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Find the most respected MBA programs in 2025. Compare graduate salaries, tuition, ROI, student faculty ratios and more.

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Most Respected MBA Programs for 2025

  • Starting salaries for new MBA graduates is between $39,900 and $182,272 with an average of $82,899.
  • Tuition for in-person, campus MBA programs ranges from $7,458 to $179,852, and averages $42,573.
  • Online tuition in for MBAs ranges between $7,458 to $157,546, with an average total tuition cost of $37,225.
  • A GMAT score between 265 and 737 with an average of 567 is needed for acceptance into an MBA program.
  • ROI for MBA gradates ranges from -40% to 1,139% with an average of 186%.
  • Average student enrollment for MBA Programs varies between 2 and 3,836 with an overall average of 290.
  • Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA programs varies between 2:1 and 63:1 with an average of 16:1 students.
  • 511 MBA programs are ranked by the following institutions MBAGuide: 461, US News: 91, Forbes: 74, BW: 80, FT: 51 and Economist: 52.

2025 8th Annual Most Respected AACSB MBA Programs

Our 2025 rankings offer insights into the most affordable, respected, and best return on investment AACSB MBA programs. Find a ranking aspect your are interested from the list below:

Ranking TypeRanking Description
State-by-StateBest Ranked MBA Programs by State Online | Campus
Highest Graduate SalaryBest Graduate Salary Online | Campus
Highest ROIHighest ROI (Graduate Salary / Tuition) – Online | Campus
Most AffordableMost Affordable Accredited MBAs – Online | Campus
No GMAT RequiredNo GMAT AACSB Accredited MBA Programs – Online | Campus
Most Sought AfterMost Sought After – Online | Campus
Best Student to Faculty RatioBest Student to Faculty Ratio – Online | Campus
Networking | Alumni | EnrollmentLargest Alumni Network – Online | Campus

Featured for March

Most Affordable, Value-Packed Online MBA Programs in 2025 Awards

The cost of earning an online MBA differs wildly depending on the program you chose. Earning an MBA from the lowest-cost online program in the U.S., Indiana University Northwest, will set you back only $7,458. At this price, earning an advanced degree is an exceptional investment for your career. And when you take into consideration that the Graduate ROI from this MBA program is 906% with an average starting salary of $75,000, it is the kind of program find that we like to point out to our prospective b-students.

A degree from the 100th most affordable online AACSB MBA programs in our list is from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and will cost you a mere $18,634. When you take into consideration that the Graduate ROI from this MBA program is 298% with an average starting salary of $74,200, you are getting an exceptional value.

Get the full report on the most affordable online MBA programs.

The 5 least expensive states to earn an online MBA are Kansas ($19,893), New Mexico ($18,520), Arkansas ($17,073), Idaho ($15,079) and South Dakota ($14,503)

The 5 most expensive states to earn an online MBA are New Hampshire ($103,312), District of Columbia ($83,309), Massachusetts ($74,395), Oregon ($61,583), and New York ($61,321).

Average Tuition for MBA Programs State-by-State

  1. District of Columbia - $90,411
  2. New Hampshire - $89,978
  3. Massachusetts - $74,823
  4. California - $62,786
  5. New York - $60,867
  6. Oregon - $58,058
  7. Pennsylvania - $56,493
  8. Virginia - $55,118
  9. Arizona - $54,870
  10. Maryland - $51,489
  11. Illinois - $51,473
  12. New Jersey - $46,967
  13. Minnesota - $45,364
  14. Connecticut - $45,159
  15. Tennessee - $43,733
  16. Colorado - $43,410
  17. North Carolina - $42,811
  18. Ohio - $42,273
  19. Michigan - $42,254
  20. Washington - $41,475
  21. Florida - $39,539
  22. Texas - $37,297
  23. Wisconsin - $35,924
  24. Missouri - $35,258
  25. Rhode Island - $34,848
  26. Utah - $34,122
  27. Georgia - $34,087
  28. Indiana - $33,345
  29. Vermont - $31,878
  30. Delaware - $30,726
  31. Louisiana - $29,905
  32. Wyoming - $26,460
  33. Iowa - $25,891
  34. Oklahoma - $25,050
  35. Alaska - $24,962
  36. Nebraska - $24,241
  37. South Carolina - $23,102
  38. Kentucky - $22,392
  39. West Virginia - $21,940
  40. Hawaii - $21,288
  41. Alabama - $20,760
  42. North Dakota - $20,455
  43. Nevada - $20,375
  44. Maine - $19,935
  45. Mississippi - $19,669
  46. Montana - $18,521
  47. Kansas - $18,385
  48. Arkansas - $18,238
  49. Idaho - $15,887
  50. South Dakota - $14,683
  51. - $14,497
  52. New Mexico - $13,961

Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Each State

More Articles in this Series

  • What is an MBA Degree
  • History and Evolution of the MBA Degree
  • Types of MBA Programs
  • MBA Concentrations and Specializations
  • Fastest Growing Management Careers
  • Choosing the Right MBA Program
  • MBA Application Process
  • Financing an MBA: Best Business School Funding Options
  • Typical MBA Curriculum: What Coursework Will You Take
  • MBA Internships and Job Placements
  • Top MBA Industries and Employers

What is the Average Cost of an MBA Degree in 2025?

The average tuition cost for an MBA degree in the U.S. is $42,572.68. The cost of getting an MBA differs wildly depending on the program you chose. Earning an MBA from the lowest-cost campus program in the U.S., Indiana University Northwest, will set you back only $7,458.00 if you live in-state.

At this price, earning an advanced degree seems like an exceptional investment in your career. You can check on the ROIs of MBA programs. A degree from country’s most expensive campus MBA program, University of Pennsylvania, will cost you $179,852.00. Cost will vary by type, concentration as well as as the state you live in.

In-PersonOnline
The lowest in-state tuition for an online MBA program is $7,458.00.
The highest in-state tuition for an online MBA program is $179,852.00.
The average tuition cost for online MBA programs is $42,572.68.
Find accredited and affordable campus MBA programs.		The lowest in-state tuition for an online MBA program is $7,458.00.
The highest in-state tuition for an online MBA program is $157,546.00.
The average tuition cost for online MBA programs is $37,225.13.
Find accredited and affordable online MBA programs.

5 Least Expensive Online MBA Degrees

  1. Indiana University Northwest - $7,458.00
  2. Indiana University South Bend - $7,458.00
  3. McNeese State University - $8,879.00
  4. University of Central Oklahoma - $9,068.00
  5. Southern Utah University - $9,212.00

5 Most Expensive Online MBA Degrees

  1. Duke University - $157,546.00
  2. University of Southern California - $154,339.00
  3. Carnegie Mellon University - $147,456.00
  4. Rice University - $139,081.00
  5. The University of Michigan - $137,056.00

Find the full report for the tuition costs of all MBA programs in the United States.

What is Average MBA Graduate Salary in 2025?

Evaluating the value of an MBA program involves considering the return on investment (ROI). This takes into account factors such as tuition costs, potential salary increases, and career advancement opportunities.

Weighing these aspects helps prospective students determine if pursuing an MBA aligns with their financial and professional goals, ultimately maximizing the benefits of this significant educational investment.

MBA graduate salaries differs wildly depending on the program you chose, the industry you enter and the experience you have. After earning an MBA from Grambling State University, the average MBA graduate annual salary is $39,900.00. For instance, a degree from Stanford University, will provide an annual salary of $182,272.00.

5 Highest MBA Starting Salaries for Graduates

  1. Stanford University - $182,272.00
  2. Harvard University - $175,000.00
  3. Northwestern University - $175,000.00
  4. University of Illinois at Chicago - $167,977.00
  5. University of Pennsylvania - $166,391.00

5 Lowest MBA Starting Salaries for Graduates

  1. Grambling State University - $39,900.00
  2. Eastern Kentucky University - $42,450.00
  3. Francis Marion University - $42,600.00
  4. South Carolina State University - $43,200.00
  5. Western Carolina University - $44,100.00

Find the full report for the graduate salaries for graduate business schools in the United States.

MBA Guides

Chart Your Business Career

At Business Degree Programs, you are teaming up with business managers, professors, MBA students, data modelers, designers, business writers and other professionals to get peer-reviewed, expert information about business careers, degree programs, salaries, resume and interview preparation, and business school resources.

Rankings

2025 rankings by state, online, concentration, and degree type using metrics that matter to MBA graduates.

Concentrations

Dive deep into available MBA degrees and compare salaries, ROI, tuition and ranking.

States

Research business programs available in each state using our extensive database of 6,400 business degrees

Salaries

Review 2025 latest salary data including 10-year salary and employment projections, salary by experience and education.

Resources

Prepare for the rigors of an MBA degree with scholarships lists, admission advice, GMAT preparation, program rankings.

Top MBA Salaries and Jobs

The world is changing and there are hundreds of in-demand careers that will need plenty of employees in the next decade. Prepare yourself and find the career path that will meet you in the future.

Salary Reports

Consider these high-paying, in-demand business careers in 2025

Projected need for these business careers is between 73,000 and 229,600 new employees each year to 2030. The median yearly wage for these careers is between $62,290 and $97,970. Prepare for each of these careers with a four-year degree.

More in-demand careers

Operations Managers

Currently Employed: 2,984,920
Yearly Openings to 2030: 229,600
Percent Change: 9.4%
Graduate MBA Salary: $92,419
Operations Management MBA

Project Managers

Currently Employed: 743,860
Yearly Openings to 2030: 141,900
Percent Change: 5.6%
Graduate MBA Salary: $84,845
Projects Management MBA

Accountant

Currently Employed: 1,318,550
Yearly Openings to 2030: 135,000
Yearly Openings to 2030: 6.9%
Graduate MBA Salary: $82,399
Accounting MBA

Management Analysts

Currently Employed: 768,450
Yearly Openings to 2030: 99,400
Yearly Openings to 2030: 13.7%
Graduate MBA Salary: $104,000
Business Analytics MBA

Marketing Managers

Currently Employed: 727,540
Yearly Openings to 2030: 96,000
Percent Change: 22.1%
Graduate MBA Salary: $82,549
Marketing MBA

Human Resources Managers

Currently Employed: 740,830
Yearly Openings to 2030: 73,400
Percent Change: 10.4%
Graduate MBA Salary: $79,900
Human Resources MBA

Team Up MBA Experts

At MBA Guide, you are teaming up with C-Suite managers, business school professors, managers, business students, data modelers, designers and writers to learn about business careers, degree programs and salaries

Rebecca earned her B.A. in Economics from Wellesley College and her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
Rebecca Smith-Allen
Robert works in Healthcare Administration as a Lean Six Sigma Black belt, Certified Mentor, and Coach. 
Robert Kent
Julia, originally from Germany, earned her MBA degree in 2016 at the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands.
Julia Peterle

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