Ranking Methodology for MBAGuide.org
From March to April of 2024, we gathered a list of all MBA programs in every state and visited each business school and MBA program offered by the school. We used data aggregated from trusted and authoritative institutions.
MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive methodology to rank MBA programs, combining quantitative data with qualitative assessments. The overall ranking score is calculated using two main components:
- Ranking Factors (80% of Overall Score): This component is based on a weighted average of several key factors:
- Student/Faculty Ratio (10%): Measures faculty strength, with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Tuition and Fees for In-state MBA (15%): Assesses affordability, with lower costs ranked higher.
- Total Enrollment (10%): Reflects alumni strength, with higher enrollment ranked better.
- Total Concentrations (10%): Indicates breadth of program, with more concentrations ranked higher.
- 3rd Party Rankings (15%): Considers presence in other rankings as a measure of program strength.
- Average GMAT Score (15%): Evaluates selectivity, with higher scores ranked better.
- Average Salary After Graduation (20%): Measures program value, with higher salaries ranked better.*
- AACSB Accreditation (5%): Indicates program quality, with accredited programs ranked higher.
- Editorial Assessment (20% of Overall Score): This component incorporates:
- MBAGuide.org Editorial Staff Ratings
- MBA school reputation
| Ranking Factor | Reason | Factor | Ranking Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student / Faculty Ratio All | Faculty Strength | Low to High | 10 |
| Tuition and Fees-MBA: In state | Affordability | Low to High | 15 |
| Total Enrollment All | Alumni Strength | High to Low | 10 |
| Total Concentrations | Breath of Program | High to Low | 10 |
| 3rd Party Rankings | Strength of Program | Yes or No | 15 |
| Average GMAT Score | Selectivity of Program | High to Low | 15 |
| Average Salary After Graduation* | Value of Program | High to Low | 20 |
| AACSB Accreditation | Quality of Program | Yes or No | 5 |
The data for these rankings is collected from multiple authoritative sources, including:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Department of Education’s College Scorecard
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
- Department of Labor Projected Employment
- Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data
- Individual University and MBA Program Pages
This methodology aims to provide a balanced view of MBA programs by considering various aspects such as program quality, affordability, career outcomes, and academic reputation. The combination of quantitative metrics and editorial input allows for a comprehensive evaluation of each program’s strengths and overall value to prospective students.
Ranking Methodology for Most Affordable, Value-Packed Online MBA Programs
From March to April of 2024, We gathered a list of all Online MBA programs in every state and visited each business school and MBA program offered by the school. We used data aggregated from trusted and authoritative institutions to create out list of the most affordable and value-packed Online MBA programs in each state.
We employed comprehensive methodology to rank MBA programs, combining quantitative data with qualitative assessments. The overall ranking score is calculated using two main components:
- Ranking Factors (80% of Overall Score): This component is based on a weighted average of several key factors online MBA programs:
- Student/Faculty Ratio (10%): Measures faculty strength, with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Tuition and Fees for In-state or out-of-state MBA less than ~$20,000 (15%): Assesses affordability, with lower costs ranked higher.
- Total Enrollment (10%): Reflects alumni strength, with higher enrollment ranked better.
- Total Concentrations (10%): Indicates breadth of program, with more concentrations ranked higher.
- 3rd Party Rankings (15%): Considers presence in other rankings as a measure of program strength.
- Average GMAT Score (15%): Evaluates selectivity, with higher scores ranked better.
- Average Salary After Graduation (20%): Measures program value, with higher salaries ranked better.*
- AACSB Accreditation (5%): Indicates program quality, with accredited programs ranked higher.
- Editorial Assessment (20% of Overall Score): This component incorporates:
- MBAGuide.org Editorial Staff Ratings
- MBA school reputation
| Ranking Factor | Reason | Factor | Ranking Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student / Faculty Ratio All | Faculty Strength | Low to High | 10 |
| Tuition and Fees-MBA: In state (<~$20,000) | Affordability | Low to High | 15 |
| Total Enrollment All | Alumni Strength | High to Low | 10 |
| Total Concentrations | Breath of Program | High to Low | 10 |
| 3rd Party Rankings | Strength of Program | Yes or No | 15 |
| Average GMAT Score | Selectivity of Program | High to Low | 15 |
| Average Salary After Graduation* | Value of Program | High to Low | 20 |
| AACSB Accreditation | Quality of Program | Yes or No | 5 |
The data for these rankings is collected from multiple authoritative sources, including:
- Individual University and MBA Program Pages
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Department of Education’s College Scorecard
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
- Department of Labor Projected Employment
- Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data
*For Graduate Salary data, we primarily used data reported directly by the schools. In cases where schools did not report this data, we calculated an average using data from IPEDS, CollegeSimply, U.S. News and World Report, PayScale, Niche, CollegeFactual and other sources we found while researhing. We aggregated and averaged these sources to estimate what an MBA Graduate would be expected to earn, taking into account the state, region, and city where the business school is located. This approach aims to provide a reasonable representation of potential earnings for graduates from each program.
If you notice data errors in our database for your school, region or state, please contact us.
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At MBAGuide you are teaming up with MBA graduates, managers, professors, MBA students, data modelers, designers and other professionals to learn from experts about business careers, degree programs and salaries. Our staff of MBA professionals has written this article and it has been reviewed by an MBA graduate and editor on our staff.
