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UCLA Anderson MBA Program Overview (2025)
The UCLA Anderson School of Management is one of the top business schools in the world. Located in Los Angeles, California, Anderson is known for its innovative curriculum, strong alumni network, and deep industry connections. The full-time MBA program provides a rigorous yet flexible education that prepares students for leadership roles in finance, consulting, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Founded in 1935, the Anderson School is part of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Its community-oriented atmosphere fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a top choice for MBA applicants worldwide. The school's proximity to Silicon Beach and major corporate hubs provides students with unmatched access to networking, internships, and career opportunities.
UCLA Anderson MBA Acceptance Rate
- UCLA Anderson Acceptance Rate: 40%
The UCLA Anderson MBA acceptance rate makes it a highly selective program. Admission is competitive, with a focus on academic excellence, professional experience, and leadership potential.
Applicants typically have a strong undergraduate GPA, competitive GMAT or GRE scores, and substantial work experience. The admissions committee evaluates candidates based on their career trajectory, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievements.
UCLA Anderson MBA Class Profile
The UCLA Anderson MBA class is made up of a diverse and accomplished group of students. Here’s a snapshot of the latest incoming class:
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Class Size: 305
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Average GMAT Score: 714
- GRE Score Range:
- 165 (Quant)
- 162 (Verbal)
- Average Work Experience: 5.4 Years
- International Students: 41%
- Women in the Class: 43%
- Military: 4%
- LGBTQ+: 8%
UCLA Anderson MBA Cost — Tuition & Fees
The cost of attending UCLA Anderson’s MBA program includes tuition, fees, living expenses, and other costs. Here’s an estimated student budget for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Tuition for Anderson’s MBA: $79,452
- Mandatory UCLA Fees: $1,872
- Health Insurance: $7,861
- Books & Supplies: $2,424
- Housing & Living Expenses: $30,440
- Estimated Student Budget 2024: $132,116
UCLA Anderson offers scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid options to help reduce costs. Many students also secure sponsorships or employer funding. Additionally, loans and need-based aid are available through admissions and financial aid services.
UCLA Anderson Employment Report
Graduates of UCLA Anderson’s MBA program benefit from strong job placement rates and competitive salaries. Here’s an overview of the 2022 employment report:
- Job Offer Rate (after 6 months of graduation): 97%
- Average Base Salary: $122,000
- Average First Year Total Compensation (with bonus): $137,000
- Employment Regions:
- Southern California (LA) - 38%
- East Coast (NYC, Boston, NC) - 24%
- International (Canada, Chile, UK) - 21%
- Northern California (SF) - 10%
- Midwest - 7%
- Southwest (Texas) - 5%
- Northwest (Washington) - 1%
UCLA Anderson’s strong alumni network, career services, and industry partnerships help MBA students secure top roles in competitive fields.
UCLA Anderson Application Overview
UCLA Anderson Programs & Degrees
The UCLA Anderson School of Management offers a range of MBA programs tailored to different career goals and levels of experience. Whether you’re looking for a full-time MBA or an Executive MBA, Anderson has options to fit various professional backgrounds.
Full-Time MBA
- 22 Months (Weekdays)
- On-Campus Classes
A 22-month program designed for professionals with 2-8 years of work experience. It features on-campus classes and provides access to a top-ranked career center with individual support.
Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA)
- 33 Months (Nights/Weekends)
- On-Campus or Hybrid
This 33-month program is tailored for working professionals, offering evening and weekend classes. It accommodates those with 4-8 years of work experience and provides flexible scheduling options or busy working professionals.
Executive MBA (EMBA)
- 22 Months (Weekends Only)
- On-Campus or Hybrid
A 22-month program designed for seasoned professionals, typically with 8-20+ years of work experience. It emphasizes leadership development and strategic thinking, with classes held bi-weekly on Fridays and Saturdays.
UCLA-NUS Executive MBA
- 15 Months
- Typically 10-20+ Years of Work Experience, 5-12+ in Management
UCLA Anderson's Global EMBA for Asia Pacific is a program with a U.S.-Asia focus, conducted in collaboration with the National University of Singapore. It includes four one- to two-week segments in various countries, catering to busy working managers with substantial experience.
Master of Financial Engineering (MFE)
- 15 Months (Weekdays)
- Typically 2-8 Years of Work Experience
- On-Campus
A 15-month program for individuals with strong quantitative skills. It offers comprehensive training in financial engineering, preparing students for roles in finance and related industries.
Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
- 15 Months (Weekdays)
- Typically 2-8 Years of Work Experience
- On-Campus
A 15-month program focusing on data-driven decision-making. It equips students with the skills needed to analyze and interpret complex business data, preparing them for careers in business analytics.
Ph.D. Program
- 5+ Years
UCLA Anderson's Ph.D. program is designed for those aiming for academic or high-level research careers. It offers specializations in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, and more.
Each of these programs are designed to cater to specific career goals and experience levels, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen fields.
Deferred MBA (UCLA Anderson Future Leaders Program)
The UCLA Anderson Deferred MBA is aimed at undergraduates and master’s students who want to secure a future spot in the MBA program while gaining professional experience. Highlights:
- Open to college seniors or final-year master’s students.
- Applicants gain 2–5 years of work experience before starting the program.
- Offers early admission and potential scholarships.
Joint Degrees
UCLA Anderson offers several joint-degree programs, allowing students to combine business education with other disciplines:
- MBA/JD (Law) – with UCLA School of Law.
- MBA/MD (Medicine) – for those pursuing healthcare leadership.
- MBA/MPP (Public Policy) – in partnership with the Luskin School of Public Affairs.
- MBA/MSCS (Computer Science) – ideal for tech-driven careers.
These programs provide a well-rounded education, combining business acumen with expertise in other fields.
UCLA Anderson Deadlines
UCLA Anderson follows a three-round application process for its Full-Time MBA program. Each round has a specific deadline, and applying earlier can improve your chances, especially for scholarships and fellowships.
Full-Time MBA Deadlines
Round 1: October 1, 2024
- Decision Notifications: December 13, 2024
Round 2: January 6, 2025
- Decision Notifications: March 27, 2025
Round 3: April 7, 2025
- Decision Notifications: May 16, 2025
Deadlines for Other UCLA Anderson Programs
- Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA): Applications are accepted in multiple rounds from October through June.
- Executive MBA (EMBA): Applications close in April 2025.
- Master of Financial Engineering (MFE): Deadlines range from January to April 2025.
- Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA): Early rounds close in December 2024, with final deadlines in March 2025.
For the most up-to-date information, check the official UCLA Anderson admissions page.
UCLA Anderson Requirements
Applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program is a competitive process. The admissions committee looks for candidates with strong academic backgrounds, leadership skills, and professional experience. The application includes several components that help showcase an applicant’s potential for success in the program and beyond.
MBA Application Checklist
- Online Application
- Application Fee ($200)
- Four-year Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
- GMAT/GRE
- Essays
- Letters or Recommendation
- Work Experience
- Interview (by invitation only)
GMAT/GRE
UCLA Anderson requires applicants to submit either GMAT or GRE scores. The school does not have a minimum score requirement, but a competitive score within the 80th percentile is recommended.
Learn more here: GMAT vs. GRE for Business School—Which to Take and How to Ace Both
UCLA Anderson MBA Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation play a crucial role in the application process. It is important to choose recommenders who can speak to your professional abilities and potential for success in the MBA program. Select individuals who have worked closely with you and can provide specific examples of your strengths and accomplishments. It is advisable to communicate with your recommenders well in advance, providing them with the necessary information and guidance to write strong and persuasive letters on your behalf.
Letter of Reference Questions and Topics:
- Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
- How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?)
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
Learn more here: How to Get the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter—With Examples. Also, click here for our free Leland Recommender Prep Template.
UCLA Anderson Essays
The UCLA Anderson MBA application requires applicants to submit one main essay, with an optional essay for additional context. The essay portion is critical, allowing candidates to showcase their career goals, leadership potential, and personal values.
Prompt #1: Why are you pursuing an MBA? (150 words) Prompt #2: Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (150 words) Prompt #3: At Anderson, our mission is to prepare transformative leaders by developing students to think innovatively, problem-solve, and adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson? (250 words)
Optional Essay
Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (250 words)
Essay for Reapplicants
As for reapplicants, they may answer one or both of the essay questions above as options, and they must provide additional updates within text boxes given in the application for any new test scores, career developments, or other changes since their last application.
Learn more here: How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Examples
UCLA Anderson MBA Curriculum & Class Structure
The UCLA Anderson MBA program follows a rigorous, hands-on approach that combines core business fundamentals with real-world application. The two-year, full-time program focuses on leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. Anderson emphasizes a collaborative and data-driven learning environment, preparing students for leadership roles across industries.
Students complete a structured core curriculum in the first year before choosing electives in the second year. Experiential learning opportunities like the Applied Management Research (AMR) program and global study trips allow students to work with real clients and gain international exposure.
Year 1: Building Core Business Knowledge
The first year is designed to build a strong foundation in business and finance fundamentals through required core courses.
First Year Sample Courses:
- Foundations of Inclusive Leadership
- Financial Accounting
- Marketing Management
- Business Strategy
- Data & Decisions
- Operations Technology Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Foundations of Ethical Decision-Making
- Global Economics and Business Cycles
Second Year
In the second year, students have the flexibility to customize their MBA experience by choosing from a wide range of elective courses. This allows individuals to delve deeper into their areas of interest and gain specialized knowledge that aligns with their career goals.
Moreover, second-year students can participate in various global immersion programs, where they can gain firsthand international business experience and expand their global network.
Year 2: Customization & Specialization
In the second year, students tailor their MBA experience with electives, specializations, and real-world projects. Many students choose to focus on areas like finance, consulting, technology, or entrepreneurship.
Key Features of Year 2:
- Elective Courses: Over 100+ options across different business disciplines.
- Global Immersion Programs: Study abroad or consult for international companies.
- Applied Management Research (AMR): The flagship consulting project where students tackle real business problems.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Support through the Venture Accelerator at Anderson.
By the end of Year 2, students graduate with a well-rounded skill set and strong connections within the Anderson alumni network, preparing them for top leadership roles in the business world.
How to Get Into UCLA Anderson
To maximize your chances, you should highlight your academic excellence, impactful work experience, and a compelling personal story in your application.
Anderson values collaboration, innovation, and leadership, so demonstrating these traits is crucial. Whether through your essays, interview, or letters of recommendation, you need to show why you are a great fit for Anderson’s dynamic learning environment.
Here are three key tips to help you stand out in the UCLA Anderson admissions process.
Tip 1: Showcase Strong Academic & Test Scores
Academic strength plays a key role in admission. A high GPA and strong GMAT/GRE score prove that you can handle the rigorous UCLA MBA curriculum.
- Aim for a GMAT score of 700+ or a strong GRE equivalent to remain competitive.
- Your undergraduate degree and coursework should reflect quantitative and analytical skills, as Anderson values data-driven decision-making.
- If your GPA is lower than the class average, use your essays or an optional statement to address any weaknesses and show academic improvement.
Tip 2: Highlight Leadership & Impactful Work Experience
Anderson seeks candidates who have demonstrated leadership and made an impact in their careers. Whether you have experience in finance, technology, consulting, or entrepreneurship, you need to show how you have led projects, influenced teams, or driven business results.
- Emphasize leadership roles and times when you took initiative.
- Showcase how your business knowledge has driven growth, efficiency, or change in your organization.
- If you lack a leadership title, highlight experiences where you mentored others, managed projects, or influenced key decisions.
Tip 3: Craft a Compelling Story in Your Essays
Your UCLA Anderson MBA essays are a critical part of the application. They give you the opportunity to showcase your goals, motivations, and fit for the program.
- Clearly articulate why UCLA Anderson is the right business school for you.
- Show a direct connection between your past experience, career goals, and how Anderson will help you succeed.
- Avoid generic responses. Anderson values authenticity and well-thought-out career aspirations.
UCLA Anderson Notable Alumni & Faculty
UCLA Anderson has produced many successful business leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives. Its faculty includes renowned professors and industry experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
Notable Alumni
- Susan Wojcicki – Former CEO of YouTube
- Antonio Villaraigosa – Former Mayor of Los Angeles
- Bill Ballhaus – CEO of Blackboard
These alumni have made significant contributions in tech, politics, and business. Their success reflects Anderson’s strong leadership focus and global influence in various industries.
Notable Faculty
- Professor Sebastian Edwards – Expert in global economics and finance
- Professor Jennifer Whitson – Specializes in organizational behavior and psychology
- Professor Sanjay Sood – Authority in marketing and brand management
UCLA Anderson’s faculty members combine academic research with hands-on business experience. Their insights help MBA students develop critical problem-solving skills and a strategic mindset for leadership.
Get Into UCLA Anderson With the Help of Experts
Applying to UCLA Anderson’s MBA program is competitive. Many applicants seek expert guidance to improve their chances of admission. Admissions consultants can help with crafting strong essays, preparing for interviews, and building a compelling application.
Here are the most popular MBA admissions consultants for UCLA Anderson, browse all here:
UCLA Anderson MBA — FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about UCLA Anderson:
What is the acceptance rate at UCLA Anderson?
- The acceptance rate varies each year, but it is typically around 20%.
Do I need to have a business background to apply to UCLA Anderson?
- No, UCLA Anderson welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Is work experience required for admission?
- While work experience is not mandatory, most admitted students have some professional experience.
Can international students apply?
- Yes, UCLA Anderson encourages applications from international candidates and provides comprehensive support for their transition to studying in the United States.
What are the basic requirements for admission to Anderson's MBA program?
- Applicants must hold a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. While GMAT, GRE, or EA scores are optional, submitting them can strengthen your application.
Who is the Assistant Dean and Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid?
- Alex Lawrence ('99) serves as the Assistant Dean and Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Anderson.
How does UCLA Anderson support MBA admissions and financial aid?
- The admissions team provides guidance throughout the application process, while the financial aid office offers resources like scholarships and loans to assist students.
What is the typical profile of Anderson MBA students?
- Anderson MBA students come from diverse backgrounds, often with several years of professional experience, strong academic records, and leadership potential.
How can I engage with current Anderson students to learn more about the program?
- Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions, webinars, and campus events to connect with current Anderson students and gain insights into the MBA experience
Final Note
UCLA Anderson's MBA program offers a transformative educational journey that prepares students to become influential business leaders. By understanding the application requirements and the program's curriculum, you can position yourself for success and become a valuable member of the prestigious UCLA Anderson community.
Leland provides you with the content, community, and coaching that you need to get into your dream MBA program and accomplish other ambitious goals. Sign up today to gain access to additional free resources, community events, small group classes, world-class coaching, and more.
