Finding The Best Affordable Full-Time MBA Programs
Earning an MBA is a great way to ensure some level of financial security in the future. However, if earning the degree leaves you with mountains of debt, that security can start to seem like a pipe dream. Fortunately, there are business schools that provide some of the best affordable full-time MBA programs in the country.
Analyzing the full-time MBA rankings from U.S. News & World Report, we outline ten of the best MBA programs throughout the country that don’t come with the hefty price tag. Check out the ten programs that cost less than $25,000 per semester below.
The Best Affordable Full-Time MBA Programs
The D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University charges $1,600 per credit for their 55-credit program. The cost comes to about $22,000 per semester, which is not bad considering the average starting salary for recent grads is $88,000. The Boston school also offers its students a corporate residency while pursuing their degree, which helps alleviate financial pressure. The average salary for the Corporate Residencies was a respectable $32.52 per hour in 2018. Moreover, 91 percent of MBAs receive job offers within three months of graduation. Students with an interest in international business can participate in the Global Consulting Project or International Field Study.
At $11,855 per semester, going to La Salle University allows students to earn their MBAs without breaking the bank. The length of the program varies depending on a student’s previous credits and scheduling choices. Students who majored or minored in business can complete their degree in 12 months, whereas students without a business major or minor may take up to 24 months. Options for specialization include: accounting, business systems and analytics, finance, general business administration, management, and marketing.
Despite the reasonable price tag, La Salle grads have gone on to work high-level positions at well-known companies like Deloitte LLP and Morgan Chase.
The University of Colorado, Boulder Leeds School of Business ranks 65th overall among the best full-time MBA programs on U.S. News, and has a welcoming price tag to back it up. For in-state residents, the program is only $900 per credit ($1,200 for out-of-state residents). Over the course of 55 credits, this comes to just $49,500 for in-state residents over the entire two years of the program: $24,750 per year.
Leeds emphasizes entrepreneurship and a global outlook. The degree electives encourage students to concentrate on finance, marketing, management, or systems-operations. Students can complement this “functional focus” with a more tailored specialization like entrepreneurship, real estate, or sustainability. MBAs are not limited to MBA courses, as the program allows them to take up to four electives in other schools at CU Boulder. Additionally, students earning their MBA in Sustainability have the opportunity to take courses in University of Colorado’s Environmental Studies, Engineering, and Law Schools.
Upstate New Yorkers will be pleased to learn that the Binghamton University School of Management costs about $17,205 (with fees) per year for in-state residents. Non-residents pay about $26,745 (with fees) per year. Binghamton also does not require that entering MBAs have a business background, though they recommend a rudimentary knowledge of calculus, as well as strong skills in English and IT. The standard four-semester MBA is open to students from all undergrad majors. The school is currently 76th on the U.S. News list. Binghamton, NY may also be a strategic career-launch location, as the city made the Forbes list of “The Best Small Places For Business And Careers.”
Internships and opportunities to hobnob abound in the U.S. capital, making DC an excellent place to earn an MBA. However, with the cost of living on the rise, finding a relatively affordable school is key to maximizing return on investment. The cost of pursuing an MBA at the Kogod School of Business at American University comes out to about $20,923 per semester, for a total cost of $83,692. And, with a mean graduate salary of $84,725, it should not take grads long to see a respectable ROI. Kogod offers features like weekly Business Leadership Luncheons, wherein local business pioneers share their experiences and insights with students. Speakers have included senior executives from PayPal, IBM, and Marriott International. Graduates of the program have gone on to work at companies like Amazon, Deloitte, and Ford Motor Company.
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MBAs at the Argryros School of Business—the 79th overall school on the U.S. News list—pay $1,655 per credit. Which, for the 50-credit program, averages to about $20,687 per semester. The Orange County, CA school offers tracks in accounting, business analytics, entertainment and media management, entrepreneurship, finance, global business, marketing, and strategic management. The school also offers a variety of dual degrees, including an MBA/MFA in Film & TV Producing.
The University of San Diego School of Business Administration MBA currently costs $1,420 per credit. With a 56-credit requirement for the two-year program, the cost without fees comes to around $19,880 per semester. It is tied with the aforementioned Argyros School of Business at 79th overall on the U.S. News list of the country’s best business schools.
USD’s curriculum is based on four pillars: Leadership development; business function core; corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and ethics; integrative problem solving. For students with a global mindset, the International MBA has the same cost per credit, but requires only 44 credits.
In addition to being affordable, the Lerner College of Business is located in Delaware, where tax-free shopping makes the cost of living far less daunting. The Lerner MBA costs just $825 per credit for Delaware residents, and $1,000 per credit for those from out of state. This puts total cost per semester in a range from $9,075-$11,000.
Lerner MBAs can choose from a variety of concentrations, including (but not limited to): business analytics, international business, and sport management. Students can pursue a full-time, part-time, online, or hybrid MBA. Pursuing a hybrid of online and on-campus courses may also be fiscally helpful, since online credits tend to be more cost-effective.
The CSU College of Business offers several options for students pursuing an MBA. The school has a nationally renowned online MBA program, and also offers a Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise MBA, an Executive MBA, and an Evening MBA.
According to U.S. News, tuition for the full-time program is $757 per credit for in-state students and $1,557 per credit for out-of-state students. Given the huge cost cut for Colorado natives, CSU may be a prudent choice for residents of the state.
Students who are NYC-bound might consider applying to the Pace University Lubin School of Business. The total cost of an MBA education at Lubin education can vary, as different tracks require a different number of credits. However, at $1,267 per credit, the cost can be very manageable, particularly considering its prime spot in downtown Manhattan and all of the internship and job opportunities this location presents. Particularly for those with a bent toward accounting or finance, Lubin may be the perfect launching pad for a career in the big city. A substantial 92 percent of recent grads found jobs upon graduating.
Which 1-Year MBA Program in New York Is Right for You?
New Yorkers are always in a hurry. For those looking for that same speed with their MBA, they’re in luck. The city—home to eight million people—has five schools where candidates can graduate with an MBA or similar degree within a year.
What better place to build your business knowledge than New York City? Business people from around the world come to the city—but not you. You’d be living in it. Plus, major international companies are headquartered there. JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and IBM, for example.
Check out some of the best one-year MBA programs in the city that never sleeps.
Binghamton University School of Management
Binghamton University’s School of Management sits in Midtown New York City. Students will have easy access to Bryant Park, Penn Station, Grand Central Station, Port Authority, all the shopping they need—and the nearby beauty of Chelsea.
The school came to the area in 1970. Its Professional MBA is what sets Binghamton apart. It takes no more than a year, and students meet only on Saturdays. The curriculum does demand a full Saturday, but at least it wraps up in a year. And since it’s on the weekend, full-time working professionals are good to go, too. The school reports students can save $20,000-$50,000 compared to other MBA programs in New York City.
Zicklin School of Business – Baruch College
Baruch College formally created its Zicklin School of Business in 1998 after an endowment from an alumnus Lawrence Zicklin. But the MBA program has been offered since 1920.
Its one-year MBA program is fairly new. The first cohort enrolled this past summer. The program begins in June and takes 12 months. Applicants are expected to have two to five years experience. Given the program’s speed, the class schedule will be intense and build on already acquired knowledge. Students have the option to study abroad during the winter intersession.
Lubin School of Business – Pace University
The Lubin School of Business at Pace University has been around for more than 100 years. Since 1906, the school has been cranking out business graduates ready to take New York City by storm. It offers a unique one-year fast-track MBA—only in financial management.
This specialty in finance gives business students an edge. Graduates will walk away from Lubin knowing how to provide financial consultation to corporations. Lubin is sure to plug its students into any necessary resources for them to succeed. For example, MBA candidates can access the Bloomberg workstation and other financial databases. Classes are based in New York City and Westchester, a short train ride away.
Stern School of Business – New York University
New York University is one of New York City’s most well-known university, so the Stern School of Business is too, naturally. In the middle of Greenwich Village, students can occupy themselves with endless activities when they’re not in class.
However, the Stern School of Business doesn’t quite offer one-year MBAs. Its specialized one-year programs are for its MS in accounting, MS in business analytics, and an MS in global finance. These programs add an oomph to any business professional looking to build their expertise. Most of the programs include a global format, preparing graduates for a global field.
Lehigh University College of Business and Economics
Editor’s Note: As part of the Lehigh 1-MBA program enhancements, the internship component was replaced with a Consulting Practicum. Click here to learn more about the 1-MBA.
Part-Time MBA Programs: New York City vs. Boston
Part-time MBAs offer an abundance of perks: more flexibility, online courses, and even weekend and evening classes. They open the door for professionals who want an MBA but might also have children or a full-time job or other responsibilities that take priority.
If looking at the East Coast, two cities may come to mind: New York City and Boston. Both are drastically different metros just by the size alone. New York City is home to more than eight million people. Boston is nearly 675,000. That’s a big difference.
But both places have plenty to offer. It just comes down to what a person is looking for.
Here is the quick version for both cities:
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- New York City: The city’s part-time programs cater to candidates interested in pragmatic skills like math or finance. They’re also very flexible. Being that it’s New York City, students tend to be more diverse, coming from different countries and backgrounds.
- Boston: Schools definitely offer advantages for candidates who already hold a professional certification like a CPA or CFA. Classes are dramatically smaller than those in New York. Surprisingly, some tuition is more costly than in New York City, but living in Boston is more affordable. Programs also seem to focus on international skills.
New York City
New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world. This is true when it comes to culture, business, networking, and all of the above. People from all around the world frequent this city. The city has its quirks, of course. The public transit system is in a state of emergency. During the summer, it’s not uncommon to find putrid smells sneaking into your nostrils. And there are, of course, the pests and rodents.
But all of this is worth it to the many transplants who move to New York City. After all, the city does hold the title of the world’s second largest metropolitan economy, following Tokyo—a city with a significantly larger population. More than three million of the city’s residents are foreign-born, which is a perk for someone who wants to break into the international sector. New York City really is a magnificent place if you’re looking for vibrancy and a taste of the world beyond the U.S. may look like. It’s a global city.
These schools offer part-time MBAs around New York City:
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- Lubin School of Business – Pace University
- Rutgers Business School, Newark and New Brunswick (New Jersey)
- Stern School of Business – New York University
- Tobin College of Business – St. John’s University
- Zicklin School of Business – Baruch College
Every school offers its unique set of courses and perks. St. John’s University’s Tobin College of Business has classes during the evenings and weekends. Its curriculum is straightforward: Take 54 credits with a maximum of 36 going toward your concentration.
For NYU Stern, there’s a bit more flexibility. Students can take up to six years completing their MBA if they need. If just the weekends are ideal, candidates are limited to two concentrations: finance and management. The campus is diverse with 34 percent of students female and 24 percent people of color.
The Lubin School of Business offers classes at all times of the day and week. The school offers concentrations in international business and international finance, a benefit to any student wanting to take their work global. It requires that three credits outside a student’s concentration be in international business, so the program definitely leans toward teaching competitive skills for an international market.
The Rutgers Business School is a little far out with its campuses in New Jersey. However, that’s a short ride from New York City (and the cost of living is cheaper in New Jersey, too). The school’s part-time program doesn’t stray too far from its full-time one. It includes an interactive course requirement and makes sure that its students walk away with a working knowledge of statistics and calculus. Math will come in handy when handling business.
The Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College allows students interested to pursue their JD/MBA in partnership with Brooklyn Law School or New York Law School. Accountancy majors can also obtain a CPA with their MBA.
Boston
Boston is like a little piece of Europe in New England. Perhaps that’s why Boston sits at the heart of the region. Its cobblestone sidewalks and streets are an ever-present reminder of the region’s history. While it is certainly not as bustling as New York City, it doesn’t mean it’s quiet. Boston is always booming with tourists on the hunt for the perfect lobster roll or college students traversing their way to class. It’s also culturally diverse with most of its population non-white.
The city doesn’t see the musty summers that New York does, but it does see some severe winters. If snow’s your thing, that’s a perk. If it’s not, well, tough luck. The city does, however, rank among the highest concentrations of employment, so a graduate is sure to find a job in the area. Unlike New York, Boston has already invested in its public transit infrastructure to ensure that residents can get around easily.
Then again, that means parking and driving in the city sucks. You can’t have it all.
These schools offer part-time MBAs around Boston:
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- Carroll School of Management – Boston College
- D’Amore-McKim School of Business – Northeastern University
- Sawyer Business School – Suffolk University
At Northeastern University, flexibility is a strong suit. The program starts in September and January of each year, but students can take as long as they need to complete the program. The D’Amore-McKim School of Business gives students the option to take part in an international field study, which last one to two weeks.
The Carroll School of Management at Boston College gives online and hybrid courses. The school is big on experiential learning, so it does a great job of exposing students to real-world professionals. If a student already holds a CFA or CPA, they are eligible for advanced standing. Like many other Boston schools, the Carroll School is big on expanding students’ experiences beyond Boston. They take TechTreks to nearby New York City or even Seattle. But that doesn’t exempt students from the mandatory 20 hours of community service.
The Sawyer Business School offers a part-time MBA that can be completed in 10 months. That’s shorter than some full-time MBA programs. There’s a summer option, too, for anyone who’s in a rush to graduate. From the beginning, candidates must plan for their career with their first semester including a one-credit business simulation course. The program also has a three-credit global requirement. Students have gone on to China and Brazil in the past for a week-long global travel seminar.
Finding The Best New York Executive MBA Programs
An Executive MBA (EMBA) is an excellent option for motivated professionals looking to advance in their industry. Most EMBA programs are tailored to accommodate a full-time work schedule. According to U.S. News and World Report, the average salary for EMBA grads increased by about 14 percent just a few years ago. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current position, or just looking to get ahead of rapid changes in your industry, an EMBA is a worthwhile investment. And for those living or working in the northeast, we’ve laid out some of the best New York Executive MBA programs.
The Best New York City Accelerated MBA Programs
When the decision is made to pursue an MBA, there are a number of questions one must ask themselves: how will I afford this degree? How will I make time for class? And can I keep my current job? Thankfully, most business schools acknowledge that not every student has the time or money to devote to a full-time curriculum. With flex or accelerated MBA options, students today have a number of different options for earning their degree on their terms.
If you’re looking to pursue an advanced business degree in the center of the world—New York City—but are concerned about the time and money it will take to complete an MBA, you might want to consider an Fast-Track or accelerated MBA program, some of which allow you to complete your degree in half the amount of time of a full-time program.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the top New York City accelerated MBA programs:
Zicklin School of Business – Baruch College
At Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business, students have the option of enrolling in the One-Year MBA program, a 42-credit degree that is completed in 12 consecutive months.
The One-Year MBA at Zicklin provides students with the same rigorous academic experience as the full-time MBA program, but in half the time. The program is perfect for students with an undergraduate business degree and at least two-to-five years professional work experience in a business-related field, who can use their strong knowledge of business fundamentals to move quickly through the degree. Beginning in June, the program consists of two Summer Blocks, a fall and spring semester and Winter Intersession with the option of studying abroad.
Anisfield School of Business – Ramapo College of New Jersey
An Accelerated MBA is available at Ramapo College’s Anisfield School of Business in New Jersey, just outside of the New York metro area. Recognized as one of the top quality business schools accredited by the AACSB in New Jersey, Ramapo College accelerated MBA allows working professionals to earn their MBA in just 20 months while still maintaining a career. Anisfield’s Accelerated MBA also allows students the option to take two Project Management electives which will prepare them to sit for the Project Management Profession (PMP) exam along with their degree.
The Accelerated MBA at Anisfield can be completed in 20 months, which consists of 2 evenings per week on campus, three hours online and just two classes per ten-week term. The degree focuses on a foundational and functional core of knowledge, while also requiring courses on leadership, global business, and offering the chance to take electives like Supply Chain Management, Marketing Research and many more.
Binghamton University School of Management
At the Binghamton University School of Management, students with an undergraduate business degree can accelerate their MBA timeline with one of Binghamton’s three Fast-Track MBA programs.
Any student possessing a bachelor’s degree in business from an AACSB-accredited institution may apply for the Management Fast-Track MBA, which can be completed in just one year. Accepting only students from AACSB institutions means all students entering the program have a similar strong business foundation, which allows the program to move quickly and allow more flexibility when it comes to elective courses. Undergraduate Binghamton students also have the option of enrolling in Fast-Track MBAs offered through the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences and Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. Both of these programs last only a year by combining a student’s undergraduate degree with graduate coursework.
Lubin School of Business – Pace University
The Lubin School of Business at Pace offers students the opportunity to take a Fast-Track MBA in Marketing Management or Financial Management. At 39 credits, both programs cut the amount of time to earn a traditional MBA in half—which also significantly cuts the cost. Students who have graduated from an AACSB-accredited business school are eligible to apply with a 3.30 cumulative GPA or higher—those with a GPA higher than 3.5 may also be able to waive the GMAT requirement.
Students in these programs also have the opportunity to take advantage of student housing, fully immersing themselves in their Fast-Track program. The Marketing Management MBA emphasizes Professional Core Courses, such as Organization Behavior and Leadership or Managing Innovation, but also offers Specialization Electives, Breadth Electives and a Capstone Course. The Fast-Track Financial Management MBA offers many of the same foundational courses, but differs in required specialization courses and special electives.
Lubin Holds Accelerated Military Admissions Event
The Lubin School of Business will be holding a special admissions event for military personnel. The “Military Monday” event will be an accelerated admissions event for any veteran, reservist, and active duty military that plan to apply to the Business School. The event will held on Monday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prospective students who apply during this event will have the $70 graduate application fee waived.
