Best Part-Time MBA Programs
When it comes to meeting high expectations and achieving lofty goals, we know that there can be a lot of pressure and stress involved. No one understands this better than individuals pursuing graduate-level education. Master's degree students, in particular, have the gumption and the drive to push through multiple rigorous academic programs to make their dreams a reality.
Though a master's program may sound intimidating, there are a multiplicity of mediums, curricula, and course layouts available to make the process a viable option for anyone and everyone. These programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, many of whom manage to balance full-time careers with their degree schedules.
Part-time programs are formatted to be flexible while still meeting the high standards typical of a traditional MBA program. Classes are typically available at night, on weekends, online, or a combination of any of the three depending on the university and individual student preference.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Rankings
All part-time MBA programs considered for this ranking were originally ranked by U.S. News and then assessed further by our (EDsmart's) methodology.
U.S. News part-time MBA rankings are based on five factors.
- Average peer assessment score (50 percent of the school's overall score).
- Average GMAT score and average GRE quantitative, verbal and analytical writing scores of part-time MBA students entering in fall 2018 (15 percent).
- Average undergraduate GPA of part-time MBA students entering in fall 2018 (12.5 percent).
- Number of years of work experience of part-time MBA students entering in fall 2018, with more experience scoring higher in the rankings (10 percent).
- Percentage of the business school's fall 2018 total full-time and part-time MBA enrollment that is in the part-time MBA program, with a higher percentage that is part-time scoring higher in the rankings (12.5 percent).
We assessed the best part-time MBA programs based on data that covers four main areas.
- Cost (average net price)
- Academic quality (graduation rate)
- Student satisfaction (retention rate)
- Student Outcome (return on investment per Payscale.com)
All data was gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites College Scorecard and College Navigator.
Best Part-Time MBA Programs for 2020-2021
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
Score: 100
ROI: $1,091,000
Average Net Price: $14,588
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 91%
Info
- Tech-focused: Blends business and technology.
- Real-world experience: Practicums, projects, internships.
- Strong career services: Personalized support, high placement rates.
- Diverse community: Students from various backgrounds.
- Collaborative culture: Focus on teamwork and inclusion.
- Location advantage: In Tech Square, a hub for innovation.
- Customizable curriculum: Electives in various fields.
2. Rice University
Score: 99.5
ROI: $834,000
Average Net Price: $15,091
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 98%
Info
- Top-ranked: #1 in Texas, #1 for entrepreneurship, #5 for finance and consulting.
- Flexible: Full-time, part-time, online, and executive options.
- Data-driven: Emphasis on data analysis and tech skills.
- Entrepreneurial spirit: Strong focus on innovation and startups.
- Global perspective: Diverse student body and international opportunities.
3. University of California--Los Angeles
Score: 99
ROI: $738,000
Average Net Price: $15,637
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 93%
Info
- Focus: Business, Management, Entrepreneurship
- Programs: Full-time MBA, Part-time MBA, Executive MBA, and more
- Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top 10 business schools in the world
- Strengths: Strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and global business
- Student Life: Vibrant campus with a diverse student body and numerous clubs and organizations
- Career Services: Excellent career services with a focus on helping students land top jobs in a variety of industries
4. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Score: 98.5
ROI: $737,000
Average Net Price: $16,792
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Info
- Focus on Action-Based Learning: Ross emphasizes "learning by doing" through real-world projects and experiences.
- Strong Reputation: Consistently ranked among the top 10 MBA programs in the U.S.
- Diverse Student Body: Offers a rich learning environment with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
- Strong Career Support: Extensive resources and guidance to help you land your dream job after graduation.
- Specializations: Options to specialize in areas like Finance, Marketing, Operations, and more.
- Location: Ann Arbor, a vibrant college town with a strong tech and business community.
5. University of California-Berkeley
Score: 98.3
ROI: $970,000
Average Net Price: $17,371
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Info
- Full-time MBA: 21-month program with a focus on leadership and innovation.
- Evening & Weekend MBA: 2.5-3 year program for working professionals.
- MBA for Executives: 22-month program for experienced managers.
- Unique Features: Focus on technology and entrepreneurship, strong emphasis on social impact, and a diverse and collaborative community.
- Career Services: Extensive support for job search and career development, including access to a large alumni network.
- Location: Berkeley, California, a vibrant and diverse city with a strong tech industry.
6. University of Washington-Seattle
Score: 95.8
ROI: $727,000
Average Net Price: $13,404
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 84%
Info
- Focus on Technology and Innovation: UW-Seattle MBA is a great choice if you're interested in tech and want to be in a hub for innovation.
- Strong Academic Reputation: The Foster School of Business is highly ranked and offers a rigorous curriculum.
- Networking Opportunities: Seattle is a great place to network, and the program offers plenty of opportunities to connect with professionals.
- Diverse Student Body: You'll learn from people with different backgrounds and perspectives.
- Career Support: The school has a dedicated career services team to help you land your dream job.
7. Northwestern University
Score: 95
ROI: $583,000
Average Net Price: $25,057
Retention Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Info
- Academic Excellence: World-class faculty, rigorous curriculum, and a wide range of majors and pathways to specialize your studies.
- Global Focus: Opportunities for international experiences, including study abroad programs and global consulting projects.
- Strong Network: A vast alumni network with connections to top companies and industries worldwide.
- Career Support: Dedicated career services team to help you land your dream job after graduation.
- Diverse Community: A diverse student body from various backgrounds and experiences, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
8. University of Texas-Austin
Score: 94.5
ROI: $703,000
Average Net Price: $18,850
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 84%
Info
- Full-time MBA: 21-month program with a focus on leadership, technology, and global business. Offers 20+ specializations.
- Evening MBA: 21-month program for working professionals. Classes meet on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
- Executive MBA: 20-month program for experienced professionals. Classes meet one weekend per month.
- Dual Degree Programs: MBA/JD, MBA/MS in Accounting, MBA/MS in Finance, MBA/MS in Information Systems.
9. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Score: 93.8
ROI: $775,000
Average Net Price: $20,292
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 86%
Info
- Virginia Tech MBA: A great choice for working professionals!
- Flexible Learning: Choose from online or part-time programs.
- Top-Ranked Online MBA: Ranked 51st in the US by U.S. News & World Report.
- Strong Career Support: Get personalized coaching, networking, and job placement help.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from experts with real-world experience.
- Cohort-Based Learning: Build strong connections with your classmates.
- AACSB Accredited: Ensures a high-quality education.
10. Emory University
Score: 93.3
ROI: $605,000
Average Net Price: $24,142
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Info
- One-Year MBA:
- Accelerated curriculum in 12 months.
- Focuses on career advancement and leadership development.
- Ideal for those with some work experience looking for a quick boost.
- Two-Year MBA:
- Traditional MBA format with a broader curriculum.
- Offers more flexibility and customization options.
- Suitable for those with less work experience or seeking a significant career change.
11. University of Southern California
Score: 93.3
ROI: $618,000
Average Net Price: $29,462
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 96%
Info
- Rankings:
- #22 in the U.S. News & World Report ranking (2023)
- #17 in the Poets&Quants ranking (2023)
- Program Highlights:
- Focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology
- Emphasis on global business and cross-cultural understanding
- Strong emphasis on practical experience and networking opportunities
- Located in the heart of Los Angeles, offering access to a vast network of businesses and industries
- Admission Requirements:
- GMAT or GRE score
- Undergraduate GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
12. New York University
Score: 92.3
ROI: $620,000
Average Net Price: $32,462
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 86%
Info
- Prestigious: NYU Stern School of Business is one of the top-ranked business schools in the world.
- Location: Located in the heart of New York City, you'll have access to unparalleled networking opportunities and real-world experiences.
- Specializations: Choose from a wide range of specializations, including finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more.
- Experiential Learning: Gain practical experience through internships, case competitions, and consulting projects.
- Global Perspective: Study abroad programs and international exchange opportunities allow you to expand your global network.
- Career Services: Dedicated career services team helps you land your dream job with top companies.
13. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Score: 91.8
ROI: $602,000
Average Net Price: $16,318
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Info
- Full-Time MBA: Two-year program, customizable coursework.
- Specializations: Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Food & Agribusiness, Information Systems, Medical Industry Leadership, Supply Chain & Operations, Sustainable Management, Marketing.
- Curriculum: Core courses in strategy, data analysis, accounting, finance, supply chain, marketing, economics, plus electives and specializations.
- International Experience: Global enrichment programs, exchange programs, global valuation lab, and "glocal" courses.
- Enterprise Requirement: Hands-on experience through projects like consulting, funds & ventures, and brand management.
14. Ohio State University-Main Campus
Score: 91
ROI: $503,000
Average Net Price: $17,953
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Info
- Full-Time MBA: Immersive on-campus experience, personalized coaching, career support, and assessments.
- Working Professional MBA: Part-time flexibility with evening and weekend classes.
- STEM MBA Specialization: Focus on data analytics, technology, and innovation.
- Strong Career Support: Career coaching, networking opportunities, and job placement assistance.
- Diverse Student Body: Learn from students with different backgrounds and experiences.
- Top-Ranked Faculty: Learn from renowned faculty with industry experience.
- Global Opportunities: Study abroad programs and international internships.
- Large Alumni Network: Connect with over 580,000 alumni worldwide.
15. The University of Texas at Dallas
Score: 90.5
ROI: $655,000
Average Net Price: $16,987
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Info
- Rankings:
- #4 worldwide in Value for Money (Financial Times, 2024)
- #3 in Online MBA (Poets & Quants, 2024)
- #7 for Return on Investment (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
- Full-Time MBA:
- 18-21 months
- Daytime and evening classes
- 200+ electives
- Professional MBA (PMBA) Online:
- Flexible online format
- Core business courses
- Focus on practical skills
- Concentrations:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Information Technology Management
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Strategy and Entrepreneurship
16. Indiana University-Bloomington
Score: 90.3
ROI: $251,000
Average Net Price: $15,878
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Info
- Highly-ranked: Indiana University's Kelley School of Business is consistently ranked among the top 20 business schools in the U.S.
- Flexibility: The Full-Time +Flex MBA offers the option to complete your second year online, allowing for greater flexibility and career opportunities.
- Strong Focus on Career Development: The program provides extensive career services, including coaching, networking events, and industry connections.
- Diverse Learning Experience: Immerse yourself in a collaborative learning environment with students from around the world.
- STEM-Designated Majors: Several majors are STEM-designated, offering potential visa benefits for international students.
- Affordable: Kelley's MBA program offers a competitive tuition cost compared to other top-ranked programs.
17. University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Score: 89.0
ROI: $559,000
Average Net Price: $21,846
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 81%
Info
- AACSB-accredited: UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management is recognized for quality education.
- Experiential Learning: Focus on real-world projects and case studies.
- Supportive Culture: Small class sizes and a collaborative learning environment.
- Flexible Options: Full-time, part-time, and online MBA programs available.
- Affordable: Lower tuition compared to other top-tier schools.
- Strong ROI: High employment rate and competitive salaries for graduates.
- Global Perspective: Opportunities to study abroad and gain international experience.
