Part-time MBA programs allow you to keep working and earning alongside your studies. But an MBA come at a cost and you’ll still need to find ways to finance it
It’s not always practical to make the leap from full-time work to full-time study, which is why many experienced professionals enroll in part-time MBA programs. Maintaining the balance between your education and other obligations pays off. Approximately two-thirds of part-time MBA graduates have received more promotions than peers who did not obtain an MBA—and the benefits do not end there.
Part of what makes a part-time MBA so appealing is that you can continue to work and earn money while pursuing your studies. Even so, the financial commitment required to do a part-time MBA should still factor into your planning.
When considering your education, you can think about your part-time MBA as a business endeavor for which you need investment. How much will it cost? Where will the funding come from? What is your expected ROI?
Here’s three ways to fund your part-time MBA:
1. Scholarships, tax deductions, and more
Steve Jobs once said ‘if you really look closely, most overnight success took a long time.’ This is as true for career progression as it is for building a business empire.
Keep this in mind when you begin to seek funding for your studies. There are many components to consider when preparing for a part-time MBA program—from course offerings to schedules to cost—and you should look carefully at each aspect of your choice.
Research will reveal what all of your options are so you can make an informed decision. One way to reduce the financial burden of your studies is to look for schools that offer funding packages, scholarships, or fellowships.
For example, students who pay taxes in Austria and attend WU Executive Academy are eligible to receive 50% off of program fees through tax deductions, while UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School has several scholarships available.
This will also be the right time to make preparations for the Executive Assessment evaluation part of your plan. As you get a clearer picture of your financial situation and your options, you can nail down a firm timeline for when you should take the test, apply for scholarships, and more.
2. Pitch your employer
If you are hoping to receive funding from your employer, research will provide you with the information you need to make your case. By suggesting additional funding options, you will show them they won’t have to pay for the entirety of your tuition.
You can also present your chosen school and program in a way to emphasize its benefits from your employer’s point of view, such as how the schedule will ensure that your studies don’t interfere with your work, and how the curriculum will help you gain knowledge and skills that can apply to your present role.
Treat this conversation like a business pitch. By helping to fund your studies, your employer is investing in you, and it’s important to outline the return they can expect.
Many business schools provide useful information to present to employers at this stage. For example, Copenhagen Business School offers prospective students with evidence-based research on its graduates. It is also important to know what your company’s policy is on funding MBAs because that will affect the strategy you take, the amount of funding you ask for, and how you will negotiate a deal.
3. Savings & ROI
As you research your options, apply for scholarships, and prepare your pitch, it is also wise to create a savings plan and devise back-up solutions. Consider payment schedules offered by schools, calculate the upfront costs for your studies, and create a budget.
Your calculations should also project your return on investment. What executive positions are you aiming for? What salary increases can you expect after you complete your graduate degree? Based on data provided by hundreds of business schools in 2018, the average increase in salary for an MBA graduate is 77%.
GMAC research also shows that two out of three employers agree that business school graduates are well prepared to be successful at their company. As a result, even students looking to switch companies can feel confident in investing in their studies.
Next read:
Is a part-time MBA worth it?
This article was created by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and originally published on the Executive Assessment Blog. BusinessBecause is a subsidiary of GMAC.
Learn more about the Executive Assessment.
Student Reviews
Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
Monthly checkups, good acedmic tutoring
Copenhagen business school impresses me every single time I think about the school as a whole. What’s particularly impressive is how they always check in to ensure everyone is on the same page. Whether it's through small group discussions or one-on-one feedback sessions, the professors really take the time to make sure no one is left behind. They’re always available for follow-up questions and give tailored feedback that helps students understand where they can improve and how to apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations. It's clear that at CBS, the focus is on learning, not just getting paid. The professors are not just there to deliver lectures but are deeply invested in making sure every student is progressing.
The professors.. 👌🏾
The professors at Copenhagen Business School are genuinely excellent and play an essential role in developing students with extensive real-world experience. What stuck out to me was how supportive they are outside of lectures and class time. They are always willing to answer inquiries, whether concerning the course material or career advice, and many of them work beyond of usual hours to assist students.The instructors' accessibility fosters an environment in which you feel encouraged, not only intellectually, but also in terms of personal growth and future career goals. It's apparent that they care significantly about helping students achieve.
Jpp prospects with top companies
Copenhagen Business School offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience, making it an excellent choice for aspiring professionals, especially in fields like investment banking and consulting. With strong ties to top-tier companies, the job prospects are promising, bolstered by a robust network of alumni and industry connections. The Danish government provides financial support (SU) for local and EU students, alleviating the financial burden and allowing for a focus on academics and career-building activities. The curriculum is well-structured, offering ample free time for part-time jobs, student clubs, or pursuing personal interests. The balance between studies and extracurriculars nurtures a dynamic student experience, while the international environment fosters a global perspective. CBS equips students with not just a degree but a solid foundation in real-world business practices, making graduates highly competitive in the job market.
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