MBAGuide

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

Best Campus & Online MBA Degrees in 2024

  • 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.

2024 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

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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.

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 2024

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.

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

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