The return of Finance job function as the favorite after the 2008 financial crisis has finally reached full momentum when 32% of the class opted for the function. PE (Private Equity) Analyst earned the largest base salary ($200,000).Finance overtook Consulting to attract the highest median base for the Class of 2016. 
The lowest median Salary by industry went to Consumer Packaged Goods, followed by Transportation and Logistics Services, Healthcare, Media/Entertainment, and Real Estate. As expected, the highest signing bonus went to Finance and Consulting, taking them to the top of the tally for Total Salary (Median) as well. 
The return of Finance job function as the favorite after the 2008 financial crisis has finally reached full momentum when 32% of the class opted for the function. PE (Private Equity) Analyst earned the largest base salary ($200,000). The $20,000 signing bonus and $100,000 in other guaranteed payments, takes the total salary to over $300,000; almost instantly getting the cost of the Stanford MBA program back within a year. Of course, with a higher pay, lifestyle needs changes, stretching the ROI period to a feasible 3.5 years.
Understandably, PE and Investment Management have the most competition.
Reference: Stanford MBA Employment Report