Top 20 MBA Programs with High Return on Investment (ROI)

When evaluating MBA programs, Return on Investment (ROI) is a crucial factor for prospective students. ROI is typically assessed by comparing the cost of the program, including tuition fees and living expenses, with the salary increase or salary potential after graduation. Here’s an overview of 20 top MBA programs known for their strong ROI based on data available up to August 2023.

Top 20 MBA Programs with High ROI

1. University of Pennsylvania Wharton

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$115,000 Tuition: ~$84,000 (2 years) ROI: High due to substantial salary increases.

2. University of Chicago Booth

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$130,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong network and high post-MBA salaries.

3. Northwestern University Kellogg

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$125,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: Excellent alumni network boosts career opportunities.

4. Harvard University Harvard Business School

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$150,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: High salary potential offsets tuition costs.

5. Stanford University Stanford Graduate School of Business

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$145,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong entrepreneurial focus and high salaries.

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$135,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: High demand for graduates in tech and consulting.

7. Columbia University

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$130,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: Proximity to Wall Street enhances job opportunities.

8. University of California—Berkeley Haas

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$130,000 Tuition: ~$130,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong tech connections in Silicon Valley.

9. Duke University Fuqua

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$125,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: Good balance of cost and salary increase.

10. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Ross

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$125,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong corporate partnerships enhance job placements.

11. University of Virginia Darden

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$130,000 Tuition: ~$150,000 (2 years) ROI: Known for its strong general management focus.

12. University of Texas—Austin McCombs

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$120,000 Tuition: ~$125,000 (2 years) ROI: Affordable tuition with high salary potential.

13. University of Washington Foster

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$120,000 Tuition: ~$100,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong local job market in tech and business.

14. Indiana University—Bloomington Kelley

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$115,000 Tuition: ~$90,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong alumni network and job placement.

15. University of Southern California Marshall

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$120,000 Tuition: ~$130,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong connections in entertainment and tech.

16. University of Florida Warrington

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$110,000 Tuition: ~$60,000 (2 years) ROI: High value for the cost of education.

17. University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$120,000 Tuition: ~$120,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong emphasis on leadership and ethics.

18. Rice University Jones

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$120,000 Tuition: ~$120,000 (2 years) ROI: Strong industry connections in Texas.

19. Emory University Goizueta

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$115,000 Tuition: ~$120,000 (2 years) ROI: High placement rates and strong corporate ties.

20. University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign Gies

Average Salary Post-MBA: ~$110,000 Tuition: ~$70,000 (2 years) ROI: Affordable with good job prospects.

Conclusion

When considering an MBA program, it’s essential to evaluate both the financial aspects and the overall fit with your career goals. While high ROI can be a compelling factor, consider other elements such as program culture, location, specializations, and networking opportunities that can also influence your career trajectory.