Looking for info/opinions on Online MBA programs

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by FNR32, Aug 9, 2014.

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  1. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    I'm a recent college grad who also works full time. I'm looking to set myself apart from other management candidates by getting my MBA. My company is huge on education, but for some reason many people don't pursue any education past the bachelors level despite the fact that the company offers a great employee education program.

    I don't really want to take the GRE/GMAT, but I can and will if I have to. I have a decent undergrad GPA (3.5) and about 9 years of overall professional experience with 5 years of it being in management/leadership capacities. That said, I prefer programs that offer a waiver of the GMAT for applicants like myself. I want a solid education from a school that has a good reputation. I'm not looking for a fluff degree or anything like that.

    As far as budget goes, the cheaper the better, but I also feel that you get what you pay for, so im flexible. Ideally, I'd like to keep it at 40K or less and i'll only consider programs that are AACSB accredited.

    So far I have reached out to the following programs and am currently considering them:

    Colorado State University

    Ohio University

    Texas A&M-Commerce

    The following schools are a reach price wise, but do offer waivers:

    Washington State University

    Indiana University

    Indiana would be a dream for me, but I just don't know for sure if the additional cost ($60kish) is worth it for me considering I don't really have a set path that I'm fixed on at this point. I honestly don't know where the MBA would take me, but I do think that having one certainly won't hurt me. I just question if someone in my situation should pony up the extra costs for the prestige of Kelly.

    I'm looking forward to any and all comments/opinions/advice you all have to offer.
     
  2. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    ***Clarification***

    Indiana does not offer a waiver, however it's a school that I'd consider taking he GMAT/GRE for. However, Washington State does offer a waiver.
     
  3. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Where do you live, roughly, and what sort of management do you want to do?
     
  4. jotucker83

    jotucker83 New Member

    University of South Dakota, University of North Dakota, Mississippi State University, these were three alternative options I had on the table for an Online MBA that charged the same price for tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. All three should be between $20k - 33k total on average for the entire program, but this is based on information I obtained in 2012 so the costs could be higher now.

    All are AACSB Accredited, but I really don't believe that a program with AACSB Accreditation is going to "set you apart" that much from other degree programs from schools that aren't ranked.

    You have the ranked colleges that individuals go to for direct recruitment into top financial corporations, and then you have the unranked programs (that are all regionally accredited from respected colleges in the marketplace) that individuals go to for a "check off the box" type of situation.

    There are a number of debates across the web on the "value" of an MBA that's from a college that's not ranked, and the value of the MBA is directly in relation to what you tend to do with it. If you are already within a position with a growing company, and need a master's degree to interview for Management positions, well there's your "check off the box" situation. If you are looking to break into a new arena within a large financial corporation (I-Banking for example), I would go to a ranked institution so you can be recruited or at least network with individuals "close" to those over the decisions within that area to try and get in.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 9, 2014
  5. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    I live in Alabama and manage field operations for a major insurance company.
     
  6. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Our old friend Jonathan Liu has compiled what is probably the most comprehensive list of online MBA programs (about 200). You should at least peek at this list before you make your decision.

    https://sites.google.com/site/aggietechie/
     
  7. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    Also check out Get Educated.com for MBA programs.

    Good luck!

    Shawn
     
  8. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    Thank you for the input. I'm considering the three Universities you mentioned as well as University of Alabama, Auburn University, and The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

    The AACSB accreditation is really just a personal preference. It seems to be the preferred accreditation so I'd like to make sure i tick that box just in case it matters to someone somewhere reviewing my application.

    While I do have a job with a growing company, my goal is to make sure that I absolutely make the most of this opportunity and get the best bang for my buck. I'm not opposed to switching industries. In fact, the company that I work for also operates a very large bank in addition to their insurance services. It's very possible that I could "switch" so to speak. My company pays up to 10K per calendar year toward the MBA program, so I'm trying to make sure I get the absolute best that I can afford and qualify for as far as stats go even if that means taking 2-4 years to complete it. I'm not in a hurry to get it, just working toward it will set me apart from many. I don't actually need the MBA for work, very few outside of the executives have them or are working toward them.

    As far as cost, University of Alabama @ Birmingham would likely be the cheapest for me as I get in state tuition and then another 10% off of that due to a contractual agreement between the University and my company, but they require the GMAT.

    Regarding the GMAT, I'm going to take it just to see where I stand. My company pays for one exam (GMAT, GRE, MAT) and up to $250 for any prep course/books that I'd like to get for it. Do any of you all have any recommendations in that arena as well?
     
  9. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    I thought I'd seen everything! :)

    Thank you for this link. This is awesome!
     
  10. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    Will do. Thank you!!
     
  11. Paradox4286

    Paradox4286 New Member

  12. As an IU Kelley Direct grad I can honestly say that it's been a worthwhile investment, even though I was technically mid-career when I started. Reputation aside, I found the coursework engaging and thorough, and I learned a lot.

    Before limiting your choices, why not take the GMAT and see how you do? Originally I was looking at a couple of low score options such as CSUDH and Marist, but was pleasantly surprised at how I did which led me to consider Indiana.

    Or, if you're worried about how you might do, look at an online test example site. I used 800score.com (not affiliated with them) and the results of the sample exams were VERY close to what I ultimately scored. This should give you confidence in taking it, or if you do worse than you want, then look exclusively at programs that offer waivers.

    One last thing to consider - I took 5 calendar years to complete my MBA, which is the max allowed by Indiana. Partly this was because of children, work, etc. but also because my employer would only pay around $5K a year. When I started in 2005 the program was around $45K so ultimately my company paid around half.

    If you're not in a particular rush (i.e. need it for a job in the next 24 months) then I wouldn't skimp on your MBA program, and I found just the fact that I was enrolled and pursuing a MBA made a difference in people's perception.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 3, 2014
  13. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    In your situation I would take them up on the GMAT training and go take the test...imagine aceing it and opening up all sorts of opportunities....or blow it and be right back here looking for schools without or with a waiver....you have nothing to lose and everything to gain and get to do it on their dime!
     
  14. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    This is something I do not understand. My former company not only paid tuition, but books and parking fees; in addition gave $5K bonus for bachelor degrees and $10K bonus for masters degrees. Very few fellow employees took advantage of this program which was unrestricted in subject matter. Both my masters degrees were company funded (unfortunately before the bonus scheme).
     
  15. sflnate

    sflnate New Member

    The Northeastern University 100% online MBA is an excellent education and AACSB accredited.
     
  16. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    You make some great points. I'm not bothered by taking the GMAT, but I guess i just wasn't sure if it was really worth the hassle or not. Part of me wants to do a program at a local school, UAB, since it'll be on campus and i'll better be able to cultivate a network that way. However, with responsibilities and the chance for travel increasing, I'm not sure if a campus based program would actually be doable in the long run. I suppose there is no harm in taking the GMAT and see where I stand. I'd really like to chat with you more in-depth about your experience at Kelley and the ROI if you don't mind.
     
  17. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    Agreed. Now, I suppose I need more info on good GMAT prep programs. My company will pay up to $250 toward a prep course - I figured I should probably take advantage of that.
     
  18. potpourri

    potpourri New Member

    You've got a great GPA and you should be fine. You should look at schools that are flexible such as Excelsior College, etc. Don't be too worried, if you have a decent GPA, you should be golden even if you have to take a graduate entrance exam.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2014
  19. FNR32

    FNR32 New Member

    To my knowledge, all AACSB schools require the GMAT, but some will waive it for those who meet specific criteria. All of the expenses related to the degree and testing car covered by my school so I think I'd be doing myself an injustice by not at least making an attempt to get into the best program that I could. If I absolutely bomb the GMAT, I'm still left with some great options that will waive the GMAT for me like Temple and Colorado State to name a few. Brad recognition means something to some people. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
     
  20. Petedude

    Petedude New Member

    Many companies now have employees commit to working for them at least a year if educational assistance is provided. If you're looking to get an advanced degree so you can move on, educational assistance looks less appealing with strings attached.

    Personally, I felt some of the best company cultures were in places where it was hoped employees would stay if assistance came without clauses-- to me, it's a willingness to take a leap of faith, and an extra perk. I'd imagine some employees would actually stay on longer given such an investment.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 23, 2014

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