Hi! I’ve been consuming material regarding online MBAs, accreditation, ranking, reviews, etc., for the past 5-6 months, and I believe my vision has regressed by .5. I am ready to pursue an online MBA and have applied and been accepted to: Northeastern University, University of Scranton, Manchester Business School (UK),University of San Diego, and Rochester Institute of Technology’s EMBA. All the programs listed are AACSB, respectively ranked, so that’s good. However, within the online format, what distinguishes one AACSB program from another? I know it’s up to me to utilize the skills learned in the program to drive my success; but I’m having a hard time deciding if I should pay $30k for say, University of Scranton (AACSB, ranked regionally, solid reputation) or $62k for Northeastern University (AACSB, ranked nationally, solid reputation). What would you recommend if my employer only contributes $375 per credit and the rest are federal loans? Also, I have worked professionally (7+ years) within the IT field and am looking for a career change; does school reputation/brand weigh heavily? I have read many threads/forums/websites that convey different messages. Some say it wouldn’t necessarily matter if you have work experience, which I do. However, others say if you’re interested in a career change, MBA brand plays a bigger role and you should always try to get into the best MBA program you can – rather be part of a select few than the masses. I’d appreciate any suggestions or advice.
So which did you pick? And why wasn’t Drexel on your list? I’m trying to make the same decision now and struggling?
Haha, is there such a career? I would love to help others find the best online MBA for their personality. However, with as much headache as I’ve given myself over the selection process, I may be of no use. : ) This decision is harder than I thought. I love the curriculum from RIT’s EMBA, which includes innovation, strategy, leadership and typical business courses. However, I’m slightly hesitant due to pace of courses (2-classes per 6-weeks); is it enough time to absorb the material? I also like the 16-month program duration, which means faster return on investment, or I’d like… Read more »
I’m a bit late here; but I would suggest talking to current students or recent alumni from the online MBA programs that you are considering if at all possible. I admit that I did not do this; and while I do not regret my choice in regards to online MBA program, it is a bit different than how the school presented it to me. Working at a university myself (for an online program at that), I am keen to how the “marketing machine” machine at colleges work. I am not saying that they do anything that other producers of goods… Read more »
I think you are right. It would hard to decide on any objective basis between RIT and Northeastern distance MBA, though more insight and reviews from alumni and current students would help here, so IF you attend either OR neither please come back and review the schools so other folks can follow your decision trail. I would say that RIT has the best “tech” rep having been founded as a tech school — BUT the Northeastern MBA fits your character and would probably be better for future strategic thinking and business innovation. There are a lot of people trying to… Read more »
Hi MissShona, Good advice! It is hard to untangle the real differences between all these online MBAs. Many of the schools present themselves in a similar light. Reviews from real online students — like yourself, TYK for the informative review of Florida Gulf Coast University Online MBA that you left on the site — is really crucial data. We are encouraging real online students and alumni to come and review online mba programs because this kind of insider feedback really sheds light on what the program will be like once enrolled. All online MBA degree programs are not alike and there… Read more »
Very sound reasoning there, Raven! After you’re done you should hire yourself out as a consultant on how to find the best online MBA! I double checked our quick list of online mbas AABCSB that require NO GRE GMAT. As you know it’s a short list since most AACSB online business schools do require one of these exams (which is somewhat odd since the results of these exams are not correlated with academic success for older students). I have to say that the RIT online MBA makes sense for you based on your descriptions. In your field (IT / logistics /… Read more »
Hi Raven, Impressive job narrowing your choices! I’m surprised you were not driven insane by all the permutations you had to factor in when comparing the hundreds of accredited online MBA programs we profile. You’ve clearly done your homework and are ready to enroll. Big Question: $30,000 for the University of Scranton Distance MBA (AACSB, ranked regionally, solid reputation) VS. $62k for the Northeastern University Distance MBA (AACSB, ranked nationally, solid reputation). What will you get for that extra $32,000??? More importantly, will paying $32,000 for the Northeastern MBA get you something of equal value in your learning experience or for your career advancement?… Read more »
Hi QMechDoc, I linked to the East Carolina University Online MBA program above and here so others can see the complete program profile and current reviews and report card ratings. So far, we know that this program is incredibly affordable for Carolina residents — it’s on the Get Educated national ranking list of top 10 affordable online MBA programs AACSB accreditation. One verified online mba student and one general public member have rated this degree program an “A,” so so far so good. I am hoping with your post maybe we can get some current students or alumn to check… Read more »
I am a practicing physician in North Carolina and have decided to attend the Online MBA program at East Carolina University. I start the program in several weeks. I would appreciate any feedback on this program.