MBA Programs with the Best ROI
For many students considering an MBA, the financial return matters a great deal.
The cost of business school is high, and graduates want to know they can earn enough to justify the investment.
Return on investment (ROI) measures how much an MBA increases earnings compared to its total cost.
Schools with strong ROI help students land well-paying jobs quickly, making the degree worth the expense.
The Financial Times ranks MBA programs every year, including a “value for money” score.
This score compares alumni salaries three years after graduation to the total cost of the degree, including tuition, lost wages, and other expenses.
Scholarships and financial aid are also factored in.
Which MBA Programs Offer the Best Return on Investment?
These are some top colleges that have MBA programs that offer some of the best ROI:
| School Name | Location | Value for Money Rank | Rank in 2025 | Weighted Salary ($) | Salary % Increase |
| University of Texas at Dallas: Jindal | US | 7 | 54 | 142,408 | 123 |
| University of Georgia: Terry | US | 1 | 55 | 141,733 | 155 |
| University of Florida: Warrington | US | 2 | 48 | 144,517 | 122 |
| University College Dublin: Smurfit | Ireland | 5 | 73 | 140,828 | 91 |
| Tongji University School of Economics and Management | China | 8 | 31 | 176,726 | 238 |
| Texas A&M University: Mays | US | 13 | 70 | 150,489 | 120 |
| Shanghai University of Finance and Economics: College of Business | China | 6 | 15 | 226,494 | 195 |
| SDA Bocconi School of Management | Italy | 15 | 4 | 217,241 | 124 |
| Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore | Singapore | 4 | 22 | 186,832 | 142 |
| Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode | India | 10 | 86 | 161,103 | 242 |
| Indian Institute of Management Indore | India | 12 | 69 | 161,012 | 204 |
| ESCP Business School | France | 3 | 28 | 151,045 | 90 |
| EMLyon Business School | France | 9 | 44 | 138,442 | 105 |
| Brigham Young University: Marriott | US | 11 | 83 | 151,772 | 134 |
| Arizona State University: WP Carey | US | 14 | 59 | 137,606 | 129 |
What Is the Best-Value MBA Program in 2025?
The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business ranks first for ROI for the second year in a row.
Although it places 55th overall in the FT rankings, its low tuition and strong post-MBA salaries make it a top choice for value.
In-state students pay under $30,000 total for the two−year program, while out−of−state and international students pay under $30,000 total for the two−year program, while out−of−state and international students pay under $70,000.
Three years after graduation, Terry MBA graduates earn an average salary of $141,000, a 155% increase from before their degree.
Are One-Year MBAs a Better Financial Choice?
The University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business offers a one-year MBA, reducing both tuition and lost earnings.
The total cost is around $26,500 for residents, and alumni earn an average of $26,500 for residents, and alumni earn an average of $144,000 after graduation.
One-year programs, common in Europe, often cost less than two-year MBAs.
Schools like SDA Bocconi in Italy and UCD Smurfit in Ireland provide strong salaries with shorter study periods, improving ROI.
Do European MBAs Have Better ROI Than US Programs?
Four European schools rank in the top 15 for ROI.
SDA Bocconi, though expensive at €82,000, leads with alumni earning $217,000 on average.
UCD Smurfit in Ireland costs €37,910 and results in a 91% salary increase.
Since European MBAs are typically shorter, students save on tuition and return to work faster.
This makes them a strong alternative to longer, more expensive US programs.
Which Business Schools Outside the US and Europe Have High ROI?
Nanyang Business School in Singapore offers an MBA for $81,750, with graduates seeing a $142226,000.
These schools provide globally recognized degrees at a lower cost than many US and European options, making them attractive for ROI-focused students.
How Do Post-MBA Salaries Compare Across Top Schools?
The average salary for graduates from the best-value MBA programs is $161,000.
While this is lower than top−ranked schools like Wharton ($161,000.
While this is lower than top−ranked schools like Wharton ($240,000), the salary increase is often higher.
SUFE leads with a 195% salary boost, followed by Bocconi and Nanyang.
Even the lowest salary on the list, from EMLyon in France, exceeds $138,000, showing strong earning potential across these programs.
Choosing an MBA with strong ROI means balancing cost, program length, and future earnings.
Schools like Georgia Terry, Florida Warrington, and SDA Bocconi offer high salaries without extreme tuition fees.
One-year and international programs can also provide excellent value.
Prospective students should research each school’s salary outcomes and total costs to find the best financial fit.
The right MBA should not only advance a career but also pay for itself in the long run.
