Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can open doors in many industries, helping you advance your career in multiple ways. An MBA program builds essential leadership and management skills, preparing you to take on higher-level roles with greater earning potential and professional impact. With the added flexibility and accessibility of online programs, earning an MBA is more achievable than ever.
Still, when you factor in the cost of an online MBA, including tuition, fees and materials, is an online MBA worth it? This article examines the return on investment (ROI) of an online MBA, from salary growth to long-term benefits, and how programs like the online Master of Business Administration at Arkansas State University can deliver lasting value.
Understanding Online MBA Costs
How much does an MBA cost in an online degree program? The average cost of an online MBA was around $16,000 per year in 2025, compared to about $46,000 for traditional full-time, on-campus MBA programs. This figure typically includes tuition, fees and materials required to complete your degree.
However, the total cost of an online MBA can vary depending on a number of factors. Financial aid, scholarships and employer sponsorship options can offset the cost, as can opting to complete your degree in a full-time or accelerated setting. Some universities offer flexible payment options, such as pay-by-the-course tuition, which allow you to pay for credit hours as you complete them rather than paying the full amount upfront.
Another cost advantage of online MBA programs is the ability to keep working while you earn your degree. Not only does it prevent the cost of lost income, but it also lets you apply new skills directly to your current role. Ultimately, the cost of an online MBA depends on your personal situation and needs, but it’s often a more affordable and practical alternative to traditional, in-person programs.
Career Outcomes and Salary Impact
The salary potential for earning an MBA can be substantially higher than positions in the same field without a graduate degree in business or management. While the exact numbers can vary by industry and position, the median salary for management occupations in 2024 was $122,090, more than twice the median salary for all careers ($49,500). Top executives earned a median salary of $206,680 in the same year, more than four times higher than the median salary for other occupations.
Beyond higher salaries, MBA graduates often experience greater career mobility and job security. The degree can serve as a differentiator in competitive industries, qualifying professionals for promotions, leadership positions and cross-functional roles that might otherwise be out of reach. Many employers also view MBA credentials as evidence of initiative and adaptability, qualities that are valuable in any industry.
Demand for management positions for individuals with an MBA is projected to increase in the next decade. Roles for construction managers, for example, are expected to increase by 9% over the next 10 years, which is much faster than the average growth for most careers. This role offers MBA graduates with experience in the field the opportunity to apply their skills to manage construction projects across a range of industries. Meanwhile, financial manager positions are projected to grow 15%, an incredible growth rate, making an MBA with a finance concentration a substantial long-term investment for career advancement.
The ROI Calculation: Is an MBA Worth It?
When assessing the ROI of an MBA degree, it’s important to consider more than just tuition costs. Time, money, potential career growth, student loans and salary potential all play a role in determining whether your degree will pay off in the long run. Some questions to ask yourself in the process are:
- What is your current salary?
- What is the tuition cost for your chosen MBA program?
- What state do you plan to live and work in after graduating?
- Do you plan to study full-time or work and study part-time?
- If you’re enrolling in an in-person school, will you need to pay for room and board?
- What financial resources (savings, scholarships, loans or employer assistance) are available to you?
- If you’re taking out loans, what is the projected interest rate?
- If taking out loans, what are the interest rate and repayment terms?
- What is the median starting salary in your desired postgraduate career?
- Could your future position include a signing bonus or performance incentives?
Many online MBA ROI calculators allow you to plug in these details to generate a customized ROI analysis. The results can help you determine whether your projected postgraduate earnings make the investment in an MBA financially worthwhile.
Beyond Salary: Skills and Network
When evaluating the ROI of an MBA, cost is only part of the equation. Graduates of high-quality MBA programs gain far more than a credential. They develop valuable leadership, management and strategic thinking skills that drive long-term career success. Coursework and practical application help students sharpen their business acumen and strengthen decision-making abilities, preparing them to take on leadership roles or pivot into new industries.
Enrolling in an MBA program also creates networking opportunities and professional connections. Students collaborate with experienced faculty, business leaders and peers from diverse backgrounds, which can often lead to mentorship, career opportunities or business partnerships. After graduation, alumni networks provide ongoing access to industry insights and professional relationships that can help graduates continue to grow and advance throughout their careers.
In addition to technical and leadership training, MBA programs foster essential soft skills that employers consistently rank among the most critical in the workplace. Through group projects, presentations and case studies, students refine their communication, negotiation and problem-solving capabilities. These interpersonal strengths not only enhance day-to-day performance but also prepare graduates to navigate complex organizational dynamics and lead teams with confidence.
Why Arkansas State University’s Online MBA Delivers Value
An online MBA from Arkansas State University delivers exceptional long-term value to your professional future while keeping costs manageable in the present. A-State’s flexible MBA programs allow you to continue working as you earn your degree, minimizing financial disruption and maximizing your return on investment. With competitive tuition rates and a convenient pay-as-you-go schedule, A-State’s MBA programs deliver a higher ROI than many comparable online and in-person options.
At A-State’s Neil Griffin College of Business, you’ll receive a rigorous education in leadership, strategy and management accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Students can choose from specialized concentrations in addition to a general MBA, including:
- Agricultural Business
- Business Analytics
- Financial Planning and Analysis
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
No matter your concentration or career goals, an online MBA from Arkansas State University tells future employers that you have the advanced business acumen and leadership skills to guide teams, departments or organizations to success. With dedicated faculty and personalized student support, A-State helps you take confident steps toward achieving your professional potential.
Make an Investment in Your Future With an Online MBA
Is it worth getting an MBA? When considering tuition costs against potential salary gains, the investment may seem significant. But the value of an MBA extends far beyond a paycheck. Graduates gain lifelong skills, valuable business connections and the experience to lead in today’s fast-changing business world.
The online Master of Business Administration programs at Arkansas State University empowers you to make an investment in your future while balancing your current responsibilities. With flexible coursework, affordable tuition and a respected AACSB-accredited curriculum, A-State’s MBA programs can help you achieve lasting career success. To learn more about A-State’s MBA programs and how they can elevate your future, contact the admissions department today.