IS AN MBA WORTH IT?

Rethinking the Value of an MBA Degree

As you consider earning an MBA degree, it is important to think about the factors that contribute to the return on your investment (ROI) in the program:

  • How do you weigh the cost of a program against projected career growth?

  • How will the program improve your professional network and opportunities?

  • How do total costs compare to those of different program options, and what unique benefits does the program provide?

Jump to:

Program ROI

Alumni Benefits

Preparing for Success

The Financial ROI of a UNC MBA

Our online format makes it possible for working professionals to balance personal, professional and academic growth. That translates to greater ROI potential.

Students continue working while in the program, meaning they don’t forgo career progression or earnings. With no gap in their employment history or relocation expenses, students can often repay any financial aid sooner and see a faster return on their tuition expenses.

39%

Average salary increase one year post-graduation
from entry1

$132,329

Average student salary, with bonus, upon starting
the online MBA program

24%

Average salary increase
at graduation

$159,537

Average salary five months
post-graduation (with bonus)

Online MBA Benefits After You Graduate

Connections to the worldwide alumni network

“Part of being an alum is giving back. I feel like people reach out to me all the time because we have this common bond. Being a graduate of UNC just gives you access to conversations you weren’t part of before.”

Stephanie Winans, Class of 2016

President of Point of Care and Consumer Health, The Wellness Network

While classes are hosted online, the connections and professional relationships that our students forge are some of the most valuable elements of our program.

Not only does the face-to-face learning and interactive structure facilitate high-level collaboration, but you will join both the UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School alumni networks.

The UNC Kenan-Flagler alumni community is more than 44,000 strong and made up of some of the most accomplished professionals in the world. Our alumni—nearly 2,000 of whom earned their degree online—have access to professional resources and continue to form relationships throughout their careers.

300,000+

UNC alumni community

2,000+

online graduates

479

CEOs

1,349

alumni in
C-level positions

4,580

alumni in Fortune 500
companies

1,728

alumni in UNC’s Alumni
Career Advisors Network

This data is self-reported by alumni of both the on-campus and online graduate and undergraduate business programs from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The data was collected and calculated in October 2019.

“The online MBA program made me a more valuable worker every day. I could take what I was learning in the classroom and apply it to work right then and there.”

Jenn Brown, Class of 2018

Social Impact Consultant

Take the Next Step

Learn how an online MBA from Kenan-Flagler can prepare you to advance your career,
as it has for thousands of professionals across the country.

REQUEST INFORMATION

How We Position You for Success

Every aspect of the online MBA program—from professional networking opportunities to intimate learning environments to leadership development and training—sets you up for tangible success.

Intimate, Discussion-Based Classes

Our courses promote student-centered learning, immediate feedback and genuine engagement. During your live sessions, you’ll tackle real-world business problems in collaboration with classmates and professors who bring a wealth of diverse perspectives and experiences to the table.

A Team-Based Teaching Model

As a student, you’ll have access to faculty attention around the clock, wherever you’re located. Our faculty members—who are experts in their respective fields—don’t just lead classes; they offer one-on-one virtual office hours so you can get personal guidance outside of class.

Knowledge You Can Apply Immediately

Our challenging curriculum is built for your level of professional experience, equipping you with the leadership, strategy, project management and technical expertise that you can apply immediately in your job.

Lifelong Career and Leadership Services

As a member of both the UNC alumni network and UNC Kenan-Flagler alumni network, you’ll benefit from personalized career coaching and development resources, regional alumni chapters and professional groups, and the ability to take future courses across the Kenan-Flagler MBA portfolio for a nominal fee.

Companies Employing UNC Kenan-Flagler Students

Our students and alumni work in leadership positions at some of the most influential
companies in the world, including:

Amazon.com Inc. | Apple Inc. | Bank of America Corporation | BASF Corporation | The Coca-Cola Company | Deloitte | Exxon Mobil Corporation | General Electric | GlaxoSmithKline PLC | The Goldman Sachs Group Inc | Google LLC | The Home Depot Inc. | Johnson & Johnson | Lockheed Martin | The National Football League | PepsiCo Inc. | PricewaterhouseCoopers | Proctor & Gamble Co. | The Walt Disney Company | Wells Fargo & Company

Connect With a Counselor for Personalized Guidance

As you weigh your options, consider connecting with one of our Admissions Counselors.

Your dedicated counselor can give you a detailed look inside the student experience and help you determine whether UNC’s MBA program is the right fit for your future. If you decide to apply, your counselor will continue to support you throughout the admissions process.

CONNECT NOW

1 Reported salary statistics are based on exit surveys of MBA@UNC graduates in 2021, with a response rate of 76.8%.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference