University of Michigan - Ross School of Business Launches Online MBA

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While it's not cheap, it is very competitively priced against executive MBA programs from schools such as Wharton, Stanford, etc.

 

This is nucking futs. 126k for a master's degree. I guess they have a 500k salary job waiting for each graduate. Meanwhile, you can get an AACSB accredited MBA from a regular business school for around 12k.

 

It is significantly cheaper than the going rates at other higher end executive format MBA programs. Keep in mind, I would anticipate there to often be no out-of-pocket expenses for the students. Just look at the names of the companies in the first cohort, I would bet that almost everyone is paying in full for their employees to attend it.

 

While I respect the prestige of Ross, I believe that the price is high. I think this program is obviously aimed at larger companies who will cover the cost of their employee(s) to attend. The typical person (AKA ME) could never afford this. Having no option of assistantships and so forth, you have to have some DEEP pockets for this.

 

Michigan is a good school. There's no doubt about that. And I'm sure it's a quality program. There's no reason to think otherwise. Whether it's worth the price is another matter but as far as I'm concerned, if someone wants to pay that price then I have no problem with it. But if Michigan (or any other school, for that matter) wants to impress me then they'll come out with a new program that fills an actual need. Dropping one more high priced MBA program onto an already saturated market is not impressive to me at this point in the game.

 

I agree. However, they are filling a need for those large companies that want people to have an MBA from a well-known business school without having to lose their employee for 2 years.

 

I would hope the employer is paying for it. That's almost the cost of a nice house.

 

I think Ross is filling a need. If you look at the T10 MBA programs in the US, Ross is the only one w/ a fully online MBA program. I'm making no comment against programs ranked lower w/ online programs, but Ross is filling the need of those who want the UMich MBA pedigree w/o having to attend the physical location and can afford it (or their firms can pay). There are plenty of people who can't travel for a T10 EMBA, Ross is the program for them.

 

Yeah, I'll tell you that I'm relieved. I can't tell you how many nights I've cried myself to sleep worrying about those poorpoor corporate executives who can't afford to leave their seven-figure jobs to attend Harvard. Until now they've had to go to Duke and we know what a slum bucket that place is these days. Now they can go to Michigan. I think we all win.

 

Yes, this degree is literally over $100k more than an online MBA from a decent state school such as, say UNC Wilmington (quick google search, 18 month & $15k for in-state tuition). That being said, while not a disparagement on the faculty at other schools, attending Ross allows you to work with and learn from some of the top people in the field and the value of that networking is... well, valuable. As an example, taking lean operations coursework from Liker. If we consider that many professional positions are obtained from networking and are often not even advertised, having fellow classmates with the companies listed in the initial cohort is... well, valuable. Also keep in mind, that the median first year salary of a Ross graduate is around $130k and with an average bonus that can purchase a new car. While in the alternative example, well... it's not even listed. While this may be speculative, I would comfortably state that even if someone paid out of pocket for this (which they shouldn't) that it would not be a financial hardship in the long term.

 

It really can't be easy at times for corporate executives. Way back in 84 there was a slight incident in India, and the poor corporate executive responsible hasn't for years even been able to join his family on European ski vacations since India had an international arrest warrant out. You may by cynical, but please, think of the children! Have you no humanity? Thankfully, our government did the right thing (lobbyist said it was), and refused to process the extradition order.

 

I have to say though that I think that Josh and JP are right in some important ways. This program will be filled up, and probably pretty quickly. There will be competitive admissions and not everyone will get in. At least not at first. This place would rather have a small very successful first cohort than a big one with a large drop out rate. It will be successful much in the way the Duke program is successful because the program is a Top 10 program and everyone knows it. I'm just tired of all the MBA programs, especially all the middle-tier programs that don't distinguish themselves in any way. Anyway, it's a good find and if we keep our eyes open we'll probably be able to track the progress as the program matures.

 

I feel you. I do not regret my MBA but I do regret not doing it at a bigger, and better, institution. Hence, the MS in Finance from Mizzou.

 

I looked into this program. A full-time working person will finish the program in 3.5 years. One would have to do the program as a full-time student to finish in two years.

 

Right, I am getting my MBA in Finance from UTPB (AACSB) for 12K since I am having a finance emphasis. Otherwise, it would only cost me under 10K if I got a general MBA.

 

Congratulations and hope it serves you well. I looked up the program and it certainly appears to be a great value!

 

Here I was knocking someone for pursing their distance learning MBA at a cost of over $100,000 and I am waiting to hear if I am admitted to a couple programs that cost $50,000+...such a hypocrite. LOL

Honestly, I love Ross and I feel this will be a great program for many people. I look forward to seeing if this is a program that is mainly utilized by individuals already with a company or if it will be something that people try to utilize to get into consulting with MBB.

 

Would imagine that they will always be leaning towards those already working in industry. Personally, I feel half the value in programs of that prestige is simply the networking opportunities, which are immensely valuable.

 

I agree. Even in distance learning programs, the name of the university and the networking associated with that are HUGE.