Does It Matter Where You Get Your M.B.A.?

Don’t invest your time and resources in just any M.B.A. program. The reputation of the business school where you earn your degree can influence your job prospects and network. It’s not just about what employers think or getting that first job, either. The quality of the education you receive can affect your staying power and your ability to flex with a changing environment and achieve your aspirations.
So, how do you find a high-quality M.B.A.? First, you need to understand what it means to be a top program.
What Makes a Top M.B.A. Program?
There are a few factors that can indicate the quality of an M.B.A. program and business school, but the clearest one is accreditation.
Program Accreditation
Accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is widely recognized as the gold standard for business schools. AACSB accreditation has been achieved by only six percent of business schools worldwide. The process is rigorous, and includes a thorough review of the school’s mission, faculty, curricula, and program offerings.
The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University not only has AACSB accreditation, but boasts the rare AACSB dual-accreditation in accounting as well.
When you choose a school that has achieved this accreditation, you know you will earn an M.B.A. that is
- Known for successful alumni
- Respected by employers
- Recognized by peer universities across the globe
- Sought after by top faculty members
- Offering resources to support learning and career advancement
- Providing industry-relevant and rigorous coursework
In fact, surveys indicate that graduates of AACSB-accredited business schools have higher rates of employability, degree satisfaction, and career advancement.
Backed by Reputable Organizations or Publications
Another top indicator of business program quality is recognition by reputable organizations or publications. While rankings don’t provide the full picture, being included on these lists does show that the school has recognition in the business community—especially for online programs.
Here are several notable examples of recognition for the St. John's University M.B.A. programs
Best Accelerated Online M.B.A. Program
#4 Fortune (2023)
Best Online M.B.A.
#33 U.S. News & World Report (2023)
Best Fintech M.B.A. Program
What to Look For in an M.B.A. Program
In addition to ensuring that the M.B.A. program you are considering is AACSB-accredited, you should take time to learn about the curriculum that is offered and the opportunities that will be available to you.
Depending on the industry or field you hope to pursue or continue a career in, you may want an M.B.A. with specific concentration options. An M.B.A. concentration, also called a specialization, takes you beyond business fundamentals and allows you to dive deeper to apply your knowledge to a specific function or industry.
The M.B.A. program at St. John’s University offers more than 19 concentration options in the 36-credit M.B.A. program, as well as the opportunity to specialize further with a 45-credit Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) M.B.A. or a 57-credit Accounting M.B.A.
Programs with rich concentrations should also have industry connections with future employers and global campuses to provide hands-on learning and job opportunities, led by faculty with experience in the field.
Located in New York City, St. John’s campus has proximity to thousands of employers in hundreds of leading sectors.
Through the Global Destination Courses offered by faculty at St. John’s, you can take advantage of the business school’s wide network that spans Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Limerick, Ireland—giving you skills to succeed in a global marketplace.
The combination of a solid curriculum and a deep connection to the business world means you will be well prepared to enter or advance in the workforce.
How Do I Find the Best Value M.B.A. Program?
When looking for an M.B.A. program, you should also consider your needs and lifestyle. Review the program modalities offered, especially if you need a part-time or online-only schedule, and research the financial aid or M.B.A. financing opportunities.
A “best value” M.B.A. doesn’t necessarily mean the one with the least expensive tuition. Similarly, the length of a program is not always the prime indicator. Instead, look at the number of credits required to make sure the program covers what you need. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice quality when searching for the best value M.B.A. schools.
When calculating the value of an M.B.A. program, consider factors such as
- Ability to use employer tuition remission benefits
- Access to financing options
- Access to resources and opportunities aligned with your goals
- Flexibility of program delivery or length of M.B.A.
- Opportunity for salary and career growth upon completion
- Quality of M.B.A. curriculum and faculty
Which M.B.A. School is Right for Me?
When deciding on where to pursue your M.B.A., remember to balance your personal needs and values with what employers will look for on your résumé.
Consider
- What kind of M.B.A. will work best for you?
- What skills or specializations will employers in your field look for?
- What kind of campus experience do you want?
- What opportunities or resources do you want to have access to?