20 Best Part-Time MBA Programs (2024) - Ranking & Fees

‍

Prospective MBA candidates can choose part-time study at leading business schools, where both full-time and part-time programs offer the same credentials.

‍

This guide assists in determining if a part-time MBA suits your needs, comparing its benefits and drawbacks with full-time options. Additionally, it outlines both main types of top part-time programs: Executive MBA (EMBA) and part-time MBA. The part-time Executive MBA (EMBA) is an MBA for working professionals in leadership roles. The part-time MBA, also known as the Professional MBA (PMBA) or fully-employed MBA (FEMBA), targets full-time employees without leadership positions.

20 Best Part-Time MBA Programs

Here are the nation’s top-ranked Part-Time MBA programs, according to U.S. News:

If you’ve decided that a part-time program is a proper structure for you, your next step is to choose a program. Deciding on a school can be an overwhelming task, so below are some top-ranked MBA programs for your consideration. ‍

1. University of Chicago (Booth)

University of Chicago (Booth) School of Business offers two part-time MBA programs along with a full-time program: the Evening MBA program and the Weekend MBA program. Both the Evening MBA and Weekend MBA have 14 concentrations and over 130 classes to tailor your experience. 

2. University of California, Berkeley (Haas)

Berkeley offers an Evening & Weekend MBA, a part-time program completed in three years. Students can choose whether to attend classes two evenings a week or all day on Saturdays. Electives make up over half of the course curriculum, allowing students to benefit from a highly personalized learning structure. 

3. Northwestern University (Kellogg)

Kellogg offers an Evening & Weekend MBA program that can be completed over an average of 2.5 years. Students have the choice of earning their MBAs by attending class either every Saturday or just once a week on an evening of their choosing.

The academic experience is customizable, with more than 100 electives to choose from, along with core classes. Kellogg also offers students the opportunity to complete their part-time MBA program at a traditional or accelerated pace, making this a great MBA for working professionals.

4. New York University (Stern)

Stern offers a part-time MBA with four program options: weeknight classes, Saturday classes, an online option, and an accelerated two-year option. The weeknight option is the most popular MBA program, where classes meet between Monday and Thursday evenings twice a week.

The Saturday option has students take two courses every Saturday. The accelerated two-year option is a unique path for students to complete their MBAs quickly on a part-time basis and is offered only on weeknights. 

5. University of California, Los Angeles (Anderson) 

UCLA Anderson offers the Fully Employed MBA program with three flexible options for program structure. Students can choose to complete their MBAs on Saturdays all day, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, or a hybrid schedule on-campus and online; this makes it a perfect MBA for working professionals.

6. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ross)

The Ross School of Business at UMichigan Ann Arbor offers several MBA options for part-timers to consider. You can choose to take the online MBA, which is the most flexible, or the weekend MBA, which occurs twice per month. This school also offers a part-time Executive MBA program, which meets once per month.

7. University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)

UT Austin McCombs School of Business offers an Evening MBA for part-time MBA seekers. The program provides networking opportunities through other UT programs and allows students to customize their degrees with new leadership, technology, and global business elective offerings. 

8. University of Southern California (Marshall)

USC Marshall also offers two part-time MBA programs. The online MBA (OMBA) is designed specifically for working professionals to advance their careers, lasting 21 months, and the part-time MBA (MBA.PM) offers a dynamic and innovative curriculum. 

9. Georgetown University (McDonough)

McDonough at Georgetown offers both an online and an in-person part-time MBA, known as “Flex.” The Flex MBA programs are specially designed to help you balance full-time work and your personal life alongside your studies.

10. Ohio State University (Fisher)

At the Ohio State University’s Fisher School of Business, you can earn a Working Professional MBA (WPMBA). This flexible, personalized program is offered in-person, online, or in a hybrid approach. 

11. University of Maryland--College Park (Smith)

The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business offers an in-person and an online MBA program. The program features career coaching, an alumni network of over 68,000, and top-ranked faculty. The program offers five specialization tracks and a general track, with opportunities for global study. 

12. University of Washington (Foster)

The University of Washington Foster Business School offers three MBA programs designed for working professionals: the Evening MBA, the Hybrid MBA, and the Technology Management MBA (for those passionate about technology and innovation). 

13. Indiana University (Kelley)

You can also get a part-time MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Kelley offers an Evening MBA that is affordable, flexible, and customizable. 

14. University of Texas at Dallas (Jindal)

You have three part-time options if you choose to pursue your MBA at UT Dallas Jindal: the PMBA Evening Cohort, the PMBA Flex, or the PMBA Online. Each program is designed to make education accessible for working professionals, regardless of your schedule or commitments. 

15. Rice University (Jones)

Rice University offers a Professional MBA through the Jones School of Business. This program has world-class professors and resources that can help you build a strong network through evening or alternating weekend classes.

16. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Carlson)

The Carlson School of Management offers a flexible part-time MBA program with evening, weekend, and online courses available. You can customize your schedule to best fit your needs. 

17. Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller)

If you want to get an MBA from Scheller College of Business, you can take their Evening MBA part-time program. This customizable program is self-paced and is perfect for working professionals who want to balance their work and life responsibilities.

18. University of Utah (Eccles)

The MBA program at the University of Utah brings together diverse cohorts of students with at least one year of post-undergraduate work experience, connecting them to high-impact careers and networks. With hands-on career services, a cutting-edge curriculum, and world-class faculty, this degree will help you achieve all your career goals.

19. University of South Carolina (Moore)

You can earn a Professional MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business through the University of South Carolina. This program boasts flexibility, world-class faculty, and senior lecturers. 

20. Emory University (Goizueta)

The part-time MBA at Emory can be completed on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format. This program also offers 20+ concentration options and 50+ elective courses to choose from. 

Cons of Part-Time MBA Programs

Although there are numerous pros to enrolling in a part-time program, there are some consequences as well. The first is that it may be difficult for some students to juggle pursuing their MBA on evenings and weekends, adding to the stresses of their daily work and family lives.

Although the part-time program can provide you with a balance between work and education, that doesn't mean it’s necessarily an easy thing to do. Along with the stress of maintaining a healthy work/life/school balance, some may find that their experience is not as immersive as if they had pursued a full-time program.

Additionally, part-time programs do not lend themselves well to those looking to make a career change - there are no summer internships built into the program to facilitate experience in a new field. Another possible challenge is related to financial resources.

part-time students have less access to scholarships and often must rely on their savings or employer sponsorship. Despite having an income from a full-time job, finding enough money to enroll in a program comfortably may be a barrier for many candidates.

Who Are Part-Time Programs Suited For?

The purpose of part-time MBA programs is to allow candidates to advance their careers in a flexible way that does not sacrifice their jobs. Here’s how to know if a part-time MBA program is right for you. 

1. You have a great deal of work experience and don’t want to switch careers.

Part-time MBA programs are best suited for those who are content in their current industry. According to Kim Clark, the former dean of Harvard Business School, students don’t turn down a chance to go to Harvard for another school; they do so because they have great work opportunities.

If you know you have the opportunity to climb higher on the corporate ladder at your place of work, a part-time MBA can be an excellent fit for you. Natalie Grinblatt Epstein, the former admissions dean and director at Cornell and the University of Michigan, said that “part-time programs are perfect for the 24-35-year-old career enhancer but rarely serve the career changer.

Part-timers typically do not have the same access to comprehensive career services as full-time programs because company presentations and interviews are typically held during the day.” If you are comfortable with a lower level of career support and feel stable in your field, a part-time MBA can be a great asset to your career. 

2. You cannot afford to pursue a full-time program.

Part-time programs are generally less expensive, and you can enjoy your regular salary while you learn. When it comes to full-time programs, the most considerable cost of an MBA is not the tuition price but rather the lost wages you have to give up during your MBA program. Part-time MBAs alleviate this major financial stressor.

3. You have home or community responsibilities.

Maybe you have a mortgage to pay or a spouse and children to support. Perhaps you are caring for elderly parents or other persons. In these circumstances, quitting your job to pursue a full-time MBA may not be a viable path. Part-time MBA programs can give you a much more flexible schedule to balance your family obligations with your work and education. 

Part-Time MBA Programs vs. Full-Time MBA Programs 

There are significant similarities between part-time and full-time programs, but there are key differences to keep in mind. 

Similarities

• MBA degree: At most institutions, full-time and part-time programs will result in the same degree.

• Alumni Networks: You will be able to benefit from the same alumni networks. 

• Classes: Many of the courses will be similar between full-time and part-time degrees at respective schools. 

• Faculty and Staff: Both programs usually share the same faculty. 

• Financial Benefits: Whether a student studies on a full-time or part-time basis, MBA graduates can double their salaries within three years after completing their MBA. 

Differences 

Many of the differences between full-time and part-time MBA programs are related to your personal goals. Take a look at the below table:

Source: Business Because

• Post-MBA Goals: Full-time programs are better suited for candidates interested in switching career paths and broadening their opportunities. Part-time programs are better suited for individuals who want to remain in their current industry but desire advancement in their workplace. 

• Duration: Most full-time programs take one to two years to complete. Part-time programs can take between two and six years to complete. 

• Structure: Full-time programs are generally completed during the week in the daytime and follow a rigid structure. Part-time programs are more flexible and are typically completed in the evenings and on weekends. 

• Financial: Students in full-time programs cannot hold down a full-time job during their studies and will forfeit wages while they are studying. In addition to lost salaries, full-time program tuition costs can also be expensive. part-time students do not lose their wages and may be offered tuition assistance from their employers. 

The bottom line is that you will likely end up with the same degree and post-MBA benefits regardless of which path you choose to take. The differences outlined above can guide which program may suit you better depending on your aspirations and obligations. 

How to Choose Which Part-Time MBA Programs to Apply to

Choosing the right part-time MBA program is a crucial decision in advancing your career and personal development. The first step is to consider your professional goals; then, think about the specific skills and knowledge you need to learn or strengthen through an MBA program. This self-reflection should act as a guide in selecting programs that align closely with your ambitions.

Next, research and compare part-time MBA programs to find the best fit. Program rankings should carry some weight but also investigate the curriculum, faculty expertise, and teaching methodologies. Consider class format, program duration, schedule flexibility, and networking opportunities. Feel comfortable engaging with current students, alumni, and faculty members to gain firsthand insights into the program's culture, learning environment, and post-graduation support.

Finally, be practical; consider whether you can balance the demands of the program with your professional and personal commitments. Look into scholarship opportunities, employer sponsorship, or company reimbursement policies that could help lighten the financial burden. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the part-time MBA program that will empower you to achieve your goals.

Not sure which part-time MBA program to attend? Take our interactive quiz to find out which MBA school is right for you!

‍

FAQs

If you still have doubts, here are some frequently asked questions about part-time MBA programs.

1. How Long Do I Have to Complete My Part-time MBA? ‍

Some programs will allow students to take up to five or six years to complete their MBA, but the timelines are program-specific. Most part-time MBAs take around three years to complete. ‍

2. Do Part-time MBAs Offer Work Placements? 

Part-time MBAs do not typically offer work placements because students are normally already fully employed. If you’re looking for a career switch, you may want to consider a full-time MBA program. 

3. Will My Networking Opportunities Be the Same in a Part-time Program? ‍

Networking opportunities are program-specific, but part-time MBA students typically do not have the same networking opportunities as full-time students. They may also receive less career support because they are perceived as already happy in their current company or industry. ‍

4. Can I Do My Part-time MBA Online? 

Some MBA programs can be completed entirely online, in-person, or follow a hybrid structure. Your program's design will depend on what school you are attending, but an online MBA can cut all of your commute time and give you ultimate flexibility. 

5. What If I’m Unemployed? Can I Still Apply for a Part-time MBA While I Search for a Job? 

The answer to this will be school-specific, but some schools may accept unemployed candidates into a part-time MBA program. If this is your circumstance, explain why the part-time MBA program is a much better fit for you than the full-time MBA program and what you have to offer your prospective class. 

6. Is a Part-time MBA Less Valuable than a Full-time MBA?

Most institutions offer the same degree upon completing your MBA program, whether you decide to attend part-time or full-time. Numerous reports are suggesting that hiring managers do not have a preference for which structure you choose. 

Duke University MBA Sam Lee says, “I’ve never heard a hiring manager ask me if I did my MBA full-time or part-time, and as a hiring manager myself, I never once asked a candidate that question either; it’s simply not relevant.” If you choose the program that works best for your goals and lifestyle, you are making the right choice. 

7. Can You Maintain a Full-time Job While Attending a Part-time MBA Program? 

Yes, you can. Most part-time MBA programs are designed to integrate seamlessly with the schedules of full-time workers. However, it’s up to you to decide if you can balance the demands of both work and school simultaneously. 

8. What Is the Typical Duration of Part-time MBA Programs? 

Most part-time MBA programs last for 2-3 years. Many programs are flexible and can be completed at each student’s own pace. 

9. Why Are Part-time MBA Programs Considered Easier to Get into?

Part-time MBA admissions are considered easier because there is generally less competition and fewer applicants. Usually, part-time MBA programs also have less rigorous application requirements. 

10. Why Do Part-time MBA Programs Usually Require Lower GMAT Scores? 

Part-time MBA programs require lower GMAT scores because they tend to have fewer applicants and, therefore, less competition. Many part-time MBA programs also require applicants to have work experience, meaning that through their experience, they may be able to prove that they already have the knowledge demonstrated on the GMAT.