Which companies hire full-time grads from Arizona State University MBA? How much do ASU MBAs earn? Find out all this and more in our ASU MBA jobs and salary review
The full-time MBA program at Arizona State University’s (ASU) W. P. Carey School of Business is ranked among the best in the world, coming in at 53rd place in the Financial Times’ global MBA rankings. This is partly due to the strong employment outcomes for ASU MBA grads. According to the school’s recent MBA employment report, almost nine out of 10 students (88%) on the full-time program were employed by the time they graduated, rising to a whopping 96% three months post-graduation.
We dove deeper into the report to find out more about the career prospects available to ASU full-time MBA grads, including which industries they work in and what salaries they take home.
Here’s what we found.
ASU MBA: Popular Industries
Arizona State University has been ranked the best for innovation by US News and World Report for nine years. Its campus situated in Tempe, Arizona, has a strong supply chain specialism, and gives students direct access to the up-and-coming manufacturing industry in the American Southwest—and beyond.
According to the Wall Street Journal, nearly a third of US job growth in manufacturing from 2017 to 2020 came from the Southwest, with more than 100,000 jobs added.
This partly accounts for the grads of ASU's full-time MBA enjoying high success in securing manufacturing jobs. Just over a third of ASU full-time MBA graduates go into roles in manufacturing after they graduate, whether in the nearby region or further afield. 62.5% of students who reported working in manufacturing also reported being located in Arizona.
This comes amid turbulence in other sectors. In 2022, tech briefly overtook manufacturing as the top industry for ASU MBA hires but hiring slowdowns in the sector have returned manufacturing to the top spot. In addition to manufacturing, alumni from the ASU full-time MBA program are also successful at securing roles the “big three” MBA industries of consulting, technology, and financial services. Just over a quarter (28%) of ASU full-time MBA grads went into consulting in 2023, the second most popular career route. Meanwhile, 17% went into technology, and 6% went into financial services.
ASU MBA: Popular Functions
Manufacturing is also strongly represented among the popular functions for ASU grads. A full 30% of ASU MBA alumni went into manufacturing and logistics roles in 2023, up 6% on the previous year. Equal to this was the proportion of Arizona State University MBAs who went into consulting, up 3% from 2022 to stand at 30% in 2023. Marketing and sales were less popular but still stood at a healthy 15% of ASU MBA grads, the same as the proportion of ASU MBAs working in finance roles.
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Companies hiring ASU MBAs
Unsurprisingly, manufacturing companies are represented well among the top employers of ASU MBAs. Applied Materials is a popular employment option, as are Honeywell, Intel, WL Gore and Associates, and Northrup Grumman.
The top consultancy favored by ASU MBAs in 2023 was EY-Parthenon, while the top tech employers were Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft.
Average ASU MBA Salaries
As well as finding a diverse array of roles swiftly after completing the program, ASU MBAs are handsomely compensated for their work.
According to the school’s 2023 employment report, the average salary—including signing bonus—for ASU MBA graduates was $146,700.
To put this in context, the school ranks 36th worldwide in the Financial Times ranking for percentage salary increase, with alumni increasing their pre-MBA salary by an average of 126%. If your goal is to more than double your salary after your MBA, the program at ASU is one of your safest bets.
Who is the ASU MBA for?
If you are looking for a career in one of the “big three” MBA industries of finance, tech, or consulting—and especially to boost your compensation package—the ASU MBA is a good value choice.
For Arizona residents, tuition and fees for the program cost just $61,400. This rises to $102,600 for non-residents and $107,900 for international students, but remains affordable, especially given the potential earnings uplift after the MBA.
What really sets the school apart, however, is its unique access to the manufacturing industry. The school’s strong employment record in this area not only shows its solid academics but also supports a broad base of student and alumni contacts in the industry.
If you want a career in manufacturing or logistics, or to manage these aspects in another industry, ASU could fast-track that dream.
To find out more about studying for the ASU MBA, read our student Q&A.
Image © Kevin Dooley on Flickr, reproduced under this license
Student Reviews
W. P. Carey School of Business - Arizona State University
Hands on Experience, labs
I love that that this school is known all over the world and the education is of high quality. It's been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 for best online bachelor's in business programs
Amazing Start to Your Career in Social Sciences
I had a great experience at ASU as a Political Science student. ASU is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of studies. The student body was diverse and overall great to study with. ASU is rich in both academics and student life. There are many clubs, student organizations, amenities, and activities you can join. One thing I would recommend is invest in a lot of sunscreen and good walking shoes. Due to it's large campus you'll be doing a lot of walking which is great but can be a bit of a struggle during the very hot summer months.
Great MSW program!
Arizona State University has an amazing online Master of Social Work Program. Even though it was an online program, I feel that I developed great connections with professors, co-instructors, and peers. Finding an internship placement was stress free because of the high level of support the program offered. I would definitely choose to go back to ASU if I decided to further my education in future.
Long lasting friendships
I have been able to have incredible experiences and make connections that will live long in my memory. I've had the chance to start my career here in a way I never thought I would. I love how the university lets you choose your major and minor and take classes with a lot of freedom.
Continuous Support
Opinion
Arizona State University has many great opportunities available to students. All of the departments are very helpful and really care about student's succeeding.
What's there to like?
One think I like about ASU is their Education program. They really ensure that students will receive useful information that is directly applicable to their career.
One thing I dislike is, nothing! It is a high ranking university but one notable thing is that the school is located in Arizona; where temperatures reach well over 100° throughout the entire Summer.
Would I reccomend ASU?
I would certainly reccomend Arizona State University for any students who are looking to learn and gain meaningful experiences throughout finishing school.
Arizona State University
ASU is a wonderful university with so many educational opportunities. Its professors are friendly and approachable and were always willing to help or give advice to students whenever their help was needed. It also provided students with many opportunities to meet people outside the classroom for example clubs and other social events hosted within the university. ASU offers great education and I loved the campus and faculty
Practical Lecturing
The amazing features about Arizona State University would not allow me to write less when it comes to recommending the second to none university to the public! Life on Arizona State University campus is an intriguing possibility! Here is where dreams are realized due to the immense support from lecturers academically as well as fascinating large lecture halls with modernized appliance that makes learning easier. Goals are realized with ease as students who need support are given chances
University program
The university offers a lot of options for students, particularly in terms of integration and extracurricular activities including involvement in several student organizations. However, I am dissatisfied with the quality of the information offered and the degree of practice skills needed for success in a professional position. Fantastic university location
ASU infrastructures
Without a doubt, I would suggest this university. There is a highly educated personnel with an exceptional commitment toward teaching. The highly developed infrastructure and technology is another significant plus.
Hands on Experience, labs
I love that that this school is known all over the world and the education is of high quality. It's been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 for best online bachelor's in business programs
Amazing Start to Your Career in Social Sciences
I had a great experience at ASU as a Political Science student. ASU is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of studies. The student body was diverse and overall great to study with. ASU is rich in both academics and student life. There are many clubs, student organizations, amenities, and activities you can join. One thing I would recommend is invest in a lot of sunscreen and good walking shoes. Due to it's large campus you'll be doing a lot of walking which is great but can be a bit of a struggle during the very hot summer months.
Great MSW program!
Arizona State University has an amazing online Master of Social Work Program. Even though it was an online program, I feel that I developed great connections with professors, co-instructors, and peers. Finding an internship placement was stress free because of the high level of support the program offered. I would definitely choose to go back to ASU if I decided to further my education in future.
Long lasting friendships
I have been able to have incredible experiences and make connections that will live long in my memory. I've had the chance to start my career here in a way I never thought I would. I love how the university lets you choose your major and minor and take classes with a lot of freedom.
Continuous Support
Opinion
Arizona State University has many great opportunities available to students. All of the departments are very helpful and really care about student's succeeding.
What's there to like?
One think I like about ASU is their Education program. They really ensure that students will receive useful information that is directly applicable to their career.
One thing I dislike is, nothing! It is a high ranking university but one notable thing is that the school is located in Arizona; where temperatures reach well over 100° throughout the entire Summer.
Would I reccomend ASU?
I would certainly reccomend Arizona State University for any students who are looking to learn and gain meaningful experiences throughout finishing school.
Arizona State University
ASU is a wonderful university with so many educational opportunities. Its professors are friendly and approachable and were always willing to help or give advice to students whenever their help was needed. It also provided students with many opportunities to meet people outside the classroom for example clubs and other social events hosted within the university. ASU offers great education and I loved the campus and faculty
Practical Lecturing
The amazing features about Arizona State University would not allow me to write less when it comes to recommending the second to none university to the public! Life on Arizona State University campus is an intriguing possibility! Here is where dreams are realized due to the immense support from lecturers academically as well as fascinating large lecture halls with modernized appliance that makes learning easier. Goals are realized with ease as students who need support are given chances
University program
The university offers a lot of options for students, particularly in terms of integration and extracurricular activities including involvement in several student organizations. However, I am dissatisfied with the quality of the information offered and the degree of practice skills needed for success in a professional position. Fantastic university location
ASU infrastructures
Without a doubt, I would suggest this university. There is a highly educated personnel with an exceptional commitment toward teaching. The highly developed infrastructure and technology is another significant plus.
Uncomplicated and lots of great classes
The application process and anything with admin was easy and made students' lives easy. There were many good classes to choose from as well. The professors were professionals in their subjects and led successful class discussions. The reading lists were also full of great choices.
Flexible coursework
I liked about the way a student could choose from thesis, applied project, or a portfolio to complete a degree. And it’s in a prime location where semiconductor companies are situated. Also the university is diversified and cost of living is less.
Flexible
ASU is great for working students. What I like most is the flexibility. Students can choose to take their courses during the mornings, afternoons, evenings, or online. I dislike most is the lack of good electives to choose from.
amazing professors
As a student at Arizona State University, I've had the pleasure of learning from outstanding professors who are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely care about their students' success. They make complex topics easier to understand through engaging and practical teaching methods. Professors are approachable, always available for support during office hours or via email, and their passion for their subjects makes learning enjoyable. Their dedication and commitment truly enhance the academic experience at ASU.
