Financial Times has ranked the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s online Master of Business Administration program No. 1 in the world for alumni salary increases.
The international daily newspaper also ranked the College of Business program No. 1 in the nation and No. 3 in the world for best value. The 48-credit-hour program was rated No. 13 in the world, a two-spot jump from 2017 rankings, and was named No. 3 for career services programming.
In the No. 1 global ranking for alumni salary increases, Financial Times reported that on average, MBA at Nebraska alumni earn 40 percent more money after obtaining the degree.
“This ranking demonstrates how Nebraska’s online MBA is a global leader. I am most proud of the high return on investment our alumni reported,” said Jake Messersmith, executive director of graduate programs and associate professor of management. “Our college’s faculty and staff work very hard to create a purposeful, collaborative and personalized experience at a fair price that prepares our students to move their careers forward.”
Factors that propelled Nebraska Business to a top 13 global ranking include career progress, online delivery, program diversity, idea generation, program value and average degree completion time. Financial Times reported that the average completion time for students in the Nebraska program is three years.
“For more than 50 years, this program has been a pioneer in distance and online education,” said Tammy Beck, associate dean of graduate programs and external engagement. “We continue to innovate. We made strategic investments to combine engaging, intuitive technology with our world-class Big Ten faculty for a dynamic online learning experience. This format enables students to enjoy a consistent online class structure that reduces tech stress and allows them to make more personal connections with peers and faculty.”
The ranking recognized Nebraska for offering online MBA students with some of the best career resources in the world. Students have access to a personal career coach, online résumé reviews and a strong alumni network. The No. 3 ranking for career services was based on the college’s effectiveness in career counseling, personal development, networking events and recruitment.
“We are excited to advance one spot to No. 3 in the online MBA career services rankings. It is a testament to our talented staff and the college’s support of the Business Career Center to have our online MBA students and alumni see our effective career coaching and innovative career programming as one of the best in the world,” said Rachel Larson, director of the Business Career Center.
This is the fifth year Financial Times ranked online MBA programs. To be included, business schools must be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and/or European Quality Improvement System.
Financial Times collects data for the rankings through two surveys, one completed by schools and the other by alumni that graduated in 2014.
Poets and Quants also recently ranked Nebraska’s online MBA program at No. 17 in the nation. And, U.S. News and World Report named Nebraska No. 20 for best online MBA programs for veterans.
Learn more about the Financial Times 2018 Online MBA Ranking.
