How Much Does a Professional B-School Program Cost?

EMBA

In The Economist’s 2018 Executive MBA Rankings, tuition costs for a top 10 EMBA program is on average US$133,000, and for the 65 schools who made their list, costs can range from approximately US$45,000 to US$179,800. Candidates considering EMBAs are especially likely to say quality/reputation is most important to their school decision, but as noted in the rankings, costs can rise along with a school’s reputation. Your tuition may or may not cover costs beyond coursework, such as travel and accommodations for required class days, high-end meals, and practical excursions. As part of your enrollment, many programs do offer access to extensive career services and include courses led by top professors.

With a price tag like this, you may be wondering if the investment is worth your while. EMBA alumni from the top 10 programs increased their pay by an average of 51 percent, and took home earnings of US$210,000, before bonuses and other compensation. Furthermore, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s^™ 2018 Alumni Perspectives Survey report, nearly 9 out of 10 alumni report their degree was professionally rewarding, and 68 percent say it was financially beneficial. EMBAs also have a Net Promoter Score^®—a measure of value and loyalty—of 59, the highest of all b-school programs. If you’re considering an EMBA, take this interactive quiz to determine if this is the best program for you.

Executive master’s

Executive master’s are emerging as a new alternative path to earning your advanced business degree. Top schools are offering graduate programs in focused subject areas with many tuition rates ranging between US$30,000 and US$100,000. The actual cost of programs will vary based on your school, topic, and location, among other things. Similar to the EMBA, your costs can cover a combination of coursework, supplies and materials, living expenses, student fees, and travel.

Professional MBAs

Part-time, online, and flexible MBAs all fall into the category of professional MBAs. Depending on your circumstance, these programs may be the best solution for you to pursue your graduate degree in business.

Part-time MBA

Part-time MBAs are a popular, and often more economical, alternative to a full-time MBA. Programs offer more flexible course delivery options than the full-time alternative and are frequently priced on a per course or annual basis. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Part-time MBA rankings, tuition costs for programs in the top 100 can start as low as US$12,456 total for an in-state, part-time program and rise to over US$100,000.

Online

Today, online MBA programs have evolved into far more than merely a camera placed at the back of a lecture hall. Schools are employing production staff and using cutting-edge technology to make the student experience both informative and engaging. Poets & Quants recently compared their list of the top 25 Online MBA programs with the top 25 schools in the U.S. News & World Report ranking. Based on tuition alone, the average cost of an online MBA from these programs is US$52,264; they dip as low as US$13,000 and climb to US$128,000.

Flexible or hybrid

Many b-schools have introduced flexible or hybrid programs that meet the demand for more specialized delivery formats and adjustable durations. If you have personal and professional commitments during traditional school hours, you may consider a program that incorporates both classroom and distance-learning components as well as evening and weekend courses. Tuition is comparable to other professional b-school degrees, and your costs will depend on the school you select as well as how long it takes you to complete your degree.

While the ROI for professional b-school programs will vary based on several different factors, one important consideration is the opportunity cost of lost income. Executive MBAs, executive master’s, and professional MBAs all offer options for working professionals to continue earning a salary. Aside from cost, they also prioritize work/life balance and offer more flexible options for pursuing graduate management education. There are several important criteria to consider when making your b-school decision, including the type of program you will benefit most from, your post-degree salary, and your career goals. To evaluate different schools, utilize the School Search feature and apply filters such as the “Desired Program Type” and “Preferred Class Style” to hone your search.

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