Why an online MBA can provide a faster return on investment | TopUniversities
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Why an online MBA can provide a faster return on investment

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Craig OCallaghan

Updated Aug 22, 2025
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Sponsored by Purdue University, Daniels School of Business 

While the benefits of an MBA in terms of career progression remain as relevant as ever, the financial costs of studying the degree can be a barrier for many prospective applicants. 

The growth of online learning in the last decade has helped mitigate this, with online programmes often costing less while replicating the same curriculum that is taught in traditional full-time, on-campus programmes. 

Now, online MBA students at Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business can benefit from accelerated return on investment (ROI) due to a significant reduction in the cost of tuition, effective for the Fall 2025 semester. 

“This strategy reflects the university’s long-term investment in online graduate education and dedication to excellence and value at scale,” said Jim Bullard, the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Mitch Daniels School of Business.  

“We are looking forward to seeing even more high-calibre Daniels graduates in the market driving success for themselves and their firms.” 

Faster ROI with the same high-quality experience

As part of Purdue’s mission to make high-quality education attainable for more working professionals, the Daniels School has reduced tuition for its online MBA programme.  

This change means students can earn the same rigorous, career-boosting degree for less—improving the financial equation without sacrificing the programme’s hallmark academic rigour or its strong career outcomes. 

The programme retains its tech-focused curriculum, its high standards, and the distinguished faculty who bring both cutting-edge research and real-world experience to the classroom.  

Students will still benefit from the same academic opportunities and industry relevance that have defined Purdue’s MBA, but with a lower upfront investment. 

Why widening accessibility matters

The reduced cost makes Purdue’s online MBA more accessible to a wider range of professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders.  

Increased accessibility not only opens doors for more students; it enriches the classroom experience with greater diversity of thought, perspective, and industry background. This diversity fuels richer discussions, more innovative problem-solving, and stronger preparation for leadership roles in a global economy. 

“Students are always searching for quality and value, and our online MBA provides both academic excellence and superior return on investment,” said Dilip Chhajed, associate dean for master’s and online programmes.  

“The programme provides balance, allowing students to complete their courses online at their own pace, while creating a community of faculty and students from around the globe.  

“We are opening the door for more professionals to benefit from a premier, high-impact MBA experience. This new pricing underscores our goal to deliver world-class business education while remaining an affordable institution that empowers individuals, strengthens communities and drives economic growth.” 

How an online MBA can benefit you

If you’re wavering on the benefits of studying an online MBA, the reduced tuition at Daniels School of Business makes the ROI equation even more compelling.  

Lower costs, combined with Purdue’s tech-driven, industry-aligned curriculum, mean graduates can recoup their investment more quickly through career advancement and salary gains. 

Career outcomes from the programme speak for themselves: online MBA graduates report an average salary increase of $25,000 from the start of the programme to just six months after graduation.  

In addition to financial gains, many alumni report enhanced managerial and leadership skills, expanded professional networks, and the confidence to implement meaningful change within their organisations. 

What to expect from the online MBA experience

Online MBA students at Daniels School of Business can choose to pursue one of four themes in their studies: finance and economics, supply chain management, leadership, and analytics.  

Each theme offers different specialisations, allowing you to customise the programme to your needs and career goals. 

Whichever theme you choose, the online MBA integrates opportunities for in-person engagement alongside online study. 

Signature experiences include Leadership with Empathy, a hybrid summer course held on the Purdue West Lafayette campus; a leadership programme at Gettysburg; and sessions at the Washington campus.  

Every aspect of the programme is designed to help students advance in their careers, gain leadership credibility, and drive measurable impact within their organisations. 

Online MBA students at the Daniels School of Business also benefit from the programme’s integration of STEM disciplines into business education.  

This foundational intersection gives students an analytical edge, ensuring they can leverage data, technology, and industry insights to achieve strategic goals.  

“We believe the online MBA from the Daniels School offers a tremendous opening for professionals to position themselves for future success,” Chhajed said.  

“Our new cost structure should bring the opportunity for career advancement and personal growth to an even larger segment of future leaders.” 

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