The University of Virginia Darden School of Business marks a new record-high average base salary for its MBA graduates in the employment report for the MBA Class of 2023, who landed earnings of $167,899.
“Against an every-shifting economic backdrop, we could not be prouder of these forward-thinking students wo not only achieved excellent career outcomes, but also reached new heights in average compensation,” Career Center Assistant Dean Jeff McNish was quoted in the report. “As these numbers show, Darden MBA graduates are highly valued by leading global companies for their determination, drive, and talent, which they bring across various industries and functions. This recognition reaffirms out commitment to nurture and inspire leaders who will positively impact the business world.”
Ninety-six percent of students received a job offer within three months of graduation, securing positions across seven countries, 24 U.S. states, and 62 cities. Top companies recruiting Darden MBAs include elite institutions like Bain & Company, UBS, Amazon, and General Motors. Nearly 83 percent of graduates were hired through school-facilitated activities.
Industry and Regional Career Destinations
Consulting was again the top industry for Darden MBAs, with 46 percent finding careers in the industry and receiving a mean base annual salary of $182,123. Financial services recruited 26 percent with a mean salary of $167,573, and 11 percent went to work in the technology industry, where they reported a $152,681 mean salary. Healthcare jobs went to 4 percent of the class, while 3 percent of graduates went to work in retail.
| Consulting | 46% |
| Financial Services | 26% |
| Technology | 11% |
| Healthcare | 4% |
| Retail | 3% |
Over 97 percent of the MBA Class of 2023 stayed in the U.S. for their post-MBA employment. The highest mean base salary by region was the U.S. Southwest at $179,518, where 11 percent of graduates moved to begin their careers. Eleven percent also moved to the West, where the reported mean annual salary was $165,756. A third of graduates moved to the Northeast; they landed a mean salary of $169,625. The 23 percent who moved to the Mid-Atlantic states earned around the same, claiming an average base salary of $169,856. 13 percent headed to the South U.S. and 8 percent to the Midwest.
| Northeast | 33% |
| Mid-Atlantic | 23% |
| South | 13% |
| Southwest | 11% |
| West | 11.% |
| Midwest | 8% |
