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Started By
Message
Distance Learning/Executive MBA Programs...thoughts on cost vs. quality?
Posted on 5/16/12 at 11:55 pm
Posted on 5/16/12 at 11:55 pm
Yes, I'm wasting my 40,000th post on this... 
I'm getting the itch to get my MBA. I really don't fit LSU's mold and my travel schedule for work isn't necessarily conducive to a traditional MBA at an LSU-type school.
The online/distance learning (travel once every 8 weeks to the site) seem to be best for me. Doing some quick searches, it seems like I can pick this up on the cheap from a directional school in XYZ Midwestern State for $15k, from a top-tier Public School (UF, etc.) $50k, or from an elite private (CMU, Emory, Duke) for $100k.
I'm probably never going to work outside of the Gulf Coast area, unless I'm telecommuting, so it seems as though its not economically smart to go the private school route.
I'd like the MBA to be from a reputable school...so do I plop down $50k to go to UF or just do it at XYZ school?
Lastly, it seems like Mississippi State has a reasonably priced Online MBA at $17k. Anyone have thoughts on this?
I'm getting the itch to get my MBA. I really don't fit LSU's mold and my travel schedule for work isn't necessarily conducive to a traditional MBA at an LSU-type school.
The online/distance learning (travel once every 8 weeks to the site) seem to be best for me. Doing some quick searches, it seems like I can pick this up on the cheap from a directional school in XYZ Midwestern State for $15k, from a top-tier Public School (UF, etc.) $50k, or from an elite private (CMU, Emory, Duke) for $100k.
I'm probably never going to work outside of the Gulf Coast area, unless I'm telecommuting, so it seems as though its not economically smart to go the private school route.
I'd like the MBA to be from a reputable school...so do I plop down $50k to go to UF or just do it at XYZ school?
Lastly, it seems like Mississippi State has a reasonably priced Online MBA at $17k. Anyone have thoughts on this?
5
Posted on 5/17/12 at 4:45 am to Golfer
i also would like the hear some insight on this as well. 
Posted on 5/17/12 at 5:47 am to Golfer
Depends what your goal is. If you're trying to advance with the company you're in, I'd go the cheapest route. If you're looking to start a new job after your MBA, I'd go to a better school and consider doing the full time program.
Posted on 5/17/12 at 5:56 am to Golfer
It depends - how old are you, what industry do you want to be in and what industry are you in now?
In my experience MBAs don't necessarily make better employees ( at least where I work in a top 5 consulting firm). We do pay them more than BA/BBA/BSCs but not really more than the cost of a student loan payment in the first 10 years, after which the delta between MBAs and non MBA's can be made up through normal performance.
With that said - if you want an MBA to
broaden your skill set, you can go the inexpensive route but make sure it from a place that is recognizable in a good way.
If you want to change industries but stay down south I'd do a reputable school down south as opposed to an elite school because I'd assume you would have a better network of folks that want to work in the same region. Even though it a distance program you would still have that opportunity.
Just make sure the effort and cost is worth it. If you put in the hours you would have spent studying working more in SOME companies you would be just as well off (but depends on the company / opportunity)
In my experience MBAs don't necessarily make better employees ( at least where I work in a top 5 consulting firm). We do pay them more than BA/BBA/BSCs but not really more than the cost of a student loan payment in the first 10 years, after which the delta between MBAs and non MBA's can be made up through normal performance.
With that said - if you want an MBA to
broaden your skill set, you can go the inexpensive route but make sure it from a place that is recognizable in a good way.
If you want to change industries but stay down south I'd do a reputable school down south as opposed to an elite school because I'd assume you would have a better network of folks that want to work in the same region. Even though it a distance program you would still have that opportunity.
Just make sure the effort and cost is worth it. If you put in the hours you would have spent studying working more in SOME companies you would be just as well off (but depends on the company / opportunity)
Posted on 5/17/12 at 8:42 am to Golfer
quote:
Lastly, it seems like Mississippi State has a reasonably priced Online MBA at $17k. Anyone have thoughts on this?
I'll be done with mine in August, and it's been a good experience.
I'd be glad to tell you more, if interested.
Posted on 5/17/12 at 11:25 am to Sheep
quote:
I'd be glad to tell you more, if interested.
lsutigergolfer@gmail.com
Posted on 5/17/12 at 11:28 am to ironsides
quote:
It depends - how old are you, what industry do you want to be in and what industry are you in now?
26, in a niche industry that I really don't need the MBA for in my position but would look good as I seek out management opportunities.
quote:
In my experience MBAs don't necessarily make better employees ( at least where I work in a top 5 consulting firm). We do pay them more than BA/BBA/BSCs but not really more than the cost of a student loan payment in the first 10 years, after which the delta between MBAs and non MBA's can be made up through normal performance.
I agree wholeheartedly, which is why the $100k MBA doesn't seem like the best fit for me.
quote:
With that said - if you want an MBA to
broaden your skill set, you can go the inexpensive route but make sure it from a place that is recognizable in a good way.
This is why Miss State's is attractive, but I'm intrigued by UF's rankings and notoriety for their online/distance learning program. Not to mention, I meet their qualifications for the 1 year track at UF.
quote:
Just make sure the effort and cost is worth it. If you put in the hours you would have spent studying working more in SOME companies you would be just as well off (but depends on the company / opportunity)
Yea, I probably work about 45-50 hours a week right now, if I bumped that up to 70 here I'd be a rockstar. Then again, I've been here for 5 years so it is getting rather mundane and I think the MBA would be a good resume' piece.
Posted on 5/17/12 at 11:47 am to Golfer
quote:
Golfer
Got it. I'll email you in a bit.
Posted on 5/17/12 at 1:23 pm to Sheep
It was always a personal goal for me as well to get my MBA. I have a BS in Accounting currently from Southeastern Louisiana University. The mississippi state program sounds good. Is $17K for the entire program? I would guess it is around 33 to 36 hours.
TIA
TIA
Posted on 5/17/12 at 2:08 pm to Weaver
quote:
Is $17K for the entire program? I would guess it is around 33 to 36 hours.
30 hours.
Posted on 5/17/12 at 4:56 pm to Golfer
quote:
I'd like the MBA to be from a reputable school...so do I plop down $50k to go to UF or just do it at XYZ school?
I'd recommend Nicholls, but you said reputable.
Seriously though, I'm in the EMBA program there and I really enjoy and think they've done a really good job setting it up. All the profs are phds and it is accredited. If you live in South Louisiana and plan on working here I would recommend it, but probably not so much if not, since it is not a well known university outside of this region.
Posted on 5/17/12 at 5:02 pm to Golfer
Golfer- Have you taken the GMAT? If not, my suggestion is to focus on that, see what you get and then evaluate your options. A great MBA could open doors that you had never considered.
Posted on 5/17/12 at 5:06 pm to lsu711
quote:
Golfer- Have you taken the GMAT? If not, my suggestion is to focus on that, see what you get and then evaluate your options. A great MBA could open doors that you had never considered.
Looks like I'm late to the game for the admissions process for Fall Semesters, so I'm probably going to begin in January 2013. Based on my other standardized test scores, I'll get somwhere around a 600-630 on the GMAT.
Posted on 5/17/12 at 6:42 pm to Golfer
Getting in the mid 600s isn't that big of a deal.
I blew off the math (a lot of "I got that" when I reviewed - I didn't got that), and still got a 640-650ish. I got in the 98th percentile on the verbal, and like 55th percentile on the math... 
Review and study the math a little (or any at all), and you'll be fine.
I blew off the math (a lot of "I got that" when I reviewed
- I didn't got that), and still got a 640-650ish. I got in the 98th percentile on the verbal, and like 55th percentile on the math... Review and study the math a little (or any at all), and you'll be fine.
Posted on 5/18/12 at 8:48 pm to Sheep
Golfer have you ever taken online classes?
Anyone one with post baccalaureate experience?Considering one prior to MBA program.
Anyone one with post baccalaureate experience?Considering one prior to MBA program.
Posted on 5/18/12 at 9:59 pm to Tiger4
No online classroom experience but 95% of my work involes online discussion/interaction.
Posted on 5/18/12 at 11:18 pm to Golfer
quote:
95% of my work involes online discussion/interaction.
clearly, as your post count indicates.
Posted on 5/18/12 at 11:32 pm to TortiousTiger
Posted on 5/20/12 at 12:45 pm to Golfer
(no message)
This post was edited on 4/6/13 at 2:42 pm
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