MBA placement statistics at the University of Colorado at Boulder show that 1998 graduates of the full-time, two-year program will earn an average salary of $59,514 -- a 20 percent increase from 1997.
In addition, 88 percent of all graduates were placed within three months of graduation, as were 91 percent of domestic students.
"I think these statistics demonstrate the quality of our graduate program," said Dipankar Chakravarti, dean of the College of Business and Administration. "Employers are finding that our MBA graduates are top-notch talent and are willing to compensate them accordingly."
Ann Stringfellow, director of the MBA Career Development office, oversaw the survey, which had a 97.5 percent response rate. "That number 聳 $59,514 聳 puts us well within the range of MBA programs that are ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News and World Report," she said.
The areas of finance, marketing and consulting continued to be popular among graduates. In addition, two of the most-sought careers were in the high-tech and telecommunications industries. "It's very indicative of the local economic base," Stringfellow said.
Other statistics from the MBA Career Development Office:
o 60 percent of graduates stayed in the Colorado region after graduation.
o Thirteen students received signing bonuses -- the highest being $50,000.
o Graduate breakdown by employer size:
Large (1000+) 36 percent
Medium (251-1000) 9 percent
Small (51-250) 21 percent
Very small (2-50) 34 percent