35 Best MBA Programs

The University of Washington-Seattle is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast, first established in downtown Seattle with the goal of boosting the city’s economic development. The school has additional campuses in Washington cities like Bothell and Tacoma, in total comprising more than 500 buildings and 20 million square feet of space. 

With more than two dozen libraries, lecture halls, laboratories, stadiums, museums, conference centers, and more, this school is one of the best places to study when it comes to providing exemplary resources for all of its students. As a graduate student here, you’ll be supported by faculty who want nothing more than to see you thrive as a student, as a professional, and as a person.

The full-time MBA at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business is STEM-designated. A two-year program, it will provide you with the career support and networking opportunities necessary to help you create a bright future. You’ll have access to the thriving business community in Seattle, where you’ll be able to work with major companies like T-Mobile, Microsoft, Amazon, and more. 
This degree has a 94% job placement rate and is ranked number one in the country for its salary-to-debt ratio by the U.S. News & World Report. The curriculum is highly customizable, giving you plenty of opportunities to pursue internships, international activity, independent study, research projects, and more. It’s ranked best in the country for its research among all other public schools by Financial Times for 2020.

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University is home to a large population of more than 53,000 students. Despite its large size, at this school, you won’t just be another face in the crowd—you’ll be an Aggie! All students here assume the nickname, regardless of which program you choose to study in. Originally an all-men’s school, today Texas A&M offers dozens of majors and more than 1000 different clubs and organizations. 

The full-time MBA at Texas A&M is offered by the Mays School of Business. Here, you’ll join an alumni network of more than 62,000 Mays alumni and have access to continued support and networking opportunities. Ranked as the best school of business in Texas, this department boasts an impressive 89% job placement rate for its graduates. In fact, graduates of the MBA program enjoy an average salary of nearly $102,000 within just three months of graduation!

A highly selective program, the full-time MBA at Texas A&M University-College Station admits only 40% of its applicants each year. To apply, you’ll need to submit a formal application, answers to several essay questions, a resume, transcripts, two references, and either GMAT or GRE scores.

A public land-grant university in Berkeley, CA, the University of California-Berkeley was established in 1868 as the first campus of the University of California. It is home to more than two dozen colleges and schools with a whopping 350 degree programs to choose from—and the number of offerings is growing by the day. 

The school is ranked as one of the best in the country by numerous educational publications and is home to more than 12,000 graduate students. Among the popular master’s degrees at this school is the Master in Business Administration.

The full-time MBA at Berkeley provides learners with a rigorous general management curriculum that will provide the skills necessary to be leaders in any organization. You can pursue additional certificates, such as those in business analytics, food systems, and real estate, or you can choose to pursue a concurrent degree—options in public health, business administration and engineering, and JD/MBA are all available. 

To apply, you will need to submit GMAT or GRE test scores. A formal online application, personal statement, and transcripts are required as well.

Looking for a university with a location that is second to none? If you like sunny weather almost every day of the year and have a laid back, easy-breezy attitude, you might want to consider a move to Los Angeles. The University of California-Los Angeles not only has a campus less than five miles from the Pacific Ocean, but it also is home to one of the best master’s in business administration. 

In just two brief years of study, you can earn a Master in Business Administration from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA. You’ll learn from some of the best and brightest industry partners and go on to a lucrative career with one of the country’s top companies, like Google, BCG, and Goldman Sachs. You’ll also gain access to a network of nearly 40,000 alumni who work all over the country. 

Ready to apply? The process shouldn’t take you long. You’ll need to submit a formal application and official GRE or GMAT test scores. You’ll be asked to write a couple of essays, submit some recommendations, and interview with the admissions team at Anderson, too. There are several application deadlines throughout the year for you to choose from.

Nothing is small at the University of Florida—not the programs, not the enrollment, and certainly not the academic reputation. Here, you’ll find 16 academic colleges and more than 150 research institutes and centers, with multiple graduate professional programs including law, engineering, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and of course, business administration. 

There are several MBA programs you can choose from here, including an Executive MBA, a Full-Time MBA, an Online MBA, and a Weekend Professional MBA. When you apply, you’ll be organized into a cohort that is small and concentrated, allowing you to work closely with faculty and staff within a nationally-ranked school of business. The degree is ranked as one of the best full-time MBA programs among U.S. public schools by U.S. News & World Report. 

When you’re ready to apply, you will need to submit an online MBA form and graduate school application. You should submit answers to the essay questions on the website along with a resume, GMAT or GRE scores, and official transcripts, too.

One of the largest schools in the country, the University of Texas at Austin is divided into 13 separate colleges and schools. WIth highly-ranked graduate programs, the school also has more than 1000 clubs and organizations (and a large Greek system) and multiple opportunities for study abroad. 

The McCombs School of Business offers one of the most well-known programs in business administration. You’ll join a large network of working professionals regardless of where you choose to study—you can choose from MBA programs that are offered in Austin, Houston, and Dallas/Fort Worth. Graduate from this program, and you will join a community of more than 25,000 alumni spread out among 30 different alumni chapters. 

Applying to McCombs is straightforward. Classes start in August, with the application cycle consisting of three rounds (the first two rounds contain priority applications for fellowships and scholarships). You will need to submit an online application along with transcripts, essays, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a resume.

Often referred to simply as “Madison,” the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public land-grant research university that was founded when Wisconsin first received its statehood in 1848. The flagship campus of the state university system, this school is split up into 20 colleges and schools. Considered a Public Ivy, the school is perhaps best regarded for its dynamic Master in Business Administration.

Offered by the Wisconsin School of Business, the MBA will allow you to connect with business leaders and alumni alike. You’ll work within a collaborative business environment and be able to choose from ten different specializations to help boost your expertise. 

Available concentration areas include supply chain management, operations and technology management, arts administration, human resource management, real estate, Apple ID security analysis, risk management and insurance, corporate finance and investment banking, brand and product management, and marketing analytics and insight. 

To apply, you will need to submit documents such as the full-time MBA admissions form, transcripts showing that you completed a four-year degree, and standardized test scores. A resume, personal essay, and letters of recommendation are also required. You may be asked to complete an admissions interview, too.

As a public university founded in 1820, Indiana University-Bloomington is home to more than 33,000 students—all of whom identify as “Hoosiers.” Nobody truly knows what a “Hoosier” actually is, but that doesn’t matter. This school still has a reputation for offering some of the best academic programs in the country.

Among these are the business programs offered by the Kelley School of Business. In addition to multiple undergraduate majors, Kelley offers a full-time MBA with some seriously impressive outcomes. Graduates earn an average base salary of $119,000 after graduation, with nearly 88% of all students receiving job offers within just 90 days of graduation. Every year, in fact, more than 175 companies hire graduate students from this school.

You’ll be able to interact fully with your degree as you participate in internships (100% of all MBA students are traditionally hired for summer internships after their first year) and take classes that are customized to meet your goals. In fact, you’ll begin your studies by completing a two-week intensive program, Me, Inc., that will set you up for a degree and career success.

To apply to the Kelley School of Business, you will need to submit GMAT or GRE scores along with transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Applicants are asked to have a basic understanding of algebra, statistics, and spreadsheets, too.

When the Ohio State University first opened its doors in 1870, it was originally dedicated to programs covering the various mechanical and agricultural disciplines. Today, however, the school has grown into the third-largest university campus in the country, with regional campuses in Ohio cities including Columbus (the main campus), Newark, Mansfield, Lima, Marion, and Wooster. 

At the Fisher School of Business, you can choose from several different MBA programs that can be redesigned to fit your needs and goals. The faculty here have close-knit partnerships with some of the most influential members of the community, from Fortune 1000 business owners to nonprofit professionals and more. 

Graduates of this program are highly sought-after, prepared with the rigorous, hands-on learning environment at Fisher along with the breadth of resources available here. When you enroll, you’ll join one of the country’s premier research universities with more than half a million alumni around the world. 

Ready to apply? You will need to submit academic transcripts along with formal test scores, essays, a resume, and letters of recommendation (though these are optional). You will also be tasked with completing both a live and video interview to determine whether you are ready for the rigors of this program.

With a campus each in both St. Paul and Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public university that was founded in 1851. It’s home to multiple highly-ranked graduate schools, including the Carlson School of Management and the College of Education and Human Development.

The full-time MBA program at Carlson is a globally-focused program that is hands-on and as rigorous as can be. You’ll complete a total of 64 course credits during two intensive academic years of study. You can choose from more than 70 different elective courses with six specializations as you are enrolled, too, which will help you tailor your MBA and pursue your goals. 

To apply to the Carlson School of Management, you will need to complete an online application and provide transcripts from any college programs you have completed. GMAT or GRE test scores, professional recommendations, and a personal statement are also required. You may wish to provide your resume, a video essay, and complete an interview, too.

Purdue University is a public land-grant research institution in West Lafayette, IN. As the flagship campus of the Purdue university system, it was founded in 1869 following businessman John Purdue’s commitment to donating money and land to the state for the creation of a college of agriculture, technology, and science.

Although this school originally only had six instructors and just 39 students, today, it has more than 269 majors and more than 40,000 attendees both on-campus and online. The Master of Business Administration is offered by the Krannert School of Management, where aspiring business leaders can learn more about how to analytically solve problems and gain the technical skills necessary to change the business world. 

The MBA exists in several forms, including an executive MBA, a weekend MBA, an online MBA, an IMM Global Executive MBA, and a dual degree. You can choose from multiple specializations to enhance your career readiness, including business analytics, innovation and technology commercialization, and leadership, negotiation, and change management.

To apply for admission, you must first choose which of the four application rounds you’d like to participate in. You will submit an online application along with a non-refundable $75 application fee. Three short essays, two online recommendations, and official transcripts are also required. You will need to supply GMAT or GRE test scores and a brief video essay, too.

Founded in 1885, the f Institute of Technology is located in the heart of Atlanta. This premier location not only facilitates plenty of opportunities to engage recreationally and culturally with the city, but also to interact with business professionals in one of the most significant business environments on the planet. 

The full-time MBA at Georgia Tech can be completed in as little as 22 months, preparing you to tackle the demanding challenges of modern business in a tech-focused world. You’ll take 54 credit hours (or 12 core courses) that will prepare you to build your network and gain hands-on experience through your classes and extracurriculars. 

Here, you can choose from a number of student organizations, including the Women in Business Club, the Strategy and Innovation Club, and the MBA Veterans Club. Needless to say, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved and meet new people. 

You can apply for the Master in Business Administration at Georgia Tech during its sole admissions cycle, with classes beginning in the fall. You will need to provide an online application, two essays, a resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and official GRE or GMAT test scores.

With more than $12.4 billion in its endowment as of 2019, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the largest endowment and commitment to research activities out of any school in the country. A founding member of the Association of American Universities, it has campuses in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, and Dearborn.

At the University of Michigan, you’ll find plenty of MBA programs to help you meet your needs. The full-time MBA is one of the most popular. Here, you’ll be able to work your way through real-world business challenges and study from some of the most skilled and talented cohorts in the country. You can take classes from a long list of electives that will help you customize your education to your unique career goals, too. 

To apply for admission to the master’s of business administration at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, you will need to provide transcripts, standardized test scores, and a resume. Essays, an interview, and letters of recommendation are also required.

Often referred to simply as UNC, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a wide range of majors and student activities for students to choose from. Graduate schools include the highly ranked School of Education, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, the Gillings School of Global Public Health, and of course, the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

The MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will provide you with a tangible advantage when it comes time to look for a job. You’ll take classes from instructors who are not only accomplished teachers, but they’re also world-class researchers. You can choose from a long list of elective options when you are customizing your curriculum and you will be able to interact with a collaborative and diverse body of fellow students.

As you might expect, this program is consistently ranked among the best MBAs not just in the country, but in the entire world! You will be supported and assisted by professionals every step of the way, including when it comes time to search for a job. In fact, this school has one of the very best career services teams. 

Applying to the Kenan-Flagler Business School is relatively straightforward. In addition to a comprehensive online application, you will also need to complete two required essay questions, an optional question, two letters of recommendation, and an interview. You will also need to supply GMAT or GRE test scores, a transcript, and a resume.

The main campus of Arizona State University, Arizona State University-Tempe is a public research university with a main campus in Phoenix, AZ. The largest of the university’s four campuses, Tempe is home to numerous athletic facilities, public art collections, and even an arboretum. Chances are, if you’re looking for it, you’ll find it at Arizona State University-Tempe.

That’s true even if the “it” you are looking for is a master’s degree in business administration. Here, you’ll find a phenomenal program that will provide you with the skills and expertise you need to be successful as a leader in the business world.

In this program, the Master of Business Administration in business analytics, you’ll build your analytical and quantitative skills, learning how you can derive data and create a competitive business advantage across all industries and markets. 

To apply to the W.P. Carey School of Business, you’ll need to submit an online application. Required supplemental materials include a resume and essay question responses and information for a professional recommender.

A public university founded in 1949, California State University-Long Beach has a beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The university offers students the ideal blend of academic prestige, outdoor life, and professional networking. With many notable alumni and a plethora of graduate programs to choose from, this school is one of the best in the country if you are looking for a top Master in Business Administration.

California State offers several master’s degrees in business, including an evening MBA, Saturday MBA, and an online MBA. The full-time MBA, however, is one of the best for individuals who are new to business. In this program, you’ll take hands-on classes such as Financial Accounting; Management of Information Systems; Managerial Accounting and Control; and Businesses Policies, Operations, and Organizations. You’ll also be tasked with completing a 20-40 hour per week internship experience. 

A 21-month program that begins each fall, this program is highly affordable, with tuition totaling just $45,600 for the entire program. It’s perfect for early-career professionals with less than five years of experience who are interested in developing their skills in leadership and entrepreneurship.

To apply, you will need to have earned an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater. A resume, GMAT or GRE test scores, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation are also required. Furthermore, you will be asked to submit a short personal statement and a video statement of purpose when you apply as well.

Located in College Park, MD, the University of Maryland-College Park is not only the largest university in the Washington metropolitan area, but also in the entire state. The school has a population of more than 41,000 students representing all fifty states and more than 100 different countries. It also has a global alumni network of more than 360,000 students—a win if you’re looking for a degree that will provide you with the professional connections you need to be successful.

The Master of Business Administration here is offered by the Robert H. Smith School of Business. While you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to participate in classes that simulate the environment you’d find in the real business world. You will encounter unique viewpoints that will prepare you to work in any environment and be able to work with industry professionals who are at the top of their game.

To apply, you will need to sign up for a graduate consultation and complete a full online application. Supplemental materials you will need to submit include transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, an application fee, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

With more than 1,000 different clubs and organizations, 70 sororities and fraternities, and a litany of academic facilities, Pennsylvania State University, located in University Park, PA, is dedicated to providing the ultimate student experience. 

This school, which has a total enrollment of more than 47,000 students, has a competitive rolling admissions process and one of the best master’s in business administration in the nation.

The MBA at Penn State is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. This program emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills and planning skills that you need to be successful in both upper and middle management. You’ll take 75% of your class online and the rest on campus or at the Cranberry Township Regional Learning Alliance. 

Even when taking classes part-time, you should be able to complete this program in less than two years. Your courses will vary depending on your interests, but you’ll take classes like Cost Management for Decision Making and Control, Managing Effective Organizations, and Strategic Planning and Business Policy.

Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is a research institution that has a reputation for being a “Public Ivy”—a public university that offers an education equivalent to what you might find at an Ivy League university. It has two main campuses in Athens, GA along with smaller campuses in Atlanta, Tifton, Griffin, and Lawrenceville.

You can choose from several MBA programs here, including the professional, executive, and full-time MBA. With the full-time program, you’ll learn in small classes that are taught by top faculty in a market-driven curriculum. You’ll join an alumni network that’s more than 70,000 strong and interact with some of the top corporate recruiters in the country. 

To apply, you will need to have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, ideally with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You should submit a business resume, evidence of work experience, transcripts, essays, and GMAT or GRE test scores. Interviews are conducted by invitation only.

A public university founded in 1819, the University of Virginia has a suburban campus near Charlottesville, VA. Founded by Thomas Jefferson himself, this school is home to multiple high-ranking schools and colleges, including the Curry School of Education, the School of Law, and the Darden Graduate School of Business.

It is at Darden that you will find the prestigious Master in Business Administration. This full-time program has been named the best business education experience in the country by The Economist nine years in a row. You’ll participate in a core curriculum that’s grounded in case methodology, meaning you’ll learn by doing every single day.

In your second year of study, you’ll be able to hone and explore your professional interests by taking classes in in-demand skill sets. You will learn how to think critically as you complete consulting projects, global immersions, live-action cases, and more.

Once you are ready to apply, you will need to submit official transcripts along with GRE or GMAT test scores. A resume, letters of recommendation, and responses to short answer questions are also required.

Although it’s best known for its medical college, the University at Buffalo offers degrees in more than 400 other areas of study. It’s one of only two colleges in the United States to be founded by presidents, the other one being the University of Virginia. This not only lends to the institution’s credibility as a provider of high-quality educational programs, but also to its uniqueness and historic prestige.

The most elite MBA program in the State University of New York system, this degree is also one of the top MBA programs in the entire nation. In fact, it’s been ranked as one of the best in the country by Forbes and Bloomberg Businessweek alike. You’ll learn from renowned faculty and high-caliber peers as you complete your courses, which take around two years to complete. 

In total, 60 credit hours of study are required. A full-time program, it starts only in the fall but provides students with access to outstanding support services, successful alumni, and plenty of opportunities for career development. 

To apply to the University at Buffalo, you will need to submit an application fee along with GMAT or GRE test scores, personal statements, a resume, and transcripts. If you are pursuing a combined degree, you will need to submit additional requirements for that component, too.

A public university founded in 1972, Florida International University has campuses in North Miami as well as West Miami-Dade County. It is one of the most diverse schools in the country, with a population of nearly 60% Hispanic-identifying students. 

Because of this diversity, you’ll find one of the best opportunities for collaboration and networking when you enroll in the Master in Business Administration here. The professional MBA for executives is designed for experienced professionals who wish to develop unique and creative solutions for complex business challenges. A sixteen-month program, it has an experience-driven curriculum that places a major emphasis on doing. 

You’ll be able to interact with all kinds of other senior managers, entrepreneurs, executives, and other professionals. You can also engage in a week-long international residency with the EMBA Consortium for Global Business Innovation. You’ll gain experience both inside the classroom and out!

To apply, you will need to have a four-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent. GMAT or GRE scores are required, as is a resume, and statement of purpose.

A public land-grant research university in Irvine, CA, the University of California-Irvine is one of ten campuses in the large University of California system. Here, you’ll find more than 200 different programs of study, all of which are dedicated to extensive research activity and development housed within a Public Ivy school.

The MBA program is offered by the Paul Merage School of Business. This degree can be completed with specialized certificates in areas like Digital Transformation and Real Estate, Entrepreneurship, and more. The full-time MBA is a 21-month program that starts each fall, but if that isn’t the right choice for your schedule or needs, don’t worry. The school also offers a fully-employed MBA and an MBA for executives, too.

Once you’ve made the decision to apply, it’s time to round up your application materials. The admissions team at UC Irvine looks for students who are highly motivated and possess at least two years of professional experience. You should hold a bachelor’s degree and have strong leadership potential. Transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and two essays are required.

A public university founded in 1855, Michigan State University was the first land-grant institution in the country. Because of this, it served as a model for schools that would later follow in its footsteps. It offers many graduate programs in the highly ranked College of Education as well as the Eli Broad College of Business.

In the College of Business, you will find multiple business programs such as the Master in Business Administration. The full-time MBA program will give you the skills you need to be successful in the businesses of today as well as those of the future. It features a rigorous, flexible curricula that will help you build your skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and global communication. 

A 21-month program, it’s rated as having the number one return on investment compared to other programs of its kind, according to The Economist. Graduates earn average base salaries of $110,000 and have access to plenty of experiential learning opportunities throughout the way.

When you’re ready to apply, you’ll need to decide which application round you’d like to apply during—there are four of them in total. You should complete the online application and schedule an interview. Supplemental materials, like essays, GMAT or GRE test scores, a resume, and professional references, are also required.

A private research university owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University-Provo has a unique founding history and a campus culture that is second to none. Choose to attend BYU-Provo, as it’s frequently abbreviated, and you’ll be required to follow a strict honor code that mandates behavior that falls in line with the Church’s teachings. 

Not only that, but all students, regardless of major, are required to complete religious education courses in things like the Bible, LDS scripture, and the history of the church. Beyond that, you’ll take core management classes during the first year. For example, you might take Business Strategy, Business Finance, or Corporate Financial Reporting. After the first year, you’ll be encouraged to participate in an internship or independent work experience.

In your second year, you can pursue a track of electives. Available tracks that you can emphasize in include marketing, strategic human resources, finance, entrepreneurship, and global supply chain management. You can also participate in numerous competitions, classes, and other off-campus opportunities to give you hands-on learning experiences. 

To apply to the BYU Marriott School of Business, you will need to have a strong GMAT score of 680 or above along with a GPA of 3.4 or higher. You should have two years of work experience and provide an essay, ecclesiastical endorsement, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.

A public university located in Storrs, CT, the University of Connecticut was founded in 1881 as the Storrs Agricultural School. That makes a lot of sense, considering the school was (and still is!) almost completely surrounded by farmland. However, the university still has a competitive edge in regards to its location, since it’s just 30 minutes from Hartford and 90 minutes from Boston. 

Because of this, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds (both a sleepy small-campus feel and a big city business environment) when you enroll in the Master in Business Administration here. Ranked the best public MBA in New England by Bloomberg Businessweek, this school is also highly ranked by Financial Times and TFE Times. 

When you enroll, you’ll join a Husky Nation community with more than 45,000 business alumni worldwide. You’ll have access to individualized career coaching and internships and careers with companies like Amazon, Google, Dell, Microsoft, and more. The program has an excellent return on investment with graduates earning average base salaries of more than $100,000.

To be eligible for admission into this program, you will need to complete an online application and have at least two years of work experience. An essay, official transcripts, and GMAT or GRE scores are required, as is a letter of recommendation.

What better place is there to study business than in the heart of the Big Apple? If you’re looking for one of the best master’s in business administration, you’re sure to find it at the Stern School of Business at New York University, or NYU. A true city school, the university has a historical campus in Greenwich Village along with additional academic centers all over the world. 

You will be fully immersed in the culture and thriving business environment of Manhattan when you enroll in the Master in Business Administration here. It’s available as a full-time degree as well as one with specializations in fashion and luxury or technology. Choose the full-time MBA, and you can expect to complete 60 credits and take around two years to do so. 

You’re eligible to apply for this program as long as you have mastery of the English language and hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. You will need to submit a resume, official transcripts, test scores from the GMAT or GRE, and several reflective essays in order to apply.

A public research institution located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University was originally known as Texas Technological College. With an enrollment that’s the seventh-largest in Texas, it’s known for being one of the most diverse schools in the state of Texas. In fact, more than a quarter of this school’s undergraduate students identify as Hispanic.

The Rawls College of Business offers one of the best and most flexible master’s in business administration. A comprehensive degree, it is available 100% online so you can complete your coursework at any time and from any location. No campus visits are required, and with flexibility entry options that will allow you to begin coursework during any semester, you can take your time in getting started.

Classes are self-paced, with both part- and full-time options available. Regardless of how quickly you choose to study, you will take core classes like Financial and Managerial Accounting, Leadership and Ethics, Managing Organizational Behavior and Organizational Design, and more. The degree is highly customizable, allowing you to choose from specializations like Marketing Analytics, Healthcare Organization Management, and Information Technology. 

A 42-credit hour program, it can even be pursued with the addition of certifications in things like Microsoft Office Excel Specialist.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, there’s a good chance that you’ve already heard of Harvard University—and you’re aware of its academic prestige. But did you know it’s also one of the best places to earn a Master in Business Administration? Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the country and is one of the most prestigious in the world.

The MBA at Harvard takes most students just two years to complete. You’ll join a collaborative, inspiring community where you’ll gain a global perspective on core business concepts. This affordable degree has comparatively low tuition and generous financial aid. In fact, the average student receives $42,000 in need-based scholarships each year.

Uniquely, Harvard boasts large class sizes in its MBA program. This is done specifically to help students build a professional network that will benefit them in any industry around the world. That said, individual class sections are small so you don’t have to worry about being just another face in the crowd. Outside of class, you’ll be able to join all kinds of interest-based, industry, and affinity groups and clubs to help you customize your learning and make the most of your experience. 

When you apply, be prepared to submit your official transcripts, GMAT or GRE test scores, an essay, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, PA, is a private university that was founded by none other than Benjamin Franklin himself. Known as the “Quakers,” students at the University of Pennsylvania can take classes in 12 different schools. Five of these offer both graduate and undergraduate programs, while seven offer graduate programs alone.

The Wharton School of Business offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The executive MBA here is one of the most popular, available for working professionals who are interested in studying in either San Francisco or Philadelphia. You can even choose to study globally, if you desire. 

Wherever you choose to enroll, you’ll take a minimum of 19 credits for graduation. The curriculum is intensive and cross-curricular and will provide you with skills in leadership, analysis, communication, and core business fundamentals. Your courses will cover all the major areas of business such as management, microeconomics, legal studies, accounting, finance, marketing, management communication, and more.

Ready to apply? You will need to complete an online application and submit a fee, along with supplemental materials like two essays, transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and a resume.

Originally founded as the Pittsburgh Academy, the University of Pittsburgh is a state research university located in Pittsburgh, PA. It is home to 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges among a 132-acre historic campus in the heart of the city. 

Here, you’ll find one of the very best master’s in business administration. This program, offered by the Katz School of Business, will prepare you to become an institutional changemaker by requiring you to take classes that challenge and inspire you. You can choose from multiple MBA options here, including a 12-month, 18-month, part-time, and dual-joint MBA degree program. 

Whether you want to complete your degree in an accelerated fashion or you’d rather take your time as you transition into the workforce, Katz has whatever it is you might be looking for.

To apply, you will need to complete an online application and submit two letters of recommendation, a resume, essay responses, and transcripts. Official GMAT or GRE scores are also required, but waivers are available for students with extensive professional experience and an exceptional undergraduate GPA.

Yet another University of California school to choose from is the University of California-Davis. This school, founded in 1905, has an enrollment of nearly 39,000 students and was originally established as a farm school to serve the University of California-Berkeley. Here, you will find plenty of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels to choose from. 

Among these are the many business programs facilitated by the Graduate School of Management. The MBA is available both on-campus and online, with the online degree featuring the exact same curriculum as the program offered on campus. The two share an 88% post-graduation employment rate and have been ranked within the top 50 MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report. You can take classes on either a full-time or part-time basis, taking as little as 24 months to complete your degree if you move at an accelerated pace. 

There are four separate start dates per year, but no matter when you start, you’ll be able to learn from highly-ranked faculty as you take classes in business fundamentals. You can choose from electives, too, such as Venture Capital, the Finance of Innovation, and Technology Competition and Strategy. You’ll be able to participate in multi-day residentials with the MBA community both on-campus and beyond, in the Napa Valley and Silicon Valley alike.

To apply for the MBA at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, you’ll need to complete an online application. GMAT and GRE waivers are available for some qualified applicants.

Originally founded as a private research arm of Texas Instruments, the University of Texas at Dallas is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country. With more than 140 majors to choose from and 50 research institutes on campus, this school is dedicated to providing students with the hands-on expertise they need by way of academic research and innovation.

The Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas is home to multiple nationally-ranked MBA degree programs. You can choose from a full-time MBA or a professional MBA and enjoy online, healthcare, and evening focuses. Scholarships are available for students with exemplary academic histories.

To apply for the full-time MBA, you will need to prepare materials for fall admission. An online application and $100 fee are required, as are official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores (limited waivers are available), two essays, a resume, and one letter of recommendation. You will also need to participate in an invitation-only interview at some point in the admissions process.

Also known as NC State, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the largest four-year college in the entire state. Here, you’ll find more than 100 programs in which to major along with nearly 600 different clubs and student organizations to join. 

Naturally, the Master in Business Administration here is one of the best you can choose from. Ranked the 12th best online MBA in the country by The Princeton Review, the degree will prepare you with small class sizes, a flexible course format, and an award-winning curriculum. You will benefit from partnerships with more than 200 corporations as you gain the skills necessary to tackle real-life business challenges. 

The courses you take will vary depending on your goals and background. You can pursue electives and specialized concentrations such as financial management, supply chain management, marketing management, innovation management, and entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. 

To apply for the Jenkins MBA, you will need to submit an online application along with a professional CV or resume and a video essay. You may also be invited for an interview.

Founded in 1819 as Cincinnati College, the University of Cincinnati is one of the largest universities in the state of Ohio. With campuses all over the city, including in Clifton Heights, Blue Ash, and Clermont, this school is a great place to study if you’re considering earning a degree in business administration. 

The MBA here takes most students just one year to complete, with courses taking place on the West Campus. Ranked the top full-time MBA program in the Tri-State area by U.S. News & World Report (and among the top 100 in the country), this program includes 48 credit hours of study. Nearly a quarter of these can be composed of electives.

Not only that, but you’ll be immersed in an interactive, high-profile business community as you complete your classes. You can explore opportunities outside of the classroom like study abroad or you can get involved in forging your own career path by working with a personal career coach. 

To apply to the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, you will first need to decide in which application cycle you’d like to do so—there are three deadlines throughout the year. When you apply, you must submit a resume, essay, scanned transcripts, contact information for two references, and GMAT or GRE scores.