2023 Best MBA Programs in Arizona

Compare MBA Degrees in Arizona for 2023

Key Highlights:

• This guide provides comprehensive data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Arizona.
• Detailed profiles of both online and on-campus MBA programs in Arizona, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.
• Insights into Arizona's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.

Arizona, with its dynamic and diverse economy, presents an appealing prospect for individuals seeking to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. The state's flourishing industries offer an array of opportunities for MBA graduates to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of sectors.

The vibrant Aerospace & Defense industry in Arizona is home to many international companies, providing MBA graduates with opportunities to work on complex projects and assume strategic leadership roles. Similarly, the thriving Technology & Innovation sector offers an ideal platform for MBA holders to guide startups towards profitability or steer established tech firms towards new market opportunities.

Furthermore, the Film & Digital Media industry in Arizona provides an avenue for MBA graduates to utilize their skills in managing production budgets, negotiating contracts, or developing marketing strategies. In the Manufacturing sector, an MBA could enhance operational efficiency, manage supply chains, or oversee product development. Lastly, within the Health & Bioscience sector, MBA holders can improve healthcare delivery models or spearhead research and development initiatives.

Major Industries in Arizona:

• Aerospace & Defense: An MBA graduate can leverage their strategic planning and project management skills within this high-tech industry.
• Technology & Innovation: In this fast-paced sector, an MBA holder can lead business strategy for startups or established tech firms.
• Film & Digital Media: MBAs can apply their skills in budget management, contract negotiation, or marketing strategy within this creative industry.
• Manufacturing: An MBA graduate could enhance operational efficiency and supply chain management within this pivotal sector.
• Health & Bioscience: This rapidly evolving sector offers avenues for MBAs to improve healthcare delivery models or lead research initiatives.

Top Companies Hiring Arizona's MBA Graduates:

• Deloitte: With its global network and diverse service offerings, Deloitte provides a range of opportunities for MBAs in consulting and advisory roles.
• Amazon: This customer-centric company offers roles that allow MBAs to apply their skills in strategy and operations.
• Google: Known for its culture of innovation, Google provides MBAs with opportunities to work on exciting projects across various domains.
• Microsoft: Offering roles across technology and business functions, Microsoft allows MBAs to contribute to shaping the future of technology.
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.: As a leading global financial services firm, it offers MBAs roles in areas like investment banking, asset management, and finance.

Compare MBA Program Averages Across

Arizona, the U.S. and Online

Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Arizona

What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in Arizona?

While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Arizona is about $90,794, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $77,687 from Northern Arizona University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $99,000 from Arizona State University.

The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Arizona is between $95,696 from The University of Arizona and $99,000 from Arizona State University. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Arizona is $97,348.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $90,794 from Arizona's 5 In-Person MBA Programs
• Lowest In-Person: $77,687 from Northern Arizona University
• Highest In-Person:$99,000 from Arizona State University

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $97,348 from Arizona's 6 Online MBA Programs
• Lowest Online: $95,696 from The University of Arizona
• Highest Online: $99,000 from Arizona State University

What is the Average Tuition for MBA Programs in Arizona?
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it's best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

While the average in-person MBA program in Arizona will cost about $40,012, the least expensive MBA program is $10,480 from Northern Arizona University, and the most expensive is $58,300 from Arizona State University.

An Online MBA program from an institution in Arizona will cost you between $36,425 from Thunderbird School of Global Management and $58,300 from Arizona State University. The average cost of online MBA programs within Arizona is $49,856.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $40,012 from Arizona's 5 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: $10,480 from Northern Arizona University
• Highest in-person: $58,300 from Arizona State University

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $49,856 from Arizona's 6 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: $36,425 from Thunderbird School of Global Management
• Highest online: $58,300 from Arizona State University

What is the ROI for MBA Programs in Arizona?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school's reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you're not just making a decision—you're making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

While the average in-person MBA program ROI from Arizona is 181%, the lowest ROI is 85% from Arizona State University, and the best ROI is 371% from Northern Arizona University.

The ROI from Online MBA programs in Arizona range between 85% from Arizona State University and 87% from The University of Arizona. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Arizona is 86%.

In-Person ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 181% from Arizona's 5 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 85% from Arizona State University
• Highest in-person: 371% from Northern Arizona University

Online ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 86% from Arizona's 6 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 85% from Arizona State University
• Highest online: 87% from The University of Arizona

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Arizona?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Arizona is 542, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 400 from University of Phoenix – US, and the highest GMAT score needed is 682 from Arizona State University.

The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Arizona is between 400 from University of Phoenix – US to 682 from Arizona State University. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Arizona is 541.

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: 598 from Arizona's 5 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 400 from University of Phoenix – US
• Highest in-person: 682 from Arizona State University

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

• Average: 541 from Arizona's 6 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 400 from University of Phoenix – US
• Highest online: 682 from Arizona State University

Which MBA Schools Have the Highest Student Enrollment in Arizona?

The importance of networking, whether it's by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Arizona state's MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 42 and 327. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 400 and 710.

Average Enrollment for Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Lowest: 42 from Northern Arizona University
• Highest: 327 from The University of Arizona
• Average: 197 from Arizona's 10 MBA Programs.
• Average: 243 from 879 the nation's campus MBA Programs.

Average Enrollment for Score for Online MBA Programs

• Lowest: 162 from Arizona State University
• Highest: 327 from The University of Arizona
• Average: 248 from Arizona's 6 MBA Programs.
• Average: 201 from 327 nation's online MBA Programs.

What MBA Concentrations Available in Arizona?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Arizona businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 41 MBA concentrations including:

• Accounting: 8
• Management: 8
• Marketing: 8
• International Business: 7
• General Business: 7
• Finance: 7
• Information Systems: 7
• Entrepreneurship: 6
• Economics: 5
• Supply Chain: 5

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

• Western International University: 25
• Thunderbird School of Global Management: 15
• Northcentral University: 13
• Prescott College: 13
• Northern Arizona University: 13
• The University of Arizona: 13
• Ottawa University – Arizona: 11
• Grand Canyon University: 7
• University of Phoenix – US: 4
• Arizona State University: 1

The Importance of MBA Accreditation

The importance of accreditation can't be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

Cities Offering MBA Programs in Arizona

Looking for a particular city in Arizona with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Arizona. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.

• Flagstaff
• Glendale
• Tempe
• Tucson

MBA Program Options Available in Arizona

Options for earning your MBA in Arizona have never been more flexible. Arizona MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

Arizona has 10 Accredited MBA programs. 0 private and 4 public schools offering MBA programs.

Arizona has 4 public schools and 0 private schools offering MBA degree programs.

10 Accredited MBA programs.  and 4 public schools offering MBA programs.

Arizona schools offer 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Arizona including Online, Campus, Full-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Off Campus, Part-Time and Partnership.

To meet the diverse needs of Arizona businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 41 MBA concentrations to specialize in.

Awards for MBA Programs in Arizona

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 10 accredited MBA programs offered in Arizona, 4 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (PQ, US News, MBAGuide, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

Arizona schools have earned a total of 16 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:

• Arizona State University: 7
• The University of Arizona: 5
• Thunderbird School of Global Management: 3
• Northern Arizona University: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for Arizona schools:

• US News: 3
• MBAGuide: 4
• Forbes: 2
• BW: 2
• FT: 1
• Economist: 1