There are a million different factors to consider when selecting an MBA program; each person is going to weigh these criteria differently depending on their personal circumstances. However, a few key criteria are applicable to everyone when looking at various programs.
- Location. Is the program located somewhere you could see yourself staying long-term? Moving is never easy; this is worth considering early in the process.Ìý Location is also heavily correlated with the next point; networking. ÌýÌý
- Networking. Building your personal network is an extremely valuable part of the MBA experience; you’ll have opportunities to connect with current students, local companies, alumni, and the people who live in the region. If your dream company is headquartered in Seattle, it may not be in your best interest to attend a program located in Ohio.
- Rankings. Rankings don’t tell the whole story about an MBA program, but are a good starting point for those early in the process. There are a variety of ranking systems out there; be sure you care about the specific criteria used to rank programs before putting too much weight in them. According to , rankings serve as a proxy for three important considerations across programs; selectivity, prestige, and post-MBA salary. See how Leeds' MBA program rankÌýcompared to the competition.
- MBA Cost. The price tag for a top 10 school can easily exceed $200,000; it is important to on programs you are considering. Understand tuition; does it change year-to-year? Are out-of-state students eligible for in-state tuition for the second year? Does the program offer scholarships? Understand how scholarships work; are they available for both years of a two year program, or just the first? Know the average starting salary in your chosen field; this can vary significantly across programs. You can learn about Leeds' MBA financing and tuition with the rest of our admissions information.
- Curriculum. Obtain a list of classes offered. Do you want to take them? Consider asking specific questions around teaching methods; how does the program weigh quant. vs qual.? How is group work structured? What types of teaching methods do professors use? How much of the learning is centered around case studies? It is also important to consider class size, and how student-to-teacher ratios are calculated. Ask if you can set up a one-on-one with a current faculty member; are they involved in any industry associations? How are teaching evaluations used? Many programs offer potential students opportunities to sit in on a class; this is a great way to get a better feel for the instruction in your chosen area of concentration.
