Quickest payback in the Big Ten: The Broad Full-Time MBA program

A Broad student at the 2019 advanced degree commencement ceremony

Since 2013, the Broad College’s Full-Time MBA program has been recognized for having one of the shortest payback times among all programs — and the quickest payback in the Big Ten. This year’s numbers are no different.

On Wednesday, Forbes released its biennial list of The Best Business Schools and found that Broad graduates needed just 3.6 years to make up the cost of their MBA degrees in additional compensation. With this number, the Broad College has defended its title as the quickest payback in the Big Ten and is tied for the shortest payback time among all programs with the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.

“This ranking really demonstrates how the Broad College is delivering on its commitment to create transformational leaders who can make business happen — and to do so inclusively,” said Richard Saouma, newly appointed Associate Dean for MBA, EMBA and Professional Master’s Programs. “Our emphasis is on creating value for all stakeholders. Employers value the Broad MBA degree because our students are eager to roll up their sleeves, fearlessly take on challenges and obsess over moving the needle. Our top priority is the value generated for students, and we ourselves obsess over how to creatively provide the most compelling and transformational experiences for students with a very deliberate eye on student costs and ROI.” 

While other universities have shifted in their standings, the Broad College’s 3.6-year payback time has held steady since 2015 and is tied for the overall shortest payback time in both the 2017 and 2019 rankings.

Full-Time MBA students at the 2019 orientation

Forbes’ 2019 ranking places the Broad College 9th among public schools and 27th overall. Broad has consistently been ranked among the top 10 public institutions and the top 30 programs overall in Forbes’ Best Business Schools lists since 2007.

These MBA rankings are based on return on investment (ROI), measuring compensation five years after graduation minus tuition and salary forgone during school. Graduates from the class of 2014 were surveyed and asked to share pre-MBA salaries along with what they earned for three of the first five years after graduating.

For more information about this ranking, visit forbes.com.