10 Best MBA Programs in Sustainability Management for 2025

MBA Programs in Sustainability
Tuition, ROI, Graduate Salary, GMAT Requirements

10 Best Ranked | Interactive Table | Salaries | Tuition | ROI | GMAT | Alumni Networking | How We Rank

Executive Summary for MBA Programs in Sustainability MBA Programs

The ranking team at MBAGuide.org, evaluated 21 Sustainability MBA programs. Here is a summary of our comprehensive findings. Explore the details about the Sustainability MBA, compare schools, find states and cities where the degree is offered.

1. Comprehensive comparisons, data and analysis – MBAGuide conducted an in-depth analysis of 21 AACSB-accredited campus MBA programs in Sustainability to find the top programs in the country.
2. Ranking metrics you care about – such as average starting salaries, tuition fees, return on investment (ROI), GMAT scores, alumni networks, student-to-faculty ratios, and more with no paywall.
3. Detailed school profiles of Sustainability MBA programs their strengths, faculty expertise, alumni networks to help align your program choice

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Best 10 MBA Programs in Sustainability

Interactive Table of the Best Ranked MBA Programs in Sustainability

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Sustainability MBA programs by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Sustainability. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	ROI	In State Tuition	Avg. Starting Salary	State	Online
1	Northwestern University	8.00%	$162,030	$175,000	IL	No
2	Georgia Institute of Technology	116.00%	$63,404	$136,819	GA	No
3	University of Pennsylvania	-7.00%	$179,852	$166,391	PA	No
4	Carnegie Mellon University	-0	$147,456	$148,067	PA	Yes
5	Duke University	-3.00%	$157,546	$152,297	NC	Yes
6	University of San Diego	46.00%	$69,610	$101,333	CA	Yes
7	Shenandoah University	158.00%	$34,848	$89,900	VA	No
8	Illinois Institute of Technology	22.00%	$67,690	$82,352	IL	Yes
9	University of the District of Columbia	225.00%	$30,765	$100,000	DC	No
10	University of Arkansas at Little Rock	250.00%	$18,071	$63,300	AR	Yes
11	Clark University	4.00%	$59,080	$61,367	MA	Yes
12	Rowan University	85.00%	$37,391	$69,300	NJ	Yes
13	University of Nevada, Reno	371.00%	$17,556	$82,677	NV	No
14	New Mexico State University	613.00%	$10,314	$73,500	NM	Yes
15	Northeastern Illinois University	205.00%	$24,367	$74,350	IL	Yes
16	University of Houston-Clear Lake	230.00%	$20,892	$68,900	TX	Yes
17	The University of Mississippi	135.00%	$25,914	$60,977	MS	Yes
18	Kean University	58.00%	$40,260	$63,700	NJ	Yes
19	Southeastern Oklahoma State University	389.00%	$12,420	$60,780	OK	Yes

An MBA program in Sustainability will cost you between $10,314.00 to $179,852.00.

• Number of Programs Offering Sustainability MBAs: 21
• Average GMAT Score for Sustainability MBA Programs: 589
• Average In-State Tuition for Sustainability MBA Programs: $62,077.16
• Average Graduate Salary for Sustainability MBA Programs: $94,891
• Average ROI for Sustainability MBA Programs: 173%

Compare Sustainability MBA Program Averages vs Campus

Averages	MBA Programs	Online MBA Programs
Number of Programs	21	15
Average Starting Salary	$94,891	$82,795
Average MBA Tuition	$62,077	$53,155
Average ROI	173%	186%
Average GMAT Scores	589	567
Average Full-Time MBA Faculty	64	56
Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio	14:1	15:1
Faculty with Doctorate	84%	84%
Average Full-Time MBA Enrollment	290	308
Average Part-Time MBA Enrollment	322	349
Average % of MBA Students from U.S.	84%	84%

Read about our ranking methodology.

What is the Average MBA Salary for Sustainability Graduates?

Though it’s not the only factor, compensation is an important consideration for individuals considering obtaining an MBA degree. Salaries for graduates with master’s degrees in Sustainability can be significantly higher than those of graduates with only a bachelor’s degree. In addition, advance salary projections from the US Department of Labor show that average MBA salaries are expected to increase by 13.5% each year through the year 2028 with an annual need of 99,000 new managers needed each year.

MBA salaries differs wildly depending on the program you chose, the industry you enter and the experience you have. After earning an MBA from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, the average MBA graduate annual salary is $53,700 . A degree from Northwestern University, will provide an annual salary of $175,000.

Average MBA starting salary for graduates from accredited programs is $94,891 with the lowest of starting of $53,700 and the highest reported starting salary of $175,000.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person Sustainability MBA Programs

• Average Sustainability: $94,891
• Lowest Sustainability: $53,700
• Highest Sustainability: $175,000

Average Salary for Graduate of MBA Programs in Sustainability Programs – Interactive Table

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Sustainability MBA programs by Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Sustainability. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	Avg. Starting Salary	In State Tuition	ROI	State	Online
1	Southeastern Oklahoma State University	$60,780	$12,420	389.00%	OK	Yes
2	The University of Mississippi	$60,977	$25,914	135.00%	MS	Yes
3	Clark University	$61,367	$59,080	4.00%	MA	Yes
4	University of Arkansas at Little Rock	$63,300	$18,071	250.00%	AR	Yes
5	Kean University	$63,700	$40,260	58.00%	NJ	Yes
6	University of Houston-Clear Lake	$68,900	$20,892	230.00%	TX	Yes
7	Rowan University	$69,300	$37,391	85.00%	NJ	Yes
8	New Mexico State University	$73,500	$10,314	613.00%	NM	Yes
9	Northeastern Illinois University	$74,350	$24,367	205.00%	IL	Yes
10	Illinois Institute of Technology	$82,352	$67,690	22.00%	IL	Yes
11	University of Nevada, Reno	$82,677	$17,556	371.00%	NV	No
12	Shenandoah University	$89,900	$34,848	158.00%	VA	No
13	University of the District of Columbia	$100,000	$30,765	225.00%	DC	No
14	University of San Diego	$101,333	$69,610	46.00%	CA	Yes
15	Georgia Institute of Technology	$136,819	$63,404	116.00%	GA	No
16	Carnegie Mellon University	$148,067	$147,456	-0	PA	Yes
17	Duke University	$152,297	$157,546	-3.00%	NC	Yes
18	University of Pennsylvania	$166,391	$179,852	-7.00%	PA	No
19	Northwestern University	$175,000	$162,030	8.00%	IL	No

What is the Average In-Person MBA Tuition for Sustainability Programs?

If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

The average in-state tuition for an MBA in Sustainability is $62,077.16 compared to an average campus program Sustainability is $62,077.16 .

The lowest AACSB tuition rate at $10,314.00 from New Mexico State University.

The highest AACSB tuition rate is $179,852.00 from University of Pennsylvania.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs in Sustainability

• Average: $62,077.16
• Lowest: $10,314.00 from New Mexico State University
• Highest: $179,852.00 from University of Pennsylvania

Interactive Table – Tuition for MBA Programs in Sustainability Programs

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Sustainability MBA programs by Tuition to find and to compare MBA programs in Sustainability. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	In State Tuition	Avg. Starting Salary	ROI	State	Online
1	New Mexico State University	$10,314	$73,500	613.00%	NM	Yes
2	Southeastern Oklahoma State University	$12,420	$60,780	389.00%	OK	Yes
3	University of Nevada, Reno	$17,556	$82,677	371.00%	NV	No
4	University of Arkansas at Little Rock	$18,071	$63,300	250.00%	AR	Yes
5	University of Houston-Clear Lake	$20,892	$68,900	230.00%	TX	Yes
6	Northeastern Illinois University	$24,367	$74,350	205.00%	IL	Yes
7	The University of Mississippi	$25,914	$60,977	135.00%	MS	Yes
8	University of the District of Columbia	$30,765	$100,000	225.00%	DC	No
9	Shenandoah University	$34,848	$89,900	158.00%	VA	No
10	Rowan University	$37,391	$69,300	85.00%	NJ	Yes
11	Kean University	$40,260	$63,700	58.00%	NJ	Yes
12	Clark University	$59,080	$61,367	4.00%	MA	Yes
13	Georgia Institute of Technology	$63,404	$136,819	116.00%	GA	No
14	Illinois Institute of Technology	$67,690	$82,352	22.00%	IL	Yes
15	University of San Diego	$69,610	$101,333	46.00%	CA	Yes
16	Carnegie Mellon University	$147,456	$148,067	-0	PA	Yes
17	Duke University	$157,546	$152,297	-3.00%	NC	Yes
18	Northwestern University	$162,030	$175,000	8.00%	IL	No
19	University of Pennsylvania	$179,852	$166,391	-7.00%	PA	No

What is the Average ROI for MBA Programs in Sustainability?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

For MBA programs in across the U.S., the ROI ranges from -7% to 613%.The lowest MBA ROI of -7% is from the program at University of Pennsylvania.The highest MBA ROI of 613% is offered by New Mexico State University.On average, MBA programs across the U.S. have an ROI of 186%.

Interactive Table – ROI for MBA Programs in Sustainability Programs

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Sustainability MBA programs by ROI to find and to compare MBA programs in Sustainability. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	ROI	In State Tuition	Avg. Starting Salary	State	Online
1	New Mexico State University	613.00%	$10,314	$73,500	NM	Yes
2	Southeastern Oklahoma State University	389.00%	$12,420	$60,780	OK	Yes
3	University of Nevada, Reno	371.00%	$17,556	$82,677	NV	No
4	University of Arkansas at Little Rock	250.00%	$18,071	$63,300	AR	Yes
5	University of Houston-Clear Lake	230.00%	$20,892	$68,900	TX	Yes
6	University of the District of Columbia	225.00%	$30,765	$100,000	DC	No
7	Northeastern Illinois University	205.00%	$24,367	$74,350	IL	Yes
8	Shenandoah University	158.00%	$34,848	$89,900	VA	No
9	The University of Mississippi	135.00%	$25,914	$60,977	MS	Yes
10	Georgia Institute of Technology	116.00%	$63,404	$136,819	GA	No
11	Rowan University	85.00%	$37,391	$69,300	NJ	Yes
12	Kean University	58.00%	$40,260	$63,700	NJ	Yes
13	University of San Diego	46.00%	$69,610	$101,333	CA	Yes
14	Illinois Institute of Technology	22.00%	$67,690	$82,352	IL	Yes
15	Northwestern University	8.00%	$162,030	$175,000	IL	No
16	Clark University	4.00%	$59,080	$61,367	MA	Yes

ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 186%
• Lowest: -7%
• Highest: 613%

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Sustainability?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

Even though some B-Schools may not require a GMAT Scores, there’s a good chance that a highly-competitive MBA program does require the GMAT. With that being said, average GMAT Scores for in-person MBA programs in Sustainability is 589 with a highest of 733 and the lowest of 435

The average GMAT score needed for a Sustainability MBA program from an institution is between 435 from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke to 733 from University of Pennsylvania. The average GMAT scores for Sustainability MBA programs is 589.

It’s important to note that not all MBA programs require a GMAT Score for admissions, but most reputable programs do. With that being said, if you have your eye on a list of competitive programs, it’s best to boost your GMAT Score accordingly. Outside of a solid GMAT Score, B-School admissions departments look at a candidate’s undergraduate GPA, professional experience, letters of recommendation, CV, and personal statement. A strong undergraduate performance may offset a sub-part GMAT Score. The average GMAT Score for on-campus MBA programs in Sustainability is a 589.48 compared to an average MBA program score of 589.48. It is recommended that each B-School applicant take a GMAT diagnostic test in order to determine whether or not further study and/or a prep course is needed to boost your score.

Average GMAT Score for MBA Programs in Sustainability

• Average: 589
• Lowest: 435
• Highest: 733

No GMAT or GRE: Best MBA Programs in Sustainability

More than 233 AACSB accredited MBA programs do not require their applicants to take GMAT exam. Many well-known programs such as the University of Michigan and the University of California, Los Angeles no longer require the exam. If you are unsure where you would like to take your program, then you should take the GMAT sooner rather than later so you don’t lose time meeting the score requirement of a program.

Alumni from Schools Offering an MBA in Sustainability

There are pros and cons when considering the size of your MBA in Accounting program. Larger, more diverse student populations, may lend itself to greater networking and job placement opportunities; whereas smaller programs may provide for more meaningful interactions with fellow classmates.

The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated when considering an MBA program. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, your ability to define your career goals and after graduation connections.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Sustainability MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 17 and 2,019. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 11.00 and : 473.00.

Average Enrollment for MBA Programs Offering an MBA in Sustainability

• Lowest: 17 from Northeastern Illinois University
• Highest: 2,019 from Duke University
• Average: 290 from 21 MBA Programs.

Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Sustainability

For most students, their professors are the first exposure to the business world. They are normally practitioners in the field and have successful risen to the top of their respective careers. B-School Sustainability Professors can guide you toward a specific concentration, provide the latest industry trends, and put you on the right track, career-wise. The Student/Faculty ratio is important to those interested in building a lasting relationship with their professor. To use them as a networking opportunity and an advisor.

Top 10 Concentrations Available from Schools Also Offering an Degree in Sustainability?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Sustainability businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 47 MBA concentrations including:

• Sustainability: 21
• Finance: 18
• Accounting: 17
• Management: 17
• Marketing: 17
• General Business: 16
• Data Analytics: 14
• Corporate Finance: 14
• Information Systems: 13
• Economics: 12

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

• David B. O’Maley College of Business: 30
• Nova Southeastern University: 25
• University of Cincinnati: 24
• Suffolk University: 23
• Harvard University: 23
• Temple University: 23
• Drexel University: 23
• University of Baltimore: 22
• University of California, Berkeley: 22
• The Ohio State University: 22

The Importance of MBA Accreditation for MBA Programs

The importance of accreditation can’t be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

MBA Program Options Available for Sustainability MBA Programs

Options for earning your Sustainability MBA have never been more flexible. Sustainability MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

There are 21 Sustainability accredited MBA programs. 3 private and 12 public schools offering Sustainability MBA programs.

Number of Award Earned for MBA Programs Offering an Sustainability Degree

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 21 accredited MBA programs offered in Sustainability, 18 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

• University of Pennsylvania: 7
• Northwestern University: 7
• Duke University: 7
• Carnegie Mellon University: 7
• Georgia Institute of Technology: 7
• The University of Mississippi: 4
• Shenandoah University: 1
• Rowan University: 1
• Northeastern Illinois University: 1
• University of Nevada, Reno: 1
• Southeastern Oklahoma State University: 1
• The University of North Carolina at Pembroke: 1
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock: 1
• University of Houston-Clear Lake: 1
• Clark University: 1
• University of San Diego: 1
• Illinois Institute of Technology: 1
• New Mexico State University: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for an MBA degree in Sustainability :

• US News: 6
• Forbes: 5
• BW: 6
• FT: 5
• Economist: 5
• MBAGuide: 18

How We Rank the Best MBA Programs in Sustainability

MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.

What is an MBA in Sustainability Management?

An MBA in Sustainability Management is a graduate-level degree that combines traditional business administration education with a focus on An MBA in Sustainability Management combines core business skills with a focus on environmental and social responsibility. This specialized degree prepares graduates to integrate sustainable practices into business operations, equipping them with the knowledge to drive positive change and innovation in organizations.

Popular and lucrative industries for MBA in Sustainability graduates include:

• Renewable Energy
• Sustainable Finance
• Green Technology
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Environmental Consulting

Top companies hiring MBA in Sustainability graduates:

• Environmental Resource Management Group
• Business for Social Responsibility
• AECOM
• Kimley-Horn
• Royal Dutch Shell PLC

The employment outlook for MBA in Sustainability graduates is promising, with a projected growth rate of 6% from 2022 to 2032. Salary ranges vary widely depending on the role and industry, with sustainability managers earning an average of $73,599 annually, while top executives in the field can command salaries well over $100,000. Graduates can explore opportunities through resources like the Green Jobs Board.

2025 Career Outlook, Job Opportunities, Roles, and Industries for a Sustainability Management MBA

What is the Career Outlook for Sustainability Management MBAs?

An MBA in Sustainability Management can open the door to a variety of roles in the business and non-profit sectors. With an understanding of how businesses can implement sustainability strategies, graduates of this program will be in demand for positions such as corporate sustainability analyst, sustainability consultant, or environmental manager.

Companies are increasingly looking for people who can help them reduce their environmental impact, and those with an MBA in Sustainability Management are well-positioned to take on these roles. Additionally, those interested in non-profit work can pursue roles such as policy analyst or program manager for organizations dedicated to sustainability initiatives. With the growing awareness of the importance of sustainable practices, the career outlook for Sustainability Management MBAs is bright.

US Department of Labor – Projections Central

What Can I Do With an MBA in Sustainability Management?

With an MBA in the highly sought after Sustainability sector, your career has few limits. You use the degree as a stepping stone to a variety of high-level roles in business or government and it opens up new career possibilities or advancement within your current role.

With an MBA in Sustainability Management, you will be able to apply your skills to a range of sectors, from the corporate environment to government and non-profit organizations. You will be able to lead sustainability initiatives in all types of organizations, from small businesses to large multi-national companies. You may also be able to take on positions in research and policymaking, as well as become a consultant for environmental organizations. With the skills you acquire from your MBA program, you’ll have the ability to craft innovative strategies and develop sustainable solutions that have a real-world impact.

As business and industry demands change within the Sustainability sector, a graduate-level degree prepares you for taking on new challenges by preparing you with thinking and adaptation skills required in the every changing world of Sustainability.

An MBA in Sustainability prepares you for advanced career tracks within the sector including technical and business consulting, accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and organizational leadership. The MBA is the degree of choice for world-class executives who have the knowledge and real-world experience to add value to their organizations and apply practical business solutions.

What Are Benefits of Earning an MBA in Sustainability Management?

• Increased Job Opportunities: What exactly will an MBA do for you? Mid- to upper-level management positions are available to you. Jobs that see fewer applicants, such as chief executive officer, are also open to you. Earning your MBA qualifies you for positions that range from department director to enterprise director and chief operating officer. Employment for MBA candidates is projected to increase by six percent per year over the next seven years. Three-quarters of employers say that they plan to hire MBA graduates in 2016, while ninety-two percent are increasing the number of MBA internships that they offer.
• Increased Earnings: A recent study showed that the average MBA graduate’s pay was 50% higher than their position before earning their degree. Even more impressive, in the five years after earning their MBA, the average pay increased by 80%. These figures clearly show the financial benefits of an MBA but they don’t address the personal satisfaction that comes with greater responsibility.
• Sharpen Your Professional Skills: As a graduate of an MBA program, you’ll develop the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive business environment. You’ll learn to think critically about problems, communicate effectively, work on a team and analyze complex financial data. You’ll also have access to some of the brightest minds and the latest resources in today’s business world.
• Greater Job Security: Today’s job market is more turbulent than ever before, filling many with uncertainty and fears of being left out. Earning an MBA not only increases your earning potential but also offers a foundation for greater career stability and security. With the marketable skills to lead teams, take initiative and make positive changes in companies, you can quickly establish a secure foothold in an otherwise shaky job market.
• Become a Respected Member of Your Business Community: Choosing to earn an MBA enables you to position yourself as a respected member of your business community. An MBA increases your professional vocabulary, enhances your strategic thinking and analytical skills, and gives you a broadened level of cultural knowledge. Whether you pursue a program that offers concentrations or one focused on leadership and global management, an MBA will give you the tools and resources you need to succeed.

What Skills Do I Need to be Successful In Sustainability Management?

According to a recent survey by the Financial Times, these are the top-five most important skills employers look for in MBA graduates:

• The Ability to Work with a Wide Variety of People: This attribute is important because not all of the people you are communicating with will have the same educational background, interests, or objectives. Your ability to work with a wide variety of people is what enables you to be a successful manager.
• Time Management and Ability to Prioritize: The ability to prioritize and manage time is one of the most important skills that any professional must master. As your career progresses, your work time will increase, but if you can’t manage your time well you’ll always be at risk of not meeting deadlines and expectation
• Understanding and Mastering the Digital Impact on Businesses: Due to this disruption in business models and processes, many companies have transitioned from analog organizations to digital organizations and individuals competencies in information technology are needed.
• Ability to Build, Sustain and Expand a Network of People: The ability to build, sustain and expand a network of people is one of the most valuable skills that a business manager can have. It’s not enough to know the technical aspects of your job. And it’s not enough to be passionate about your work. To succeed in this position as a business manager, you must also be able to build and sustain an effective network of contacts.
• Ability to Solve Complex Problems: Business management is often about conceiving a strategy that employs the best, most effective solutions to get a job done. The thought process behind solving a complex problem is much more complicated than solving a simple one–making it one of the top skills of modern business managers. Complex problems require the manager to think on their feet, and ask questions throughout the entire process.