The best 1-year MBA programs 2024
The 1-year MBA programs with the highest-earning grads are Northwestern University, New York University, and Duke.
While accelerated MBAs are shorter and more affordable, they also offer fewer networking possibilities, making them a better fit for mid-career professionals.
1-year MBAs are intensive – make sure you have the time and energy to study full time.
Want to get an MBA in half the time? Though they aren’t for everyone, you stand to save a lot of cash by choosing an accelerated MBA program.
But not all programs are worth the money. To help you make an informed decision, we list the best 1-year MBA programs based on graduates’ earnings 4 years after completing the program.
With these top ranked 1-year MBA programs, your dream career just got 1 year closer.
What is an accelerated MBA program?
An accelerated MBA is a master’s in business administration that only takes around 1 year to complete. Instruction is more intensive than for a 2-year MBA, and there is usually no required summer internship (although programs usually feature other experiential learning opportunities).
The top 1-year MBA programs – by graduate earnings
Graduates of the top-ranked 1-year MBA programs shown below earn the biggest paychecks 4 years after graduating. We also show students’ average debt on graduation (this does not include undergrad student loans).
» Also read: The best MBA JD programs
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Topping our list of the best accelerated MBA programs, Northwestern is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Its Kellogg School of Management offers a one-year MBA that lasts from “June to June,” allowing you to hit the ground running back at work as soon as you earn your degree.
Rather than packing 2 years of material into 1 year, this program allows you to build on your existing expertise and bypass core classes, focusing on the electives you need to succeed. You can choose from among 200 different elective courses.
Students who didn’t major in business as undergraduates can take pre-enrollment courses to ensure they’re prepared for the MBA.
At Northwestern, you’ll choose between 8 majors, such as accounting, economics, marketing, strategy, etc., and several cross-functional “pathways,” including data analytics, growth and scaling, and more.
New York University
New York, New York
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Second on our list of the best 1-year MBAs is NYU, a prestigious private institution. The college offers several excellent 1 year MBA programs: the Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA, the Fashion & Luxury MBA, and the Stern at NYUAD MBA.
The Tech MBA consists of 4 major components: the business core, the technology core, Stern solutions (where students solve real-world problems), and electives. During the program, which runs from May to May, students prepare to take on leadership roles in the tech industry.
Students of the Fashion and Luxury MBA learn the ins and outs of the fashion world, Like the Tech MBA, its curriculum consists of 4 components (business core, fashion/luxury core, Stern solutions, and electives).
Meanwhile, the Stern at NYUAD MBA is a more classic option that takes place at NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus.
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Duke is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. Its Fuqua School of Business enrolls more than 1,300 students.
Duke is home to one of the best accelerated MBA programs in the country: its 10-month daytime MBA offers the perfect opportunity to build on your existing experience, skipping fundamental courses and getting right to what’s most important: electives and experiential learning. This degree is highly customizable, allowing you to design your own MBA based on 100+ electives.
You can choose between several concentrations, including energy & environment, finance, leadership & ethics, and much more.
To be eligible for this program, you must already have a master’s in management or equivalent degree.
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
This private research university is located in bustling Atlanta, Georgia. Historically affiliated with the Methodist Church, Emory is a secular institution open to people of all faiths and creeds.
Emory’s Goizueta Business School offers an accelerated STEM MBA that can be completed in 12 months. It is one of the best 1 year MBA programs in the country. Students work to solve real-world business cases and can even study international business in a different country.
During the summer, students spend 6 weeks taking part in an IMPACT program where a team works together to solve a business challenge, taking the form of an academic competition.
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The University of Washington rounds out the top 5 best 1 year MBA programs. UW is a large, public university in Seattle, Washington. Located in the city’s vibrant U-District, the Foster School of Business is home to one of the best business programs on the West Coast.
Not a typical accelerated one year MBA program, UW offers a Technology Management MBA that lasts 18 months (a year and a half). It is perfect for individuals who are passionate about harnessing the power of technology to transform businesses. The program is offered partly at UW’s Seattle campus and partly on its Kirkland campus.
Courses include entrepreneurship, strategic management of technology innovation, customer experience, making a pitch, and much more.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
A well-regarded private research university in Los Angeles, USC offers several MBA options through its Marshall School of Business.
Its top ranked one-year MBA program is known as the International Education and Research MBA (IBEAR), which is geared especially towards mid-career professionals with a focus on international business. Students work together with their peers and faculty to complete a 4-month consulting project. The program’s curriculum is flexible, allowing you to pick classes most relevant to your career.
The program’s web page notes that most of its cohorts have 12 years of work experience and are between 32 and 40 years old. This is a STEM certified MBA.
Babson College
Wellesley, Massachusetts
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
One of the top one year MBA schools, this private business school is located in Wellesley, a small town just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. The college offers several different MBAs through its Olin Graduate School of Business.
Its full-time MBA can be completed in 12 or 21 months. Most students have 6-8 years of working experience. One advantage of this program is that the GMAT and GRE are not required.
Students of the 1-year program take a full course load during the summer, which involve hands-on classes. You choose between 2 STEM MBA concentrations: quantitative finance, or business analytics/machine learning.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Some schools may not provide complete data to IPEDS, impacting our ability to rank them. Unavailable information is marked N/A.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Some schools may not provide complete data to IPEDS, impacting our ability to rank them. Unavailable information is marked N/A.
Some schools may not provide complete data to IPEDS, impacting our ability to rank them. Unavailable information is marked N/A.
A private institution, Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, a city in Eastern Pennsylvania. Its business college is recognized throughout the world.
The one-year MBA at Lehigh is a 1-year, on-campus program that is a designated STEM MBA. Applicants must have at least 2 years of professional experience before applying.
The curriculum starts with core courses like project management that allow you to review the fundamentals of business. There are also classes taught from the stakeholder’s point of view and “societal shift” courses. During the program, students complete consulting practicum EXTERNSHIPseries projects. The program culminates in a capstone course.
Students can take a trip to Silicon Valley, and a dual degree option in public health is also available too.
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Southern Methodist University is a private research university near Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1911, it is affiliated with the Southern Methodist Church.
SMU’s Cox School of Business offers a full-time one-year MBA that is one of the best accelerated MBAs in Texas and the South. The university is proud of its culture, which features small class sizes and multiple MBA student clubs, like the Energy Club and the Women in Business Club.
With 40% of its student body being international, Southern Methodist is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place to get your MBA.
Thanks to the program’s modular approach, students have access to a wide range of electives in several concentrations, including marketing, finance, ITOM business analytics, real estate, and more. Students also complete applied leadership projects.
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, Texas
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Another private, Christian institution, TCU is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It was established in 1873.
TCU’s Neeley School of business offers a full-time MBA with 2 tracks: the traditional 2 year MBA or an accelerated 12-month MBA. It also offers another accelerated MBA that can be completed in 18 months.
Its 12-month MBA is designed especially for mid-career professionals who want to move ahead. Electives focus on specific disciplines like finance, supply chain, healthcare, real estate, and more. The university is looking for candidates who already possess a BBA and at least 3 years of professional experience.
Students choose between several field concentrations (brand management, investments, supply chain management) and industry emphases (consulting, energy, entrepreneurship, healthcare).
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Drexel University is a private institution located primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is an affordable option for businesspeople looking to jump start their careers.
The university’s LeBow College of Business has a full-time accelerated MBA that’s perfect for mid-career professionals. The program’s timeframe is flexible, allowing students to complete it in 12, 15, or 18 months. It is also customizable to your goals and expectations. Beside the myriad electives, students can choose concentrations, graduate minors, and dual degree programs. There is also plenty of experiential learning opportunities.
MBA concentrations include business analytics, corporate sustainability, effective leadership, finance, strategic technology & innovation management, and much more.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
UT, often referred to as UT Knoxville, is a large public university founded in 1794, before Tennessee was even a state. It is home to the highly respected Haslam College of Business. Because it is a public university, UT offers highly competitive prices for its MBA program.
It offers an Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership (EMBA-SL) that is one of the top ranked one year MBA programs in the country. The program’s curriculum is based on 4 residencies and has significant distance-learning components. It is geared towards executives and entrepreneurs.
Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Pepperdine is a private Christian University in Los Angeles County. It is affiliated with the Church of Christ.
The university’s Graziadio Business School offers several accelerated MBA options: a 12-month track and a 15-month track. Both programs have study abroad opportunities. Applicants should note that the 12-month track require an undergraduate degree in business, while the 15-mont track accepts any bachelor’s degree.
Students of both tracks can pick a concentration like finance and marketing (there are more options for the 15-month track). You can also get a SEER (Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible Business Strategy) Certificate.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
A large, public university in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue offers a high-value, affordable, STEM-focused master of business administration that can be completed in 1 year.
The 1 year MBA’s curriculum consists of traditional core classes like business law, macroeconomics, marketing management, etc., and electives that are chosen with an advisor. Students have plentiful experiential learning opportunities that are geared especially toward STEM professionals. This allows them to apply what they learn in the classroom to a real business.
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
University of Florida is a large public research university in Gainesville, a university town in the northern part of the state. It is home to the highly esteemed Warrington College of Business.
Its prestigious 1-year MBA is the first on our list to be offered fully online, making it one of the most efficient and convenient ways to boost your business qualifications on the MBA market.
The program length is approximately 16 months, and it has start times in September, January, and April. The average student of this MBA program has 6 years of work experience under their belt. The curriculum combines lecture hours with hands-on learning, and each student must fulfill 1 experiential learning requirement.
SUNY at Albany
Albany, New York
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
SUNY Albany, aka the State University of New York at Albany, is a public institution with affordable MBA options that lead to impressive outcomes. It is home to the Massry Center of Business, which features technologically advanced classrooms and collaborative research centers.
Its 1-year MBA program, which consists of 30 credits, is intended for top-notch students who already possess a bachelor’s in business. Students can choose between several concentrations like cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, finance, HR, information systems/business analytics, and marketing.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
This private university located in the eponymous town in Missouri was established by Jesuits and is affiliated with the Catholic Church. It is the oldest institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi.
SLU’s Chaifetz School of Business offers a respected accelerated MBA program that con be completed in just 11 months.
Courses are taught by a whole team of faculty from different fields, and there is an emphasis on cross-disciplinary integration of skills and knowledge. Besides theoretical learning, graduates will learn practical skills like R and Python. Students also have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test with hands-on consulting experience and a 7-day international business emersion trip.
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
University of Miami is a private research university in Miami-Date County, Florida. The UM Herbert Business School offers an exciting accelerated MBA program that can transform the career of motivated professionals.
With a program length of only 10 months, it is a great way to turbo-charge your career. Some notable features of this program include the 1:1 career coaching service that can help you promote your personal brand. There is also a capstone project where you can put your newfound knowledge to work in the real world.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
UC, sometimes known as Cincy, is a public research university in Ohio. It is one of the oldest and largest institutions of higher learning in the state.
Home to the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, its full-time MBA program can be completed in 1 year or 16 months with an internship. This MBA has 20+ specialization opportunities (including entrepreneurship, data analytics, and health care administration), meaning its curriculum holds appeal for businesspeople with a wide variety of interests.
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
A public research university in the town of Eugene, UO was founded in 1876. It offers an accelerated MBA through its Lundquist College of Business. The program, which takes 15 months, is ideal for students who have a strong academic record with an emphasis on quantitative skills.
The program features internship opportunities and an international learning tour. The curriculum consists of 7 MBA core courses, specialization/elective courses, and an MBA seminar.
This MBA is hands-on and customizable, ensuring its relevance to your professional objectives. The student to faculty ratio is just 3:1.
Other popular accelerated MBA programs
| University | Average earnings | Average debt |
|---|---|---|
| Weber State University | $99,794 | $20,787 |
| Willamette University | $95,835 | $78,180 |
| Clemson University | $90,367 | $40,526 |
| The University of Tampa | $89,687 | $37,434 |
| Binghamton University | $87,648 | $20,500 |
| Oklahoma State University | $86,816 | $19,488 |
| Hult International Business School | $85,921 | $72,228 |
| Florida International University | $84,269 | $59,315 |
| Kent State University at Kent | $82,747 | $36,620 |
| Appalachian State University | $70,700 | $25,293 |
| University of Mississippi | $68,001 | |
| College of Charleston | $66,309 | $40,746 |
| Louisiana State University | $61,370 | $55,351 |
| Penn State | N/A | N/A |
| University of Kentucky | N/A | N/A |
| Texas Tech University | N/A | N/A |
| University of Detroit Mercy | N/A | N/A |
How we made this list
Data on average earnings and debt comes from College Scorecard, a government initiative to improve access to educational data, and IPEDS, a repository created by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Normally, we rank colleges based on ROI. However, it is not possible to disaggregate data on colleges’ outcomes based on whether students chose a 2-year or 1-year MBA track. This affects net cost and debt data considerably, meaning we can’t accurately calculate these programs’ ROI if the college offers both a 2-year and 1-year MBA program.
Instead, we have ranked these colleges by average yearly earnings, 4 years after graduation. While these debt and earnings also represent aggregates of a college’s 1-year and 2-year MBA data (when applicable), we expect salary outcomes to be similar.
The main differences between a 1-year and 2-year MBA
- Completion time – Most MBAs take 2 years. Accelerated MBAs generally take 1, although some are just 10 months, and other “accelerated MBAs” may take as long as 16 months.
- Student profile – Accelerated MBAs are more popular among working professionals who already have experience. They may want an MBA in order to qualify for a promotion.
- Admissions criteria – 1-year MBAs frequently have more stringent admissions criteria. They may require you to have majored in business as an undergrad and have pre-req courses under your belt. You may also need more work experience.
- Internship opportunities – 1-year MBAs don’t usually feature the traditional summer internship (although some do!). This learning component, which often leads to a job after graduation, is less vital for 1-year MBA students, who may already have a position lined up for after they finish.
- Customizable curriculum – 1-year MBAs sometimes allow you to skip certain classes if you already know the material (credit for what you know). There may be fewer foundational-level courses. On the other hand, you don’t have the luxury of academic exploration.
- Pace of learning – 1 year MBAs often pack a lot of material into a short timeframe. Therefore, they may be more intensive than traditional MBAs.
- Cost – Because 1-year MBAs are shorter, they’re generally cheaper.
» Also read: The fastest online MBAs
Is an accelerated MBA worth it?
Yes. If you’re a mid-career professional looking to improve your job opportunities, a 1-year MBA can be a great investment.
Because program-level earnings data can’t be disaggregated, it is difficult to determine whether 1-year MBAs lead to comparable paychecks to 2-year MBAs.
However, the cost savings are significant.
If you are ok with foregoing the internship and networking opportunities of a 2-year MBA, an accelerated program can get you the same learning outcomes in half the time.
» Also read: The difference between a B.B.A and a B.S. in business.
When should you choose a 1-year vs 2-year MBA?
Choose a 1-year MBA if you’re a working professional with significant experience who doesn’t need the same networking/internship opportunities as a younger learner.
Ask yourself if you have the time, money, and energy to devote a full year just to learning – remember that part-time MBAs are an option too.
Choose a 2-year MBA if you’re early in your career, you want to spend more time studying business fundamentals, and you want to jump-start your career with an internship.
» Also read: Is college a good investment for non-traditional students?
Final thoughts
1-year MBAs can be big money-savers. Nevertheless, think carefully before opting for an accelerated program.
If you believe a traditional 2-year MBA from a top university may be a better fit for you, check out our rankings of the best MBA programs in the country – sorted by ROI value.
Or, browse our rankings of the best online MBAs!
www.degreechoices.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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