The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Badge for MOST ACCELERATED TRADITIONAL MBA PROGRAMS
By Dave Tomar
Published:
Updated:

If getting an MBA degree as quickly as possible is your goal, check out our list of the fastest MBA degree programs here.

Key Takeaways

  • Earning an MBA can provide opportunities for career advancement and improved earning potential.

  • While the typical MBA takes 2 to 3 years to complete, it may be possible to earn your MBA at an accelerated pace.

  • We rank the MBA programs that excel both in academic excellence and in delivering students to graduation.

See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.

Most MBA students can complete graduate school in 2 to 3 years. However, there are self-pacing options and accelerated programs that may allow you to earn your MBA degree in as little as 12 to 18 months. The school of business graduate programs ranked here performed highest for graduation rate, indicating that MBA students in these programs collectively enjoy the fastest pace to graduate school completion.

For a look at some of the best MBA programs regardless of time to completion—like the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, the Kenan Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill and the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley—check out our ranking of the best traditional MBA degree programs.

Otherwise, read on to find out how you can get an MBA degree in less time and get right back to work!

Why look for your school of business based on time to completion?

Time to completion is a useful metric because it suggests that the school of business in question is effective at delivering graduate students to completion at both a high rate and an efficient pace.

This is especially valuable for MBA students, who are often in search of quantitative skills in critical areas like leadership development, international business acumen, and even in areas where technology is transforming the business landscape, such as management information systems, data analytics, machine learning and more.

Many students pursuing their MBA degree are already working professionals. If you’re considering a business degree while balancing personal and professional responsibilities, time is of the essence. The faster you can complete your graduate school program and get back to work, the better. Your top objective is to choose from the fastest full time MBA program.

The cost of MBA programs can be expensive. To find affordable programs, check out our list of the most affordable MBA degree programs.

Businesspeople in a meeting
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How MBA Students Can Speed Up Their Graduate School Degree

Fortunately, many top business administration programs cater to the needs of working professionals. Speed up your degree program by:

  • Looking for a school of business that emphasizes leadership development, entrepreneurship, and other areas of interest to working professionals. Graduate school programs aimed at working adults often provide the kind of scheduling flexibility that can speed your time to completion.
  • Find out about self-paced options. While you may be enrolled in an on campus MBA program, your school of business may also offer access to some self-paced online MBA classes. This hybrid approach may allow you to complete some self-paced courses on your own time.
  • You may be able to enroll in an accelerated program, which can significantly reduce your graduate school time to completion. Find out which school of business on your list offers accelerated courses or programs. While this will likely mean longer class periods, more frequent weekly class meetings, and a heavier workload, it also means that you’ll receive an comprehensive understanding of advanced business administration in as little as 12 to 18 months.

Take a look at other in-demand master’s degree programs that can be completed in three years or less in our guide to accelerated degrees.

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How We Ranked for the Fastest Grad School Degree

We used two important factors to rank MBA programs—Influence and Graduation Rate:

Influence

Top business schools will typically be highly reputable as well as highly influential. MBA rankings published by sites like U.S. News & World Report place a heavy weight on reputation surveys alongside factors like acceptance rate and graduation rate.

By contrast, Academic Influence measures excellence with a unique metric called Influence. Influence-based MBA rankings spotlight the real-world impact of a school’s students, alumni, and faculty members.

The resulting ranking does reflect some of the same outcomes as the annual U.S. News rankings. For instance, top business schools like Harvard Business School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, the Columbia Business School, The Northwestern University Kellogg School of Business, and other highly prestigious business schools rank both for reputation and Influence.

The Influence metric is a more objective and transparent way of measuring actual student success. Ranking for Influence is a great starting point as you search for the best business school for you. This is because the real-world influence of your professors, classmates and fellow alumni can translate directly into value business networking opportunities.

This makes Influence a particularly meaningful metric for prospective business students.

Graduation Rate

After identifying the best MBA programs based on Influence, we measured for graduation rate as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

The MBA degree programs ranked here include only programs with a 90% graduation rate or better. This denotes that each degree program listed here excels at producing MBA graduates.It should also be noted that among the fastest programs ranked here are several seminary-based MBA programs, which boast a 100% graduate rate.

Read on for a look at the Best Business Schools for earning your MBA...

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50 Fastest MBA Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Holy Apostles College and Seminary

    Cromwell , CT
    #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Student body

    1K

    Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s Online Degrees

    BA in English In The Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History In The Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sacred Art
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Walden University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #1 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #1 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Student body

    74K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Walden University

    Cost of Degree: $10,381
    Starting Salary: $85,278
    Salary after 4 years: $104,440
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Saint Anthony College of Nursing

    Rockford , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Saint Anthony College of Nursing

    Cost of Degree: $18,987
    Starting Salary: $82,004
    Salary after 4 years: $100,430
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Sacred Heart Major Seminary

    Detroit , MI

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    100%

    Student body

    <1K

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Carolina Christian College

    Winston Salem , NC

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $53,760
    Expenses: $26,277
    Starting Salary: $189,796
    Salary after 4 years: $232,442
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #5 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $60,410
    Expenses: $23,005
    Starting Salary: $158,686
    Salary after 4 years: $194,342
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  11. #10

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $44,162
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $179,562
    Salary after 4 years: $219,909
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #3 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #3 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $61,075
    Expenses: $21,864
    Starting Salary: $209,580
    Salary after 4 years: $256,672
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $46,900
    Expenses: $22,870
    Starting Salary: $169,738
    Salary after 4 years: $207,877
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #3 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $54,627
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $157,731
    Salary after 4 years: $193,172
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #7 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $61,522
    Expenses: $20,061
    Starting Salary: $156,230
    Salary after 4 years: $191,334
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
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  17. #15

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #23 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $61,775
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $122,528
    Salary after 4 years: $150,059
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #6 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $66,492
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $140,539
    Salary after 4 years: $172,117
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #10 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $30,019
    Expenses: $19,996
    Starting Salary: $138,083
    Salary after 4 years: $169,109
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH
    #19 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #22 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Dartmouth College

    Cost of Degree: $61,056
    Expenses: $21,144
    Starting Salary: $150,363
    Salary after 4 years: $184,149
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $63,866
    Expenses: $18,540
    Starting Salary: $121,573
    Salary after 4 years: $148,890
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  23. #20

    Babson College

    Wellesley , MA
    #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #14 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required #21 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    22%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/31

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Babson College

    Cost of Degree: $89,550
    Expenses: $22,304
    Starting Salary: $154,593
    Salary after 4 years: $189,329
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $53,024
    Expenses: $25,926
    Starting Salary: $127,440
    Salary after 4 years: $156,075
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #2 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 Best Universities in the World 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $57,210
    Expenses: $23,746
    Starting Salary: $192,797
    Salary after 4 years: $236,118
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC
    #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Georgetown University

    Cost of Degree: $57,049
    Expenses: $22,644
    Starting Salary: $170,830
    Salary after 4 years: $209,214
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  29. #25

    Juilliard School

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Juilliard School

    Cost of Degree: $52,250
    Expenses: $24,210
    Starting Salary: $64,539
    Salary after 4 years: $79,040
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  31. #26

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #23 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $14,550
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $98,104
    Salary after 4 years: $120,148
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  32. #27

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $60,590
    Expenses: $22,886
    Starting Salary: $119,936
    Salary after 4 years: $146,884
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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  33. #28

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #13 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $62,962
    Expenses: $20,320
    Starting Salary: $121,846
    Salary after 4 years: $149,224
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  34. #29

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $21,742
    Expenses: $17,790
    Starting Salary: $124,498
    Salary after 4 years: $153,362
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  37. #31

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $26,226
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $123,871
    Salary after 4 years: $152,589
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  38. #32

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #9 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $48,557
    Expenses: $18,886
    Starting Salary: $140,539
    Salary after 4 years: $172,117
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  40. #34

    IGlobal University

    Vienna , VA

    IGlobal University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  45. #38

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA
    #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,657
    Expenses: $22,734
    Starting Salary: $145,042
    Salary after 4 years: $177,632
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  46. #39

    Santa Clara University

    Santa Clara , CA
    #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in California 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/31

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Santa Clara University

    Cost of Degree: $24,798
    Expenses: $21,315
    Starting Salary: $116,388
    Salary after 4 years: $142,540
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  47. #40

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,476
    Expenses: $28,648
    Starting Salary: $123,871
    Salary after 4 years: $152,589
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  49. #41

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,666
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $121,164
    Salary after 4 years: $148,388
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  50. #42

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #16 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $12,527
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $107,878
    Salary after 4 years: $132,888
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  53. #45

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,322
    Expenses: $23,579
    Starting Salary: $114,777
    Salary after 4 years: $141,387
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  55. #46

    William & Mary

    Williamsburg , VA
    #14 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    33%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1447/33

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at William & Mary

    Cost of Degree: $16,776
    Expenses: $17,148
    Starting Salary: $116,815
    Salary after 4 years: $143,898
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  56. #47

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #2 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $63,742
    Expenses: $20,850
    Starting Salary: $86,506
    Salary after 4 years: $105,944
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  59. #50

    Bentley University

    Waltham , MA
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024 #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1339/30

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Bentley University

    Cost of Degree: $43,440
    Expenses: $21,270
    Starting Salary: $130,169
    Salary after 4 years: $159,417
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,530
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,731
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $77,404
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $95,349
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
  • Job Growth: 4.86%
  • Number of Jobs: 11,888,900
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Chief Executives-8.21%$161,191
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$134,192
Compensation and Benefits Managers1.71%$124,492
Purchasing Managers4.39%$118,521
Sales Managers4.06%$117,002

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$55,563$92,094$148,349

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$116,372
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$104,589
#4 Michigan15% higher than average$90,047
#5 Georgia13% higher than average$90,306
#6 Illinois7% higher than average$96,596

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$161,191
Computer and Information Systems Managers$134,192
Compensation and Benefits Managers$124,492
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
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How to Get into a Top MBA Program

Test Scores

Many MBA programs will require you to submit GRE Test Scores. These can impact your chances of admission.

Undergraduate Degree

You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year program. This undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You don’t necessarily have to major in business. to pursue an MBA program.

Undergraduate GPA

The typical graduate level business administration program will include a requirement for a minimum GPA—usually 3.0.

Three businesswomen with folded arms

Why look for the fastest MBA program?

MBA programs are extremely popular for a reason. Business administration is a gateway to countless careers in the business sector. However, many of the top careers are highly competitive. Business leaders will typically earn their master’s degree in order to compete for top roles. Attending a top school of business can significantly improve your chances of ascending to a leadership role and earning executive level pay.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executives are among the best paid professionals in the labor market. Top executives earned a median salary of $98,980 in 2021. While a bachelor’s degree can technically qualify someone for many roles in business, most leadership roles are held by those with an advanced business degree.

What’s the difference between an MBA and an Executive MBA?

And if your career goals include business leadership, you might consider a specialized concentration such as the executive MBA program. The executive MBA program will typically be reserved for those who have already attained some level of leadership in their field.

For instance, the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University describes the executive MBA as an excellent fit for “leaders and experienced executives.”

If you are a working professional with an interest in attending business school, the executive MBA may be a good fit for you.

What You Should Know Before Starting Your MBA Program

MBA degrees can be costly. The less time you spend enrolled in a full time MBA program, the less money you’ll spend on tuition and expenses. While earning an MBA from an elite institution like Harvard Business School, the Chicago Booth School of Business, or Columbia Business School can carry a lot of weight and prestige, it may also cost a fortune. Institutions like Yale University, Dartmouth College, and New York University are also notoriously expensive business schools.

You can save time and money by seeking out a program designed for a student population of working adults. Many of the degree programs listed here place an emphasis on gaining leadership skills, sharpening business acumen, and advancing career goals in short order. You’ll also enjoy access to the same innovative curriculum and marketable skills as a student at an elite graduate school. But you’ll be in position to return to full time work sooner.

What to Look for in the Fastest Business Schools

Before choosing a school of business for your MBA, there are few factors you’ll need to consider:

Accreditation

School of business accreditation is extremely important when it comes to choosing your MBA program. Accreditation provides assurances that you are getting a quality education, receiving current course material, and gaining access to qualified faculty members. Moreover, only a graduate student earning their MBA from a school of business with accreditation from a Department of Education-recognized accreditor will be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Fees

The basic cost of earning an MBA will typically range from $20,000 to $80,000 per year. In state students will generally enjoy a tuition discount for attending a public graduate school in state. Tuition will generally be higher for out of state and international applicants.

Moreover, the tuition figure above doesn’t account for the considerable expenses that accompany this tuition. From books, living expenses and housing to on campus fees (or education delivery fees for online MBA students), earning an MBA is costly. Reducing your time to completion can result in a meaningful reduction in your student loan burden and peripheral expenses.

Reputation

Depending on your career goals, the reputation of your MBA may be important. Earning an MBA from a highly reputable graduate school can significantly improve your chances for career advancement and a top salary. Many business leaders will carry marquee names like Stanford University and Columbia University on their MBA degrees.

Availability of Online Classes

An Online MBA program can be a great way to speed up your time to completion. While tuition and fees are often similar, the online format is a great option for MBA students who are already working professionals. The online program will often include a variety of flexible options including the part time MBA program, the evening MBA, and a wide range of asynchronous option where business professionals can work at their own accelerated pace. With this type of flexibility, the online MBA program makes it possible to complete your MBA program faster.

Financial Aid

All prospective MBA students should fill out their Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. As an MBA student, you may or may not be eligible for federal financial aid, state-based financial aid, or even assistance directly through the financial aid office at your grad school.

While graduate students are typically not eligible for as many financial aid opportunities as undergraduate students, it’s important to complete your FAFSA. You may be able to offset at least some portion of the cost for your MBA.

If you’d prefer to search for business administration programs based on cost, jump to our look at the most affordable MBA programs.

Considering an Online MBA?

Before you launch into business school, it’s worth also considering MBA programs that offer fully online master options. Many of the best business schools offer an array of online courses. And if you are working to balance job responsibilities while attending business school, an online MBA program may make it possible to manage everything at one.

Online MBA students can learn leadership skills and qualify for specialized roles in their organization without disrupting current career goals and responsibilities.

If you don’t think you can handle a full time MBA program with your work schedule and personal responsibilities, many online schools of business offer a wide range of part time MBA programs as well as full time MBA programs with self-pacing and asynchronous distance learning opportunities. Self-pacing and asynchronous options may be a great pathway if you’re looking to earn a fast MBA degree. To learn more about your options, check out the best online master’s programs for MBA students.

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