Top 10 Best Part-Time MBA Programs in 2027

1. Kellogg Evening & Weekend MBA

The Kellogg Evening & Weekend MBA ranks first because it pairs an elite M7 brand with a part-time format that grants full access to Kellogg's renowned marketing and management curriculum, all while you continue working. Its evening option meets two nights per week in Evanston and Chicago, while the weekend format convenes on alternating weekends, both designed for a 2.5-year completion.

This program is for mid-to-senior professionals who want a top-tier credential without pausing their career, particularly those in marketing, strategy, or general management. It trades away the flexibility of a fully online format and demands a reliable commute to the Chicago area, which is a binding constraint for many. Compared to Chicago Booth's flexible curriculum, Kellogg offers a more structured core, which suits candidates who prefer guided coursework.

2. Chicago Booth Evening MBA

Chicago Booth's Evening MBA ranks second because its famously flexible curriculum lets working professionals tailor nearly the entire degree to their career goals, a rare advantage among top programs. Students choose from evening classes at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago or the weekend format in Hyde Park, with per-credit costs around $2,200, totaling roughly $140,000.

This program is best for self-directed learners who know exactly what they want from their MBA and need maximum elective freedom, such as building a custom concentration in quantitative finance or entrepreneurship. It trades away the structure and built-in peer cohort of a lockstep program, requiring students to be proactive in building their community.

3. Berkeley Haas Evening & Weekend MBA

Berkeley Haas's Evening & Weekend MBA ranks third because it delivers a top-10 public school education with an intense focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, directly adjacent to Silicon Valley. The program offers evening classes in Berkeley and a weekend format, both requiring about 2.5 to 3 years of study, with total tuition for California residents around $120,000.

This program is for established professionals in the tech ecosystem who want to accelerate within their industry without relocating, leveraging the school's proximity to major employers. It trades away the lower cost of a fully online program and requires a significant time commitment for on-campus sessions, which can be a barrier for those outside the Bay Area.

4. Michigan Ross Part-Time MBA

The Michigan Ross Part-Time MBA ranks fourth because it offers the same top-tier curriculum and faculty as its highly regarded full-time program, with the flexibility of evening and weekend formats in Ann Arbor. The program is designed for completion in about 2.5 to 3 years, with a per-credit cost near $2,000, totaling approximately $120,000 for the degree.

This program is for working professionals in the Midwest who want a prestigious degree from a top public university without the Chicago or Bay Area commute. It trades away the urban campus experience of programs like Booth or Stern, but the tight-knit Ann Arbor community and strong cohort bonds are a distinct advantage. Compared to Berkeley Haas's tech focus, Ross offers a broader, more traditional management education that is versatile across sectors.

5. NYU Stern Part-Time MBA

NYU Stern's Part-Time MBA ranks fifth because it provides an elite finance-focused education in the heart of Manhattan, with evening and weekend options that cater to the city's dense professional workforce. The program's curriculum is heavily weighted toward finance, with renowned faculty and direct access to Wall Street, and it can be completed in about 2.5 to 3 years.

This program is for finance and consulting professionals in the New York metro area who want to deepen their expertise while maintaining their job and local network. It trades away the flexibility of a lower-cost public option and requires a demanding commute to Greenwich Village, but the immediate applicability of the coursework is a major draw. Compared to Chicago Booth's flexible curriculum, Stern has a more structured core, which is beneficial for those wanting a strong finance foundation.

6. Texas McCombs Evening MBA

The Texas McCombs Evening MBA ranks sixth because it is the dominant part-time program in the booming Austin market, offering a top-20 public school education with a strong focus on technology and entrepreneurship. The program holds evening classes in Austin, designed for a 2.5-year completion, with in-state tuition around $90,000, making it a high-value option.

This program is for professionals already working in Austin or those willing to relocate, who want to accelerate their career in the city's rapidly growing tech and business sectors. It trades away the national brand recognition of a Kellogg or Booth for a more regional but highly effective network, which is a smart trade for those committed to the Austin market.

7. Tepper School of Business Part-Time MBA

The Tepper School of Business Part-Time MBA ranks seventh because it is a pioneer in using technology and data-driven decision-making in its curriculum, with a flexible online and on-campus format. The program, based in Pittsburgh, offers evening, weekend, and online options, allowing students to tailor their schedule, with a total cost around $130,000. Tepper's curriculum is highly quantitative, with a strong emphasis on analytics, operations research, and leadership, making it ideal for engineers and technical professionals.

This program is for technical professionals, such as engineers and data scientists, who want to move into management roles while continuing to work, often in the Pittsburgh or broader East Coast region. It trades away the prestige of a higher-ranked brand for a specialized, analytical focus that is highly valued in certain industries. Compared to Texas McCombs's regional strength, Tepper offers a more national reach with its online options, but it lacks the same deep local ecosystem.

8. USC Marshall Part-Time MBA

The USC Marshall Part-Time MBA ranks eighth because it offers a top-20 program with a strong West Coast network and a focus on entrepreneurship and entertainment, delivered in a flexible evening format. The program, based in Los Angeles, is designed for completion in about 2.5 to 3 years, with tuition around $130,000. Marshall's curriculum is strong in general management, with notable specializations in marketing, finance, and the business of entertainment, leveraging its location in a major media hub.

This program is for professionals in the Los Angeles area, particularly those in entertainment, media, and technology, who want a prestigious degree with a powerful regional network. It trades away the lower cost of a public university and requires a significant time commitment for evening classes in a sprawling city, but the career benefits in that market are substantial.

9. Indiana University Kelley Direct Online MBA

Indiana University's Kelley Direct Online MBA ranks ninth because it is the premier online part-time MBA, offering a top-tier curriculum with the ultimate flexibility for working professionals nationwide. The program is delivered through a blend of asynchronous coursework and live synchronous sessions, with required in-person residencies, and can be completed in 2 to 3 years. Its total cost is around $80,000, making it one of the most affordable options among top-ranked programs.

This program is for professionals who cannot commit to a fixed on-campus schedule due to travel, location, or family obligations, but who still want a reputable MBA from a well-known business school. It trades away the in-person networking and spontaneous interactions of a campus-based program, which are often crucial for career pivots.

10. UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA@UNC

The UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA@UNC ranks tenth because it is a highly respected online MBA with a strong focus on leadership and strategic thinking, offering a flexible format for professionals across the globe. The program combines online coursework with in-person global immersions, allowing students to complete their degree in about 2 to 3 years, with a total cost near $100,000.

This program is for mid-career professionals who want a top-20 MBA with the flexibility of an online format but who also value some in-person interaction through global immersions. It trades away the intensity and network density of a part-time evening program, which can be a disadvantage for those seeking a hard career pivot.

How we ranked these

We measured programs on AACSB accreditation, analytics curriculum depth, elective flexibility, alumni density in target metros, class access, and geographic fit. Weighting favored verifiable criteria: syllabus content, LinkedIn alumni counts, and admission policies over survey-based reputation. Cost was modeled as net out-of-pocket after employer reimbursement and merit aid, not sticker price.

We deliberately ignored published rankings as a primary signal because their methodologies weight student surveys and reputation polls that shift with small response-rate changes. We also ignored full-time recruiting access, summer internship pipelines, and career-switch support, since part-time students rarely receive these. Finally, we excluded brand prestige as a standalone factor, treating it only as a rough tier indicator rather than a decision driver.

What to look for

What actually matters is format fit, net cost, and alumni density where you work. A 15-minute commute you can sustain beats a top-5 brand 50 minutes away that you abandon in year two. Verify elective access in writing, confirm reimbursement tax treatment, and model the salary delta against net tuition over four to six years. The network is not automatic—budget time for study groups and club leadership.

The mistake most buyers make is optimizing for rank instead of fit, then discovering the required core duplicates their background or the commute kills them. They also ignore net cost, comparing sticker prices without aid, reimbursement, or tax effects. Many assume full-time recruiting access and discover too late it is restricted. Overloading the first term and neglecting the household schedule are common, avoidable errors.

Related questions

Is a part-time MBA respected as much as a full-time MBA?

At AACSB-accredited schools the degree is identical and most employers treat it as such. The practical difference is recruiting access, not prestige. Some hiring managers view finishing a rigorous program while working full-time as a positive signal of discipline.

Can I get a GMAT waiver for a part-time MBA?

Frequently, yes. Common qualifying criteria include five or more years of progressive work experience, a prior graduate degree, a CPA or CFA, or a strong quantitative undergraduate GPA. Waiver policies vary by school and by year—request the current criteria in writing from admissions.

How many hours per week does a part-time MBA take?

Plan on 15 to 20 hours weekly for two courses: roughly six hours in class plus reading, problem sets, and group work. One course runs closer to 8 to 10 hours. Group projects are the least predictable component.

Should I do an online MBA instead?

If commute or travel makes in-person attendance unreliable, a top online program from a major public university is a strong choice and often costs less. The trade-off is weaker spontaneous networking. Choose programs with live synchronous sessions and required in-person residencies.

Will my employer pay for a part-time MBA?

Many will, typically $5,250 to $15,000 per year, often requiring AACSB accreditation, a minimum grade, per-course pre-approval, and a one-to-two-year retention commitment with prorated repayment if you leave early.

What is the difference between a part-time and executive MBA?

Executive MBAs are weekend or modular formats for senior managers with 10+ years of experience, often costing $190,000–$230,000 with bundled meals and residencies. Part-time MBAs are evening or weekend programs for working professionals at any level, typically $110,000–$190,000 at elite private schools.

How do I choose between part-time programs?

Start with geography and format—if you cannot be in class on weeknights, narrow to weekend or online. Apply your net cost ceiling after reimbursement. Then weight alumni density in your target metro and function. Break ties on curriculum control and cohort structure, favoring flexibility if you have a quantitative background.

FAQ

How long does a part-time MBA take to complete?

Most evening programs are designed around two and a half years at two courses per term. Maximum completion windows commonly run five to six years, and many allow a leave of absence. Accelerated two-year tracks require three courses per term, which most working students find unsustainable.

What is the total cost of a part-time MBA?

At elite private programs, per-credit rates of $1,800–$2,600 put a full degree between roughly $110,000 and $190,000 before fees. Executive weekend formats run $190,000–$230,000. Public university programs often total $50,000–$100,000, and online options from major publics can land below $80,000.

Are part-time MBA students eligible for on-campus recruiting?

Generally no. On-campus interviews, structured summer internships, and the consulting/banking recruiting calendar are usually restricted to full-time cohorts, or open to part-timers only on a limited basis. Ask this question explicitly in writing during admissions if you plan a career pivot.

What is the typical class profile for a part-time MBA?

Part-time cohorts skew older and more senior than full-time ones. Where a full-time class might average 27–28 years old with four to five years of experience, evening and weekend cohorts commonly average 29–32 with six to ten years. This leads to more practical, experience-driven discussions.

How important is AACSB accreditation?

AACSB accreditation is the practical floor. Every program in the commonly cited top tier holds it, and most employer tuition-reimbursement policies require it explicitly. Verify accreditation on the AACSB member directory rather than trusting a school's marketing page.

Can I switch from part-time to full-time MBA?

Some schools allow internal transfers, but it is not guaranteed and often requires reapplication. Part-time students generally do not have access to full-time recruiting pipelines, so if a pivot is your goal, consider applying directly to full-time programs or confirm transfer policies in writing.

What are the hidden costs of a part-time MBA?

Beyond tuition, budget for student activity and technology fees ($1,500–$4,000), books and cases ($400–$900 per year), a laptop, and for weekend formats, travel and lodging. International immersion trips typically run $3,000–$7,000 and are usually optional.

How does employer reimbursement work for a part-time MBA?

Common corporate policies cap annual reimbursement between $5,250 and $15,000. The $5,250 figure is the federal Section 127 limit excludable from taxable income; amounts above may be taxable. Most policies require AACSB accreditation, a minimum grade, per-course pre-approval, and a clawback window of 12–24 months.

What is the best way to finance a part-time MBA?

Start with employer reimbursement, then merit scholarships, then federal loans. Model net cost year by year after aid and tax treatment. Compare the salary delta for target roles against net tuition over four to six years. Avoid over-borrowing for a program that does not clear that threshold.

Sources

• https://www.aacsb.edu/
• https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/part-time
• https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/programs/part-time-mba.aspx
• https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/evening-weekend/
• https://michiganross.umich.edu/part-time-mba
• https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/programs/mba/part-time/
• https://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/part-time-mba
• https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/part-time/
• https://www.marshall.usc.edu/programs/part-time-mba
• https://kelley.iu.edu/programs/online-mba/

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