2023 Best MBA Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare MBA Degrees in Pennsylvania for 2023

Key Highlights:

• • Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Pennsylvania.

• • Detailed profiles of both online and on-campus MBA programs in Pennsylvania, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.

• • Insights into Pennsylvania's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.

Pennsylvania, colloquially known as the Keystone State, has a robust and diversified economy. The state is a hub for the healthcare and education sectors, with many renowned universities and hospitals. An MBA with a concentration in healthcare management or educational administration could lead to rewarding career opportunities in these areas.

The manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania is also robust, being one of the top manufacturing states in the U.S. This industry presents myriad opportunities for MBA graduates with a focus on operations management or supply chain management.

Moreover, the state's finance sector, especially in Philadelphia, is another significant employer of MBA graduates. Specializations such as finance or investment management are particularly valuable in this context.

Finally, the information technology and telecommunications sector is a rapidly growing industry in Pennsylvania. This burgeoning sector provides ample opportunities for MBA graduates with specializations in information systems or technology management.

Compare MBA Program Averages Across

Pennsylvania, the U.S. and Online

Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Pennsylvania

What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in Pennsylvania?

While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Pennsylvania is about $91,117, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $56,800 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $146,303 from University of Pennsylvania.

The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Pennsylvania is between $56,800 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and $126,250 from Carnegie Mellon University. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Pennsylvania is $89,275.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $91,117 from Pennsylvania's 27 In-Person MBA Programs
• Lowest In-Person: $56,800 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• Highest In-Person:$146,303 from University of Pennsylvania

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $89,275 from Pennsylvania's 18 Online MBA Programs
• Lowest Online: $56,800 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• Highest Online: $126,250 from Carnegie Mellon University

What is the Average Tuition for MBA Programs in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania will cost about $46,140, the least expensive MBA program is $18,343 from Kutztown University, and the most expensive is $141,812 from Carnegie Mellon University.

An Online MBA program from an institution in Pennsylvania will cost you between $18,343 from Kutztown University and $141,812 from Carnegie Mellon University. The average cost of online MBA programs within Pennsylvania is $45,134.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $47,107 from Pennsylvania's 27 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: $18,343 from Kutztown University
• Highest in-person: $141,812 from Carnegie Mellon University

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $45,134 from Pennsylvania's 18 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: $18,343 from Kutztown University
• Highest online: $141,812 from Carnegie Mellon University

What is the ROI for MBA Programs in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania is 113%, the lowest ROI is 45% from Carnegie Mellon University, and the best ROI is 217% from Shippensburg University.

The ROI from Online MBA programs in Pennsylvania range between 45% from Carnegie Mellon University and 217% from Shippensburg University. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Pennsylvania is 118%.

In-Person ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 113% from Pennsylvania's 27 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 45% from Carnegie Mellon University
• Highest in-person: 217% from Shippensburg University

Online ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 118% from Pennsylvania's 18 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 45% from Carnegie Mellon University
• Highest online: 217% from Shippensburg University

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

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 Pennsylvania is 565, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 456 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and the highest GMAT score needed is 730 from University of Pennsylvania.

The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Pennsylvania is between 456 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania to 687 from Carnegie Mellon University. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Pennsylvania is 559.

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: 565 from Pennsylvania's 27 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 456 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• Highest in-person: 730 from University of Pennsylvania

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

• Average: 559 from Pennsylvania's 18 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 456 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania
• Highest online: 687 from Carnegie Mellon University

Which MBA Schools Have the Highest Student Enrollment in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania state's MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 17 and 1,740. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 26 and 1,099.

Average Enrollment for Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Lowest: 17 from Kutztown University
• Highest: 1,740 from University of Pennsylvania
• Average: 257 from Pennsylvania's 48 MBA Programs.
• Average: 243 from 879 the nation's campus MBA Programs.

Average Enrollment for Score for Online MBA Programs

• Lowest: 17 from Kutztown University
• Highest: 529 from The Pennsylvania State University
• Average: 172 from Pennsylvania's 18 MBA Programs.
• Average: 201 from 327 nation's online MBA Programs.

What MBA Concentrations Available in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 52 MBA concentrations including:

• Finance: 35
• Accounting: 33
• Marketing: 33
• Management: 24
• General Business: 23
• Information Systems: 23
• Supply Chain: 19
• International Business: 19
• Entrepreneurship: 18
• Leadership: 17

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

• Drexel University: 29
• Widener University: 26
• La Salle University: 25
• The Pennsylvania State University at Erie The Behrend College: 21
• Carnegie Mellon University: 20
• Saint Joseph’s University: 20
• Lehigh University: 19
• Robert Morris University: 18
• Villanova University: 16
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania: 16

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 Pennsylvania

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

• Bethlehem
• Bloomsburg
• Chester
• Clarion
• Erie
• Indiana
• Kutztown
• Lewisburg
• Malvern
• Middletown
• Moon Township
• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Scranton
• Selinsgrove
• Shippensburg
• University Park
• Villanova
• West Chester
• Wilkes-Barre

MBA Program Options Available in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania has 48 Accredited MBA programs. 14 private and 13 public schools offering MBA programs.

Pennsylvania has 13 public schools and 14 private schools offering MBA degree programs.

48 Accredited MBA programs.  and 13 public schools offering MBA programs.

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

To meet the diverse needs of Pennsylvania businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 52 MBA concentrations to specialize in.

Awards for MBA Programs in Pennsylvania

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 48 accredited MBA programs offered in Pennsylvania, 26 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

Pennsylvania schools have earned a total of 57 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:

• University of Pennsylvania: 7
• University of Pittsburgh: 7
• Carnegie Mellon University: 7
• The Pennsylvania State University: 7
• Temple University: 6
• Drexel University: 3
• King’s College: 1
• The Pennsylvania State University Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies: 1
• University of Scranton: 1
• Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania: 1
• Bucknell University: 1
• Clarion University of Pennsylvania: 1
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania: 1
• Shippensburg University: 1
• Robert Morris University: 1
• Kutztown University: 1
• Saint Joseph’s University: 1
• Villanova University: 1
• West Chester University: 1
• The Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg: 1
• Widener University: 1
• La Salle University: 1
• Lehigh University: 1
• Susquehanna University: 1
• Duquesne University: 1
• The Pennsylvania State University at Erie The Behrend College: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for Pennsylvania schools:

• MBAGuide: 26
• US News: 6
• Forbes: 5
• BW: 4
• FT: 5
• Economist: 5