The Prospects For MBA Enrollments,1978-1990

Abstract

Beyond doubt realistic projections of MBA enrollment are needed, but the available estimates are unreliable. This study provides an alternative methodology for projecting MBA's to 1990. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) projects MBA's by compounding a series of five past ratios. The NCES methodology projects a decline in MBA's beginning in 1984-85. Our methodology examines variables reflecting costs, benefits, institutional factors and changes in the age-eligible population. The model that best explains MBA output of the past 12 years and interrelates future conditions, projects MBA enrollments to increase at a decreasing rate through 1990-91. Also, there will be a continuation of the enrollment shift from the traditional full-time MBA program to part-time evening MBA programs on urban campuses.

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