Best Part-Time MBA Programs
When it comes to meeting high expectations and achieving lofty goals, 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 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).
EDsmart assesses 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.
This ranking examines the affordability and value of top colleges in Oregon, helping students make informed decisions about which college to attend.
Best Part-Time MBA Programs for 2020-2021
1. University of California--Berkeley
Score: 100
ROI: 888,000
Average Net Price: $14,846
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 93%
According to the U.S. News and World Report, UC-Berkeley ranks #2 in part-time MBA programs and #7 among Best Business Schools in the nation. Because of its proximity to San Francisco, graduate students are able to vie for internships and startup positions at large companies like Google and Visa. Part-time MBA students can expect to complete their program in 3 years, time which includes elective coursework in addition to core business classes. For experienced professionals, UC-Berkeley offers an Executive MBA program able to be completed in as little as 19 months. Many of the courses are designed with a focus on widespread markets and global business. Students can expect a part-time tuition rate of $3,464 per unit over 42 required units.
2. University of California--Los Angeles
Score: 100
ROI: $674,000
Average Net Price: $14,171
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 93%
The part-time MBA program at the University of California, Los Angeles operates through the Anderson School of Management. For its part-time MBA program, the school is ranked #5 by the U.S. News and World Report, which also sets it at #16 among Best Business Schools in the nation. A part-time MBA student can expect tuition costs of $1,607 per unit. Weekend and evening classes are offered within both the Fully Employed MBA program and the Executive MBA program. The Fully Employed program hosts over 850 students representing more than 600 companies across 40 industries. The student body is comprised of 43 nationalities and includes 45 active duty military/veterans. At UCLA, 22% of the FEMBA student body (which comprises doctors, lawyers, and Ph.D. holders) hold advanced degrees. Including 44 core classes and 36 elective units, the program is designed to be completed in a total of 27 months.
3. Rice University
Score: 98.3
ROI: $814,000
Average Net Price: $20,879
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 93%
Students at Rice's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business enjoy a convenient student-to-faculty ratio of just 6:1. Electives are field-oriented, providing students with opportunities to become familiar with real-world business operations. Through Rice's Action Learning Project, full-time MBA students experience completely immersive learning after their first year of study. Many students participate in MBA-related clubs while working toward their degrees, as the university has over 25 such organizations to choose from. Part-time students can expect tuition to sit at around $2,035 per unit.
4. Georgia Institute of Technology
Score: 98
ROI: $917,000
Average Net Price: $14,927
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 87%
According to the U.S. News and World Report, it ranks #19 among the Best Part-Time MBA Programs in the nation. Their Scheller School of Business offers a series of self-paced evening programs designed for working professionals who require flexibility in their course schedules. Evening classes are offered Monday through Thursday. In 2018, the university added virtual courses as well as accelerated weekend courses to their listings, making it possible to finish certain part-time tracks in as little as 24-36 months. Students can also enroll in the Evening MBA Program twice a year in August or January. The admissions process includes filling out an application and completing an admission interview.
5. University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
Score: 97.8
ROI: $668,000
Average Net Price: $16,010
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 92%
Action-based learning is the driving force behind the Ross School of Business. The Ross School utilizes the cohort model, which allows students to complete their program with the same students they started it with. This enables them to forge friendships and market themselves within the greater business community. Multidisciplinary Action Projects and a C-Level Thinking course provide students with real-world experience with actual companies. Students who take their classes on campus every other weekend can complete the program in approximately two years' time.
6. Northwestern University
Score: 96.5
ROI: $635,000
Average Net Price: $24,840
Retention Rate: 98%
Graduation Rate: 94%
The U.S. News and World Report rank it #3 among Best Business Schools and best Part-time MBA programs in the country. Tuition is around $7,273 per credit. Potential students must submit an online application, two topical essays, official GMAT or GRE test scores, and official transcripts from colleges, universities, or other programs that the student has participated in. After submitting a completed application applicants are invited to interview with members of the Kellogg School of Management faculty.
7. University of Southern California
Score: 94.3
ROI: $637,000
Average Net Price: $30,453
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 92%
The University of Southern California's (USC) part-time MBA program is a 33-month program designed for working professionals. The program offers a flexible schedule with classes held in the evenings and on weekends.All second-year classes are held at the Los Angeles campus. Students take courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics. They also have the opportunity to take elective courses in areas of interest to them. These activities include case competitions, networking events, and student clubs.
The USC part-time MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB is the world's largest business school accrediting body. Accreditation by the AACSB is a sign of quality and a valuable credential for MBA graduates.
Graduates of the USC part-time MBA program have a strong job placement rate. According to the school, 95% of graduates have jobs within three months of graduation.
8. University of Washington--Seattle
Score: 94
ROI: $622,000
Average Net Price: $12,001
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 83%
The University of Washington in Seattle is a public research institution that offers four programs for working professionals seeking to earn their MBA through the Foster School of Business. While these programs vary in location, duration, and course layout, they all adhere to the standards of a traditional Foster MBA. Working professionals can pursue the Evening MBA, the Executive MBA, the Hybrid MBA, or the Technology Management MBA. These programs vary in length from 18 months up to 4 years, depending on the program and the student's individually-set pace. The Evening MBA program offers core classes twice a week, scheduled loosely around additional elective courses. The Executive MBA offers a monthly schedule of full-day classes, and the hybrid format is available almost entirely online, with only 5% of coursework requiring on-campus attendance. The Technology Management MBA program requires students to meet one evening per week, as well as every Saturday. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UW-Seattle's program sits at #10 among the Best Part-time MBA programs in the nation.
9. Emory University
Score: 92.8
ROI: $639,000
Average Net Price: $24,593
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 91%
Through its Goizueta Business School, Atlanta's Emory University offers a part-time MBA program that ranks #10 in the nation, according to the U.S. News and World Report. Tuition for this program sits at around $78,678 in total. Developing leadership skills is at the core of every Evening MBA course at Emory. Students advance through Leader's Reaction Courses, and many participate in the Leadership Academy to gain hands-on experience. The Evening MBA also includes a one-week international study module that provides students with an immersive globalized learning experience. In addition to cultivating student communication skills, the IMPACT portion of the program empowers students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business situations. Typically, the part-time MBA program can be completed within 32 months, but students can reduce that by accelerating their program and tailoring the curriculum to accommodate their schedules and personal goals. All part-time MBA options incorporate a travel experience that lasts at least two weeks.
10. University of Texas--Austin
Score: 92
ROI: $612,000
Average Net Price: $16,505
Retention Rate: 95%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Today, it serves more than 1,000 master's-seeking students within its McCombs School of Business, which offers MBAs in a variety of convenient formats. Students can pursue the full-time MBA, Evening MBA, any number of MBA programs offered through the Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth campuses, or even the Executive MBA. Evening MBA students attend classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings, leaving their days free to work. Typically, these tracks take less than 2.5 years to complete. The part-time MBA program implements a cohort-focused curriculum and covers a broad range of business management skills. The U.S. News and World Report ranks UT-Austin at #7 among the best Part-Time MBA programs in the nation, and #18 among Best Business Schools. Part-time MBA tuition is approximately $16,715 in total.
11. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Score: 91.8
ROI:$655,000
Average Net Price: $20,964
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 85%
Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business offers three distinguished MBA programs designed to allow business professionals in the Metro D.C. area to earn an MBA while actively pursuing their careers. The Evening MBA program offers both full-time and part-time schedule options, and the Executive and Professional MBA programs are both part-time. The Evening MBA program holds classes 2-4 times per week, while the Executive program comprises classes every other weekend. The Professional MBA classes meet one weekend a month. These programs all have a fall entry term in August, but students can enter the Evening MBA program in January for the spring term, as well. Depending on the intensity of the program, completion could take anywhere from 18 months to 5 years. The U.S. News and World Report ranks Virginia Tech at #19 among best Part-Time MBA programs in the nation. Tuition sits at around $1,025 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students.
12. Indiana University--Bloomington
Score: 90
ROI: $447,000
Average Net Price: $13,428
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 78%
The Kelley Evening MBA is a top-ranked part-time MBA program in Indiana designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers. The program offers a flexible structure that allows learners to balance their studies with their work and personal lives.
The Kelley Evening MBA curriculum is rigorous and innovative, preparing learners to be leaders in the business world by teaching them how to think strategically, solve problems, and make decisions. Learners also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through consulting projects and internships.
The Kelley Evening MBA program is highly selective, admitting learners based on their academic record, work experience, and leadership potential. The program is also affordable and offers a variety of scholarships to help learners offset the cost of tuition.
The Kelley Evening/Part-time MBA is an excellent option that will provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's business world.
13. Ohio State University-Main Campus
Score: 89.8
ROI: $429,000
Average Net Price: $17,704
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Through its Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University offers an MBA program designed for working professionals. The program hosts the options of evening classes, weekend classes, or any combination of both, allowing students the flexibility to customize how many credits they take each session, as well as the format in which they take them. Typically, this MBA program takes eight semesters to complete. The Executive MBA is a 17-month program, involving classes that meet on three consecutive days every month. Fisher strives to maintain minimal class sizes by admitting only about 150 students into the MBA program each year.
14. New York University
Score: 89.3
ROI: $611,000
Average Net Price: $42,397
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 85%
Today, the widely-renowned university hosts campuses all over the world. Part-time tuition for the fall and spring term is around $21,376 in total. The Stern School offers an exclusive MBA in general management and allows students to specialize in up to three areas. Students are organized into groups of 60 peers who advance through two years of graduate school as a collective class unit. Classes are offered weeknights, Saturdays, and within a two-year accelerated program. For those interested in marketing themselves within the part-time MBA program, Langone Lab is the place to make invaluable connections with peers and professors through study groups and club collaborations.
15. University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
Score: 89.3
ROI: $521,000
Average Net Price: $17,479
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 78%
Situated within the bustling city of Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides distinguished business programs through the esteemed Carlson School of Management. Embracing an experiential learning approach, the school immerses students in practical encounters, providing invaluable exposure to authentic challenges and the practical applications of global business. Within the Enterprise Programs, students have the opportunity to work with real clients, companies, and corporations. The Carlson School also requires all graduate students to participate in the Global Discovery Program, which culminates the in-classroom experience with a two-week international educational trip. The total executive program costs approximately $61,800, regardless of residency.
16. University of Texas--Dallas
Score: 89
ROI: $563,000
Average Net Price: $14,336
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 69%
The University of Texas--Dallas is a public research university that was founded in Richardson, Texas in 1969. Today, through the Naveen Jindal School of Management, UT-Dallas offers MBA programs in five flexible formats. Those seeking a master's degree can pursue the Full-Time Cohort, Professional Evening Cohort, Professional Online, Professional Flex, or Executive MBA programs. These programs range in duration anywhere from 16 to up to 72 months, depending on the program. The Professional MBA Flex and the Professional MBA Online programs are self-paced, and the Flex program holds class meetings in the evenings. MBA students can choose from concentrations in finance, managerial economics, and healthcare management. UT students also have the freedom to combine their MBA with an MS in electrical engineering if they so choose. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UT-Dallas ranks #19 in the nation for its part-time MBA programs.
17. University of Massachusetts--Amherst
Score: 87
ROI: $487,000
Average Net Price: $21,396
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 76%
Through their Isenberg School of Management, students can pursue the MBA format that best accommodates their schedule. In-person lectures are available at satellite locations in Boston, Shrewsbury, and Springfield. UMass-Amherst offers specialized degrees in specific focus areas for students to complete as they work to complete their self-paced MBAs, which take approximately four years to complete. Part-time tuition is around $900 per credit, regardless of students' residency status. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UMass-Amherst's part-time MBA program ranks #28 in the nation.
Honorable Mention:
University of Chicago
Average Net Price: $26,160
Retention Rate: 99%
Graduation Rate: 93%
Part-time students have the choice to obtain their degree through a fully online format or by blending virtual courses with in-person participation. Part-time tuition sits at $7,344 per course. Students in the evening and weekend programs represent over 370 companies in more than 35 total industries. The program's curricula and pacing are always flexible, and students can choose from more than 130 courses. The part-time program hosts the same faculty and course material as the traditional formats. Approximately 70% of Weekend MBA students commute from out of state each weekend to attend class.
Carnegie Mellon University
Salary After Attending: $138,900
Average Net Price: $32,647
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 90%
The Tepper School of Business offers three MBA format options: full-time, part-time flex, and part-time online hybrid. All three of Carnegie's MBA programs begin in September. The part-time online hybrid platform offers weekly evening and online classes, and students are required to attend weekend classes six times per year at various campus locations. The part-time flex option combines daytime, evening, and online coursework, as well as six weekend classes per year, to be attended in person at the Pittsburgh campus. Both programs take approximately 32 months to complete. The U.S. News and World Report ranks it #8 among the best Part-time MBA programs in the country.
Georgetown University
Average Net Price: $30,169
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Students enjoy global opportunities afforded them by the school's central location in Washington D.C. The university offers both full-time and evening MBA programs. The school also offers a new Flex MBA program, an "innovative evolution" of their Evening MBA. Over 30 MBA-related organizations are available to students. The school also holds an annual Global Diversity Day to highlight the diversity within its MBA program. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Georgetown ranks #13 among the best part-time MBA programs in the nation. Part-time tuition is approximately $2,233 per credit.
