Best Part-Time MBA Programs by US News

In the 2016 U.S. News & World Report Part-time MBA rankings, the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, was ranked No. 1 among the nation’s best part-time MBA programs. This recognition underscored Haas’ long-standing reputation as a leader in business education, particularly in its ability to offer an MBA program tailored for working professionals.

The rankings, which rely on a variety of factors to assess the quality of part-time MBA programs, highlighted Haas’ commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for students who wish to continue working while pursuing their degree. By excelling in key areas such as academic reputation, student qualifications, work experience, and the program’s overall flexibility, Haas solidified its position at the top.

The U.S. News ranking methodology for part-time MBA programs takes into account five critical factors: the average peer assessment score, the average GMAT and GRE scores of entering students, the average undergraduate GPA, the amount of work experience students bring to the program, and the percentage of the MBA enrollment that is part-time. The peer assessment score is weighted most heavily, accounting for 50 percent of the overall ranking, as it reflects the reputation of the program within the business community and among academic peers. Haas' impressive standing in the rankings was undoubtedly influenced by its stellar reputation within the business world, its exceptional faculty, and its ability to attract talented students from a variety of industries.

The remaining factors—GMAT and GRE scores, GPA, work experience, and the percentage of part-time students—also contributed to Haas’ No. 1 ranking. Part-time MBA students at Haas tend to have strong academic credentials, with high test scores and solid undergraduate GPAs, reflecting the school’s competitive admissions process. Additionally, Haas is known for attracting students with significant professional experience, a key component of any successful part-time MBA program. Given that part-time MBA students are typically professionals with several years of work experience, Haas' focus on leveraging that professional background in the classroom is a major strength of the program. Furthermore, Haas' commitment to maintaining a substantial percentage of its enrollment as part-time students is another factor that helped secure its top ranking. The flexibility of the program, which allows students to continue advancing in their careers while earning their degree, is a significant draw for professionals seeking to balance work, school, and personal life.

Following Haas in the rankings was the Fox School of Business at Temple University, which made a remarkable leap in the 2016 U.S. News rankings. Fox’s Part-Time MBA program climbed an impressive 33 spots, moving from No. 53 in the previous year’s rankings to No. 20. This dramatic improvement was the highest ranking Fox had ever attained in the U.S. News list and signified the program’s growing strength and reputation. The Fox Part-Time MBA’s jump in the rankings can be attributed to several factors, including its focus on practical learning, affordable tuition, and strong regional connections. Located in Philadelphia, Fox is deeply embedded in the local business community, offering students numerous opportunities for internships, career development, and networking. The program’s strong ties to local industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology give students a valuable advantage as they seek to advance their careers. Fox’s improvement in the rankings also reflects the effectiveness of its flexible, student-centered approach to business education, which allows students to customize their academic experiences and pursue specializations in areas like marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.

Another program that made notable progress in the 2016 rankings was the part-time (Flex) MBA program at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary. The program climbed 22 spots to No. 35 in the nation, a significant achievement for a program that had already been building momentum in recent years. The Flex MBA program at William & Mary is designed for working professionals who want the option of attending classes in person or online, allowing them to tailor their education to fit their personal and professional commitments. The flexibility of the program, coupled with the school’s strong academic offerings and emphasis on ethical leadership and global perspectives, makes the Mason School’s Flex MBA an attractive choice for students seeking to enhance their careers without disrupting their work life. William & Mary’s jump in the rankings is a reflection of its success in balancing academic rigor with flexibility and accessibility, appealing to a growing number of professionals looking for a high-quality, flexible MBA experience.

In addition to these prominent schools, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Business also made significant strides in the 2016 rankings, improving 31 slots to No. 153, tying with several other institutions. This marked a considerable improvement for SIUE, which had been ranked lower in previous years. SIUE’s Part-Time MBA program provides students with a strong foundation in business management and is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals. The improvement in the rankings reflects the program’s increasing recognition for delivering quality education to a diverse student body. While the program may not yet be on par with the top 50 nationally ranked programs, SIUE’s continued investment in its MBA offerings and its ability to meet the needs of its regional students have contributed to its progress in the rankings. Programs like SIUE’s are a vital part of the business education ecosystem, offering accessible and affordable options to a wide range of students who may not have the opportunity to attend more traditional or prestigious business schools.

The rankings also highlight the diversity of part-time MBA programs across the United States, showcasing a variety of institutions that offer high-quality educational experiences tailored to different professional needs and goals. While schools like Haas and Fox continue to dominate the top of the rankings, the improvements made by programs like William & Mary and SIUE illustrate that there is growing recognition of regional programs that are expanding their offerings and increasing their appeal to working professionals. These improvements are indicative of the evolving landscape of business education, where the value of flexibility, career support, and regional ties is becoming increasingly important to students.