$88,600

Average Tuition

$120,300

Average Salary

583

Average GMAT Requirements

96%

Average ROI

Executive Summary: 100 Most Respected MBA Programs

Our comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the 100 most respected MBA programs. Key insights include:

  • An overview of the top 100 most respected MBA programs from prestigious schools like Northwestern University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, and Duke University, with average graduate salaries ranging from $69,615 to $182,272, ROI ranging from 43% to 385% and Tuition ranging from $12,848 to $219,688.
  • You will find hidden AACSB accredited gems here of programs you may not have considered with low tuition and high graduate ROI.
  • Our list includes programs from 33 states, with California (12), Massachusetts (9), and New York (8) offering the most. States like Nevada, Delaware, and Louisiana have one program each. If your state isn’t listed, 72 programs are available online. If you’re looking for only the 100 most respected online MBA programs, you can explore our detailed study on them.
  • Our data shows that these MBA programs with either high or low tuition costs can provide a strong return on investment and set graduates up for career success.
  • No GMAT list of the 100 most respected MBA programs.

The schools featured in the top 100 most respected MBA programs share many key characteristics that contribute to their excellent reputations and outstanding career outcomes:

  1. Academic Excellence: Each program is backed by a world-renowned business school with a long-standing commitment to academic quality. Their rigorous curricula cover core business topics and offer specialized electives, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of modern business practices.
  2. Exceptional Faculty: These programs boast highly accomplished faculty members who bring a wealth of industry experience and research expertise to the virtual classroom. They are dedicated to providing students with engaging, interactive learning experiences that foster critical thinking and practical skills.
  3. Cutting-Edge Technology: The top MBA programs invest in state-of-the-art learning platforms and digital tools that enable seamless collaboration, discussion, and networking. These technologies create an immersive environment that closely mirrors the traditional classroom experience.
  4. Immersive Residencies: Many of these programs incorporate in-person residencies that allow students to network with peers, engage in hands-on learning activities, and gain exposure to real-world business challenges. These immersive experiences complement the curriculum and help students build lasting professional connections.
  5. Strong Career Outcomes: Graduates of the top 10 most respected MBA programs enjoy impressive career outcomes, with high average starting salaries and significant ROI. These programs have strong relationships with employers and offer dedicated career services that help students navigate job searches and advance their careers.
  6. Alumni Networks: Each school has a powerful alumni network that spans industries and geographies. These networks provide students with valuable opportunities for mentorship, internships, and career advancement long after graduation.
  7. Accreditation and Rankings: The top MBA programs are fully accredited by recognized bodies such as AACSB, ensuring that they meet rigorous standards for business education. They also consistently rank highly in publications like U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times, and The Economist, reflecting their strong reputations among employers and academics.

By combining these elements, the top 100 most respected MBA programs offer a truly comprehensive and transformative educational experience. They enable students to gain the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to succeed in today’s competitive and changing business landscape.

Top 10 Most Respected MBA Programs Detail

Graduates of these top 10 most respected MBA programs enjoy impressive career outcomes, with average starting salaries ranging from $159,391 to $182,272 and a graduate ROI between 44.96% to 65.25%.

#1

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

Northwestern University

Kellogg School of Management

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    Kellogg Global Hub, Evanston, IL - 60208-2001
  • Institution Control: Private for-profit
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, Dual-MBA, E-MBA, Masters in Business
  • Offered as: Campus, Full-Time

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 6:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $162,030
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 2,329
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Communications, Data Analytics, E-Commerce +19 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 729
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $175,000
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 54%

#2

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

Stanford University

Graduate School of Business

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    Knight Management Center, Stanford, CA - 94305-7298
  • Institution Control: Private
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, Masters in Business, Masters Specialist
  • Offered as: Campus, Full-Time

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 5:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $165,591
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 1,064
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Consulting, Data Analytics, Economics +16 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 737
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $182,272
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 55%

#3

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sloan School of Management

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    50 Memorial Drive, E52-473, Cambridge, MA - 02142-1347
  • Institution Control: Private for-profit
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, Masters in Business, Masters Specialist, Undergraduate
  • Offered as: Campus

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 3:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $164,000
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 1,664
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Economics, Education, Entrepreneurship +12 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 724
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $159,391
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 49%

#4

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

Columbia University

Columbia Business School

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    101 Uris Hall, New York, NY - 10027
  • Institution Control: Private
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, E-MBA, Masters in Business, Masters Specialist
  • Offered as: Campus, Full-Time

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 6:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $180,258
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 4,036
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Consulting, Data Analytics, Economics +14 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 732
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $162,099
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 45%

#5

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

Duke University

The Fuqua School of Business

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    Box 90120, Durham, NC - 27708-0120
  • Institution Control: Private
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, E-MBA, Masters in Business, Masters Specialist
  • Offered as: 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Weekends

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $157,546
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 2,084
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Consulting, Data Analytics, Economics +20 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 718
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $152,297
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 48%

#6

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

New York University

Leonard N. Stern School of Business

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    Henry Kaufman Management Center, 11-160, New York, NY - 10012-1126
  • Institution Control: Private
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, E-MBA, Graduate Level Certificate, Integrated Undergraduate Masters, Masters in Business, Masters Specialist, Undergraduate
  • Offered as: Campus, Full-Time

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 14:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $160,130
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 6,125
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Business Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship +15 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 733
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $161,475
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 50%

#7

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

The University of Michigan

Stephen M. Ross School of Business

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    701 Tappan Street, Ann Arbor, MI - 48109-1234
  • Institution Control: Public
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, E-MBA, Graduate Level Certificate, Masters in Business, Masters Specialist, Undergraduate
  • Offered as: 1-Year, Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 14:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $137,056
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 4,293
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, E-Commerce, Economics, Education +20 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 720
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $153,465
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 56%

#8

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

University of Southern California

Marshall School of Business

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    3670 Trousdale Parkway, Bridge Hall 100, Los Angeles, CA - 90089-0804
  • Institution Control: Private
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, E-MBA, Graduate Level Certificate, Masters in Business, Masters Specialist, Undergraduate
  • Offered as: 1-Year, Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Part-Time, Partnership, Weekends

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 14:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $154,339
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 6,911
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Data Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship +15 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 732
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $150,314
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business and Accounting
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 49%

#9

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kenan-Flagler Business School

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    CB 3490, McColl Building, Chapel Hill, NC - 27599-3490
  • Institution Control: Public
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, E-MBA, Masters in Business, Masters Specialist, Undergraduate
  • Offered as: Campus, Distance Education, Evenings, Full-Time, Online, Partnership, Weekends

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $102,314
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 2,820
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Data Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship +13 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 706
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $133,517
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business and Accounting
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 65%

#10

100 Most Respected Mba Programs

Harvard University

Harvard Business School

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs
    Dillon House, Boston, MA -  02163
  • Institution Control: Private for-profit
  • Academic Year:
  • Accreditation:
  • Award Levels: Doctoral, Masters in Business
  • Offered as: Campus

Business School Details

  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Student / Faculty Ratio: 7:1
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Tuition and Fees: $149,820
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Total Enrollment: 1,945
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Concentrations: Accounting, Consulting, Data Analytics, E-Commerce +22 more
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Ranking: US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Average GMAT Score: 730
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate Salary: $175,000
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs AACSB Accredited: Business
  • 100 Most Respected Mba Programs Graduate ROI: 58%

100 Most Respected MBA Programs Table

  • Average Tuition: $88,600
  • Average Graduate Salary: $120,300
  • Average Graduate ROI: 96%

Our comprehensive list of the 100 most respected MBA programs offers prospective students a diverse range of options to suit various career goals, learning styles, and budgets. These programs, provided by reputable institutions nationwide, deliver high-quality education that equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various business roles.

Key features of the programs on this list include:

  • Flexibility and convenience: Learning formats allow students to balance their education with work and personal commitments
  • Comprehensive curricula: Programs cover core business topics and offer specialization opportunities
  • Experienced faculty: Professors bring real-world insights and research expertise to the virtual classroom
  • Networking opportunities: Students can connect through collaboration, in-person residencies, and alumni events
  • Career support services: Dedicated resources help graduates navigate job searches and advance their careers

With an average tuition of $65,158, an average graduate salary of $105,698, and an average ROI ranging from 34% to 385%, these respected MBA programs provide a solid return on investment and prepare graduates for long-term career success.

Filter the following table by Rank, College Name, ROI, Tuition, Graduate Salary to find the criteria most important to you for the 100 most respected MBA programs. You can also use the search bar to find a state or schools in this table.

Rank University Avg. Graduate ROIAvg. In State TuitionAvg. Starting SalaryStateCampus and Online
1 Northwestern University 54.00% $162,030 $175,000ILNo
2 Stanford University 55.04% $165,591 $182,272CANo
3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 48.59% $164,000 $159,391MANo
4 Columbia University 44.96% $180,258 $162,099NYNo
5 Duke University 48.33% $157,546 $152,297NCYes
6 New York University 50.42% $160,130 $161,475NYNo
7 The University of Michigan 55.99% $137,056 $153,465MIYes
8 University of Southern California 48.70% $154,339 $150,314CAYes
9 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 65.25% $102,314 $133,517NCYes
10 Harvard University 58.40% $149,820 $175,000MANo
11 University of Pennsylvania 46.26% $179,852 $166,391PANo
12 Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis 112.02% $60,858 $136,352INYes
13 University of Massachusetts Boston 318.68% $19,499 $124,277MAYes
14 The University of Chicago 49.55% $167,393 $165,887ILNo
15 Brigham Young University 101.87% $58,544 $119,281UTNo
16 University of Notre Dame 53.85% $123,500 $133,018INNo
17 Georgetown University 55.50% $124,814 $138,552DCYes
18 Dartmouth College 48.31% $165,442 $159,842NHNo
19 Southern Methodist University 60.97% $100,541 $122,609TXYes
20 Rice University 51.13% $139,081 $142,212TXYes
21 University of California, Berkeley 54.73% $139,628 $152,831CANo
22 The University of Texas at Dallas 171.45% $35,918 $123,163TXYes
23 Yale University 49.74% $153,540 $152,744CTNo
24 Emory University 49.36% $151,689 $149,759GAYes
25 University of California, Los Angeles 51.61% $142,142 $146,727CANo
26 Vanderbilt University 53.32% $131,000 $139,711TNNo
27 Cornell University 35.29% $219,688 $155,048NYNo
28 University of Washington 95.81% $76,890 $147,340WANo
29 Washington University in St. Louis 43.91% $134,020 $117,687MOYes
30 Georgia Institute of Technology 107.89% $63,404 $136,819GANo
31 Michigan State University 172.92% $34,564 $119,539MIYes
32 University of Minnesota 68.17% $89,402 $121,882MNYes
33 The George Washington University 51.26% $113,090 $115,951DCYes
34 The University of Texas at Austin 60.02% $120,432 $144,564TXNo
35 University of Rochester 61.40% $108,038 $132,671NYNo
36 University of Virginia-Darden 51.95% $151,200 $157,090VAYes
37 University of South Carolina 182.06% $26,485 $96,435SCYes
38 University of California, Davis 61.53% $88,634 $109,075CAYes
39 Boston College 49.36% $118,336 $116,815MANo
40 Carnegie Mellon University 50.21% $147,456 $148,067PAYes
41 Boston University 48.65% $124,248 $120,884MAYes
42 Texas A&M University 93.21% $62,000 $115,585TXYes
43 University of California, San Diego 48.93% $106,246 $103,969CANo
44 The University of Georgia 196.87% $30,606 $120,510GAYes
45 University of Wisconsin-Madison 107.05% $55,575 $118,983WINo
46 Northeastern University 48.77% $102,582 $100,063MAYes
47 University of Utah 88.54% $65,700 $116,348UTYes
48 Fordham University 64.08% $99,497 $127,511NYYes
49 The Pennsylvania State University 93.48% $61,236 $114,483PAYes
50 Case Western Reserve University 52.08% $92,040 $95,875OHYes
51 Indiana State University 263.16% $19,000 $100,000INYes
52 University of Maryland 61.25% $98,865 $121,103MDYes
53 Lehigh University 69.45% $68,900 $95,699PAYes
54 Babson College 60.69% $89,550 $108,703MAYes
55 American University 53.76% $98,282 $105,666DCYes
56 New Jersey Institute of Technology 74.73% $66,576 $99,501NJYes
57 University of Illinois at Chicago 139.37% $60,264 $167,977ILYes
58 The University of Iowa 240.52% $23,453 $112,820IAYes
59 University of California, Irvine 63.13% $97,342 $122,899CAYes
60 Santa Clara University 72.74% $83,860 $122,000CAYes
61 Brandeis University 45.33% $120,223 $109,000MANo
62 University of Florida 221.35% $26,473 $117,197FLYes
63 University of Hartford 156.62% $30,168 $94,500CTYes
64 The Ohio State University 50.31% $106,123 $106,779OHYes
65 Queens University of Charlotte 105.03% $41,940 $88,100NCYes
66 North Carolina A&T State University 385.02% $13,938 $107,327NCYes
67 Texas Christian University 46.60% $115,380 $107,543TXYes
68 Arizona State University 101.59% $61,354 $124,664AZYes
69 Baruch College-The City University of New York 158.86% $37,338 $118,633NYYes
70 Stevens Institute of Technology 52.15% $81,880 $85,398NJYes
71 University of Cincinnati 181.31% $23,996 $87,013OHYes
72 University of Pittsburgh 90.01% $57,195 $102,965PAYes
73 University of Massachusetts Amherst 165.41% $33,622 $111,227MAYes
74 Miami University 34.00% $136,342 $92,700OHYes
75 University of Miami 59.35% $92,290 $109,555FLYes
76 Pepperdine University 42.78% $104,333 $89,258CAYes
77 George Mason University 145.88% $37,737 $110,100VAYes
78 Tulane University 41.90% $116,040 $97,241LAYes
79 University of Colorado at Boulder 83.40% $55,997 $93,401CONo
80 University of Dallas 95.86% $45,900 $88,000TXYes
81 The University of Arizona 95.42% $56,250 $107,345AZYes
82 University of Denver 50.85% $96,638 $98,276COYes
83 Temple University 79.99% $60,000 $95,989PAYes
84 Syracuse University 63.61% $67,392 $85,731NYYes
85 Georgia State University 128.14% $36,522 $93,600GAYes
86 The University of Michigan-Dearborn 91.38% $50,997 $93,200MIYes
87 Villanova University 97.33% $60,000 $116,800PAYes
88 Xavier University 128.80% $34,200 $88,100OHYes
89 University of San Francisco 52.08% $79,200 $82,500CANo
90 University of Delaware 102.62% $39,954 $82,000DEYes
91 The Citadel 267.29% $21,830 $116,700SCYes
92 University of San Diego 72.79% $69,610 $101,333CANo
93 Willamette University 43.24% $80,500 $69,615ORNo
94 Hofstra University 93.71% $58,960 $110,500NYYes
95 Oregon State University 72.85% $52,090 $75,900ORYes
96 Saint Mary's College of California 144.31% $40,608 $117,200CAYes
97 Clemson University 91.40% $43,088 $78,767SCYes
98 Central Connecticut State University 330.79% $12,848 $85,000CTNo
99 University of Nevada, Las Vegas 215.34% $21,784 $93,820NVYes
100 Middle Tennessee State University 166.59% $26,712 $89,000TNYes

What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary for the Most Respected MBA Programs?

The average graduate salary range for the most respected MBA programs is quite wide. At the lower end, Willamette University has an average starting salary of $69,615 for its MBA graduates. On the other hand, Stanford University has the highest average starting salary at an impressive $182,272.

The average starting pay across the 100 most respected MBA programs hovers around $120,300.

This substantial difference in starting salaries is due to a number of factors including reputation and ranking of the business school, the strength of its alumni network, the cost of living in the state and region, and the industries and locations where graduates find employment. Prospective b-students can research career outcomes and salary data of their target MBA programs to get a clearer picture the earning potential post-graduation.

While a high average starting salary is undoubtedly attractive, the savvy b-student, however, will consider other factors like tuition costs, financial aid, and the overall return on investment when choosing from the most respected MBA in programs.

Average Graduate Salaries for the Most Respected MBA Programs

10 Highest Average Graduate Salaries for the Most Respected MBAs

  1. Stanford University - $182,272.00
  2. Harvard University - $175,000.00
  3. Northwestern University - $175,000.00
  4. University of Illinois at Chicago - $167,977.00
  5. University of Pennsylvania - $166,391.00
  6. The University of Chicago - $165,887.00
  7. Columbia University - $162,099.00
  8. New York University - $161,475.00
  9. Dartmouth College - $159,842.00
  10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - $159,391.00

What is the Average Tuition for the Most Respected MBA Programs?

Investing in your future with by attending one of the 100 most respected MBA programs can be a very smart decision. On average, you can expect to pay $88,600 for an MBA program. However, tuition rates can vary significantly, with the most expensive programs costing up to $219,688 from Cornell University the most affordable MBA program from Central Connecticut State University starting at $12,848.

While tuition is a significant factor, it’s not the only cost to consider when pursuing an MBA degree from one of the most respected business programs. Additional expenses can include textbooks, travel to on-site courses or MBA community gatherings, childcare and more. However, by choosing an program, you can save on expenses like commuting and housing, making your degree more affordable overall. Before taking on student loans, explore all your options when financing your MBA, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and employer tuition assistance programs. Weigh the long-term benefits of investing in a more budget-friendly MBA program against the potential return on investment (ROI).

The ROI of an online MBA program is often more favorable than traditional programs, as students can continue working while studying. According to a 2017 US News survey, the average salary for students three months after graduating from an MBA program was $96,974, a 22% increase from the average entering salary. The highest average salary increases for online programs hover around 60%. With the right program choice and financial planning, an online MBA can be a worthwhile investment in your future, leading to increased earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

Average Tuition for the Most Respected MBA Programs

10 Most Respected MBA Programs with the Lowest Tuition Costs

  1. Central Connecticut State University – $12,848
  2. North Carolina A&T State University – $13,938
  3. Indiana State University – $19,000
  4. University of Massachusetts Boston – $19,499
  5. University of Nevada, Las Vegas – $21,784
  6. The Citadel – $21,830
  7. The University of Iowa – $23,453
  8. University of Cincinnati – $23,996
  9. University of Florida – $26,473
  10. University of South Carolina – $26,485

10 Most Respected MBA Programs with the Highest Tuition Costs

  1. Cornell University - $219,688.00
  2. Columbia University - $180,258.00
  3. University of Pennsylvania - $179,852.00
  4. The University of Chicago - $167,393.00
  5. Stanford University - $165,591.00
  6. Dartmouth College - $165,442.00
  7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - $164,000.00
  8. Northwestern University - $162,030.00
  9. New York University - $160,130.00
  10. Duke University - $157,546.00

What is the ROI for the 100 Most Respected MBA Programs?

Return on investment (ROI) is an essential factor when considering which of the 100 most respected MBA program(s) to consider. To calculate ROI, consider both the tuition for the MBA program and the average salary a graduate earns. The average tuition cost for the 100 most respected MBA programs in is approximately $65,158, while the average starting salary for MBA graduates is around $105,698. To calculate ROI, subtract the tuition from the salary and divide by the tuition cost. This will give you a rough estimate of how much value you will get out of graduating from one of the most respected MBA programs.

Investing in your future with by attending one of the 100 most respected MBA programs can be a very smart decision. On average, you can expect about 115% ROI average from the 100 most respected MBA programs. However, ROI percentages can vary significantly, with the highest ROI of  385% from North Carolina A&T State University and the lowest ROI of 34% from Miami University

ROI for the Most Respected MBA Programs

10 Most Respected Online MBA Programs with the Highest Graduate ROI

  1. North Carolina A&T State University – 385.02%
  2. Central Connecticut State University – 330.79%
  3. University of Massachusetts Boston – 318.68%
  4. The Citadel – 267.29%
  5. Indiana State University – 263.16%
  6. The University of Iowa – 240.52%
  7. University of Florida – 221.35%
  8. University of Nevada, Las Vegas – 215.34%
  9. The University of Georgia – 196.87%
  10. University of South Carolina – 182.06%

No GMAT Required – 100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs

What are the 100 most respected online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT exam? More and more prestigious and respected MBA programs do not require the GMAT exam. This is not a waiver, but a policy by the University.

You will no doubt be surprised by the programs in our list of the most respected online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT exam.

Overall the average tuition for these programs is $46,405 with an average graduate salary of $89,007 and an average graduate ROI of 131%.

  • Average Tuition: $46,405
  • Average Graduate Salary: $89,007
  • Average Graduate ROI: 131%

Filter the following table by Rank, College Name, ROI, Tuition, Graduate Salary to find the criteria most important to you for the 100 most respected MBA programs that do not require the GMAT test for admissions.

Most Respected Mba Programs

Most Respected MBA Programs

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See all data sources including 756 College and University Programs

How We Rank the Most Respected Online MBA Programs

MBAGuide’s ranking methodology for the “100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs” combines quantitative data (80% of the overall score) and qualitative assessments (20% of the overall score) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of online MBA programs. The methodology considers factors such as student/faculty ratio, tuition and fees, total enrollment, total concentrations, 3rd party rankings, average GMAT score, average salary after graduation, AACSB accreditation, and editorial input to assess each program’s strengths and overall value to prospective students.

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