Is an Online MBA Worth It?
| 4 Min Read
Advanced education can positively impact a professional’s career trajectory, earning potential and long-term growth opportunities. For many, earning a graduate degree is a practical way to build leadership skills, expand business knowledge and move into more senior roles. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most recognized credentials for achieving that kind of growth.
The online Master of Business Administration program from The University of Tulsa (UTulsa) offers professionals a flexible path to developing career-boosting skills while they continue to work. Since significant time and resources go into completing an MBA — even if it’s online — there are three important factors to consider when deciding whether to earn an MBA: the return on investment (ROI), how employers view the degree and whether it aligns with career goals.
What Is the Value of an MBA?
Salary outcomes are one of the clearest indicators of an MBA’s value. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the median starting salary for MBA graduates in 2023 was about $120,000 per year. That figure is roughly 1.75 times higher than the starting salary for those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Long-term earning potential also improves with the degree, with 77% of MBA graduates saying their degree prepared them for leadership positions and increased their earning power. Broader workforce data supports this trend.
Cost is another part of the equation. Tuition for traditional two-year MBA programs in the U.S. can range from $55,727 to $161,810 at the top business schools, according to research by Experian. Online programs cost significantly less while allowing students to continue earning an income around their studies. Bottom line: the online option helps reduce the financial risk while improving overall return on investment.
Do Employers Respect Online MBAs?
Most employers are less concerned about the program delivery format and more interested in whether the program is accredited. According to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), only about 6% of business schools worldwide have earned AACSB accreditation. To do so, schools must meet strict criteria related to teaching, research and continuous improvement to achieve this recognition.
UTulsa’s online MBA program is AACSB-accredited, ranking it among the world’s elite business education institutions. The program boasts a 100% employment rate, with graduates being welcomed into positions by business powerhouses like J.P. Morgan, Deloitte and Williams Companies.
When Is an Online MBA Worth It for Career Changers?
An online MBA offers the most value when it aligns with your career goals and current situation. Those looking for a career change often use the degree to enter a new field. Concentration options such as finance, energy, business analytics and entrepreneurship allow you to focus your studies and build relevant expertise for your target industry.
Mid-level professionals seeking advancement can also benefit. Leadership roles require strong decision-making, communication and strategic thinking skills. According to Forbes, MBA programs help professionals strengthen these capabilities and prepare for higher levels of responsibility.
Flexibility is another advantage for working adults. UTulsa’s program has no GMAT requirement, multiple start dates and accelerated timelines that enable students to begin and complete the program sooner.
How an Online MBA Supports Long-Term Career Growth
An MBA provides more than immediate job opportunities. It builds a foundation for long-term career development. Skills in leadership, financial analysis and strategic planning remain valuable across industries and economic cycles.
Professionals with an MBA often move into roles that influence business outcomes. These positions may include managing teams, leading projects or guiding organizational strategy. Over time, this experience can lead to executive-level opportunities.
The online format also supports continuous learning. You can apply new concepts directly to your current role, which helps reinforce learning and create immediate value in the workplace. This connection between education and real-world application strengthens both your skills and your professional impact.
Plus, pursuing an MBA provides networking opportunities that can pay off for decades to come. The people you meet during your MBA studies can often become the most valuable business contacts you make throughout your entire career.
Pursuing an MBA also signals commitment to growth. Employers often view graduate education as evidence of initiative and discipline. These qualities can support career advancement and open doors to new opportunities.
A Smart Investment in Your Future
The University of Tulsa’s online MBA program addresses all three of the key elements potential students should consider when deciding whether to pursue an MBA. It offers strong return on investment through competitive career outcomes, holds recognized accreditation that supports employer confidence and provides the flexibility professionals need to move forward in their careers.
Whether you’re looking to accelerate your advancement, pivot to a new industry or build the leadership foundation for an executive career, UTulsa’s online MBA program can equip you with the credentials, skills and network to make it happen. Investing in this degree is investing in a future with greater opportunity, higher earning potential and the confidence to lead at the highest levels.
Learn more about The University of Tulsa’s online Master of Business Administration program.