Mixed Trends in MBA Applications

Graduate programs in business saw mixed trends in applications in the last year, according to survey data being released today by the Graduate Management Admission Council. Only 44 percent of full-time M.B.A. programs saw applications increase this year, compared to 66 percent reporting such an increase last year and 77 percent the year before that. A similar percentage of part-time programs reported an increase, relatively level compared to results a year ago. Executive M.B.A. programs may be a key growth area for business schools. Of those surveyed, 59 percent reported gains in applications this year, compared to only 37 percent a year ago.