You’re a working professional with 5+ years of experience. You’re serious about getting an MBA — but you’re not quitting your job to do it. This guide is for you.
Butch M. Sarma has been an MBA program director since 2018 and an adjunct professor since 2007. Everything on this page comes from real experience working with hundreds of working adult MBA students. Learn more about Butch →
Which MBA Format Is Right for You?
The biggest decision isn’t which school — it’s which format fits your life. Here’s how the main options compare:
| Part-Time | Weekend / Executive | Online | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Evenings, 2–3x/week | Fri–Sat once or twice a month | Asynchronous or synchronous |
| Time to complete | ~3 years | 18–24 months (cohort) | 2–3 years |
| Networking | Strong (local peers) | Very strong (cohort bond) | Moderate |
| In-person experience | Yes | Yes — intensive weekends | No (or limited hybrid) |
| Best for | Flexibility, local roots | Career acceleration, networking | Geographic flexibility |
Not sure which fits you? Start with the questions on the Thinking About an MBA? page.
Is a Part-Time MBA Worth It? How to Calculate Your ROI
The most common question working adults ask before enrolling: “Will this pay off?”
The answer depends on your current salary, your target post-MBA role, and how long you plan to stay in the workforce. A few key data points:
- Average part-time MBA tuition ranges from $40,000–$100,000 depending on school and program.
- Working adult MBA graduates report median salary increases of 15–25% within two years of graduation.
- Unlike full-time programs, you keep earning while you study — reducing the true cost significantly.
- Employer sponsorship can cover part or all of your tuition (see below).
For a step-by-step ROI calculation tailored to working adults, read: Is a Part-Time/Weekend MBA Worth It? Here’s How to Calculate Your ROI →
How to Pay for Your MBA
Most working adult students use a combination of these options:
1. Employer Sponsorship
This is the best option if you can get it. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement — some up to 100%. Even partial sponsorship (a common $5,250/year benefit) meaningfully reduces your out-of-pocket cost. The key is knowing how to ask.
How to Get Employer Sponsorship for Your MBA →
2. Federal Student Loans
US citizens are eligible for federal loans including Grad PLUS loans, which cover the full cost of attendance. Loan limits, interest rates, and eligibility rules change — check studentaid.gov for current information.
3. Self-Pay / Payment Plans
Many programs offer semester-based payment plans that spread tuition over the year. Combined with a salary raise or bonus, some students cover tuition without borrowing.
4. Scholarships
Scholarships for working adult MBA programs are limited — most funding goes to full-time programs. Some schools offer merit awards after your first year. Don’t count on this as a primary funding source, but ask your admissions contact what’s available.
For more detail on all of these, see MBA FAQ Question #4: How do I pay for the MBA degree? →
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re seriously considering a part-time or weekend MBA, here are the best places to go next on this site:
- Thinking About an MBA? — Assess whether you’re ready and what to expect
- MBA FAQ — 10 most common questions answered by an MBA program director
- MBA Textbooks — Get a head start on what you’ll be reading
- Blog — Latest insights on MBA programs, financing, and experiential learning
Have a specific question? Contact Butch directly →