Chances are you know someone who is thinking about going back to school. Maybe that someone is you! If you’re in middle management, you know the best way to advance is by pursuing a best value MBA. Professionals with valued credentials make much more than those who lack them. MBA graduates are qualified for higher positions and enjoy more job security. And who would balk at a degree like the best value MBA program that gives you the most bang for your academic buck?
Best Value MBA Programs
A best value MBA will offer so much more than just a degree. It will serve the graduate student with expertise, a solid reputation, and a global alumni network. Features like these combine to help increase a business professional’s future career opportunities for years to come. And MBA students should not have to sacrifice quality when considering a cost-effective graduate program. One of the biggest reasons to pursue a best value MBA is its stellar ROI potential. Imagine spending dimes on the dollar for a degree as prestigious and respected as more expensive programs. With this in mind, here is a ranking of the best value MBA programs currently available in the United States.
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Methodology
To find the Best Value MBA programs, we found the top MBA programs in the nation and calculated their Return on Investment (ROI). To do this, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Is an MBA a Good Idea for Business Professionals?
Some people think an MBA is expensive. Others believe enrolling in an MBA means putting your professional life on hold while studying. But the trusted graduate program has much more going for it than simply being a long-term career investment.
Pursuing a best value MBA program with an impressive ROI is within your grasp. People busy with work, family, and other personal responsibilities need options. The idea of traveling to class every day may not work. Degrees like online MBA programs and accelerated programs allow individuals to get an education while advancing their careers. Best value degrees can save you time and money.
Are all MBA Programs Expensive?
Some MBA programs are expensive with a steep price tag of over $140,000. That cost is a deal breaker for many prospective applicants. However, many high-quality programs won’t leave you broke. Finding the best value MBA that’s the right fit for you is crucial.
The Best Value MBA Programs
| School | ROI Score | Affordability |
|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | 100.00 | $ |
| Louisiana Tech University | 99.00 | $ |
| University of Cincinnati | 94.03 | $ |
| University of Florida | 88.82 | $$ |
| North Carolina A&T State University | 79.09 | $$ |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | 65.83 | $$ |
| University of Georgia | 57.31 | $$ |
| Morgan State University | 51.16 | $$ |
| University of Texas at Dallas | 47.60 | $$$ |
| University of South Dakota | 47.58 | $ |
| University of North Texas | 46.85 | $$ |
| College of Charleston | 42.00 | $$ |
| University of South Carolina | 41.50 | $$ |
| Appalachian State University | 35.61 | $$ |
| University of Alabama | 34.42 | $$ |
| CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College | 33.46 | $$$ |
| Boise State University | 32.11 | $$ |
| University of South Florida | 32.02 | $$ |
| Florida State University | 28.01 | $$ |
| Indiana University | 24.36 | $$$$ |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | 24.08 | $$$ |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 23.65 | $$$$ |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 22.52 | $$$$ |
| University of Pittsburgh | 22.23 | $$$$ |
| Bowling Green State University | 21.82 | $$ |
What Are Some Reasons to Pursue a Best Value MBA?
A Master of Business Administration is an appealing option for students looking to give themselves future career advancement options. Many MBA programs allow on-campus learners to balance their personal and professional obligations while furthering their education.
There are many reasons to choose a best value MBA, but most people will tell you a low cost of tuition paired with a high ROI potential was reason enough for them. Here are some key benefits of getting a best value MBA from some of the top business schools in the nation.
1. Best Value MBA Programs Can Be Flexible
Studying full-time within a traditional, on-campus program means you get excellent access to program leaders. Like an online MBA, on-campus students enjoy flexibility allowing them to continue building their careers, families, and lives. While classes are offered at set times, many students prefer to study early in the morning, late at night, and on weekends.
2. Best Value MBA Programs Give Students Enhanced Networking Opportunities
Another benefit of earning an MBA is incredible access to a broad network of professionals composed of students from varying backgrounds and experiences. Students earning their degree on-campus sit in the same room and make eye contact with seasoned professionals teaching class. They also interact with other professionals from all over the country and worldwide. This exposure gives MBA students a fantastic amount of perspective that will add to their productivity and problem-solving skills.
The collaboration facilitated throughout a best value MBA program in group assignments and real-time discussions helps students grow their network within a diverse and accomplished peer group.
3. A Best Value MBA Program Features Customized Options
Students earning a best value MBA can often customize their course load. They decide how many classes to take each semester. Many graduate students getting a best value MBA can design their degree through one of several specialized concentrations. MBA degrees with specializations in health services, finance, marketing, and information systems help students become experts in their field of study.
4. A Best Value MBA Program Can Feature Excellent Accreditation
Academic standards used by accrediting entities to evaluate business schools apply to expensive and attractively priced programs. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredits every best value MBA program in this ranking.
5. Best Value MBA Programs Help Students Improve Technology Skills
The modern business world continues to become increasingly virtual. One of the benefits of getting a best value MBA at a top business school is the chance to work more effectively with tech and become more agile leaders.
Many technologies and digital tools used in real-time instruction and collaboration in an MBA can be featured in graduates’ resumes. These experiences are selling points for today’s employers. Many hiring organizations conduct their business remotely.
Recommended Online MBA Programs
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What are Some Other Benefits of Getting a Best Value MBA?
Some of the most respected business schools in the nation offer best value MBA degrees. They take the needs of modern professionals into account. Program leaders provide excellent instruction while allowing students to afford their courses and enjoy extreme ROI potential at the end of the program.
Returning to campus for a two-year or longer program may not be the answer for those with a full plate. Personal and professional responsibilities make an accelerated program a practical alternative. These shorter degrees allow students to return to full-time work after only 10 to 18 months.
Best value MBA programs combine the foundational business skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace with an excellent approach to learning. A recent salary report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that the average starting salary for MBA graduates was over $20,000 higher than that of professionals with only a business bachelor’s degree.
These MBA programs are successful when they provide a functional educational framework. Course structure should align with the needs of professionals. Once graduates successfully complete their programs, they can look forward to having the skills and knowledge needed to manage people and resources effectively. Best value MBA programs are meant to provide high-quality educational experiences without breaking the bank. Look for a program that pairs highly regarded instructors with a curriculum focused on the modern economy in the context of business leadership.