The University of Miami Patti and Allan Herbert Business School is welcoming one of its strongest full-time M.B.A. cohorts to date—students distinguished by academic excellence, global perspectives, and professional experience.
“This year’s class has set a new benchmark on several fronts,” said Elizabeth Hutchinson, assistant dean of graduate business programs enrollment. “Their average undergraduate GPA of 3.54 reflects a steady upward trend and is the highest in the last decade. We also saw combined GRE scores rise from 318 to 320, showing continued momentum in attracting top academic talent.”
| Elizabeth Hutchinson |
Selectivity also strengthened, with an acceptance rate of 38 percent—the lowest in the past 10 years. At the same time, the program grew from 31 students last year to 38 this fall, aligning with Dean Paul A. Pavlou’s Moonshot Project strategic plan to expand enrollment.
That growth reflects a larger trend across Miami Herbert. Overall graduate business enrollment rose to 556 students this fall, up from 410 the year before, demonstrating rising demand across the portfolio even as admissions standards have elevated.
“This year’s class also brings meaningful professional experience to the program,” Hutchinson said. “On average, students have more than four years in the workforce, which enriches classroom discussions with real-world perspectives and examples.”
Most of the new M.B.A. candidates, 68 percent, are U.S. citizens, with Colombia, Ghana, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Peru also represented. Students hail from institutions that include Dartmouth College, Columbia University, and Emory University.
“With students from nine countries and backgrounds spanning multiple industries, they bring the kind of diverse perspectives that fuel innovation and prepare them to thrive in today’s global business environment,” said Marianna Makri, associate professor of strategy and entrepreneurship, who works with Miami Herbert’s admissions team.
The achievements of the incoming M.B.A. cohort reflect two years of recruitment work by Hutchinson and her team, who travel extensively throughout the United States and Latin America.
“I’ve been working with M.B.A. students for more than 30 years, and this is among the most engaged, diverse, and accomplished incoming classes I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” said Jamie Belinne, associate dean of career and industry engagement. “Their drive to learn and explore new challenges reflects the momentum we’ve been building across all of our programs.”
