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Plan and advance your MBA career with peer-reviewed articles, compressive comparisons of business degree programs and salary data.

Best Mba programs
Best Online MBa Programs

Best Campus & Online MBA Degrees in 2023

  • Starting salaries for new MBA graduates is between $41,538 and $146,303 with an average of $83,945.
  • Tuition for in-person, campus MBA programs ranges from $6,660 to $162,991, and averages $39,291.
  • Online tuition in for MBAs ranges between $6,660 to $162,991, with an average total tuition cost of $33,638.
  • A GMAT score between 385 and 737 with an average of 543 is needed for acceptance into an MBA program.
  • ROI for MBA gradates ranges from 31% to 670% with an average of 154%.
  • Average student enrollment for MBA Programs varies between 2 and 2,102 with an overall average of 239.
  • Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA programs varies between 1:20 and 3:1 with an average of 3:1 students.
  • 878 MBA programs are ranked by the following institutions MBAGuide: 506, US News: 94, Forbes: 75, BW: 82, FT: 51 and Economist: 52.

2023 7th Annual Best MBA Programs

Our rankings and accreditation can offer insight into a program’s quality and reputation. However, these should be just one part of your decision-making process.

Ranking TypeRanking Description
Best OverallBest Ranked MBAs Online | Campus
Graduate SalaryHighest Graduate Salary Online | Campus
Best ROIHighest ROI (Tuition | Graduate Salary) – Online | Campus
Most AffordableMost Affordable Accredited MBAs – Online | Campus
SelectivityMost Sought After – Online | Campus
Student to Faculty RatioBest Student to Faculty Ratio – Online | Campus
Networking | AlumniLargest Alumni Network – Online | Campus

More Articles in this Series

What is the Cost of an MBA Degree?

The average tuition cost for an MBA degree in the U.S. is $39,291.07. The cost of getting an MBA differs wildly depending on the program you chose. Earning an MBA from the lowest-cost campus program in the U.S., Augusta University, will set you back only $6,660.00 if you live in-state. At this price, earning an advanced degree seems like an exceptional investment in your career. You can check on the ROIs of MBA programs. A degree from country’s most expensive campus MBA program, Columbia University, will cost you $170,330.00. Cost will vary by type, concentration as well as as the state you live in.

In-PersonOnline
The lowest in-state tuition for an online MBA program is $6,660.00.
The highest in-state tuition for an online MBA program is $170,330.00.
The average tuition cost for online MBA programs is $39,291.07.
Find accredited and affordable campus MBA programs.		The lowest in-state tuition for an online MBA program is $6,660.00.
The highest in-state tuition for an online MBA program is $162,991.00.
The average tuition cost for online MBA programs is $33,637.51.
Find accredited and affordable online MBA programs.

5 Least Expensive Online MBA Degrees

  1. Augusta University - $6,660.00
  2. Fayetteville State University - $6,900.00
  3. Lamar University - $8,432.00
  4. Georgia College & State University - $8,640.00
  5. Columbus State University - $8,748.00

5 Most Expensive Online MBA Degrees

  1. New York University - $162,991.00
  2. Carnegie Mellon University - $141,812.00
  3. University of Virginia-Darden - $139,200.00
  4. University of Southern California - $137,106.00
  5. University of Miami - $126,040.00

Find the full report for the tuition costs of all MBA programs in the United States.

What is an MBA Worth and the Average Graduate MBA Salary

Evaluating the value of an MBA program involves considering the return on investment (ROI). This takes into account factors such as tuition costs, potential salary increases, and career advancement opportunities.

Weighing these aspects helps prospective students determine if pursuing an MBA aligns with their financial and professional goals, ultimately maximizing the benefits of this significant educational investment.

MBA graduate salaries differs wildly depending on the program you chose, the industry you enter and the experience you have. After earning an MBA from Shenandoah University, the average MBA graduate annual salary is $41,538.00. For instance, a degree from University of Pennsylvania, will provide an annual salary of $146,303.00.

5 Highest MBA Starting Salaries for Graduates

  1. University of Pennsylvania - $146,303.00
  2. Cornell University - $143,750.00
  3. Stanford University - $140,553.00
  4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - $135,000.00
  5. Harvard University - $134,071.00

5 Lowest MBA Starting Salaries for Graduates

  1. Shenandoah University - $41,538.00
  2. University of Southern Mississippi - $42,294.00
  3. Campbellsville University - $45,916.00
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham - $48,462.00
  5. North Carolina A&T State University - $48,800.00

Find the full report for the graduate salaries for graduate business schools in the United States.

MBA Guides

Chart Your Business Career

At Business Degree Programs, you are teaming up with business managers, professors, MBA students, data modelers, designers, business writers and other professionals to get peer-reviewed, expert information about business careers, degree programs, salaries, resume and interview preparation, and business school resources.

Rankings

2023 rankings by state, online, concentration, and degree type using metrics that matter to MBA graduates.

Concentrations

Dive deep into available MBA degrees and compare salaries, ROI, tuition and ranking.

States

Research business programs available in each state using our extensive database of 6,400 business degrees

Salaries

Review 2023 latest salary data including 10-year salary and employment projections, salary by experience and education.

Resources

Prepare for the rigors of an MBA degree with scholarships lists, admission advice, GMAT preparation, program rankings.

Top MBA Salaries and Jobs

The world is changing and there are hundreds of in-demand careers that will need plenty of employees in the next decade. Prepare yourself and find the career path that will meet you in the future.

Salary Reports

Consider these high-paying, in-demand business careers in 2023

Projected need for these business careers is between 73,000 and 229,600 new employees each year to 2030. The median yearly wage for these careers is between $62,290 and $97,970. Prepare for each of these careers with a four-year degree.

More in-demand careers

Operations Managers

Currently Employed: 2,984,920
Yearly Openings to 2030: 229,600
Percent Change: 9.4%
Graduate MBA Salary: $97,970
Operations Management MBA

Project Managers

Currently Employed: 743,860
Yearly Openings to 2030: 141,900
Percent Change: 5.6%
Graduate MBA Salary: $94,500
Projects Management MBA

Accountant

Currently Employed: 1,318,550
Yearly Openings to 2030: 135,000
Yearly Openings to 2030: 6.9%
Graduate MBA Salary: $82,752
Accounting MBA

Management Analysts

Currently Employed: 768,450
Yearly Openings to 2030: 99,400
Yearly Openings to 2030: 13.7%
Graduate MBA Salary: $93,000
Business Analytics MBA

Marketing Managers

Currently Employed: 727,540
Yearly Openings to 2030: 96,000
Percent Change: 22.1%
Graduate MBA Salary: $82,674
Marketing MBA

Human Resources Managers

Currently Employed: 740,830
Yearly Openings to 2030: 73,400
Percent Change: 10.4%
Graduate MBA Salary: $84,994
Human Resources MBA

Team Up Masters of Business Administrations Experts

At MBA Guide, you are teaming up with C-Suite managers, business school professors, managers, business students,
data modelers, designers and writers to learn about business careers, degree programs and salaries

Rebecca earned her B.A. in Economics from Wellesley College and her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
Rebecca Smith-Allen
Robert works in Healthcare Administration as a Lean Six Sigma Black belt, Certified Mentor, and Coach. 
Robert Kent
Julia, originally from Germany, earned her MBA degree in 2016 at the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands.
Julia Peterle

7th Annual 100 Best Ranked MBA Programs

Rank University College Name Also Ranked By Based In Online
1 Harvard University Harvard Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Boston, MA No
2 University of Pennsylvania The Wharton School Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Philadelphia, PA No
3 Cornell University College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Ithaca, NY No
4 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Cambridge, MA No
5 New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report New York, NY Yes
6 Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Evanston, IL No
7 The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Chicago, IL No
8 The University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Ann Arbor, MI No
9 Georgia Institute of Technology Ernest Scheller Jr. College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Atlanta, GA No
10 The University of Texas at Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Richardson, TX Yes
11 University of California, Los Angeles UCLA Anderson School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Los Angeles, CA No
12 Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report St. Louis, MO No
13 Columbia University Columbia Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report New York, NY No
14 University of Wisconsin-Madison Wisconsin School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Madison, WI No
15 Duke University The Fuqua School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Durham, NC No
16 University of Southern California Marshall School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Los Angeles, CA Yes
17 The University of Georgia Terry College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Athens, GA Yes
18 Stanford University Graduate School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Stanford, CA No
19 Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Pittsburgh, PA Yes
20 Georgetown University McDonough School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Washington, DC Yes
21 University of Florida Warrington College of Business MBAGuide Gainesville, FL Yes
22 University of Connecticut School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Storrs, CT Yes
23 Temple University The Fox School of Business Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Philadelphia, PA Yes
24 Boston College Wallace E. Carroll School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Chestnut Hill, MA No
25 University of Virginia-Darden Darden School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Charlottesville, VA Yes
26 University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Columbia, SC Yes
27 Emory University Goizueta Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Atlanta, GA No
28 University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Notre Dame, IN No
29 University of San Francisco School of Management MBAGuide San Francisco, CA No
30 University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report College Park, MD Yes
31 Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey-Newark/New Brunswick Rutgers Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Newark, NJ Yes
32 Yale University School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report New Haven, CT No
33 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Chapel Hill, NC Yes
34 Michigan State University The Eli Broad College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report East Lansing, MI Yes
35 The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Tuscaloosa, AL Yes
36 University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Berkeley, CA No
37 The University of Texas at Austin Red McCombs School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Austin, TX No
38 Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Hanover, NH No
39 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Gies College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Champaign, IL Yes
40 University of Washington Michael G. Foster School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Seattle, WA No
41 The Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report University Park, PA Yes
42 Texas A&M University Mays Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report College Station, TX No
43 Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Nashville, IN No
44 Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis Kelley School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Bloomington, IN Yes
45 Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Tempe, AZ Yes
46 Brigham Young University Marriott School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Provo, UT No
47 University of Delaware Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics MBAGuide Newark, DE Yes
48 University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Minneapolis, MN No
49 Drexel University Bennett S. LeBow College of Business MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Philadelphia, PA Yes
50 University of Utah David Eccles School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Salt Lake City, UT No
51 University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Davis, CA No
52 Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business Watson Graduate School of Management MBAGuide Stillwater, OK Yes
53 The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Columbus, OH No
54 Chapman University The George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics MBAGuide Orange, CA No
55 University of Tennessee at Knoxville Haslam College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Knoxville, TN No
56 Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Houston, TX No
57 Pepperdine University Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Los Angeles, CA Yes
58 Texas Christian University Neeley School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Fort Worth, TX Yes
59 Villanova University Villanova School of Business MBAGuide Villanova, PA Yes
60 Stevens Institute of Technology School of Business MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Hoboken, NJ Yes
61 Florida State University College of Business MBAGuide Tallahassee, FL Yes
62 University of Rochester William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Rochester, NY No
63 University of California, Irvine The Paul Merage School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Irvine, CA No
64 The George Washington University School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Washington, DC Yes
65 Southern Methodist University Edwin L. Cox School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Dallas, TX No
66 Northeastern University D'Amore-McKim School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Boston, MA Yes
67 Baylor University Hankamer School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Waco, TX Yes
68 Boston University Questrom School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Boston, MA No
69 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Pamplin College of Business MBAGuide Blacksburg, VA Yes
70 The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Iowa City, IA Yes
71 The University of Mississippi School of Business Administration Bloomberg Businessweek, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Oxford, MS Yes
72 Louisiana State University E.J. Ourso College of Business Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Baton Rouge, LA No
73 Marquette University College of Business Administration & Graduate School of Management MBAGuide Milwaukee, WI Yes
74 University of California, San Diego Rady School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report La Jolla, CA No
75 North Carolina State University Poole College of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Raleigh, NC Yes
76 College of William and Mary Raymond A. Mason School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Williamsburg, VA Yes
77 University of South Florida Muma College of Business MBAGuide Tampa, FL Yes
78 Pace University Lubin School of Business MBAGuide New York, NY No
79 Wake Forest University Schools of Business MBAGuide Charlotte, NC No
80 The University of Arizona Eller College of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Tucson, AZ Yes
81 Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business MBAGuide Santa Clara, CA Yes
82 University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Houston, TX No
83 University of Miami Miami Herbert Business School Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Coral Gables, FL Yes
84 University of Pittsburgh The Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business/College of Business Administration Bloomberg Businessweek, Financial Times, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report Pittsburgh, PA No
85 Fordham University Gabelli School of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report New York, NY No
86 University of Colorado at Boulder Leeds School of Business MBAGuide Boulder, CO No
87 New Jersey Institute of Technology Martin Tuchman School of Management MBAGuide Newark, NJ Yes
88 University of Missouri Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Columbia, MO No
89 University of Kansas School of Business MBAGuide Lawrence, KS No
90 Thunderbird School of Global Management Arizona State University MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Glendale, AZ Yes
91 Saint Joseph's University Erivan K. Haub School of Business MBAGuide Philadelphia, PA Yes
92 California State University, Northridge David Nazarian College of Business and Economics MBAGuide Northridge, CA No
93 Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Auburn, AL No
94 Syracuse University The Martin J. Whitman School of Management Bloomberg Businessweek, MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Syracuse, NY Yes
95 Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business MBAGuide Hempstead, NY Yes
96 Brown University Brown University School of Professional Studies Providence, RI Yes
97 Clemson University College of Business MBAGuide Clemson, SC No
98 Miami University Farmer School of Business MBAGuide Oxford, OH No
99 Northern Arizona University W.A. Franke College of Business MBAGuide Flagstaff, AZ No
100 University of Louisville College of Business MBAGuide, U.S. News & World Report Louisville, KY No

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