Why Veterans Should Consider Pursuing an MBA
You’re about to transition out of the military and wondering what to do next. Many veterans who leave the military with strong experience in operations work can – and do – land civilian operations positions. However, you might be interested in switching to an entirely different function. Perhaps you would like the chance to learn and grow by trying something new.
MBA programs offer a wide range of courses in many different areas, allowing their graduates to enter a variety of functional areas and industries. Earning an MBA will provide you with widely applicable professional skills, making your transition to a new career much smoother, not to mention financially enhanced.
The Value of an MBA
Obtaining an MBA generally results in a higher starting salary and a certain level of protection against unemployment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
“Workers age 25 and over who have less education than a high school diploma had the highest unemployment rate (6.2 percent) and lowest median weekly earnings ($738) in 2024 among those at all education levels. Workers with graduate degrees had the lowest unemployment rates and highest earnings.”
GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey revealed that “the median U.S. MBA salary is projected to be the highest compared to other degrees—and $25,000 more than prospective employees coming directly from other organizations.” In other words, the median salary of someone with an MBA is roughly double that of the median salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree. Add to that a bonus or other equity, such as stock options, and the difference becomes even more obvious. Even with the crunch in job creation, companies are actively soliciting veterans, and the increase in salaries is proof of this. The MBA degree also increases the probability of future promotions.
MBA Skills Acquired
The 2025 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey showed that employers believe that the skills one typically obtains through a graduate business degree, such as strategic thinking, problem solving, data analysis and interpretation, communication, and especially knowledge of AI tools and other technology, are more important in today’s remote and hybrid work environments than ever before. As someone coming from the Armed Forces, you will have already developed some of these skills, but earning an MBA can give you much more, especially in relating skills to the business world.
Going to business school also greatly expands your network beyond current and former military personnel. You’ll connect with professionals across a variety of functions and industries and learn about job options you never knew were available before. Through the recruiting process, you’ll also learn how to network with many different kinds of people, a critical skill for navigating the civilian business world. You don’t really have to network while you’re in the military, because the next promotion occurs according to the set hierarchy. But when you’re an MBA student, networking is crucial to finding the perfect job, and you’ll learn how to do that in a safe, supportive environment.
Deciding Between In-Person and Online Programs
According to GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey,
“While online and in person degrees tend to be valued equally by employers outside the United States—especially those in the tech sector—U.S. employers still have preference for degrees earned through an in-person classroom experience.”
The reason for this preference is that during the full-time MBA program, you will have more opportunities to meet with alumni and prospective employers, participate in corporate visits, and engage with and learn from your peers in student clubs. But if the online degree is the best fit for you, go for it! Online MBA programs have been around for a long time now, and reputable institutions offer them. But please don’t be duped by inexpensive degrees that don’t require you to take the GMAT or GRE and that are offered by non-accredited institutions. These programs are usually only interested in getting your tuition payments and might not provide you with any career guidance or support. If you have questions about online degrees, schedule a free consultation with an Accepted consultant. We will help you find the best schools for you.
Financing Your MBA
What about the cost of earning an MBA? Depending on the length and nature of your service, several sources of financial support are available. Both the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program are possible funding sources for veterans. Most schools also have one or more scholarships specifically for military candidates, and some outside scholarships are available, as well, such as those provided by the Pat Tillman Foundation. The return on investment for an MBA for a veteran is quite high. Most business schools support the Yellow Ribbon Program, and some cover full tuition – or even more. If you need help identifying which schools offer financial support to former military personnel, schedule a free consultation with an Accepted admissions expert.
Navigating the Unknowns of Business School
What happens after you enroll in an MBA program? How can you find your way through this unknown territory? Business schools are invested in your success: after all, it doesn’t help anyone if students drop out or don’t get a job upon graduating. Most MBA programs therefore have a number of support systems in place, including some that are specifically for veterans. You’ll find veteran clubs that give members a place to network with fellow military personnel and get advice on recruiting challenges that are unique to veterans. The school’s registrar’s office or your faculty advisor can help you choose the courses that best fit your goals. Most critical for your ultimate success is career support, and each program’s career center staff helps students narrow down possible job options, revise their resumes, and prepare for interviews. They will connect you with alumni with similar backgrounds, teach you how to network effectively, and show you how to navigate career fairs. They are your partner throughout your two years in the program and beyond.
Getting Hired Without Business Experience
Civilian companies are actively looking to hire veterans. Why? They know that veterans possess strong leadership and teamwork skills, work well under pressure, are disciplined, and have experience working with a variety of people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Veterans with MBAs are very desirable candidates for certain industries, including investment banking, consulting, and of course, defense contracting and aviation. Most companies have a specific division that actively recruits military candidates. Companies want veterans, because they know that these individuals are typically very mature, focused, and stable. The firms aren’t overly concerned with your level of firsthand business knowledge – you’ll gain that in business school and via the company’s own training program. There are many career conferences focused uniquely on veterans, such as the MBA Veterans Career Conference and Expo, and for veterans who attended one of the military academies, the Service Academy Career Conference.
Dr. Christie St-John has more than 25 years of higher ed and admissions experience, including ten years in admissions at Dartmouth Tuck. She was formerly the director of MBA recruiting and admissions, director of international relations, and an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University. Having also served on the board of directors of the MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance and the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, Christie has a deep knowledge of MBA and other graduate admissions. Want Christie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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