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hannsg620
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Why do a 30-50 ranked FT MBA program over a lesser ranked PT program? 28 Feb 2017, 13:43
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I'm having trouble seeing the benefit of a full time 30-50 ranked program (assume this is the highest I can get into) over an even lesser ranked part time program given my stats:

27 years old, one year experience in corp finance making $45k. Would wait 1-2 years (on the longer side for full time MBA) to apply for B School.

Can go to alma matter (UNC-G) for part time MBA for ~$16-24k (depending on employer contribution) while working full time, wouldn't have to take GMAT.

Or can get into a 30-50 ranked program, and go full time.

I think 10 years after graduating, either degree will be worth the same. So what really matters is the job placement/recruiting that I would get after I finish the full time program at the higher ranked school. But since it's 30-50 ranked, is that really going to be that much of a difference?

I know there are a lot of other issues (I'm not sure of the future opportunities at my current company or how much having an MBA will help, I'm flexible with future career field , I don't plan on moving but am flexible, etc) but can anyone help me quantify the value of a 30-50 ranked MBA in this case?

Thanks and let me know if you have questions..
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teleste
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Why do a 30-50 ranked FT MBA program over a lesser ranked PT program? 28 Feb 2017, 20:05
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hannsg620
I think 10 years after graduating, either degree will be worth the same. So what really matters is the job placement/recruiting that I would get after I finish the full time program at the higher ranked school. But since it's 30-50 ranked, is that really going to be that much of a difference?

For some people an evening program while they keep their job is probably the best option. If you are happy with your company/industry/career track, and you are seeking your MBA for educational and promotion purposes, you can definitely get a great education at local state schools without paying through the nose. If you feel this is your situation, this may be the best route.

On the other hand, if you're looking to switch careers, I would definitely say a full-time program even in the 30-50 range (*as long as the costs are under control*) is the better choice.
-You will have the opportunity for an internship between the two years
-You will have a broader network that will be with you for life
-You will have a full-time career services office that will help you recruit (including company information sessions, resume/cover letter review, mock interviews, and valuable other soft skills)
-You will also get to focus on the MBA curriculum 100% while you're in school...this could be pretty advantageous if you're trying to learn new skills or get a particular concentration or pass CFA/CPA or something of that kind

FWIW, there are some quality programs in the 30-50 range. Texas A&M, BYU, USC, Georgia Tech, Arizona State, Michigan State, Florida, Illinois, Penn State, all come to mind. Some of these schools punch well above their weight as far as job placement goes, some are the flagship state schools in their regional markets, some offer inexpensive degrees (the MBA at ASU was free the last time I checked!), and some specialize in particular concentrations that make them leaders in their field. For MBA candidates with the right profiles and goals, these can all be awesome options...and can definitely be much better than evening programs.

Finally, if you put in the work and smash the GMAT, I think you could get the best of both worlds. Not only do I believe you could stay regionally in NC and go to school at a reasonable price, but I think you could do it at a top 20 program. With a few years of work experience and a top GMAT score, I think you could be admitted to UNC Chapel Hill with a considerable scholarship. I wouldn't just dismiss that as an option...

Good luck with the decision!
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