According to a recent Bloomberg Business survey, graduates earned a median of $85,000 more in their first job after completing their MBA. MBA graduates are qualified for higher positions and enjoy more job security. If you’re in middle management, one of the best ways to advance may be through earning your MBA.
Identifying MBA Programs With The Best Value
Top MBA programs are notoriously expensive. That’s why it’s especially important to understand a program’s potential Return On Investment (ROI). Our ranking of the Best Value MBA Programs identifies the programs with the highest base starting salary for graduates compared to the total tuition cost for earning the degree. For those intereste in more flexible options, we also calculated the Best Value Online MBA Programs.
Recommended Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Ranking Methodology
To find the MBA programs offering the best ROI, we calculated the
(business school average base salary – MBA base tuition cost) / MBA base tuition cost
The MBA base tuition cost was calculated for the entirety of the degree from tuition information on each MBA website. The business school average base salary used in the ROI calculation was recorded by US News.
Each MBA in this ranking is listed with an ROI Score, which is the calculated ROI placed on a 99-point scale, starting with rank number two. The University of Massachusetts Amherst, at the top of the list, received a 100 ROI score with their fully funded MBA program.
Summary: Top 25 Best Value MBA Programs
| Rank | School | ROI Score | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | University of Massachusetts Amherst | 100.00 | $ |
| 2. | Louisiana Tech University | 99.00 | $ |
| 3. | University of Cincinnati | 94.03 | $ |
| 4. | University of Florida | 88.82 | $$ |
| 5. | North Carolina A&T State University | 79.09 | $$ |
| 6. | University of Tennessee, Knoxville | 65.83 | $$ |
| 7. | University of Georgia | 57.31 | $$ |
| 8. | Morgan State University | 51.16 | $$ |
| 9. | University of Texas at Dallas | 47.60 | $$$ |
| 10. | University of South Dakota | 47.58 | $ |
| 11. | University of North Texas | 46.85 | $$ |
| 12. | College of Charleston | 42.00 | $$ |
| 13. | University of South Carolina | 41.50 | $$ |
| 14. | Appalachian State University | 35.61 | $$ |
| 15. | University of Alabama | 34.42 | $$ |
| 16. | CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College | 33.46 | $$$ |
| 17. | Boise State University | 32.11 | $$ |
| 18. | University of South Florida | 32.02 | $$ |
| 19. | Florida State University | 28.01 | $$ |
| 20. | Indiana University | 24.36 | $$$$ |
| 21. | University of Hawaii at Manoa | 24.08 | $$$ |
| 22. | Georgia Institute of Technology | 23.65 | $$$$ |
| 23. | University of Wisconsin-Madison | 22.52 | $$$$ |
| 24. | University of Pittsburgh | 22.23 | $$$$ |
| 25. | Bowling Green State University | 21.82 | $$ |
1
Private: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Isenberg School of Management
One of the nation’s best value MBA programs is offered at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. First-year students participate in the core curriculum. They get a rigorous foundation in many business topics and skills. Classes cover all the bases. On-campus learners within this best value MBA are exposed to Business Intelligence and Statistics, Marketing Strategy, and Corporate Finance.
The spring semester’s practicum experience provides an immersive consulting experience within a working organization. Some MBA students pursue internship opportunities during the summer. Many receive offers of employment. They can choose to “off-ramp” during their second year and complete any remaining courses online. Second-year coursework includes advanced classes. What sets this program at the top of our best value MBA list is that on-campus students are awarded a fellowship that pays for their two-year degree. There is a lot to love about this best value MBA.
2
Private: Louisiana Tech University
College of Business
The College of Business at Louisiana Tech University provides a best value MBA. This degree is perfect for those ready to pursue the next level of education. Tech’s College of Business offers five MBA delivery methods to meet every business student’s needs. MBA students will thrive regardless of where they are in their career paths. MBA students fresh from their undergraduate degree and ready for the next step will benefit from excellent instructors. Working professionals in the field for some time will sharpen their skills.
Tech’s best value MBA is tailored to fit career goals. The traditional MBA is as high quality as the business school’s executive-level program. On-campus classes are an excellent choice for those who prefer to build solid relationships with program leaders. This best value MBA is worth a second look.
3
Private: University of Cincinnati
Carl H. Lindner College of Business
A best value MBA program is at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. The on-campus program is designed to fit all students’ specific needs. It consists of 48 credit hours. There are ten credit hours of foundation classes, twenty-six credit hours of core classes, and twelve credit hours of electives.
Recent graduates and students with relevant work experience can waive the 10 credit hours of foundation classes. MBA students can customize their curriculum using the 12 credit hours of electives. On-campus students can earn one of the business school’s 20+ graduate certificates. Program leaders encourage students to enrich their MBA experience by participating in an immersive study abroad experience. This best value MBA is worth its weight in gold.
4
Private: University of Florida
Warrington College of Business
The University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business features a best value MBA program. Their One-Year and Two-Year programs allow students with solid professional and academic backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of dedicated faculty and staff members. The UF MBA team offers unparalleled attention to full-time students’ career development. This individualized attention is helpful for students considering a career change after earning their MBA.
Key advantages of a UF MBA include a career-focused curriculum. Students also enjoy highly personalized academic and career advising. The experiential and professional development feeds into a substantial alum network. This on-campus MBA features unmatched value. MBA students enrolled in this excellent degree will love the ROI potential.
5
Private: North Carolina A&T State University
Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics
North Carolina A&T State University’s College of Business and Economics features a best value MBA. This full-time MBA is a professional graduate business degree. It gives students a thorough understanding of business essentials, including economics, accounting, finance, and management. Graduate students intensely study one of four business concentrations. General Management, Human Resource Management, Accounting, and Supply Chain Management are the specializations. The concentrations represent developing business areas of professional importance and career opportunities.
Program faculty, administrators, and staff are committed to each MBA student’s graduate studies, future success, and professional career. Ambitious, talented, and opportunistic students will thrive in this student-centered, business-mentored environment. North Carolina A&T State University hits a home run with this best value MBA.
Ready to start your journey?
Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.
6
Private: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Haslam School of Business
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business offers a best value MBA. Haslam’s Full-Time MBA emphasizes career coaching, small cohorts, and team building to reflect business dynamics. On-campus students’ curriculum encompasses business knowledge and professional skills. Enrolled students develop expertise in one of five specialization areas during their final semester. The Full-Time MBA program includes a required summer internship.
The business school allows MBA students to apply the knowledge they have learned throughout the program. Graduate students will enjoy establishing business rapport with key industry leaders. Tomorrow’s business leaders will find excellent training within this best value MBA.
7
Private: University of Georgia
Terry College of Business
The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business offers a best value MBA. Enrolled students can take their leadership to the next level. This program is perfect for mid to senior-level managers. They can earn their MBA part-time in 18 months in Atlanta. On-campus students connect with other senior leaders within diverse organizations and industries.
Program designers balance learning with doing throughout this best value program. There are nine concentrations and three focus areas. MBA students can specialize in Strategy, FinTech, and Social Innovation. There are immersive projects with corporate partners and local non-profits. Students have access to start-ups in metro Atlanta and Athens. Graduate students looking for nearly unlimited opportunities for professional development will appreciate this degree.
8
Private: Morgan State University
Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management
The Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University features a best value MBA. This AACSB-accredited degree is of high quality. The business school’s MBA program prepares its students to succeed as professionals as they become engaged citizens in the global economy. Students can expect access to a diverse global community and state-of-the-art business school facilities. Highly qualified instructors lead the Graves MBA.
Graves School of Business and Management offers a predictive individual career boost that measures MBA students’ probability to succeed in given job roles. The AstrumU AI Engine translates learning and working experiences into a skills profile. This resource is one of the ways MBA students can benefit from this degree.
9
Private: University of Texas at Dallas
Naveen Jindal School of Management
The Naveen Jindal School of Management at The University of Texas at Dallas offers a best value MBA. All students are paired with executive mentors and career coaches to assist students in their development. The small program size of fifty students pairs with a dedicated team of professionals. Jindal School of Management leaders cater to students’ needs. Enrolled students can all but guarantee their success in the fast-paced 18-month program.
This 53 semester-hour best value MBA features a full-time core curriculum. The accelerated curriculum means students can graduate in 18 months. There is an optional extra semester for a 21-month program. Program leaders encourage graduate students to attend this program where staff and faculty believe in them.
10
Private: University of South Dakota
Beacom School of Business
The Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota offers a best value MBA. Program designers understand the business world is constantly evolving. Employers seek leaders with solid foundational knowledge in problem-solving, business concepts, and critical thinking. Enrolled students in this best value degree are a part of one of the top MBA programs in the nation. They take advantage of a program that emphasizes data analysis, decision-making, and social responsibility.
Expert faculty lead the best value MBA. They take a personalized approach to guide students through one-on-one advising and support throughout the program. Graduate students at Beacom can pursue their degrees on-campus or online. All MBA students receive a rich educational experience designed with their career in mind. This best value degree will propel your career forward.
Recommended Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
11
Private: University of North Texas
G. Brint Ryan College of Business
The University of North Texas College of Business offers a best value MBA. The business school’s MBA in Business Management is a rigorous full-time program. It prepares a selective cohort of students for leadership in their business careers. The curriculum relies heavily on team collaboration, experiential learning, and industry interaction. This best value MBA’s intensive cohort structure is centered around industry interaction.
The on-campus program exposes students to explicit knowledge about many aspects of business across all sectors. Enrolled students can expect to translate their expertise into tacit capabilities. Graduate students holding degrees from any major can enroll. Ideal candidates are academically curious and professionally motivated. Most MBA students enrolled in the best value degree are recent graduates. All candidates seeking a full-time MBA are welcome to apply.
12
Private: College of Charleston
School of Business
The College of Charleston’s School of Business has a best value MBA program. The Charleston on-campus MBA delivers excellent investment value to graduate students. Learners looking for an accelerated education will appreciate the One Year format. This accelerated program condenses a traditional two-year degree into twelve rigorous months. MBA students save a year of tuition and fees and re-enter the workforce quickly. They graduate with critical business knowledge.
This low-cost program allows budget-minded students to gain from the best value MBA. Rising tuition is the norm for many MBA programs. The Charleston MBA stands out as an affordable degree. Compared to competitors, it is one of the best values in business education. This MBA has a lot going for it.
13
Private: University of South Carolina
Darla Moore School of Business
The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina features a best value MBA. This one-year MBA will have an immediate impact on your career. For ten months, enrolled students focus their studies on a business discipline while enhancing their MBA with electives. There are functional specializations included. Students can pursue a business analytics certificate as a sought-after credential in the industry. Graduate students ready to elevate their careers with a short-term investment will thrive.
This one-year MBA can be completed in 10 months. Program leaders packed the utmost quality and rigor into an intensive program. Students feeling stuck in a workplace rut or wanting to stop working temporarily should look into this best value MBA.
14
Private: Appalachian State University
Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University offers a best value MBA. This main campus MBA program is offered in full-time and part-time formats. Graduate students enrolled in the daytime, on-campus program choose among seven concentrations. Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Economics, International Business, Interdisciplinary Business, Supply Chain Management, Leading Human Resources, and Sustainable Business are included emphases.
Appalachian State’s MBA curriculum features eight core academic courses. All MBA students must take these courses. They develop essential fundamental, transferable business skills. Enrolled students take four elective courses with their core educational classes. There are four elective courses, three related to their concentration. This well-designed best value MBA trains tomorrow’s business leaders.
15
Private: University of Alabama
Culverhouse College of Business
The Manderson Graduate School of Business at the University of Alabama features a best value MBA. The Manderson MBA program strategically bridges the gap between pre-professional students and workforce leaders. Curriculum highlights include experiential learning, professional development, service, and networking opportunities. All enrolled MBA students can compete in national case competitions. Program designers want MBA students to supercharge their careers through professional development workshops.
This best value MBA encourages students to engage with faculty that teach real-world applications. Instructors regularly publish in top business journals and consult with Fortune 500 companies. Alabama’s best value MBA will help you become a leader who can tackle global marketplace issues.
16
Private: CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College
Zicklin School of Business
CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College has a best value MBA at the Zicklin School of Business. Zicklin’s excellent Full-Time MBA is a graduate student’s vital connection to the business world. Enrolled students immerse themselves in a top educational experience with this two-year daytime program. The public business school is one of New York City’s leading business education facilities. Its STEM-designated program features 48 credits students complete in two years. MBA students looking for a customizable curriculum, many generous scholarships, and summer internship opportunities will like this best value degree.
Zicklin offers dedicated career advisors and a consulting capstone course. This Full-Time MBA is a rigorous, rewarding opportunity to join a cohort-based format. MBA students progress together through the same core curriculum. Employers will take notice if this best value MBA is on your resume.
17
Private: Boise State University
College of Business and Economics
The College of Business and Economics at Boise State University offers a best value MBA. Enrolled MBA students complete projects and internships for actual companies within this program. Learners graduate with experience on their resumes with business knowledge employers value.
Boise State’s full-time MBA program is ideal for early career professionals and recent college graduates. Non-business majors with liberal arts, social sciences, arts and sciences, and engineering degrees are welcome to apply to this program. Business majors often waive foundational courses and can quickly graduate. Candidates without work experience are also prime candidates for this best value degree. Motivated students looking to fast-track their careers will want to investigate this incredible MBA.
18
Private: University of South Florida
Muma College of Business
The University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business delivers a best value MBA. This nationally-ranked MBA helps graduate students develop creative abilities and analytical skills. The on-campus format promotes collaboration with diverse and experienced classmates. USF MBA students learn from world-class instructors, guest speakers, and industry leaders.
This stellar best value MBA can be completed on the Sarasota-Manatee and Tampa campuses. Students choose electives according to their career direction. The USF Muma College of Business is famous for business analytics and creativity. These qualities are woven into the core curriculum. Students choose electives across disciplines while consulting with academic advisors. This well-rounded best value MBA would be an asset to anyone’s resume.
19
Private: Florida State University
College of Business
Florida State University’s College of Business features a best value MBA. An FSU MBA equips on-campus students with the expertise, skills, and professional network needed to advance in the fast-paced business world. This program is ideal for highly motivated individuals seeking a competitive edge. Renowned College of Business instructors provide students with individualized attention. This on-campus program benefits from unparalleled access to Florida’s top industry policymakers and regulators.
Program designers take pride in an innovative curriculum and the strength of an alum network. Graduate students enjoy excellent career placement. Florida State offers MBA formats tailored to learners’ schedules. This full-time MBA on campus can be completed in one year. There are many reasons to pursue this best value MBA.
20
Private: Indiana University
Kelley School of Business
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University offers a best value MBA. This program is ideal for students who can drive change and achieve success. Kelley’s MBA is innovative and invested in helping graduate students succeed. Kelley School of Business leaders take learning beyond the classroom to give MBA students the skills to build their future as business leaders.
Benefits to the Kelley MBA start before the first semester. Me, Inc. is a two-week intensive career development and team building program. The program sets students up for success over the degree’s duration. MBA students lacking a business background have access to Jump Start. The accelerated introduction to business concepts is helpful. Indiana University trains tomorrow’s business leaders.
Recommended Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
21
Private: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Shidler College of Business
One of the nation’s best value MBA programs is featured at the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Shidler’s Global MBA program offers students a comprehensive foundation in Asia-Pacific business fundamentals focus. Students have access to internships and career development assistance. Solid networking opportunities exist with fellow students, alums, and the business community. Students meet their personal and professional goals throughout the program.
Shidler’s Global MBA program is Hawaii’s AACSB International accredited graduate program. It is one of the few MBA programs in the nation with an Asia-Pacific focus. Students know their best value degree will satisfy the expectations of quality standards relating to the strategic management of resources.
22
Private: Georgia Institute of Technology
Scheller College of Business
The Scheller College of Business at Georgia Institute of Technology provides a best value MBA. Students are prepared to accelerate their careers in a digital-first, tech-savvy world in less than two years. They learn to solve complex issues, gain analytical skills, and advance their careers.
You can find your career path in an ever-evolving landscape with the Jones MBA Career Center’s help. There is a small student-to-advisor ratio. MBA students get personalized services tailored to their needs. You can gain real-world experience with organizational innovators and start-ups in the Tech Square ecosystem. Learners value the curriculum practicums, projects, and internships. MBA students seeking collaboration and camaraderie in a program emphasizing community will appreciate this best value degree.
23
Private: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wisconsin School of Business
A best value MBA program is at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Wisconsin School of Business. This program’s team projects and leadership training provide confident readiness. High-level consulting project experience prepares students for success in mid-degree internships. Program leaders equip learners to shine in interviews while advancing after getting hired.
Program highlights include a core business curriculum, classes, and applied learning emphasizing a chosen specialization. The one-to-one career preparation is a game-changer. Program leaders know students’ names and their career aspirations. Graduates are matched with employers where they want to grow. Wisconsin enjoys a leading ROI. MBA students can start with minimal debt and build post-MBA wealth. This best value degree has it all.
24
Private: University of Pittsburgh
College of Business Administration and Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
The University of Pittsburgh’s College of Business Administration features a best value MBA. It is designed to be completed as a cohort experience in 18 months. The redesigned Signature MBA provides students with time for a summer internship. It includes an intensive integrated learning capstone experience during the final semester.
MBA students can rejoin the workforce four months sooner than a traditional two-year MBA. Students bring significant post-bachelor professional experience and the will to advance or switch industries. The program begins in August, with coursework finishing 18 months later with a capstone experience. Integrative coursework includes strategic communications and computational thinking. The core MBA curriculum provides the framework for integrated learning. On-campus MBA students will want to enroll in this best value degree.
25
Private: Bowling Green State University
College of Business
Bowling Green State University’s College of Business features a best value MBA. The MBA provides a broad curriculum, including the three principal components of foundation, core, and capstone courses. This program includes modules on topics including computer skills, international business principles, and ethical leadership. Enrolled students take part in a series of co-curricular professional development classes. The seminars provide practical skill development and business exposure. Bowling Green’s full-time MBA curriculum starts in late August with an MBA program orientation.
Classes resume through the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The official university academic calendar shows the beginning and ending dates of the semesters. MBA students follow the general MBA curriculum and complete their programs in about 12 months to graduate in mid-August. This best value MBA will set you up for future success.
Ready to start your journey?
Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.
Recommended Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.