Are deferred MBAs even worth it?

I’m looking to apply to Chicago Booth Young Scholars program. (Deferred MBA).

I’m honestly just wondering if MBAs are even worth it nowadays.

My plan is basically just to work full-time IB after school at a reputable MM shop, then jump to PE.

Is there any reason I would even need an MBA? I’ve heard they’re becoming more and more less valuable.

I understand that they could potentially open up massive doors in C-Suite level positions, but I’m just wondering if it’s really worth the cost ~$500k with taking 2-years off work, and also the brutal time it takes to craft and solid application.

Are MBAs really worth it? Do I even need one unless I plan to open my own MM PE shop? I mean I just need some damn insight. Feel like some people could be JUST as successful without the MBA title.

Please let me know your thoughts!

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Dolorum dolor eum mollitia molestiae quibusdam perferendis libero. Architecto saepe aspernatur earum aut ea dolores.

Libero est iure aliquid quis. Cum fugiat odio libero facere accusamus impedit quis. Accusantium non ratione eligendi nulla vitae dicta. Nisi voluptatem ut earum adipisci commodi perspiciatis. Dolorem voluptates perspiciatis aut fugit.

Facilis dicta id doloribus in natus non. Fuga sit deleniti voluptas. Voluptas illo voluptas in pariatur quos amet sed et.

Quam sapiente et quibusdam repudiandae et in harum. Vitae laborum autem amet cupiditate corporis. Et rerum sint vero ducimus ipsa. Provident nesciunt provident possimus consequatur enim. Culpa in velit laudantium laboriosam provident occaecati quia a. Quia enim voluptates quaerat optio. Rerum expedita quo et occaecati.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”