For most b-school applicants, the high cost of an top-tier MBA program is an important consideration in the decision-making process. If that sounds like you, check out the latest ranking released by Bloomberg Businessweek of the highest debt burdens facing MBA graduates, where the questionable first-place honor goes to....Duke University's Fuqua School of Business with an average debt burden of $87,398.
Here's the bird's-eye view of the dubious Top Ten:
1. Duke Fuqua
Program Cost: $109,844
Average Starting Salary: $111,812
Average Debt Burden: $87,398
2. University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School
Program Cost: $121,610
Average Starting Salary: $120,702
Average Debt Burden: $83,226
3. Yale School of Management
Program Cost: $115,321
Average Starting Salary: $104,147
Average Debt Burden: $82,293
4. Chicago Booth School of Business
Program Cost: $111,587
Average Starting Salary: $115,079
Average Debt Burden: $82,080
5. UV Darden School of Business
Program Cost: $95,900
Average Starting Salary: $109,335
Average Debt Burden: $80,528
6. Georgetown McDonough School of Business
Program Cost: $99,650
Average Starting Salary: $99,799
Average Debt Burden: $77,688
7. UM Ross School of Business
Program Cost: $100,389
Average Starting Salary: $111,047
Average Debt Burden: $77,607
8. Dartmouth Tuck School of Business
Program Cost: $117,930
Average Starting Salary: $115,302
Average Debt Burden: $75,081
9. USC Marshall School of Business
Program Cost: $103,300
Average Starting Salary: $97,921
Average Debt Burden: $70,340
10. Northwestern Kellogg School of Management
Program Cost: $113,100
Average Starting Salary: $116,605
Average Debt Burden: $69,962
According to the data note provided by Bloomberg Businessweek, the schools listed here provided the program cost and average starting salary numbers in fall 2012. Average Debt Burden data was collected in the graduate survey that was part of the 2012 Best Business Schools ranking.
Ultimately, taking on student loan debt is a personal decision. If an M.B.A. will lead to a career with a salary commensurate with the cost of the debt you are about to incur, the decision may be an easy one. However, if you're worried about the MBA debt load that awaits you, read these posts to learn how to lighten your MBA debt load, and how to pay for your MBA.
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If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more. Visit the website for Stacy Blackman Reviews, and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.