Part time MBA rankings reveal a competitive landscape where top schools like Chicago Booth, Berkeley Haas, and Northwestern Kellogg continuously battle for the #1 position. While Chicago Booth scored a perfect 100 in the 2025 U.S. News rankings, Berkeley Haas followed closely at 98 and Northwestern Kellogg at 97.
What’s particularly interesting is how these rankings affect your choices as a working professional. The best part time MBA programs offer flexibility, but at a cost—averaging around $70,000 nationwide, with top-tier part-time MBA programs reaching $150,000-$160,000 in total tuition. Additionally, the ranking landscape is changing, with only 269 schools qualifying for the 2025 rankings after online programs were excluded.
We’ve analyzed the latest data to uncover what these MBA programs for working professionals aren’t advertising. For instance, did you know the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business jumped 11 places to reach the top 10 for the first time? These weekend MBA programs are evolving rapidly, and understanding the ranking methodology—which weighs peer assessment at 50% of the total score—can help you make better decisions about your educational future.
Top Part-Time MBA Programs in 2025
The landscape of part time MBA rankings in 2025 showcases exceptional programs designed for working professionals seeking career advancement without leaving their jobs. According to U.S. News & World Report, Chicago Booth stands at the top with a perfect score of 100, followed closely by UC Berkeley Haas at 98 and Northwestern Kellogg at 97.
NYU Stern (94) and UCLA Anderson (89) round out the top five. The University of Texas-Austin McCombs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ross, and USC Marshall occupy the 6th through 8th positions respectively, with Georgetown McDonough taking 9th place. Ohio State Fisher, University of Washington Foster, and Maryland Smith tie for 10th – with Maryland making an impressive 11-spot jump from previous rankings.
What sets these programs apart:
Chicago Booth’s part-time MBA allows up to 25% of coursework to be completed remotely, offering flexibility for its 945 enrolled students who typically see a median GMAT score of 700. Furthermore, Berkeley Haas reports 38% women in their class of 2025, highlighting their commitment to diversity.
Meanwhile, NYU Stern offers four distinct program options: Weeknights, Accelerated Two-Year, Saturday, and Online/Modular. Students can switch between these options after two semesters if circumstances change.
At UCLA Anderson, graduates reported a 61% salary increase four months after graduation, whereas Michigan Ross Weekend MBA graduates saw a 16% increase in median salary, reaching $162,500.
The flexibility of these weekend MBA programs extends beyond scheduling. At Ohio State Fisher, students can take up to eight graduate-level elective credits across other university departments, creating truly personalized educational experiences.
Overall, the best part-time MBA programs in 2025 combine scheduling flexibility, prestigious faculty, career advancement opportunities, and strong alumni networks. Most importantly, these programs deliver tangible results – from significant salary increases to promotions, with 63% of Michigan Ross Weekend MBA students receiving promotions during their program.
What Makes These Programs Stand Out
“There is no such thing as private knowledge in academia. An idea kept private is as good as one you never had.” — Sönke Ahrens, Author of ‘How to Take Smart Notes’, expert in academic productivity and knowledge management
NYU Stern, notably, provides lifetime career coaching specifically customized to individual strengths and experiences. Similarly, Chicago Booth introduces students to career services immediately during orientation, granting lifetime access that extends well beyond graduation. This long-term commitment helps explain why many MBA programs for working professionals maintain such strong employer relationships.
Alumni networks constitute another vital asset. Harvard Business School maintains connections with nearly 91,000 alumni across 173 countries, while Wharton’s network exceeds 100,000 graduates globally. Consequently, students gain access to industry leaders across virtually any sector. Kellogg offers particularly impressive post-graduation benefits, including access to six free courses through their Degree Enhancement Program.
Faculty strength also separates exceptional programs from mediocre ones. Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis employs the largest combined faculty at 478 professors, with 449 working full-time and 66.3% holding doctorate degrees. This academic firepower ensures students receive instruction from recognized industry experts.
Customization options certainly enhance program value. Wisconsin School of Business allows students to earn specialized “badges” in specific business areas, whereas Babson enables personalized scheduling that accommodates professional demands. Johns Hopkins Carey offers eight in-demand specializations through its flexible MBA.
Employer integration further distinguishes elite programs. Georgia Tech encourages students to bring organizational challenges directly into classrooms for interactive problem-solving with faculty and peers. This practical approach ensures immediate application of concepts at work – a feature consistently cited as invaluable by graduates.
Despite substantial tuition investments ranging from $70,000 to $160,000, these distinguishing elements help explain why top part-time MBA programs continue attracting talented professionals seeking advancement without career interruption.
The Real Cost of a Part-Time MBA
When examining the financial reality of part-time MBA programs, the sticker price tells only half the story. The average tuition for these programs hovers around $70,000 nationwide, with top-tier options commanding $150,000-$160,000. Chicago Booth leads at $160,000+, followed by Michigan Ross at $153,000 and UCLA Anderson at $143,200.
In reality, most prospective students underestimate additional expenses. Beyond tuition, hidden costs frequently include:
- Club dues ranging from $100-$300 per organization
- MBA travel experiences averaging $21,300 for 13 trips over two years
- Recruiting expenses including flights and accommodations for interviews
- Professional clothing and networking events
- Parking fees in urban campuses exceeding school transportation allowances
Fortunately, employer sponsorship offers substantial relief for many weekend MBA program participants. Several Fortune 500 companies provide tuition reimbursement ranging from $3,500 to $50,000 annually. Moreover, Section 127 of the tax code allows employers to deduct up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance without it counting as taxable income to employees.
Companies like Bank of America offer $7,500 annually for eligible graduate courses, whereas Microsoft provides up to $10,000 per employee yearly with no lifetime cap. In exchange, most companies require a post-graduation commitment, typically around two years.
Strategic students maximize these benefits by spreading courses across three calendar years instead of two, effectively capturing three years of employer tuition money for a two-year program. Initially, federal loans can cover first-semester tuition until employer reimbursements begin flowing, creating a sustainable payment cycle.
Although part-time MBAs eliminate opportunity costs of lost wages that full-time programs incur, successful candidates should still budget 15% above school-provided expense estimates. In essence, understanding these financial realities empowers professionals to make informed decisions about investing in part-time MBA programs.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen throughout this analysis, part-time MBA programs offer working professionals valuable opportunities for advancement without career interruption. However, these programs require careful consideration beyond their rankings. Though Chicago Booth maintains its top position with a perfect score, schools like Maryland Smith demonstrate significant momentum with their impressive 11-spot jump into the top 10.
Undoubtedly, the most successful candidates approach these programs with clear-eyed financial planning. The true investment extends well beyond the advertised tuition rates of $70,000-$160,000, necessarily including hidden expenses like networking events, club memberships, and travel opportunities. Fortunately, employer sponsorship programs can substantially offset these costs, especially when strategically maximized across multiple calendar years.
What truly distinguishes the best part-time MBA programs? Above all, their career services, faculty strength, customization options, and employer integration create tangible value for students. The lifetime career coaching at NYU Stern, specialized “badges” at Wisconsin, and the problem-solving focus at Georgia Tech exemplify how these programs translate academic learning into workplace advancement.
At the end of the day, rankings provide a helpful starting point, but they tell only part of the story. The ideal program must align with your specific career goals, financial situation, and work-life balance needs. Consequently, we recommend looking beyond the numbers to explore the unique features of each program. After all, the most valuable part-time MBA isn’t necessarily the highest-ranked one—it’s the one that best propels your particular career forward.
FAQs
Q1. What are the top-ranked part-time MBA programs for 2025? According to the latest rankings, the University of Chicago (Booth), UC Berkeley (Haas), and Northwestern University (Kellogg) are among the top-ranked part-time MBA programs for 2025. These schools offer flexible formats, strong alumni networks, and access to top-tier faculty and resources.
Q2. How much does a part-time MBA typically cost? The cost of a part-time MBA can vary widely, with the average tuition around $70,000 nationwide. However, top-tier programs can reach $150,000-$160,000 in total tuition. Additional expenses like textbooks, travel, and networking events should also be factored into the overall cost.
Q3. Are part-time MBA programs worth the investment? Part-time MBA programs can be worthwhile for working professionals seeking career advancement without leaving their jobs. These programs offer flexibility, networking opportunities, and the chance to apply learned concepts immediately in the workplace. However, the value depends on individual career goals and circumstances.
Q4. How do employers view part-time MBA degrees compared to full-time programs? Many employers view part-time MBA degrees favorably, especially when the degree is from a reputable institution. Part-time MBA graduates often demonstrate the ability to balance work and study, which can be seen as a valuable skill. However, the perception may vary depending on the industry and specific employer.
Q5. What factors should I consider when choosing a part-time MBA program? When selecting a part-time MBA program, consider factors such as program flexibility, school reputation, curriculum relevance to your career goals, networking opportunities, and overall cost. Additionally, evaluate the program’s career services, faculty expertise, and the strength of its alumni network in your desired industry or location.