La Salle University

Executive Summary: La Salle University MBA Program

• Program Overview: AACSB-accredited MBA with full-time, hybrid, and online formats. STEM designation for Business Systems & Analytics concentration. Total in-state cost: ~$27,200 (full-time).
• Curriculum: 33–48 credits with leadership simulations, capstone projects (PNC, Independence Health Group), and concentrations in analytics, finance, and healthcare management.
• Admissions: 38% acceptance rate. GMAT 500 average (waivable for alumni/experienced professionals). 22% international students.
• Career Success: 95% employment rate within 3 months. Median salary: $82,300 (general management). Top employers: PNC, Deloitte, Comcast.
• ROI: Breakeven in 3.1 years (in-state). Merit scholarships up to $10,000 for GMAT 600+.
• Differentiators:
  • Accelerated One-Year MBA (30% faster than peers).
  • Corporate partnerships with 50+ Philadelphia Fortune 1000 firms.
  • Advanced tech tools: AI negotiation simulator, blockchain transcripts.
• Recommendations: Target spring intake for hiring cycles, leverage free coding bootcamps, and prioritize STEM track for OPT eligibility.

La Salle University’s AACSB-accredited MBA program combines rigorous academics with flexible formats tailored for career advancement. Recognized for its affordability and strong regional industry ties, the program offers full-time, part-time, hybrid, and online options. Below is a detailed analysis structured to guide prospective students through its distinct features, costs, and outcomes.

Program Essentials

Format Options: Full-Time (15–24 months), One-Year Accelerated (12 months), Part-Time Hybrid (2–3 years), and Online (14–16 months).
Accreditation: AACSB (held by <5% of global business schools).
STEM Designation: Available for the Business Systems & Analytics concentration, enabling 24-month OPT extensions for international students.
2025–26 Tuition:

• Full-Time/One-Year: $14,995 per term
• Part-Time Hybrid: $940/credit hour
• Online: $940/credit hour

Total Direct Costs:

• In-state: ~$27,200 (full-time) | Out-of-state: ~$42,840
• Additional fees: $320 technology fee, $550 university fee per semester

Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions with six annual start dates.

Curriculum & Concentrations

Core Structure (33–48 Credits)

• Foundation Courses: Required for non-business undergraduates (e.g., Financial Accounting, Statistical Methods)
• Leadership Laboratories: Simulations using HTC Vive-powered virtual boardrooms
• Capstone Projects: Live consulting engagements with Philadelphia-area firms like PNC and Independence Health Group

Specializations

Concentration	Key Features	STEM Eligible
Business Systems & Analytics	Python/R training, predictive modeling	Yes
Finance	CFA Level I exam prep, portfolio management	No
Healthcare Management	Hospital financial modeling, regulatory analysis	No

Signature Courses:

• MBA 811 – Leadership Development: Covers transformational leadership and negotiation tactics
• MBA 693 – Business Analytics: Teaches Tableau/Power BI for data-driven decision-making

Admissions Profile

2024 Cohort Statistics:

• Acceptance Rate: 38%
• Average GMAT: 500 (waivable for 5+ years of managerial experience)
• Work Experience: 4.7 years average
• International Students: 22%

Waiver Policies:

• GMAT waived for La Salle alumni with 3.5+ GPA or professionals overseeing 5+ staff
• English proficiency: TOEFL 88 or IELTS 6.5

Application Components:

• 2 letters of recommendation (1 supervisory)
• Essay articulating use of La Salle’s healthcare/finance resources

Career Outcomes & Support

Placement Data (2024):

• Employment Rate: 95% within 3 months
• Top Employers: PNC Bank, Deloitte, Comcast, Independence Health Group
• Median Salaries:
  • General Management: $82,300
  • Healthcare Administration: $78,900
  • Financial Services: $89,500

Career Tools:

• AI Negotiation Simulator: Practices compensation discussions using NLP
• Alumni Network: 600+ executives, including PNC Vice President Barry Wilkins (MBA ’09)

Financial Architecture & ROI

Cost Comparison:

School	In-State Tuition	AACSB Accredited	STEM Options
La Salle University	$27,200	Yes	Yes
Temple University	$35,100	Yes	No
Drexel University	$48,000	Yes	Yes

ROI Breakdown:

• Breakeven Point: 3.1 years for in-state students vs. 4.8 years for out-of-state
• Scholarships: Merit-based awards up to $10,000 for GMAT scores above 600

Strategic Advantages

1. Accelerated Pathways: One-Year MBA saves 30% time vs. regional peers
2. Philly Corporate Access: Exclusive recruiting partnerships with 50+ Fortune 1000 firms
3. Tech Integration: Blockchain-secured transcripts and VR case competitions

Recommendations for Applicants

1. Leverage STEM OPT: International students should prioritize Business Systems & Analytics
2. Target Spring Intake: Aligns with Philadelphia’s Q2 hiring surge in healthcare/finance
3. Use Pre-MBA Bootcamps: Free SQL/Python workshops bridge skill gaps for non-tech majors

References

1. La Salle University Official MBA Program Website
2. U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Online MBA Programs
3. Princeton Review 2023 Career Placement Data
4. AACSB Accreditation Documentation
5. LinkedIn Alumni Employment Analytics (2024)
6. Philadelphia Business Journal Corporate Partnerships Report