MBA GPA Requirements for M7 Schools

Last Updated on August 16, 2023

So, you want to apply to M7 programs, but you’re unsure what MBA GPA requirements are at such competitive institutions. The truth is, the answer varies somewhat depending on your situation.

In this article, we’ll look at the average MBA GPAs at the M7 schools, discuss how to figure out what grade point average will make you competitive at these schools, and answer some common questions about GPA requirements for MBA programs in the M7.

Here are the topics we’ll cover:

• What GPA Is Required for MBA Programs in the M7?
• The Average GPA for MBA Programs in the M7
  • Chicago Booth Average GPA
  • Wharton Average GPA
  • Northwestern Kellogg Average GPA
  • Stanford MBA Average GPA
  • Harvard MBA Average GPA
  • MIT Sloan Average GPA
  • Columbia MBA Average GPA
• Is an “Average” GPA Enough?
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • Is GPA Important for MBA Applications at M7 Schools?
  • Does GPA Matter for Business Majors?
  • Is the GMAT More Important Than GPA for Top MBA Programs?
  • Can I Get Into an MBA program with a 2.5 GPA?
  • What GPA Is Too Low for MBA Programs at M7 Schools?
  • What GPA Is Required for Harvard Business School?
  • What GPA Is Required for Stanford GSB?
  • What GPA Is Required for Wharton?
  • What GPA Is Required for MIT Sloan?
  • What GPA Is Required for Chicago Booth?
  • What GPA Is Required for Kellogg?
  • What GPA Is Required for Columbia Business School?
• What’s Next?

First things first, let’s discuss MBA GPA requirements at M7 schools.

What GPA Is Required for MBA Programs in the M7?

M7 business school GPA requirements are not explicitly stated, nor are other top MBA schools’ GPA requirements. In other words, if you ask admissions officers, “What is the GPA requirement for Harvard Business School?,” they’re not going to reply with a fixed, universal number that is a required minimum undergraduate GPA for every applicant.

Why is this the case? Well, admissions committees evaluate MBA applications holistically, and every applicant is different. So, admissions committees are balancing GPA with several other aspects of each applicant’s profile, including:

• test scores
• work experience
• extracurricular activities
• letters of recommendation
• background and personal statements

Since all of these aspects are weighed together, and no two students are alike, it would be difficult for schools to set minimum GPA requirements that would make sense for every student. For example, perhaps a student has a somewhat low GPA for a particular school but really excels in every other aspect of his or her profile. If schools were to automatically reject that student’s application, they might miss out on a superstar student who could go on to do great things.

The point is, no one number in isolation can secure an applicant’s place at an M7 school. The same goes for other top MBA programs. Many factors, not just GPA, come into play.

KEY FACT:

M7 business school GPA requirements are not explicitly stated.

That said, M7 and other top business schools do publish the average GPAs of incoming MBA students in class profiles. So, by looking at the average GPAs in the M7’s incoming class profiles, we can get a sense of what types of grade point averages these schools may expect, if not “require.”

With that in mind, let’s look at the latest average MBA GPAs at M7 schools.

The Average GPA for MBA Programs in the M7

Given how competitive M7 schools are, you won’t be surprised to learn that their incoming classes boast relatively high GPAs. Let’s take a look at the average GPAs over the last 3 years at each of these top MBA programs.

Chicago Booth Average GPA

Booth GPA averages in the full-time MBA incoming classes have remained quite consistent over the past 3 years, with just a slight dip in the class of 2023. Let’s take a look.

Booth Average Undergraduate GPAs: Class of 2022-2024

In fact, the average GPA of the incoming MBA class at Booth has been 3.6 since at least the class of 2019 matriculated, with the class of 2023 being the exception. (Interestingly, however, the class of 2023 had the highest average GMAT score of any incoming class during those years. So, as noted earlier, we can see how these various data points are a balancing act.) Regardless, it’s clear that even when the average GPA at Booth dips, it doesn’t dip much!

Note that Booth also published the undergraduate GPA range of its full-time MBA class of 2024: 2.4 to 4.0. Keep in mind that 2.4 does not represent the minimum accepted GPA for Booth applicants. Rather, 2.4 is simply what the minimum GPA of enrolled full-time MBA students in the class of 2024 happens to be. That minimum could change in the class of 2025. Furthermore, there could be some Booth applicants who had a 2.3 GPA who were admitted but declined to enroll.

So, I wouldn’t read too much into that GPA range, except that it’s possible for a student with a 2.4 GPA to be accepted to Booth — likely with many other very strong points in his or her profile.

KEY FACT:

Over the past 6 years, the average undergraduate GPA for MBA students at Booth has been 3.5 to 3.6.

Wharton Average GPA

You’ll notice that the Wharton GPA averages in the full-time MBA incoming classes over the past 3 years look very similar to Booth’s:

Wharton Average Undergraduate GPAs: Class of 2022-2024

Seeing little to no change in average GPA from year to year is not unusual at top business schools, where the standards remain consistently high.

Note that Wharton did not publish a GPA range for its class of 2024. (Check out the Wharton MBA class profile here.)

KEY FACT:

The average undergraduate GPA for MBA students at Wharton has been 3.6 for at least the past 3 years.

Northwestern Kellogg Average GPA

Northwestern Kellogg GPA averages have been slightly higher than Booth’s and Wharton’s averages in the past couple of years.

Kellogg Average Undergraduate GPAs: Class of 2022-2024

Note that, at least since the class of 2019 matriculated, Kellogg’s GPA averages had been steady at 3.6. So, the bump up to 3.7 in the class of 2023 was a divergence from years past. Nevertheless, the class of 2024 followed suit.

Kellogg also published the MBA class of 2024’s undergraduate GPA range, which is 2.6 to 4.0, slightly higher than Booth’s range at the bottom end.

KEY FACT:

Kellogg’s long-held average GPA of 3.6 rose to 3.7 in the class of 2023 and stayed at 3.7 in the class of 2024.

Stanford MBA Average GPA

You may look at the Stanford MBA GPA averages over the past 3 years and conclude that the average GPA has been declining. While technically it has, the class of 2024’s average GPA is still higher than the average GPAs of the MBA classes of 2019 through 2021 at Stanford. So, the Stanford MBA GPA average has actually increased overall in the past 6 years.

Moreover, the lowest the average GPA got in the past 6 years was still a very impressive 3.7. Note also that the class of 2024 at Stanford GSB has the highest average GPA of all the 2024 full-time MBA classes at the M7 schools.

Below are the stats for the most recent 3 full-time MBA classes at Stanford.

Stanford MBA Average Undergraduate GPAs: Class of 2022-2024

The Stanford MBA GPA range for the class of 2024 is not available.

KEY FACT:

The class of 2024 at Stanford GSB has the highest average GPA of all the 2024 full-time MBA classes at the M7 schools.

Harvard MBA Average GPA

Harvard MBA GPA averages have stayed pretty consistent in the past 3 incoming classes. These averages are basically on par with recent class averages at Kellogg, though slightly higher overall. In fact, the Harvard MBA GPA averages for the 3 most recent class years are second only to Stanford’s among the M7.

Harvard MBA Average Undergraduate GPAs: Class of 2022-2024

Note that an HBS GPA range for the class of 2024 is not available.

KEY FACT:

The Harvard MBA GPA average in incoming classes stayed at or right around 3.7 for the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024.

MIT Sloan Average GPA

MIT Sloan GPA medians, not averages, of incoming classes are published by the school. Let’s look at the median MIT MBA GPA for the past 3 class years.

MIT Sloan Median Undergraduate GPAs: Class of 2022-2024

Notably, the median undergraduate GPA of incoming MBA students at Sloan has been ticking up for the past 3 years.

Note also that the MIT Sloan GPA medians are basically on par with the GPA averages at Booth.

KEY FACT:

The median undergraduate GPA of incoming MBA students at MIT Sloan has been ticking up for the past 3 years and sits at 3.62 in the class of 2024.

Columbia MBA Average GPA

The Columbia MBA GPA average dipped slightly in the class of 2023. However, the average picked right back up in the class of 2024, sitting at an impressive 3.6, on par with Wharton, Booth, and MIT Sloan’s classes of 2024.

Columbia MBA Average Undergraduate GPAs: Class of 2022-2024

Note that the Columbia MBA GPA averages in the classes of 2022 through 2024 match Booth’s average GPAs in those classes exactly.

KEY FACT:

In recent years, the average undergraduate GPA for MBA students at Columbia has ranged from 3.5 to 3.6.

Now that we know the average GPA of incoming MBA students at M7 schools, we must address an important question. Is “average” enough?

Is an “Average” GPA Enough?

I would caution any M7 applicant against assuming that matching the average GPA of their desired program’s incoming class is enough to be competitive for the program. Remember, top MBA schools’ GPA requirements aren’t specified for a reason: because GPA is just one factor among several that admissions committees weigh.

So, hitting the average GPA may be enough for a certain applicant to remain competitive but not enough for another. For instance, perhaps a certain applicant has very impressive work experience, stellar letters of recommendation, great test scores, and a unique background. In that case, an average GPA for a particular program — or even a below-average one — might not take that applicant out of the running.

On the other hand, there could be an applicant whose work experience is somewhat lacking and whose background is overrepresented at top business schools. In that case, a higher-than-average GPA, along with, say, a top GMAT score, may be necessary to stay competitive.

TTP PRO TIP:

Since GPA is just one factor among many that MBA adcoms consider, it’s unwise to assume that matching the average GPA at your desired programs will make you competitive.

The fact that admission to an M7 school doesn’t hinge entirely on GPA is actually a good thing! It means that if your GPA is below average for a particular school, you can work to make the other aspects of your MBA applications as impressive as possible and still have a solid shot.

Key Takeaways

Technically, there is no universal or average required GPA for MBA programs at M7 schools. However, we can look at the published average undergraduate GPAs of recent M7 incoming classes to get a sense of what these schools may expect of applicants.

Furthermore, in some cases, a class profile may include a GPA range, giving us an idea of “how low” may still be acceptable at a particular school.

Of course, given that the average GPAs at the M7 have ranged from 3.5 to 3.8 in recent years and tend to hover around 3.6 or 3.7, we can see that the competition is pretty stiff at top MBA programs.

Nevertheless, there are ways we can balance out a lackluster GPA. After all, GPA is not the be-all and end-all. It is just one factor among several that admissions committees weigh when evaluating applicants. So, for instance, earning an impressive GMAT score is one way to show M7 schools that you have what it takes to perform well in their programs even if your GPA is on the lower side for a program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is GPA Important for MBA Applications at M7 Schools?

Although your GPA is just one factor among several that admissions committees weigh when considering applicants, it is an important one. Remember, M7 schools are among the crème de la crème of business schools. So, they are as competitive as it gets.

That said, really impressive work experience and other aspects of MBA applications can have a big impact on your candidacy at top business schools. So, yes, GPA is important, but unless your GPA is exceptionally low, it’s not necessarily make or break.

Does GPA Matter for Business Majors?

Having education or real-world experience in business doesn’t exempt future or current MBAs from needing good grades to stand out among the pack. So, just as your GPA will matter if you’re applying to top MBA programs, your grades in those programs will matter to top employers when you’re post-MBA.

Is the GMAT More Important Than GPA for Top MBA Programs?

Admissions committees evaluate MBA applications holistically. So, both GPA and GMAT scores are important (along with other aspects of your profile). And, in fact, if one of those data points is below average for your desired programs, then the other — if high enough — can help to balance out that lower metric.

Can I Get Into an MBA program with a 2.5 GPA?

As we saw, the bottom end of Booth’s and Kellogg’s GPA ranges for their classes of 2024 were 2.4 and 2.6, respectively. So, it is certainly possible to get into an MBA program — even a top program — with a 2.5 GPA.

What GPA Is Too Low for MBA Programs at M7 Schools?

There are no stated GPA requirements for MBA programs at M7 schools. So, we can’t say for sure what GPA would be considered too low for admittance. Every applicant is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking multiple factors into account, not just GPA.

That said, if your GPA is in the very low 2s or below, it might take a truly immaculate profile in every other respect — including a personal story that adequately explains your low GPA — to put an M7 school within reach.

What GPA Is Required for Harvard Business School?

There are no specific Harvard MBA GPA requirements. However, the class of 2024 at HBS has an average undergraduate GPA of 3.7.

If you’re considering applying to HBS, you may be interested in our article about average GMAT scores of MBA students at Harvard.

What GPA Is Required for Stanford GSB?

There are no specific Stanford MBA GPA requirements. In fact, you’ll see stated quite prominently in Stanford GSB’s class profile that “there is no minimum GPA required for admission to the Stanford MBA Program.” And since a Stanford MBA GPA range is not published by the school, we don’t know what the lowest GPA accepted by Stanford was for the class of 2024.

All that said, Stanford’s full-time MBA class of 2024 has the highest average GPA among the M7 schools. So, we can guess that GPA standards are relatively high at Stanford, even compared with those at similar schools. (Unsurprisingly, GMAT scores among incoming MBA students at Stanford are also quite impressive.)

What GPA Is Required for Wharton?

There are no specific Wharton MBA GPA requirements. However, the class of 2024 at Wharton has an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6.

If you’re considering applying to Wharton, you may be interested in our article about average GMAT scores of MBA students at Wharton.

What GPA Is Required for MIT Sloan?

There are no specific MIT Sloan MBA GPA requirements. Furthermore, the ​​MIT MBA average GPA of incoming students is not reported.

However, MIT does report median undergraduate GPA in its MBA class profile. The class of 2024 at MIT Sloan has a median undergraduate GPA of 3.62.

If you’re considering applying to MIT Sloan, you may be interested in our article about average GMAT scores of MBA students at MIT.

What GPA Is Required for Chicago Booth?

While Booth doesn’t specify an MBA admission GPA requirement, the school did publish the undergraduate GPA range of its full-time MBA class of 2024. That GPA range is 2.4 to 4.0.

Remember, however, that there is no universal GPA requirement. The incoming class’s GPA range can change from year to year. So, I wouldn’t consider 2.4 a fixed minimum to shoot for. After all, next year it could be that the incoming class’s GPA range is 2.6 to 4.0.

It’s best to simply look at the current range as evidence that it’s possible for a really strong candidate to gain admission to Booth with a 2.4 GPA. However, having a 2.4 GPA doesn’t mean that a candidate has fulfilled some minimum requirement.

Booth even says in its MBA class profile: “There’s only one standard educational background that leads to an MBA, right? Wrong.”

What GPA Is Required for Kellogg?

While there are no specific Northwestern MBA GPA requirements, Kellogg did publish the MBA class of 2024’s undergraduate GPA range. That GPA range is 2.6 to 4.0.

Again, the current GPA range is nothing more than evidence that it’s possible for a really strong candidate to gain admission to Kellogg with a 2.6 GPA. However, having a 2.6 GPA doesn’t mean that a candidate has fulfilled some minimum requirement. Nor should we expect that any candidate with a GPA of 2.6 or higher will be competitive at Kellogg.

What GPA Is Required for Columbia Business School?

There are no specific Columbia MBA GPA requirements. However, the MBA class of 2024 at Columbia has an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6.

If you’re considering applying to Columbia Business School, you may be interested in our article about average GMAT scores of MBA students at Columbia.

What’s Next?

Now that you have a better idea of what GPA you may need to be competitive at M7 schools, check out our guide to competitive GMAT scores for top business schools.

You may also be interested in our article about what GMAT scores may make you competitive for scholarships.

Best of luck in your MBA journey!

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