Need advice on how to choose online MBA

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by gfunk15, May 18, 2016.

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  1. gfunk15

    gfunk15 New Member

    Hi,
    First time posting here... I am investigating online MBA programs. I have a family and am in my late 30s. I can't afford to not work while getting an MBA therefore I am fairly committed to the online MBA track.

    I need advice on whether I should choose a state university school or go with a "lesser known" school. I have an undergrad in Accounting and 3.5 GPA from the University of Washington. I have been in the workforce for 15 years and am a financial analyst at my core.

    I am able to get some GMAT waivers from some state universities such as Colorado State and possibly Temple, UMass, and Utah. Alternatively I could start with a school such as DeVry's Keller School, Walden Univ., Norwich, Colorado Technical, or Grand Canyon as examples that don't require a GMAT.

    At the end of the day I want to (A) learn as much as I can, (B) get a broad experience (no concentration), (C) get entrepreneurship classes (I'd like to own my own business), (D) complete it in less than 2 years, and (E) have the MBA credentials without breaking my bank (eg: less than $60K).

    Any advice and comments would be MUCH APPRECIATED!!! Thanks :)
     
  2. Gabe F.

    Gabe F. Active Member

    Based on your criteria, here's one of the best options I can possibly think of:

    Southeastern Oklahoma State University - John Massey School of Business

    Cost: Less than $12k

    GMAT: Not required

    Accreditation: Holds AACSB accreditation - the so-called "gold standard" of business school accreditation.

    Concentrations: You can obtain a General MBA or select a concentration in Entrepreneurship (or a bunch of others in case you change your mind)

    Link: Online Programs | Southeastern Oklahoma State University
     
  3. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Even if you're going online, there are decently regarded programs available. There's no need to end up at DeVry, Walden, Colorado Technical, or Grand Canyon.
     
  4. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    I'm with Steve on this one, whatever you do stay away from DeVry 's Keller School, Walden Univ., Norwich , Colorado Technical, or Grand Canyon. There are far, far better alternatives than these schools.
     
  5. gfunk15

    gfunk15 New Member

    Thank you all! I appreciate the advice on staying away from non AACSB schools such as those listed.

    My short list includes:
    - Temple
    - UMass
    - Colorado State
    - SE Oklahoma State
    - Xavier (?)
    - Nebraska (?)

    What other AACSB schools would people recommend where I could get a GMAT waiver?
     
  6. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    My opinion, for what it's worth, is that it's a mistake to choose a grad school based on whether you have to take the GMAT or not.
     
  7. gfunk15

    gfunk15 New Member

    I understand and appreciate that comment, and it's not the greatest differentiator, but there are so many options! Anyone have recommendations on what the best school is that costs less than ~$30K?
     
  8. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Amen, sister! I've never understood why people are willing to limit their options so much based on this one inconvenience. Ditto the GRE, of course.
     
  9. AsianStew

    AsianStew Moderator Staff Member

    It's best to choose a school from a SMALL list rather than from a BIG list of schools, as it's more known in your state or area of residence.
    You already have a list above, you can choose from that list... otherwise, you're just not going to get started thinking there's more schools out there for the price, recognition, accreditation, etc. Find a few you have heard of and in your price range and break it down to the final 3 to pick from.
    If you're wanting to grow your list to choose from, you'll have a hard time picking the right one... and time is $.
     
  10. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

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