) |
| International Locations Total | 6.1% | ₹1.01 crore ($104,907) |
What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Employment Rate?
For the Class of 2025, 241 of 290 graduates reporting employment information were seeking employment. Among those job seekers, 76.3% had received an offer within three months of graduation and 74.7% had accepted one. By six months, the job-acceptance rate reached 85%.
UCLA notes that the six-month figure is not part of the MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance employment-reporting standard. For precise comparisons with other schools, the three-month offer and acceptance figures are therefore the cleaner benchmark.
| Employment Outcome | By Graduation | Within 3 Months | Within 6 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Offers | 59.3% | 76.3% | Not reported |
| Job Acceptances | 54.8% | 74.7% | 85% |
Which Companies Hire UCLA Anderson MBA Graduates?
UCLA Anderson's official employer data shows broad recruiting across technology, consulting, finance, entertainment, consumer businesses and other sectors. For the 2024–25 school year, Amazon hired 20 or more full-time MBA students when full-time employment and summer internships were combined. Bank of America, BCG, Deloitte and McKinsey & Company each appeared in the 10–19 student group.
Other firms hiring at least four students across full-time roles and internships included Adobe, Apple, Bain & Company, Citi, EY-Parthenon, Google, Jefferies, L.E.K. Consulting, Mattel, Microsoft, Moelis & Company, PwC, Santander, Trammell Crow Company and UBS Investment Bank. These counts combine full-time and internship hiring, so they should not be read as full-time placement counts alone.
UCLA also says that more than 86% of full-time MBA students switch industry, function or both, with an average pre- to post-MBA salary increase of 85%. Applicants can review the broader programme and career resources on the official UCLA Anderson Full-Time MBA page.
What Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary for International Graduates?
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UCLA does not publish one salary figure labelled specifically for all international students. The closest official comparison for many international applicants is the non-permanent US work-authorisation group, which reported a median base salary of approximately ₹1.49 crore ($156,000) and a mean of ₹1.43 crore ($149,551).
Among graduates without permanent US work authorisation who were seeking employment, 75% had accepted a job within three months. That figure should not be treated as a guarantee for Indian students because outcomes still depend on role, employer sponsorship, prior experience, recruiting timing and the US hiring environment.
Is the UCLA Anderson MBA Salary Worth the Cost?
The UCLA Anderson MBA salary can support a strong post-MBA earnings profile, but salary alone does not establish ROI. Applicants should compare compensation with the full programme budget, taxes, loan interest, scholarships, foregone earnings and the probability of securing a role in their target market.
UCLA's latest financing page estimates MBA programme fees of approximately ₹79.27 lakh ($82,734) for 2026–27 and the same estimated amount for 2027–28. The estimated student budget is approximately ₹1.32 crore ($137,951) for 2026–27 and ₹1.25 crore ($130,479) for 2027–28.
| Cost Item | 2026–27 | 2027–28 |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated MBA Programme Fees | ₹79.27 lakh ($82,734) | ₹79.27 lakh ($82,734) |
| Estimated Total Student Budget | ₹1.32 crore ($137,951) | ₹1.25 crore ($130,479) |
Across the two published academic-year budgets, the estimated programme-period budget is approximately ₹2.57 crore ($268,430). UCLA notes that programme charges and health-insurance costs are estimates and may change.
For the latest cost details, see UCLA Anderson's official Full-Time MBA financing page. You can also compare the numbers with our UCLA Anderson MBA fees guide.
How to Read ROI
A simple salary-to-cost comparison can be misleading because the UCLA Anderson MBA salary is gross annual base pay, while the student budget includes education and living costs over the programme period. A more realistic ROI calculation should use expected after-tax income, signing bonus where applicable, loan repayments, foregone salary and the time needed to recover the total investment.
What Should Indian Applicants Know About UCLA Anderson MBA Salary?
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For Indian applicants, the most relevant UCLA Anderson MBA salary benchmark is often the non-permanent US work-authorisation median of approximately ₹1.49 crore ($156,000). However, the best comparison is the salary for your target function and location rather than the overall class figure. An applicant targeting investment banking or consulting is looking at a very different compensation profile from someone targeting entertainment, consumer products or an international role.
Career Planning
Start with a specific post-MBA function before comparing salaries. UCLA's role-level data shows clear differences between consulting, finance, product management, marketing and operations. Early preparation is especially important for structured recruiting paths such as investment banking and consulting.
Financing and Salary Comparison
Convert both salary and cost using the same exchange-rate assumption, then model taxes and loan payments separately. Do not assume that a ₹1.5 crore-plus US salary translates into the same purchasing power or savings as a similar INR figure in India.
Admissions and Career Fit
If UCLA Anderson fits your target industry and career geography, review the broader UCLA Anderson MBA guide, the latest UCLA Anderson MBA GMAT guide and the UCLA Anderson MBA ROI guide before making a final school decision.
Related Blogs
- UCLA Anderson MBA
- UCLA Anderson MBA GMAT Score
- UCLA Anderson MBA Fees
- Is UCLA Anderson MBA Worth It?
Conclusion
The UCLA Anderson MBA can be attractive for applicants targeting careers in technology, consulting, finance, product, entertainment and other US-facing sectors. The best way to judge its value is to match the school's role-level employment outcomes with your own career goal, financing plan and work-authorisation situation rather than relying on one headline salary figure.
