The financial services industry saw a significant shift in 2024, with investment banking accounting for nearly one-fifth (17.1%) of graduating class placements.
Market Forces Shaping IB Hires at Columbia MBA Program
This trend was driven by a surge in capital market activity, particularly in North America, where deal values rebounded in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. Despite overall deal counts remaining low, large transactions dominated the industry, with banks competing for top talent to support execution-intensive deals such as megadeals and private equity-backed ventures.
As a result, investment banks prioritized hiring MBAs for key associate roles in New York, while maintaining strict headcount limits elsewhere.
Median Base Salary at Columbia MBA: Investment Banking (2025)
The stable median base salary of $175,000 and guaranteed compensation package of $50,000 reflect the urgent need for skilled professionals in this high-stakes market.
Competition with Columbia MBA Investment Bankers (2025)
The competition has broadened with traditional IB schools like Columbia, NYU Stern, and Cornell offering most recruits, while middle of the ranking Tuck has been challenged by M7 and T15 schools, whose consulting representation has been disrupted. Schools have strategically pivoted to Investment Banking to balance their overall median base salaries.
Studying the Investment Banking Salary and Placement trends is crucial.
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