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Darden MBA Program Guide 2026

All Business Schools
Official Darden MBA Website
The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, established in 1955, is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Darden is known for its rigorous case method teaching. Notable alumni include Steven Reinemund, former CEO and Chairman of PepsiCo; Robert Citrone, co-founder of Discovery Capital Management; Darden does well in Consulting and Investment Banking recruiting.
Read More
The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, established in 1955, is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Darden is known for its rigorous case method teaching. Notable alumni include Steven Reinemund, former CEO and Chairman of PepsiCo; Robert Citrone, co-founder of Discovery Capital Management; Darden does well in Consulting and Investment Banking recruiting.
Read More

Darden Class Profile

Darden Class Profile
Average GPA:
Average Work Experience:
yrs
Applicants:
Class Size:
Acceptance Rate:
%
Yield Rate:
%

Darden Deadlines

Official Darden Application
Submit by:
Interview Invite by:
Decision by:
School
Status
Round
Year
GMAT GRE
GPA
YOE
Years of Experiance
Location
Date
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$$$)
Round 2 2026 334 GRE 3.5 3 United States
01 May 2026 10:10 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$)
Early Round 2026 8.8 5 India
30 Apr 2026 10:44 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted
Round 1 2026 3.8 6 Korea, Republic of
23 Apr 2026 07:24 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$$)
Round 2 2026 755 GMAT Focus 67 8 India
04 Apr 2026 04:47 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Waitlisted with Interview
Round 2 2026 655 GMAT Focus 3.4 6 United States
26 Mar 2026 03:27 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Denied with Interview
Round 1 2026 675 GMAT Focus 3 5 Indonesia
Z S
25 Mar 2026 06:17 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($)
Round 2 2026 675 GMAT Focus 7.1 6 India
25 Mar 2026 07:35 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Waitlisted with Interview
Round 2 2026 715 GMAT Focus 3.6 4 Pakistan
22 Mar 2026 07:38 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Waitlisted with Interview
Round 2 2026 311 GRE 6 United States
21 Mar 2026 06:17 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$)
Round 2 2026 8.6 4 India
21 Mar 2026 04:47 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Waitlisted with Interview
Round 2 2026 9 8 India
20 Mar 2026 10:48 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($)
Round 2 2026 715 GMAT Focus 7.4 6 India
19 Mar 2026 02:05 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted
Round 2 2026 324 GRE 3.8 4 Korea, Republic of
18 Mar 2026 05:16 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$)
Round 2 2026 3.5 2 Korea, Republic of
18 Mar 2026 03:04 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$)
Round 2 2026 675 GMAT Focus 8.7 4 India
18 Mar 2026 02:29 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Denied without Interview
Round 2 2026 685 GMAT Focus 7.6 5 India
18 Mar 2026 02:21 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Waitlisted with Interview
Round 2 2026 321 GRE 3.1 5 United States
18 Mar 2026 02:09 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted
Round 2 2026 3.8 7 Ghana
18 Mar 2026 07:25 AM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$)
Round 2 2026 327 GRE 3.6 5 United States
17 Mar 2026 12:39 PM
Darden
Full Time MBA
Interviewed
Round 2 2026 333 GRE 8 India
11 Mar 2026 10:26 PM
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Mar 1, 2026 10:03
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Feb 28, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
- Tell me about how you grew in your career as a professional? (I assume this is “walk me through ... Read More
- Tell me about how you grew in your career as a professional? (I assume this is “walk me through your resume” but worded this way because I’m still at my first job) - ⁠⁠Where do you feel like you’ve been able to grow as a leader either at work or outside of work? - What do you hope to learn/gain from MBA? (In context of reaching my career goals) - ⁠How do you face conflicting information? What do you do when you have to make a difficult decision while managing different perspectives? I’ll also add that the interviewer did interrupt me a couple times to ask questions in the middle of my self-intro. (Where my hometown was, how I found the experience with my international move, why I chose my undergrad program, if my undergrad program met my expectations) Overall she was timing and wording questions in a way that made them feel more genuine and conversational. She also asked me towards the end if I knew a particular program at Darden that she thought I’d be interested in - I had to say no Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Mar 1, 2026 10:03
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Feb 28, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Here are the questions I was asked. The interview took about an hour. Show personal ID Introduce yo... Read More
Here are the questions I was asked. The interview took about an hour. Show personal ID Introduce yourself Follow-up questions Short-term and long-term goals? Why Darden? TMAT when someone had a different opinion from yours and how you handled it What do you usually do outside of work (other than what you just mentioned)? Any community service experience? Which clubs at Darden are you interested in joining? Any international exposure? Any questions for me? Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 24, 2026 12:02
Status:
Online with Student
Interviewed on:
Jan 21, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
- TMAY but a big lengthy going by Darden completely blind interview (Took about 7-8 mins) - Why MBA ... Read More
- TMAY but a big lengthy going by Darden completely blind interview (Took about 7-8 mins) - Why MBA and why now - Why Darden - A difficult situation at work and how I dealt with it - Personal Interests - How will I give back to the Darden community Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 8, 2026 01:02
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Jan 31, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
I got done with my interview today. It was super chill. My take away- Do go with 1-3 questions to a... Read More
I got done with my interview today. It was super chill. My take away- Do go with 1-3 questions to ask them and prepare the classic question of introduce yourself! Other then this I got asked: 1) TMA your leadership style and a story 2) TMAT when you had to make a shift from X to Y, what challenges you faced? Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 8, 2026 01:02
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Jan 22, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Just got done with Darden interview. It was very conversational and usual questions. TMAY for about... Read More
Just got done with Darden interview. It was very conversational and usual questions. TMAY for about 5/10 mins followed by WHY MBA?, WHY Darden?, a difficult situation at work and how you handled it, personal interests and giving back to community questions. Ended with any question I have! Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Jan 17, 2026 09:01
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Jan 15, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Interview lasted 38 mins, the monologue was about 20 mins with a lot of back and forth with the inte... Read More
Interview lasted 38 mins, the monologue was about 20 mins with a lot of back and forth with the interviewer, it was definitely more of a conversation rather than straight monologuing. 1. Tell me about yourself (I answered why MBA and post MBA goals in this section, she didn't have to ask) 2. Behavioral question thrown in while I was monologuing, made it really easy to just tell the story she asked about. 3. Why Darden/Charlottesville. 4. Chit chat and questions from me. I got to ask two. Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
United States
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Nov 17, 2025 07:11
Status:
Online with Student
Interviewed on:
Oct 30, 2025
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Just had my interview with a current student. -5 minute intro on background, resume and clarifying ... Read More
Just had my interview with a current student. -5 minute intro on background, resume and clarifying questions -Why MBA? -Why now? -Why Darden -International experience example -Dealing with difficult situation example -Interests outside of work -My questions Was just a regular convo and would have a few clarifying back and forth Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Nov 17, 2025 07:11
Status:
On Campus with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Oct 23, 2025
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Just finished my interview with Christian West. 1. Monologue 2. Post MBA goals 3. Any international... Read More
Just finished my interview with Christian West. 1. Monologue 2. Post MBA goals 3. Any international or diversity experience I have in my professional experience 4. Why MBA, framed this like "what have I identified that I lack that an MBA will fill" 5. Why Darden 6. Any questions Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Nov 17, 2025 07:11
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Oct 23, 2025
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Had my interview today 1. Tell me about yourself (very conversational), asking questions on the way... Read More
Had my interview today 1. Tell me about yourself (very conversational), asking questions on the way 2. an impactfull work i did (in my case a project) 3. Why mba? 4. Why darden? 5. I asked her a question 6. Tell me something fun about yourself Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Nov 17, 2025 06:11
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Sep 22, 2025
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Hello guys! Wanted to share a small debrief about my Darden interview. It was on 22nd September. I... Read More
Hello guys! Wanted to share a small debrief about my Darden interview. It was on 22nd September. I was invited to interview on 16th September (EA applicant, didn't opt for open interviews hence invited by Darden) My interview was with an Associate Director of Admissions. Lasted around ~35 minutes total - Typical Darden Monologue (10 mins) - Why MBA - Why now - Why Darden - How will you contribute - Anything else you want to highlight - Questions (I asked 2 questions) Overall - it was extremely comfortable and conversational. She seemed really interested in my story. Let's see how the results pan out now, hoping for the best! Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately

Darden MBA Employment Report

Full-time graduates:
Full-time graduates known to be seeking employment:
Full-time graduates employed at graduation:
%
Full-time graduates employed three months after graduation:
%
Average base salary:
Average signing bonus:
Consulting (42.5%)
Finance: Investment Banking (26.5%)
Technology(9%)
Retail: E-commerce (3.7%)
Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals (5.1%)
Consumer Packaged Goods (2.7%)
Transportation(0.3%)
Real Estate (1.4%)
Nonprofit (0.3%)
Energy (1.7%)
Media/Entertainment (0.6%)
Manufacturing (2.4%)
Government(0.3%)

Darden Recommendation Questions

Full Darden Recommendation Form
Please answer the following questions and provide specific examples where possible.

1. How would you characterize your relationship with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization? (Word limit: 50 words)

2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (Recommended word count: 500 words)

3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (Recommended word count: 500 words)

4. Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)

Darden MBA Essay Questions

Short Answer 1: Community of Belonging What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (100 words)

Short Answer 2: Inclusive Impact Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words)
Unique Trait That Defines Me Option: What is something unique about you that others will remember you by? (350 words maximum)

Short Answer 3: Career with Purpose At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)

Darden MBA Program Cost

Per Year
Tuition:
Req Fees:
Room and board, books, & miscellaneous expenses:
Avg Indebtness of FT students:
Graduates with Debt:

Darden YouTube Videos

More from YouTube
Inside the UVA Darden MBA: Case-Based Learning and Unfiltered Stories from Current Students
Three current MBA students share unfiltered stories about their journeys and learning experience at UVA Darden.
Why This Indian Start Up Founder Moved to US for MBA | #MBA Story
In this episode of MBA Stories, we talk to Pratik Thakkar, (Founder of a Startup and MBA candidate at UVA Darden School of ...
Preparing for Top 15 MBA Interviews: Haas, Tuck, Fuqua, Ross, Yale, UCLA, NYU, Cornell, Darden
Welcome to another episode of our interview prep series. In this video, Greg Guglielmo, Haas MBA and Founder of Avanti Prep, ...

About Darden Moderator

Mayokun01

Darden MBA Application Deadlines 2026

Official Darden Application
Submit by:
Interview Invite by:
Decision by:
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Mar 1, 2026 10:03
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Feb 28, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
- Tell me about how you grew in your career as a professional? (I assume this is “walk me through ... Read More
- Tell me about how you grew in your career as a professional? (I assume this is “walk me through your resume” but worded this way because I’m still at my first job) - ⁠⁠Where do you feel like you’ve been able to grow as a leader either at work or outside of work? - What do you hope to learn/gain from MBA? (In context of reaching my career goals) - ⁠How do you face conflicting information? What do you do when you have to make a difficult decision while managing different perspectives? I’ll also add that the interviewer did interrupt me a couple times to ask questions in the middle of my self-intro. (Where my hometown was, how I found the experience with my international move, why I chose my undergrad program, if my undergrad program met my expectations) Overall she was timing and wording questions in a way that made them feel more genuine and conversational. She also asked me towards the end if I knew a particular program at Darden that she thought I’d be interested in - I had to say no Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Mar 1, 2026 10:03
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Feb 28, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Here are the questions I was asked. The interview took about an hour. Show personal ID Introduce yo... Read More
Here are the questions I was asked. The interview took about an hour. Show personal ID Introduce yourself Follow-up questions Short-term and long-term goals? Why Darden? TMAT when someone had a different opinion from yours and how you handled it What do you usually do outside of work (other than what you just mentioned)? Any community service experience? Which clubs at Darden are you interested in joining? Any international exposure? Any questions for me? Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 24, 2026 12:02
Status:
Online with Student
Interviewed on:
Jan 21, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
- TMAY but a big lengthy going by Darden completely blind interview (Took about 7-8 mins) - Why MBA ... Read More
- TMAY but a big lengthy going by Darden completely blind interview (Took about 7-8 mins) - Why MBA and why now - Why Darden - A difficult situation at work and how I dealt with it - Personal Interests - How will I give back to the Darden community Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 8, 2026 01:02
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Jan 31, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
I got done with my interview today. It was super chill. My take away- Do go with 1-3 questions to a... Read More
I got done with my interview today. It was super chill. My take away- Do go with 1-3 questions to ask them and prepare the classic question of introduce yourself! Other then this I got asked: 1) TMA your leadership style and a story 2) TMAT when you had to make a shift from X to Y, what challenges you faced? Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 8, 2026 01:02
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Jan 22, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Just got done with Darden interview. It was very conversational and usual questions. TMAY for about... Read More
Just got done with Darden interview. It was very conversational and usual questions. TMAY for about 5/10 mins followed by WHY MBA?, WHY Darden?, a difficult situation at work and how you handled it, personal interests and giving back to community questions. Ended with any question I have! Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Jan 17, 2026 09:01
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Jan 15, 2026
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Interview lasted 38 mins, the monologue was about 20 mins with a lot of back and forth with the inte... Read More
Interview lasted 38 mins, the monologue was about 20 mins with a lot of back and forth with the interviewer, it was definitely more of a conversation rather than straight monologuing. 1. Tell me about yourself (I answered why MBA and post MBA goals in this section, she didn't have to ask) 2. Behavioral question thrown in while I was monologuing, made it really easy to just tell the story she asked about. 3. Why Darden/Charlottesville. 4. Chit chat and questions from me. I got to ask two. Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
United States
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Nov 17, 2025 07:11
Status:
Online with Student
Interviewed on:
Oct 30, 2025
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Just had my interview with a current student. -5 minute intro on background, resume and clarifying ... Read More
Just had my interview with a current student. -5 minute intro on background, resume and clarifying questions -Why MBA? -Why now? -Why Darden -International experience example -Dealing with difficult situation example -Interests outside of work -My questions Was just a regular convo and would have a few clarifying back and forth Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Nov 17, 2025 07:11
Status:
On Campus with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Oct 23, 2025
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Just finished my interview with Christian West. 1. Monologue 2. Post MBA goals 3. Any international... Read More
Just finished my interview with Christian West. 1. Monologue 2. Post MBA goals 3. Any international or diversity experience I have in my professional experience 4. Why MBA, framed this like "what have I identified that I lack that an MBA will fill" 5. Why Darden 6. Any questions Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Nov 17, 2025 07:11
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Oct 23, 2025
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Had my interview today 1. Tell me about yourself (very conversational), asking questions on the way... Read More
Had my interview today 1. Tell me about yourself (very conversational), asking questions on the way 2. an impactfull work i did (in my case a project) 3. Why mba? 4. Why darden? 5. I asked her a question 6. Tell me something fun about yourself Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Nov 17, 2025 06:11
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Sep 22, 2025
Final Decision:
Interviewed
Hello guys! Wanted to share a small debrief about my Darden interview. It was on 22nd September. I... Read More
Hello guys! Wanted to share a small debrief about my Darden interview. It was on 22nd September. I was invited to interview on 16th September (EA applicant, didn't opt for open interviews hence invited by Darden) My interview was with an Associate Director of Admissions. Lasted around ~35 minutes total - Typical Darden Monologue (10 mins) - Why MBA - Why now - Why Darden - How will you contribute - Anything else you want to highlight - Questions (I asked 2 questions) Overall - it was extremely comfortable and conversational. She seemed really interested in my story. Let's see how the results pan out now, hoping for the best! Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately

Darden MBA Essay Questions

Short Answer 1: Community of Belonging What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (100 words)

Short Answer 2: Inclusive Impact Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words)
Unique Trait That Defines Me Option: What is something unique about you that others will remember you by? (350 words maximum)

Short Answer 3: Career with Purpose At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)

Darden Recommendation Questions

Full Darden Recommendation Form
Please answer the following questions and provide specific examples where possible.

1. How would you characterize your relationship with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization? (Word limit: 50 words)

2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (Recommended word count: 500 words)

3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (Recommended word count: 500 words)

4. Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)

FAQ

What GMAT score do I need for Darden?

The average GMAT score for Darden is around 720 (Classic) / 665 (Focus Equivalent) for the latest incoming class. As score is just one component of the application it does not mean that you can get in with 740 and someone will get dinged with 700.
Here is what you can use as a guide:
1) Are you from an over-represented demography? If yes, add 30 points to the average to arrive at a competitive score for your peer group.
2) Are you from a unique background or disadvantaged group such as a refugee or first-time college grad? You can subtract 30 points from the average and still get in.

What is the average GRE score for Darden?

Darden average GRE score for the latest incoming class is 321. The dynamics for most schools with GRE admissions is that a great profile with a lower-caliber GRE score seems to be acceptable but a below average profile will usually not be able to get in with above-average GRE score. As the result, the average GRE score may look very tenable but it may not result into an Admit. This is just an average score and schools admit a spectrum of applicants.

Does Darden accept without GRE or GMAT?

Darden offers test waivers for GMAT and GRE on a selective basis. You will have to apply for a test waiver in advance and will usually be notified within 2 weeks about qualifying. Candidates with the following backgrounds/accomplishments are more likely to be granted a test waiver:

For some candidates, particularly those who meet several of the criteria outlined below, a test score may not be needed for our Admissions Committee to assess their preparedness for Darden. Waiver applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and our Admissions Committee will consider a number of factors when evaluating these requests. Particular regard will be given for indicators of academic and professional accomplishment, including but not limited to: -A strong undergraduate record, including performance in analytical coursework or disciplines
-Master's or advanced degree in analytical discipline
-At least three years of professional work experience
-These factors will be considered in combination with resume and transcripts for all degree-related coursework. Candidates who present a strong profile across several criteria (including supporting materials) are more likely to be granted a test waiver.
Candidates who believe they may qualify for a test waiver on the basis of the above criteria should submit a test waiver application.

What GPA do you need to get into Darden?

Darden average GPA is 3.51 note that the GPA is only calculated for the domestic US applicants and international GPA equivalents are not converted or included in this average. As the result, there is more leeway for international applicants as their GPA does not impact school's average but keep in mind that GPA's vary based on the prestige of the institution and rigor of the program attended. If your GPA is below 3.4 but is competitive for your program or background, you should address and explain this fact in the optional comments/essay available in the application specifically specifically for this purpose.

When is Darden MBA program application deadline?

Darden has 4 application deadlines:
Early Action is September 05, 2024 (the best round to apply)
Round 1 is October 02, 2024 (the best round to apply)
Round 2 is January 07, 2025 (still OK round to apply)
Round 3 is April 02, 2025
Round 1 is best for admissions and scholarships. Round 2 tends to be the most competitive. Round 3 is not for friendly for most applicants and has the least chances of financial aid.

How long is the FT MBA program at Darden?

Darden Full Time MBA program is 20 months long. You will start the program in August/September (the first 1-2 weeks will be orientation) and graduate in April/May. The full-time MBA program has a break for a summer internship.

Does Darden have a Part Time MBA program?

In addition to Full Time MBA, Darden has a highly-ranked Part Time MBA program in several formats such as holding classes in evenings and weekends.

How much is Darden MBA tuition?

MBA is expensive! Darden MBA Program costs $72,060 per year, plus $4,222 in required school fees. In addition, you will need an additional $25,770 per year for room and board (living expenses).

How many years of work experience do you need to get into Darden Business School?

Darden Requires at least 2 years of work experience for their Full Time MBA program. Two years is minimum and the recommended / ideal work experience is 5-6 years, which gives you more content for the application and is more likely to result into admission. More experience also offers a stronger resume and better chances for recruiting.
Keep in mind that having too much work experience such as 10 or more years, is often detrimental to your chances.

What is the starting salary for MBA from Darden?

Average starting salary for Darden is $167,899 per year. Many graduates report receiving a sign on bonus of $37,588 on average. In addition, many qualify for annual incentive, retention, or performance bonuses up to 20% of their annual pay.