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Compare MBA Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare MBA Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is one of the most popular graduate degrees for its versatility and return on investment. This degree can prepare students for entry or advancement in a wide variety of careers, including project management, human resources, finance, marketing, and more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that there will be an average of 1.1 million new job openings for management positions through 2032. The median annual wage for managers is $107,360. MBA graduates can also use their degree to pursue high-paying, fast-growing jobs like financial analyst, management analyst, health services manager, and more.

Most MBA programs can be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study, depending on the student’s educational and professional background. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition for graduate programs during the 2021-22 academic year was $12,596 at public institutions and $29,931 at private non-profit colleges.

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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the best MBA programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

Best 50 Accredited MBA Degree Programs

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#1
Philadelphia, PA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

Intelligent Score: 99.87
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $53,166

Out-of-state: $53,166

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $37,678

Out-of-state: $37,678

Test scores

SAT: 1460-1570

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
9%
On-campus students
15%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
27,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$91k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$3,030

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

57

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 215-898-6183

#2
Cambridge, MA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Harvard Business School

Intelligent Score: 99.07
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $49,653

Out-of-state: $49,653

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $49,448

Out-of-state: $49,448

Test scores

SAT: 1460-1580

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
5%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
98%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
5:01
Average Salary
$91k
Average Student Debt
$14k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,896

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

79

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 617-495-6128

#3
Ithaca, NY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Cornell University

Intelligent Score: 98.7
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $58,586

Out-of-state: $58,586

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $29,500

Out-of-state: $29,500

Test scores

SAT: 1400-1540

ACT: 32-35

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
11%
On-campus students
6%
Graduation Rate
95%
Students enrolled
24,000
Student to faculty ratio
9:01
Average Salary
$76k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,663

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-847-2082

#4
Cambridge, MA | 4 years | Online | Private

MIT Sloan School of Management

Intelligent Score: 98.13
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $53,450

Out-of-state: $53,450

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $53,450

Out-of-state: $53,450

Test scores

SAT: 1510-1580

ACT: 34-36

Retention Rate
98%
Admission Rate
7%
On-campus students
N/A
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
3:01
Average Salary
$100k
Average Student Debt
$13k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,169 - $2,000

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

144

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 617-258-5434

#5
Evanston, IL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Northwestern University

Intelligent Score: 97.78
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $58,227

Out-of-state: $58,227

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $56,067

Out-of-state: $56,067

Test scores

SAT: 1430-1550

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
9%
On-campus students
99%
Graduation Rate
95%
Students enrolled
23,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$72k
Average Student Debt
$16k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,624

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

46.5-61.5

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 847-491-3308

#6
Chicago, IL | 4 years | Campus | Private

University of Chicago

Intelligent Score: 97.07
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $57,642

Out-of-state: $57,642

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $60,300

Out-of-state: $60,300

Test scores

SAT: 1500-1570

ACT: 34-35

Retention Rate
100%
Admission Rate
7%
On-campus students
100%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
18,000
Student to faculty ratio
5:01
Average Salary
$72k
Average Student Debt
$16k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,698

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 312-464-8700

#7
Ann Arbor, MI | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Michigan

Intelligent Score: 97.03
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $16,520

Out-of-state: $53,669

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $24,344

Out-of-state: $24,344

Test scores

SAT: 1340-1520

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
26%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
93%
Students enrolled
48,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$56k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $2,469

Non-Resident: $2,645

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

57

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 734-763-5796

#8
Atlanta, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Georgia Institute of Technology

Intelligent Score: 96.96
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $28,106

Out-of-state: $49,218

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $27,898

Out-of-state: $27,898

Test scores

SAT: 1370-1530

ACT: 31-35

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
17%
On-campus students
38%
Graduation Rate
90%
Students enrolled
17,447
Student to faculty ratio
22-to-1
Average Salary
80,777
Average Student Debt
27,984

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) offers a strong selection of concentration options for its MBA program, including international business, management of information resources, product and service innovation, and sustainability. Georgia Tech also maintains partnerships with multinational corporations and new startup businesses, providing MBA students with various exciting opportunities for experiential learning.

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $1,132

Non-Resident: $1,548

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

54

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 404-894-2600

#9
New York, NY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Columbia University

Intelligent Score: 96.54
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $57,864

Out-of-state: $57,864

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $49,024

Out-of-state: $49,024

Test scores

SAT: 1460-1570

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
7%
On-campus students
6%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$78k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,816 - $3,998

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 212-854-1961

#10
Berkeley, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of California, Los Angeles

Intelligent Score: 95.87
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $11,442

Out-of-state: $41,196

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,442

Out-of-state: $11,442

Test scores

SAT: 1310-1530

ACT: 30-35

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
17%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
92%
Students enrolled
42,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$58k
Average Student Debt
$13k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,740

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

80

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 310-825-6944

#11
Austin, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Texas at Dallas

Intelligent Score: 95.68
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $11,448

Out-of-state: $40,032

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $12,028

Out-of-state: $12,028

Test scores

SAT: 1210-1470

ACT: 26-33

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
32%
On-campus students
8%
Graduation Rate
88%
Students enrolled
50,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$52k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $577 - $914

Non-Resident: $1,134 - $1,622

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

53

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 972-883-5055

#12
Saint Louis, MO | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Washington University in St. Louis

Intelligent Score: 95.46
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $56,300

Out-of-state: $56,300

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $56,300

Out-of-state: $56,300

Test scores

SAT: 1480-1560

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
16%
On-campus students
15%
Graduation Rate
94%
Students enrolled
15,000
Student to faculty ratio
7:01
Average Salary
$63k
Average Student Debt
$17k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,650

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

48-67

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 314-935-7301

#13
Madison, WI | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Intelligent Score: 94.85
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,273

Out-of-state: $37,161

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,728

Out-of-state: $10,728

Test scores

SAT: 1260-1460

ACT: 27-32

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
57%
On-campus students
7%
Graduation Rate
88%
Students enrolled
45,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,700

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

44

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 608-262-4000

#14
Durham, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Duke's Fuqua School of Business

Intelligent Score: 94.14
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $55,880

Out-of-state: $55,880

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $57,900

Out-of-state: $57,900

Test scores

SAT: 1470-1570

ACT: 34-35

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
8%
On-campus students
58%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
16,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$93k
Average Student Debt
$13k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,898

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

65-79

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 919-660-7705

#15
Los Angeles, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

University of Southern California

Intelligent Score: 93.53
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $59,260

Out-of-state: $59,260

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $47,880

Out-of-state: $47,880

Test scores

SAT: 1340-1530

ACT: 30-34

Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
16%
On-campus students
11%
Graduation Rate
92%
Students enrolled
46,000
Student to faculty ratio
9:01
Average Salary
$61k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,307

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

56

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 213-740-7846

#16
Stanford, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Stanford University

Intelligent Score: 93.4
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $55,473

Out-of-state: $55,473

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $54,315

Out-of-state: $54,315

Test scores

SAT: 1420-1570

ACT: 31-35

Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
5%
On-campus students
94%
Graduation Rate
95%
Students enrolled
16,000
Student to faculty ratio
4:01
Average Salary
$93k
Average Student Debt
$12k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,774

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

90

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 650-723-2766

#17
Athens, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Georgia

Intelligent Score: 93.4
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,790

Out-of-state: $28,830

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,878

Out-of-state: $8,878

Test scores

SAT: 1250-1460

ACT: 29-33

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
48%
On-campus students
84%
Graduation Rate
87%
Students enrolled
39,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$45k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $566

Out-of-State: $1,359

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

61

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 706-542-5671

#18
Pittsburgh, PA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Carnegie Mellon University

Intelligent Score: 93.23
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $57,560

Out-of-state: $57,560

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $46,441

Out-of-state: $46,441

Test scores

SAT: 1460-1560

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
17%
On-campus students
97%
Graduation Rate
93%
Students enrolled
14,000
Student to faculty ratio
5:01
Average Salary
$84k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$758

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

64

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 412-268-5687

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How to Choose an MBA Program

Choose your area of study

Because of the diversity of available MBA programs, it’s beneficial to establish some parameters for what you’re seeking before you begin exploring your options.

First, consider what level of MBA program is appropriate. Students who don’t have an educational or professional background in business should seek out an entry-level MBA program that covers foundational as well as advanced business concepts and skills. Meanwhile, those who have work experience and want to use their MBA to help them prepare for high-level positions can consider executive MBA programs, which focus on advanced coursework.

Specializations are another consideration. While most MBA programs include a general core curriculum that covers key areas of business, many also offer students the opportunity to specialize in a particular topic. Popular MBA concentrations include finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, human resources, international business, and information technology. Consider your career goals and what type of coursework you’ll need to achieve them. This will help you focus your search on programs that offer the specialization you seek.

Based on your interests and career goals, you may also want to explore other types of graduate degrees. For example, if you have an interest in finance, your options also include a Master of Finance (MFin) and a Master of Science (MS) in finance. All these degrees will prepare students for a career in finance, but an MBA is the only one that includes general business courses.

Lastly, consider your practical needs, such as scheduling and budget. If you’re working while earning your MBA, you may need to find a program that offers evening and weekend courses. If fitting in-person courses into your schedule is challenging, you can also explore online MBA programs.

Research schools and programs

The parameters you set will help guide your research when you begin exploring MBA degree program options.

Visiting a school’s website is a good place to start gathering information about potential programs. You can also speak to admissions counselors and program representatives or visit the school for an open house or information session to learn more.

When researching programs, here are some questions that can help you determine if the program is a good fit:

  • What is the curriculum, and does it align with your interests and goals?
  • Who are the faculty members, and what are their qualifications?
  • What networking opportunities are available to students?
  • Is there an internship or other experiential learning component?
  • What support services are available to students?
  • What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available?
  • What type of accreditation does the institution and program have?

Accreditation is important because it can affect students’ financial aid eligibility, employment options, and future educational opportunities. Schools in the U.S. can be regionally or nationally accredited, with regional accreditation being the more widely recognized accreditation status. MBA programs can also have programmatic accreditation through agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Students can verify institutional and programmatic accreditation through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s database.

Prepare for tests and applications

When researching MBA programs, find out what the application requirements and deadlines are for schools you’re considering. Each program has its own admissions policies and procedures, so if you have questions, contact the school’s admissions office to clarify. Eligibility requirements also vary for MBA programs. Some programs have flexible criteria, while others specifically require that students have an undergraduate degree in business or work experience in a business-related field.

Generally speaking, applicants must submit the following for an MBA program:

  • Completed application and required fees
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement
  • GRE or GMAT scores

There are multiple opportunities throughout the year for students to take their GRE or GMAT exam, which are standardized tests for graduate admissions. These exams can be challenging, so it’s recommended that students give themselves ample time to prepare. This can include self-paced study or prep classes. Students should also account for time to retake the exams if they don’t achieve their desired score on the first try.

Select your program

Once you have a shortlist of MBA programs, you can choose how many of them you want to apply to. Because MBA admissions can be competitive, many students apply to multiple programs to increase their odds of acceptance. However, your preferences and interests should be the main guide to how many applications you submit. If you’re accepted to multiple MBA programs, compare your options to the priorities you outlined in step one to help you decide which program is the best fit for you.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

If you haven’t yet collected information about tuition and fees for your MBA program, now is the time to do so. This information is usually available on a school’s website, or you can contact their financial aid office to speak to a financial aid counselor.

Students who are planning on working while earning their MBA should find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Due to the desirability of MBA skills, many employers offer financial assistance to help employees earn this degree.

In order to access federal student aid, such as student loans and grants, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges use the information from this application to determine eligibility for federal and institutional need-based aid. Graduate students are eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans through the U.S. Department of Education. Many external organizations, including professional associations, nonprofits, and community and religious groups, also award scholarships and grants.

What Can You Expect From an MBA Degree Program?

The curriculums for MBA programs typically include a core curriculum of courses focusing on key business practices and topics, including leadership, management, communication, economics, and marketing. Once students complete these courses, they can use electives and advanced coursework to specialize in a particular business area, such as human resources, finance, information technology, healthcare management, entrepreneurship, or marketing.

Many MBA programs include an experiential learning component, such as an internship, to give students the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they gain through classes in a real-world setting. There may also be a capstone project requirement in which students synthesize their academic and internship work.

Most MBA programs require between 36-60 credits, which translates to 1-2 years of full-time study. Longer programs are typically geared toward students who don’t have a business background or extensive work history. Executive MBA programs, which are designed for professionals who have five or more years of work experience, tend to be shorter but more rigorous, focusing on advanced business skills and practices.

An MBA is an incredibly versatile degree that students can use to help them advance toward management and C-suite positions, pivot to a new career, increase their earning potential, or start their own business. Many industries employ MBA grads, including tech, finance, healthcare, marketing, and consulting.

Potential courses you’ll take in an MBA degree program

  • Business Strategy: Introduces students to principles and conceptual frameworks for evaluating and formulating business strategy, with topics including analysis of industry economics, strategic positioning and competitive advantage, and the role of resources and capabilities in shaping and sustaining competitive advantages.
  • Leadership in Organizations: Provides students with the tools needed to solve organizational problems and prepares managers to understand how to best organize and motivate the human capital of the firm, manage social networks and alliances, and execute strategic change.
  • Financial Accounting: Acquaints students with the process used to construct and understand the financial reports of organizations to develop an understanding of the decisions that must be made in the financial reporting process and the ability to evaluate and use accounting data.
  • Marketing Management: Focuses on the influence of the marketing environment on marketing decision-making; the determination of the organization’s products, prices, channels, and communication strategies; and the organization’s system for planning and controlling its marketing effort.
  • Operations Management: Familiarizes students with the problems and issues confronting operations managers and examines how different business strategies require different business processes.

MBA Degree Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to an MBA degree program?

Most colleges now accept applications and supporting materials online through an admissions portal. If you have questions about what application materials are required and how to submit them, contact the school’s admissions office for more information.

Depending on the school, admissions for MBA programs can be competitive. It’s important to be mindful of application deadlines and start terms, as some programs only admit new students once or twice per year. Failing to submit all required application materials by the deadline can impact a student’s ability to start on time.

Eligibility criteria for MBA programs also vary. Some programs are open to all students, regardless of their undergraduate area of study and professional background. Others require students to have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field and a certain amount of business experience. They may also have a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement.

How much does an MBA degree cost?

The average cost of an MBA is $56,850, according to the Education Data Initiative. However, the amount that each student pays for their MBA varies based on multiple factors.

For example, tuition differs greatly based on whether an institution is public or private. Public universities typically charge lower tuition than their private counterparts. An MBA at Binghamton University, a public school, costs $34,940, compared to $112,760 at Harvard University, a private school.

However, at public schools, tuition will also vary based on a student’s residency status. In-state students get a lower tuition rate, while students from a different state pay higher tuition.

Students should also take into consideration how scholarships, grants, discounts, and tuition assistance can help lower the amount they’ll pay for their MBA. For the most accurate information about the cost of an MBA, speak to a financial aid counselor at your school.

How long does it take to earn an MBA degree?

The amount of time it takes to complete an MBA is largely dependent on the number of credits the program requires. Most MBA programs in the U.S. require 36-60 credits. Programs that are 36 credits can typically be completed in one academic year, while the standard minimum time to complete a 60-credit program is two academic years.

Another factor that influences how long it takes to get an MBA is whether students enroll full-time or part-time. Part-time students take longer to earn their degrees because they take fewer classes each term. Meanwhile, accelerated full-time programs may include more classes per term to help students finish faster.

Students who transfer previously earned credits from another MBA or graduate program can complete their MBA faster than those who start from scratch. There are also many MBA programs that grant students credit or waive certain requirements if they have applicable work experience, which can shorten program length. On the other hand, students without a business background may need to complete prerequisite coursework, adding time to their program.

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