Indiana / ASU or local MBA ??

I am trying to decide between a nationally ranked mba like Indiana or ASU online and attending a local unranked, but AACSB college on a part-time basis.

What about the difference between say Texas A&M - Commerce online and Indiana or ASU? With transfer credits, I would pay under $9k for TAMU-Commerce, but will cost $34k+ for the ranked mba.

Is it worth paying 3 x the cost to go to a ranked college, even if it is online?

Is the name brand mba going to open that many more doors?

I dont mind the investment, if there is likely to be a payoff later.

 

In my opinion, it really depends on where you are in your career and what you want to do in the future.

If you are looking to move and change jobs, well, a nationally ranked MBA will probably give you a leg up.

If you need it as a qualification in your current position, then I'd go local.

A few years outside of the degree, it usually comes down to what you've done professionally than it does where you went for the degree (save a very few exceptions).

Outside of the very top MBAs (Harvard, Wharton, NU, UofChicago, MIT, Stanford, etc.) there isn't going to be much of a difference, long term, if you already have a good position/career already.

After schools of that caliber, you have the top 25 MBAs that have better reputations, but are still more regional in placement.

If you are young and want to make a big change, then I can see the extra cost panning out.

Just my opinion...

 

Out-of-pocket? Employer reimbursed? Do you have a realistic ROI? What is it worth to you? That's a good point you make, to spend the extra if it will payback later.

Personally, I am looking at the Texas A&M-Commerce MBA (and/or their MS Industrial Technology). If I choose to go for the MBA, TAMU does have the AACSB, on-line option, its local for me, and ranked in the top five in the Dallas/FT. Worth area. That's my list in order of importance. I just see some folks around me enduring undue hardship for perceived ???.

My employer would reimburse whatever, but I'm a stubborn bastard with no patience for the pompus stuff or long duration to completion. That rules out some of the "higher" ranked schools. I'm only looking for usefulness (learn something I could use?) and the experience of pursuing (that journey thing). I seriously doubt I would apply for a job that required a MBA. But, hey, that's just me...
Weigh it out for yourself and go for it.

Good luck