Part Time vs. Full Time MBA

Part Time vs. Full Time MBA Which One Is Better? [Master Thread]

The question of FT MBA vs. PT MBA comes up quite a bit and I have responded to it probably 10 times but I never find my reply so I am going to create one MASTER thread that I hope I can keep track of. So we all know the Full Time programs - those are the BIG ones that everyone wants to get in. However, the PT programs are less know and there is quite a bit of mis-information about them.

Part-Time MBA Advantages:

• Money. You continue earning a salary while getting your MBA, so the cost is less
• Easier to get into PT program than FT. Usually there is a 50-point differential between PT and FT programs. For example, Kellogg FT MBA average GMAT is: 728 and for PT MBA average GMAT is 674
• Flexibility. You can usually start in the Spring, Summer or Fall semesters without having to wait till Fall
• Recognition. School name and sometimes even the program name are the same on the Diploma as FT program
• Professors are of then the same in both the full time and part time programs
• Access to FT classes. PT usually students are permitted to enroll in the FT courses (though scheduling may be a pain)
• Less career disruption and more job/income growth and you don't have to recruit or look for a job after graduating

Part-Time MBA Disadvantages

• Recruiting - most programs will to a certain extent exclude their PT students from on-campus recruiting events, job fairs, or sometimes even career services. Without getting into too much detail, the main reason is that MBA programs are judged by their FT rankings and it is school's priority that FT students who gave up their jobs for FT program, be taken care of first. The only school that seems to treat PT and FT students equally so far is Kellogg.
• Internship & Industry Switch. PT programs are not suited for individuals seeking a career change, to jump industries, or dip their toes. That's what FT programs are for.
• Little time for other things - FT programs usually leave no time for much else and PT programs can be even worse. Since you have school and work, you won't have any opportunity for much else such as recruiting, or taking up a project, or additional personal development or travel
• Schools used to allow students to transfer between PT and FT programs. This was a loophole that was closed a while ago and is no longer the case - most Top 20 programs will not allow to transfer. Example of Haas Transfer policy is here. Similarly, most schools wont allow FT-->PT transfer either.
• Longer time frame for graduation - usually 6-12 months more than FT program and often lasting 3-4 years due to school load
• No scholarships for PT students - since you will be working during school, this is not a big consideration but still a minus since very few scholarships are available for PT applicants
• Disconnect with the FT community. PT students often feel alienated from the FT students and have less opportunity to take part in social events, clubs, etc due to work/class hours
• Less income potential. Many grads stay with the same employer and make marginal improvements to their salaries. At the same time, their careers have often stagnated during the 3-year PT MBA process when they were studying, applying, and studying again. So you put your career on pause hoping that the MBA will be enough to excite employers but your resume and accomplishments suffer. It is a trade off few realize, and it is one thing that keeps you in your old job for a few years after PT MBA, until you can work your way out of it or stumble into another job.
• Not enough desperation. FT students must find a job after graduation or they are toast. PT students are not as desperate and not as successful in furthering their careers and staying true to their early aspirations.

In other Words, PT MBA Program is NOT for you If:

• You are planning a career change and need an internship/help with recruiting
• You are looking for a dedicated time to focus on your skills and personal development
• If you are overwhelmed at work - it will only get worse
• You want to get involved into Clubs, social scene, or school community - the time and class conflicts are too much.

Bottom Line:

This is my personal opinion and you are definitely welcome to disagree with me - i welcome you to, but I feel the PT MBA program is going to be more expensive in the end. While it is cheaper and less risky on the upfront, it does not yield the same income grown as the FT program. I think it is only worth it if your employer pays for the PT program.


This is it - let me know if any questions or comments on the list! Always happy to expand it.