How to Decide Which MBA Program is Right For You

Throughout our lifetimes, advancing ourselves in our professional careers becomes more and more valuable. Moving up to managerial and administrative positions within our companies become more appealing as with promotions comes an increased salary. Did you know that you can make a six-figure salary with a job in the business field? 

We can imagine that this isn’t the first time you’ve considered returning to school to further your education. A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) provides you with the knowledge and skillset to take on management roles and own your very own business. You’ll take courses related to accounting, statists, economics, entrepreneurship, and management and while you complete these classes, you’ll get real-life experience working in the field through internships. There are so many ways options for completing an MBA including part-time or full-time programs and on-campus or online. To find out which way is best for you, continue reading below.

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Should You Complete Your MBA Part-Time or Full-Time?

In general, MBAs take two years to complete if you’re studying full-time on-campus. You can earn your MBA by completing part-time or full-time programs and there are advantages associated with each one. With a part-time program, you’ll be able to work while you’re attending school. Full-time programs are more popular with younger graduates who have recently earned their bachelor’s degree and can cover the costs of living on campus. 

Part-time positions usually take between four to five years to complete and there are two types of MBA part-time programs, an executive MBA (EMBA) and a regular MBA. The EMBA is designed for people who have worked in leadership or executive roles in the field for a while and their employer usually pays for these programs. A part-time MBA is meant for individuals who work full-time, but that aren’t in leadership roles yet. People in part-time MBA programs are usually younger than individuals who are in the EMBA programs. In general, part-time programs are great if you have a busy schedule as the classes are held outside normal business hours and you can choose how many classes you want to complete per semester. 

Should You Complete Your MBA Online or On-Campus?

Students choose online MBA programs for many of the same reasons they choose part-time programs. Earning degrees online has become increasingly popular as it’s much more cost-effective. While the cost of the program doesn’t differ significantly between on-campus and online programs, you save money on not having to relocate or commute to school. For those with experience in the field, there are online programs that offer accelerated programs and coursework waivers, which makes it possible to complete the degree in one year. In regards to the coursework, the curriculum is the same online as it is on-campus, but the instructors use technology to make the coursework available online. If you’re not sold on completing an online MBA, you can always try a hybrid program which encompasses online and on-campus classes. 

How Much Does an Online Program Cost?

MBA programs are known for being costly as the average price is around $30,000- $40,000, with the most expensive schools costing over $100,000. According to our research, to study at the University of Virginia it will set you back $130,000, while the tuition at the University of Wyoming costs around $7,500. 

U.S.News.com narrowed the best MBA programs down to three based on their admission selectivity, their reputation amongst other universities, and their academic and career support services available to students. The three that made the top of the list were Indiana University-Bloomington, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Previous articleWater Delivery Systems Will Save You Time and Money
Next articleRebuild Your Credit Score With Credit Cards in New Zeland
Ronald K
A hairdresser from Sydney, Australia, Ronald loves writing about anything from fashion to music. He hates to admit but he's also obsessed with movie trailers.