The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
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.
Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the fastest traditional MBA degree programs saw a considerable amount of movement. The University of California, Berkeley gained the most ranking positions as the university’s Haas School of Business is implementing several enhancements to enrich the MBA experience. Notably, Haas will host the 2025 Global MBA Summit on Climate, Capital, and Business (ClimateCAP), underscoring its commitment to sustainability and providing students with insights into the business impacts of climate change.
Additionally, the MBA program has achieved a record average GMAT score of 733 and increased international student enrollment to 47%, reflecting a diverse and academically strong cohort. These developments, along with a focus on innovation and inclusion, position Berkeley Haas as a leading choice for prospective MBA students.
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.
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.
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...
50 Fastest MBA Degree Programs
- #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
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: $55,440Expenses: $27,629Starting Salary: $205,175Salary after 4 years: $232,979Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
94%
Student body
48K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of California, Berkeley
Cost of Degree: $15,261Expenses: $30,203Starting Salary: $133,376Salary after 4 years: $151,977Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $56,279Expenses: $20,542Starting Salary: $170,512Salary after 4 years: $193,619Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $59,499Expenses: $25,349Starting Salary: $208,420Salary after 4 years: $236,664Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $66,543Expenses: $23,421Starting Salary: $151,927Salary after 4 years: $172,515Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
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: $48,300Expenses: $23,600Starting Salary: $183,492Salary after 4 years: $208,358Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $62,860Expenses: $24,330Starting Salary: $171,545Salary after 4 years: $194,791Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $63,393Expenses: $22,574Starting Salary: $226,563Salary after 4 years: $257,265Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
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: $27,524Expenses: $17,554Starting Salary: $133,376Salary after 4 years: $151,977Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
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: $30,085Expenses: $22,126Starting Salary: $149,272Salary after 4 years: $169,500Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
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: $46,034Expenses: $22,924Starting Salary: $194,112Salary after 4 years: $220,417Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
49K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of California, Los Angeles
Cost of Degree: $13,883Expenses: $24,284Starting Salary: $123,584Salary after 4 years: $140,819Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $65,956Expenses: $22,725Starting Salary: $131,719Salary after 4 years: $149,569Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
3%
Graduation
94%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at California Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $63,063Expenses: $23,631Starting Salary: $156,794Salary after 4 years: $178,042Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
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: $63,985Expenses: $21,267Starting Salary: $168,890Salary after 4 years: $191,777Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $68,128Expenses: $22,216Starting Salary: $130,982Salary after 4 years: $148,732Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $53,871Expenses: $25,293Starting Salary: $137,767Salary after 4 years: $156,436Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
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: $49,450Expenses: $19,868Starting Salary: $151,927Salary after 4 years: $172,515Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
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: $67,006Expenses: $19,418Starting Salary: $131,424Salary after 4 years: $149,234Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
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: $59,306Expenses: $23,660Starting Salary: $184,672Salary after 4 years: $209,698Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
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: $22,612Expenses: $18,940Starting Salary: $134,052Salary after 4 years: $152,746Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025
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: $62,366Expenses: $25,506Starting Salary: $129,654Salary after 4 years: $147,224Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWashington 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
- #18 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #20 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #21 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #24 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $64,068Expenses: $22,054Starting Salary: $162,547Salary after 4 years: $184,574Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
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: $12,527Expenses: $17,120Starting Salary: $116,156Salary after 4 years: $132,355Cost Recoup Time: 3 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
96%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Notre Dame
Cost of Degree: $62,502Expenses: $20,578Starting Salary: $145,142Salary after 4 years: $164,811Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #24 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #24 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
10%
Graduation
94%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/34
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Tufts University
Cost of Degree: $49,476Expenses: $20,456Starting Salary: $152,369Salary after 4 years: $173,018Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
90%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1490/33
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Emory University
Cost of Degree: $47,722Expenses: $22,848Starting Salary: $124,492Salary after 4 years: $141,362Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
93%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1530/34
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Vanderbilt University
Cost of Degree: $56,128Expenses: $25,644Starting Salary: $127,147Salary after 4 years: $144,377Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025
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: $66,736Expenses: $21,704Starting Salary: $93,516Salary after 4 years: $106,189Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #19 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
94%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1530/35
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Rice University
Cost of Degree: $54,462Expenses: $20,150Starting Salary: $135,112Salary after 4 years: $153,421Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
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: $64,540Expenses: $20,000Starting Salary: $132,457Salary after 4 years: $150,406Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #9 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
91%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1487/34
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Boston College
Cost of Degree: $35,900Expenses: $21,925Starting Salary: $136,439Salary after 4 years: $154,929Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
93%
Student body
52K
Median SAT/ACT
1460/33
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Georgia Tech
Cost of Degree: $15,570Expenses: $16,760Starting Salary: $145,026Salary after 4 years: $165,251Cost Recoup Time: 3 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
11%
Graduation
89%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Juilliard School
Cost of Degree: $56,550Expenses: $27,340Starting Salary: $69,768Salary after 4 years: $79,223Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary- #8 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #3 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
91%
Student body
38K
Median SAT/ACT
1495/34
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Northeastern University
Cost of Degree: $28,100Expenses: $21,590Starting Salary: $109,446Salary after 4 years: $124,278Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #14 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025
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: $17,422Expenses: $17,995Starting Salary: $125,779Salary after 4 years: $143,320Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #12 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
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: $25,873Expenses: $23,901Starting Salary: $125,819Salary after 4 years: $142,869Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2025
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: $14,550Expenses: $20,600Starting Salary: $106,054Salary after 4 years: $120,426Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #7 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
91%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1470/33
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Colgate University
Cost of Degree: $67,024Expenses: $20,046Starting Salary: $119,624Salary after 4 years: $135,835Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #18 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
23%
Graduation
91%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1439/33
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Villanova University
Cost of Degree: $21,361Expenses: $20,296Starting Salary: $129,212Salary after 4 years: $146,722Cost Recoup Time: 4 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
10%
Graduation
91%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1495/34
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Claremont McKenna College
Cost of Degree: $68,525Expenses: $22,350Starting Salary: $137,472Salary after 4 years: $156,101Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025 #14 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required #25 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
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: $54,600Expenses: $24,160Starting Salary: $167,120Salary after 4 years: $189,767Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025
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: $44,720Expenses: $21,810Starting Salary: $140,717Salary after 4 years: $159,786Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Student body
74K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Walden University
Cost of Degree: $10,657Starting Salary: $92,189Salary after 4 years: $104,682 Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
100%
Student body
<1K
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2025 #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
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
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Tuition + fees
$28K
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for MBA degree at Saint Anthony College of Nursing
Cost of Degree: $18,987Starting Salary: $88,649Salary after 4 years: $100,662IGlobal 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
Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolBusiness Administration And Management
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,907
- Avg. Expenses*: $17,637
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $83,399
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $95,030
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
- Job Growth: 6.72%
- Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Chief Executives | 5.48% | $206,680 |
Computer and Information Systems Managers | 17.42% | $169,510 |
Compensation and Benefits Managers | 2.09% | $136,380 |
Purchasing Managers | 5.04% | $136,380 |
Human Resources Managers | 6.51% | $136,350 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Chief Executives | $206,680 |
Computer and Information Systems Managers | $169,510 |
Compensation and Benefits Managers | $136,380 |
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.
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.