$88,600
Average Tuition
$120,300
Average Salary
583
Average GMAT Requirements
96%
Average ROI
Executive Summary: 100 Most Respected MBA Programs
Our comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the 100 most respected MBA programs. Key insights include:
- An overview of the top 100 most respected MBA programs from prestigious schools like Northwestern University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, and Duke University, with average graduate salaries ranging from $69,615 to $182,272, ROI ranging from 43% to 385% and Tuition ranging from $12,848 to $219,688.
- You will find hidden AACSB accredited gems here of programs you may not have considered with low tuition and high graduate ROI.
- Our list includes programs from 33 states, with California (12), Massachusetts (9), and New York (8) offering the most. States like Nevada, Delaware, and Louisiana have one program each. If your state isn’t listed, 72 programs are available online. If you’re looking for only the 100 most respected online MBA programs, you can explore our detailed study on them.
- Our data shows that these MBA programs with either high or low tuition costs can provide a strong return on investment and set graduates up for career success.
- No GMAT list of the 100 most respected MBA programs.
The schools featured in the top 100 most respected MBA programs share many key characteristics that contribute to their excellent reputations and outstanding career outcomes:
- Academic Excellence: Each program is backed by a world-renowned business school with a long-standing commitment to academic quality. Their rigorous curricula cover core business topics and offer specialized electives, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of modern business practices.
- Exceptional Faculty: These programs boast highly accomplished faculty members who bring a wealth of industry experience and research expertise to the virtual classroom. They are dedicated to providing students with engaging, interactive learning experiences that foster critical thinking and practical skills.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: The top MBA programs invest in state-of-the-art learning platforms and digital tools that enable seamless collaboration, discussion, and networking. These technologies create an immersive environment that closely mirrors the traditional classroom experience.
- Immersive Residencies: Many of these programs incorporate in-person residencies that allow students to network with peers, engage in hands-on learning activities, and gain exposure to real-world business challenges. These immersive experiences complement the curriculum and help students build lasting professional connections.
- Strong Career Outcomes: Graduates of the top 10 most respected MBA programs enjoy impressive career outcomes, with high average starting salaries and significant ROI. These programs have strong relationships with employers and offer dedicated career services that help students navigate job searches and advance their careers.
- Alumni Networks: Each school has a powerful alumni network that spans industries and geographies. These networks provide students with valuable opportunities for mentorship, internships, and career advancement long after graduation.
- Accreditation and Rankings: The top MBA programs are fully accredited by recognized bodies such as AACSB, ensuring that they meet rigorous standards for business education. They also consistently rank highly in publications like U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times, and The Economist, reflecting their strong reputations among employers and academics.
By combining these elements, the top 100 most respected MBA programs offer a truly comprehensive and transformative educational experience. They enable students to gain the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to succeed in today’s competitive and changing business landscape.
Top 10 Most Respected MBA Programs Detail
Graduates of these top 10 most respected MBA programs enjoy impressive career outcomes, with average starting salaries ranging from $159,391 to $182,272 and a graduate ROI between 44.96% to 65.25%.
100 Most Respected MBA Programs Table
- Average Tuition: $88,600
- Average Graduate Salary: $120,300
- Average Graduate ROI: 96%
Our comprehensive list of the 100 most respected MBA programs offers prospective students a diverse range of options to suit various career goals, learning styles, and budgets. These programs, provided by reputable institutions nationwide, deliver high-quality education that equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various business roles.
Key features of the programs on this list include:
- Flexibility and convenience: Learning formats allow students to balance their education with work and personal commitments
- Comprehensive curricula: Programs cover core business topics and offer specialization opportunities
- Experienced faculty: Professors bring real-world insights and research expertise to the virtual classroom
- Networking opportunities: Students can connect through collaboration, in-person residencies, and alumni events
- Career support services: Dedicated resources help graduates navigate job searches and advance their careers
With an average tuition of $65,158, an average graduate salary of $105,698, and an average ROI ranging from 34% to 385%, these respected MBA programs provide a solid return on investment and prepare graduates for long-term career success.
Filter the following table by Rank, College Name, ROI, Tuition, Graduate Salary to find the criteria most important to you for the 100 most respected MBA programs. You can also use the search bar to find a state or schools in this table.
| Rank | University | Avg. Graduate ROI | Avg. In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | State | Campus and Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Texas at Dallas | 243.00% | $45,000 | $123,163 | TX | Yes |
| 2 | Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis | 124.00% | $29,573 | $136,352 | IN | Yes |
| 3 | Harvard University | 17.00% | $149,820 | $175,000 | MA | No |
| 4 | University of Washington | 97.00% | $76,890 | $151,322 | WA | No |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | 114.00% | $55,575 | $118,983 | WI | Yes |
| 6 | Northwestern University | 8.00% | $162,030 | $175,000 | IL | No |
| 7 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 33.00% | $100,218 | $133,517 | NC | Yes |
| 8 | Brigham Young University | 104.00% | $58,544 | $119,281 | UT | No |
| 9 | Michigan State University | 246.00% | $34,564 | $119,539 | MI | Yes |
| 10 | The University of Georgia | 294.00% | $30,606 | $120,510 | GA | Yes |
| 11 | University of South Carolina | 269.00% | $26,485 | $97,819 | SC | No |
| 12 | University of Massachusetts Boston | 537.00% | $19,499 | $124,277 | MA | Yes |
| 13 | University of Virginia-McIntire | 4.00% | $151,200 | $157,090 | VA | No |
| 14 | Emory University | -1.00% | $151,689 | $149,759 | GA | No |
| 15 | Columbia University | -8.00% | $176,600 | $162,099 | NY | No |
| 16 | The University of Texas at Austin | 20.00% | $120,432 | $144,564 | TX | No |
| 17 | Southern Methodist University | 27.00% | $96,788 | $122,609 | TX | Yes |
| 18 | Georgia Institute of Technology | 116.00% | $63,404 | $136,819 | GA | No |
| 19 | University of Southern California | -3.00% | $154,339 | $150,314 | CA | Yes |
| 20 | Georgetown University | 11.00% | $124,814 | $138,552 | DC | Yes |
| 21 | The University of Iowa | 381.00% | $23,453 | $112,820 | IA | No |
| 22 | Stanford University | 10.00% | $165,591 | $182,272 | CA | No |
| 23 | University of California, Berkeley | 9.00% | $139,628 | $152,831 | CA | No |
| 24 | University of St. Thomas-Minnesota | 67.00% | $61,596 | $102,900 | MN | Yes |
| 25 | New York University | 1.00% | $160,130 | $161,475 | NY | No |
| 26 | University of Pennsylvania | -7.00% | $179,852 | $166,391 | PA | No |
| 27 | University of Maryland | 22.00% | $98,865 | $121,103 | MD | Yes |
| 28 | University of California, Los Angeles | 3.00% | $142,142 | $146,727 | CA | No |
| 29 | The University of Chicago | -1.00% | $167,393 | $165,887 | IL | No |
| 30 | University of Florida | 343.00% | $26,473 | $117,197 | FL | Yes |
| 31 | Carnegie Mellon University | - | $147,456 | $148,067 | PA | Yes |
| 32 | Yale University | -1.00% | $153,540 | $152,744 | CT | No |
| 33 | University of Minnesota | 36.00% | $89,402 | $121,882 | MN | Yes |
| 34 | The Pennsylvania State University | 87.00% | $61,236 | $114,483 | PA | Yes |
| 35 | University of Illinois at Chicago | 179.00% | $60,264 | $167,977 | IL | Yes |
| 36 | American University | 8.00% | $98,282 | $105,666 | DC | Yes |
| 37 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | -3.00% | $164,000 | $159,391 | MA | No |
| 38 | The George Washington University | 3.00% | $113,090 | $115,951 | DC | No |
| 39 | Boston University | -3.00% | $124,248 | $120,884 | MA | Yes |
| 40 | Fordham University | 28.00% | $99,497 | $127,511 | NY | Yes |
| 41 | University of Hartford | 213.00% | $30,168 | $94,500 | CT | Yes |
| 42 | Vanderbilt University | 7.00% | $131,000 | $139,711 | TN | No |
| 43 | Texas A&M University | 86.00% | $62,000 | $115,585 | TX | No |
| 44 | The University of Michigan | 12.00% | $137,056 | $153,465 | MI | Yes |
| 45 | Cornell University | -3.00% | $159,820 | $155,048 | NY | No |
| 46 | University of Notre Dame | 8.00% | $123,500 | $133,018 | IN | No |
| 47 | Rice University | 2.00% | $139,081 | $142,212 | TX | Yes |
| 48 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | 49.00% | $66,576 | $99,501 | NJ | Yes |
| 49 | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 161.00% | $38,875 | $101,400 | TN | Yes |
| 50 | Northeastern University | -2.00% | $102,582 | $100,063 | MA | Yes |
| 51 | Washington University in St. Louis | -12.00% | $134,020 | $117,687 | MO | Yes |
| 52 | Duke University | -3.00% | $157,546 | $152,297 | NC | Yes |
| 53 | Arizona State University | 106.00% | $60,393 | $124,664 | AZ | Yes |
| 54 | Dartmouth College | 3.00% | $155,040 | $159,842 | NH | No |
| 55 | University of California, Davis | 14.00% | $95,438 | $109,075 | CA | Yes |
| 56 | University of Utah | 77.00% | $65,700 | $116,348 | UT | Yes |
| 57 | North Carolina A&T State University | 996.00% | $9,790 | $107,327 | NC | Yes |
| 58 | University of California, Irvine | 26.00% | $97,342 | $122,899 | CA | No |
| 59 | University of Rochester | 23.00% | $108,038 | $132,671 | NY | Yes |
| 60 | Baruch College-The City University of New York | 218.00% | $37,338 | $118,633 | NY | Yes |
| 61 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | 231.00% | $33,622 | $111,227 | MA | Yes |
| 62 | Santa Clara University | 45.00% | $83,860 | $122,000 | CA | Yes |
| 63 | Temple University | 60.00% | $60,000 | $95,989 | PA | Yes |
| 64 | University of Cincinnati | 263.00% | $23,996 | $87,013 | OH | Yes |
| 65 | Case Western Reserve University | 4.00% | $92,040 | $95,875 | OH | No |
| 66 | University of Delaware | 105.00% | $39,954 | $82,000 | DE | Yes |
| 67 | Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey-Newark/New Brunswick | 95.00% | $58,442 | $113,800 | NJ | Yes |
| 68 | Babson College | 21.00% | $89,550 | $108,703 | MA | Yes |
| 69 | Lehigh University | 39.00% | $68,900 | $95,699 | PA | No |
| 70 | Georgia State University | 156.00% | $36,522 | $93,600 | GA | Yes |
| 71 | The Ohio State University | 1.00% | $106,123 | $106,779 | OH | Yes |
| 72 | University of California, San Diego | -2.00% | $106,246 | $103,969 | CA | No |
| 73 | Brandeis University | -9.00% | $120,223 | $109,000 | MA | No |
| 74 | University of Colorado at Boulder | 67.00% | $55,997 | $93,401 | CO | Yes |
| 75 | The University of Arizona | 96.00% | $54,785 | $107,345 | AZ | Yes |
| 76 | Indiana State University | 332.00% | $19,000 | $82,000 | IN | Yes |
| 77 | The University of Memphis | 216.00% | $23,688 | $74,800 | TN | Yes |
| 78 | University of Pittsburgh | 51.00% | $68,348 | $102,965 | PA | No |
| 79 | Boston College | -1.00% | $118,336 | $116,815 | MA | No |
| 80 | Villanova University | 95.00% | $60,000 | $116,800 | PA | Yes |
| 81 | The Pennsylvania State University Great Valley | 200.00% | $42,316 | $127,000 | PA | Yes |
| 82 | Texas Christian University | -7.00% | $115,380 | $107,543 | TX | Yes |
| 83 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 192.00% | $33,772 | $98,500 | IL | Yes |
| 84 | Stevens Institute of Technology | 4.00% | $81,880 | $85,398 | NJ | Yes |
| 85 | Hofstra University | 87.00% | $58,960 | $110,500 | NY | Yes |
| 86 | George Mason University | 192.00% | $37,737 | $110,100 | VA | Yes |
| 87 | University of Miami | 19.00% | $92,290 | $109,555 | FL | Yes |
| 88 | Middle Tennessee State University | 233.00% | $26,712 | $89,000 | TN | Yes |
| 89 | Xavier University | 158.00% | $34,200 | $88,100 | OH | Yes |
| 90 | Queens University of Charlotte | 110.00% | $41,940 | $88,100 | NC | Yes |
| 91 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | 331.00% | $21,784 | $93,820 | NV | Yes |
| 92 | University of Houston | 83.00% | $47,000 | $85,878 | TX | Yes |
| 93 | Baylor University | -8.00% | $85,692 | $79,176 | TX | Yes |
| 94 | Johns Hopkins Carey Business School | -4.00% | $133,000 | $127,044 | MD | Yes |
| 95 | Purdue University | 110.00% | $44,816 | $94,000 | IN | Yes |
| 96 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 185.00% | $32,400 | $92,300 | NE | Yes |
| 97 | Oregon State University | 46.00% | $52,090 | $75,900 | OR | Yes |
| 98 | Miami University | -32.00% | $136,342 | $92,700 | OH | Yes |
| 99 | Purdue University Northwest | 605.00% | $12,350 | $87,100 | IN | No |
| 100 | The University of Michigan-Dearborn | 83.00% | $50,997 | $93,200 | MI | Yes |
What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary for the Most Respected MBA Programs?
The average graduate salary range for the most respected MBA programs is quite wide. At the lower end, Willamette University has an average starting salary of $69,615 for its MBA graduates. On the other hand, Stanford University has the highest average starting salary at an impressive $182,272.
The average starting pay across the 100 most respected MBA programs hovers around $120,300.
This substantial difference in starting salaries is due to a number of factors including reputation and ranking of the business school, the strength of its alumni network, the cost of living in the state and region, and the industries and locations where graduates find employment. Prospective b-students can research career outcomes and salary data of their target MBA programs to get a clearer picture the earning potential post-graduation.
While a high average starting salary is undoubtedly attractive, the savvy b-student, however, will consider other factors like tuition costs, financial aid, and the overall return on investment when choosing from the most respected MBA in programs.
Average Graduate Salaries for the Most Respected MBA Programs
- Average: $120,300 from 100 the Most Respected MBA Programs
- Lowest: $69,615 from Willamette University
- Highest: $182,272 from Stanford University
10 Highest Average Graduate Salaries for the Most Respected MBAs
- Stanford University - $182,272.00
- Harvard University - $175,000.00
- Northwestern University - $175,000.00
- University of Illinois at Chicago - $167,977.00
- University of Pennsylvania - $166,391.00
- The University of Chicago - $165,887.00
- Columbia University - $162,099.00
- New York University - $161,475.00
- Dartmouth College - $159,842.00
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - $159,391.00
What is the Average Tuition for the Most Respected MBA Programs?
Investing in your future with by attending one of the 100 most respected MBA programs can be a very smart decision. On average, you can expect to pay $88,600 for an MBA program. However, tuition rates can vary significantly, with the most expensive programs costing up to $219,688 from Cornell University the most affordable MBA program from Central Connecticut State University starting at $12,848.
While tuition is a significant factor, it’s not the only cost to consider when pursuing an MBA degree from one of the most respected business programs. Additional expenses can include textbooks, travel to on-site courses or MBA community gatherings, childcare and more. However, by choosing an program, you can save on expenses like commuting and housing, making your degree more affordable overall. Before taking on student loans, explore all your options when financing your MBA, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and employer tuition assistance programs. Weigh the long-term benefits of investing in a more budget-friendly MBA program against the potential return on investment (ROI).
The ROI of an online MBA program is often more favorable than traditional programs, as students can continue working while studying. According to a 2017 US News survey, the average salary for students three months after graduating from an MBA program was $96,974, a 22% increase from the average entering salary. The highest average salary increases for online programs hover around 60%. With the right program choice and financial planning, an online MBA can be a worthwhile investment in your future, leading to increased earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Average Tuition for the Most Respected MBA Programs
- Average: $88,600 from 100 most respected online MBA Programs
- Lowest Online MBA: $12,848 from Central Connecticut State University
- Highest Online: $219,6886 from Cornell University
10 Most Respected MBA Programs with the Lowest Tuition Costs
- Central Connecticut State University – $12,848
- North Carolina A&T State University – $13,938
- Indiana State University – $19,000
- University of Massachusetts Boston – $19,499
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas – $21,784
- The Citadel – $21,830
- The University of Iowa – $23,453
- University of Cincinnati – $23,996
- University of Florida – $26,473
- University of South Carolina – $26,485
10 Most Respected MBA Programs with the Highest Tuition Costs
- University of Oklahoma - $3,330,624.00
- University of Pennsylvania - $179,852.00
- Columbia University - $176,600.00
- The University of Chicago - $167,393.00
- Stanford University - $165,591.00
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - $164,000.00
- Northwestern University - $162,030.00
- New York University - $160,130.00
- Cornell University - $159,820.00
- Duke University - $157,546.00
What is the ROI for the 100 Most Respected MBA Programs?
Return on investment (ROI) is an essential factor when considering which of the 100 most respected MBA program(s) to consider. To calculate ROI, consider both the tuition for the MBA program and the average salary a graduate earns. The average tuition cost for the 100 most respected MBA programs in is approximately $65,158, while the average starting salary for MBA graduates is around $105,698. To calculate ROI, subtract the tuition from the salary and divide by the tuition cost. This will give you a rough estimate of how much value you will get out of graduating from one of the most respected MBA programs.
Investing in your future with by attending one of the 100 most respected MBA programs can be a very smart decision. On average, you can expect about 115% ROI average from the 100 most respected MBA programs. However, ROI percentages can vary significantly, with the highest ROI of 385% from North Carolina A&T State University and the lowest ROI of 34% from Miami University
ROI for the Most Respected MBA Programs
- Average: 96% from 100 for the most respected online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: 34% from Miami University
- Highest online: 385% from North Carolina A&T State University
10 Most Respected Online MBA Programs with the Highest Graduate ROI
- North Carolina A&T State University – 385.02%
- Central Connecticut State University – 330.79%
- University of Massachusetts Boston – 318.68%
- The Citadel – 267.29%
- Indiana State University – 263.16%
- The University of Iowa – 240.52%
- University of Florida – 221.35%
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas – 215.34%
- The University of Georgia – 196.87%
- University of South Carolina – 182.06%
No GMAT Required – 100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs
What are the 100 most respected online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT exam? More and more prestigious and respected MBA programs do not require the GMAT exam. This is not a waiver, but a policy by the University.
You will no doubt be surprised by the programs in our list of the most respected online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT exam.
Overall the average tuition for these programs is $46,405 with an average graduate salary of $89,007 and an average graduate ROI of 131%.
- Average Tuition: $46,405
- Average Graduate Salary: $89,007
- Average Graduate ROI: 131%
Filter the following table by Rank, College Name, ROI, Tuition, Graduate Salary to find the criteria most important to you for the 100 most respected MBA programs that do not require the GMAT test for admissions.
Business School Data Sources from
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How We Rank the Most Respected Online MBA Programs
MBAGuide’s ranking methodology for the “100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs” combines quantitative data (80% of the overall score) and qualitative assessments (20% of the overall score) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of online MBA programs. The methodology considers factors such as student/faculty ratio, tuition and fees, total enrollment, total concentrations, 3rd party rankings, average GMAT score, average salary after graduation, AACSB accreditation, and editorial input to assess each program’s strengths and overall value to prospective students.
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