MBAs remain one of the most valuable master’s degrees a working professional can earn to advance their career. However, for many, a full-time, on-campus program doesn’t make sense financially or logistically.
That is where Online MBAs come in. In this post, I’ll be highlighting the Boston University (BU) Online MBA. With a price tag of just $25,000 and a reputation backed by a Top 50 full-time program, it’s a high-profile entrant in the digital education space. Here is my breakdown of the program to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your career.
boston university worth it review
Also check out: My Boston University Online MBA Experience: Was the $25,000 Investment Worth It?
1. Global University Ranking & Reputation
Reputation is a primary driver for an MBA’s value. When looking at U.S. News & World Report, Boston University consistently ranks around #57 globally.
The university has an incredibly rich history dating back to 1839. It is an R1 doctoral university, meaning it is a top-tier research institution. Fun fact: the telephone was actually invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 in a Boston University lab! This heritage gives the degree a weight that newer or “online-only” institutions simply can’t match.
2. The edX Partnership: A Marketing Angle?
BU offers this program in partnership with edX.org. However, it is important to note that BU doesn’t strictly use edX as the primary delivery platform for content.
Unlike the University of Illinois (iMBA), which uses Coursera for its supplementary pre-recorded content, BU uses its own host of tools and software for live sessions and program management. edX functions more as a marketing arm to help promote the degree globally.
3. Networking in a Digital World
One of the biggest questions about online programs is: Can I actually network? In an online program, you have to be much more proactive. While you won’t be physically sitting next to peers, the Questrom School of Business has a massive network of over 51,000 alumni. The online classes are projected to have around 500 students per cohort, providing a large pool for potential connections.
Pro-Tip: If you live in a major metropolitan city, look for local meetups. Many students in these programs organize their own regional networking events.
4. Curriculum & Specializations
One potential drawback of the BU Online MBA is the lack of specializations or concentrations. While the full-time program offers them, the online version currently does not.
However, the curriculum structure is unique. Instead of traditional “siloed” courses like just Marketing or Finance, BU uses an Integrated Module approach.
These modules are centered around business ideas rather than single functions. Each module addresses multiple business disciplines simultaneously, reflecting how real-world business problems are solved.
5. The $25,000 Price Tag (ROI)
The most important factor for many is the Return on Investment (ROI).
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BU Online MBA: ~$24,000 – $25,000 total.
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Full-Time MBA: Often exceeds $100,000 – $200,000.
Finding a program from a globally recognized university at this price point is rare. The only other program in this ballpark is the University of Illinois iMBA, which costs around $23,000.
Final Thoughts: Is It For You?
If you are looking for a prestigious name, a top-tier research reputation, and a fantastic price, the Boston University Online MBA is hard to beat. If you absolutely need a specific specialization (like Health Sector or Social Impact) right now, you might need to look at their Full-Time or Part-Time Flex options.
Are you currently in an online MBA program? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below!
For more career development and personal finance tips, consider subscribing to the blog and checking out my other reviews of online education programs.
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