Olin breaks records with diverse MBA class

The new MBA class entering the halls of WashU Olin Business School this year is larger, more diverse, and academically gifted.

As a top-ranked business school, WashU Olin receives applications from some of the most talented and motivated students the world over. In fact, the school reported a 10-year high in applications for this year’s incoming class. This exceptional application volume has allowed Olin to grow the full-time MBA class to 103 students, a 25% increase from last year.

The class is especially noteworthy for its diversity, achieving gender parity at 53% female, an all-time school record. Olin also maintained its percentage of underrepresented people of color at 34%. Such class diversity brings with it a richer and more fulfilling academic experience for our students.

Academically, the class of 2026 also stands out. One record-setting measure is GMAT score, which ranges from 550 to 780, with an average score of 706. Student’s GRE test scores also represent a 10-year high, and student undergraduate GPA remains strong at an average of 3.5.

“This class profile is extremely strong,” says Evan Bouffides, senior associate dean of graduate programs. “We hit Olin records on many important dimensions, including test scores, undergraduate GPA, and selectivity. As importantly, we achieved historic highs related to gender and racial diversity. Our large application volume — about double that of last year — allowed us the opportunity to recruit a tremendously talented class. We couldn’t be happier with this phenomenal group of students.”

Olin has experienced significant positive momentum since Dean Mike Mazzeo joined in September 2023. The school has jumped 11 spots to #26 in the most recent U.S. News and World Report ranking of top MBA programs. And Olin continues to be recognized for the exemplary career outcomes of its alumni. Remarkably, the school was recently highlighted as one of the top 10 schools where Fortune 1,000 C-suite leaders get their MBA.

There’s a lot of momentum at Olin. We’re building on a solid foundation of amazing faculty, research-based academics, and collaborative relationships in the St. Louis community. This impressive MBA class perfectly represents our exceptional Olin students. As graduates, they will go on to lead organizations in St. Louis, across the country, and around the world.  

Dean Mike Mazzeo

The caliber of this class speaks directly to our steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation in business education.

“At Olin, the students are the priority,” said incoming MBA student Gwynnie Lee. “The world-class faculty work to help us achieve our goals inside and outside of the classroom. And the small class size promotes bonding and growth as a cohort. It truly is a special place.”

Learn more about Olin’s application process or talk to a graduate programs team member.

Click here to see the complete Full-Time MBA class profile.