What Can You Do With an MBA in Arizona
As online education grows, earning an MBA has become more accessible. Previously, students had to attend in-person classes, such as those at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State in Tempe. Now, online MBA programs offer greater flexibility for those seeking skills development without the need to travel. Arizona MBA programs, like ASU's, continue to offer top-tier education, now available through digital platforms.
Traditional MBA programs often cost more than online ones, but offer the same material. They also require relocation or disrupting work schedules for early classes. With an online MBA, you can maintain your job while advancing your education, allowing your work experience to complement your studies.
Featured Online Programs
Best MBA Programs in Arizona
Arizona State University
Score: 93.32
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,376
- Out-of-State:$25,722
- Net Price: $16,401
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 79,593
- Undergrad Students: 65,174
- Graduate Students: 14,419
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Arizona
Score: 88.93
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,718
- Out-of-State:$32,290
- Net Price: $18,144
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 53,001
- Undergrad Students: 41,899
- Graduate Students: 11,102
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Northern Arizona University
Score: 82.72
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,674
- Out-of-State:$21,204
- Net Price: $16,544
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 28,186
- Undergrad Students: 23,128
- Graduate Students: 5,058
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Grand Canyon University
Score: 63.54
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,138
- Out-of-State:$10,138
- Net Price: $22,239
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 107,563
- Undergrad Students: 70,929
- Graduate Students: 36,634
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Why Consider an Online MBA?
An online MBA from a school in Arizona offers many benefits, including higher earning potential and career advancement opportunities. Whether in business management, analytics, international business, finance, innovation, or strategy, this advanced degree opens doors to roles that may otherwise be out of reach.
Online MBA programs are often more affordable than traditional ones, without compromising on course content, faculty, accreditation, or skills development. This cost-saving advantage is especially important in Arizona, where the cost of living is somewhat higher than other places, which can increase the overall expenses of attending school.
Location is another key factor for choosing an online MBA. Travel can be difficult for some students. Online MBAs provide flexibility, allowing non-traditional students to balance personal responsibilities with academic goals.
Students Enrolled in Distance Learning Percentage
MBA Concentrations for Arizona Students
Choosing a specific concentration for your MBA program can put you ahead of the curve when it comes to finding a career in your chosen field. Businesses in Arizona have many unique needs when it comes to keeping operations running smoothly. Executives who have experience within the state may come into the company with a greater strategic understanding of what needs to happen for the business to thrive.
Here are a couple options that can set students up for success in Arizona.
- Business Analytics
Business analytics is a growing field where data-driven decision-making is crucial. Arizona’s expanding tech and healthcare sectors, along with its diverse industries, make this concentration a strong choice. Companies in the state, such as those in the Phoenix tech corridor, increasingly rely on data to optimize operations and enhance business strategies. This concentration prepares students to analyze and interpret complex data, which is essential for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge both locally and nationally. - Healthcare Management
Arizona is home to a rapidly growing healthcare industry, with major healthcare systems like Banner Health and Mayo Clinic expanding their presence. As the state’s population ages, the demand for skilled healthcare managers is rising. This concentration equips students with the skills needed to oversee healthcare facilities, manage hospital operations, and navigate healthcare regulations—knowledge that is highly transferable across the US, given the national need for healthcare management professionals. - Marketing
With its burgeoning real estate, tech, and tourism industries, Arizona offers a dynamic environment for marketing professionals. This MBA concentration focuses on branding, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies that are essential in today’s competitive marketplace. Arizona’s diverse economy, coupled with the increasing importance of digital marketing nationwide, makes this concentration a valuable asset for students aiming to work in both local businesses and larger corporations. - Supply Chain Management
Arizona’s strategic location as a transportation hub between major U.S. cities, as well as proximity to Mexico and international trade routes, makes supply chain management a key area of expertise. The state’s strong logistics, distribution, and manufacturing sectors are growing rapidly, with companies such as Amazon, Honeywell, and Intel establishing large facilities in the state. This concentration prepares students to manage global supply chains and distribution networks, offering opportunities both in Arizona’s growing logistics industry and nationwide in an increasingly globalized market.
Why is Accreditation Important?
Prior to enrollment in any online MBA program, students should make sure that any university they’re considering has been accredited by a valid accreditation association. Look for schools that are either nationally or regionally accredited, with the latter being preferable. Despite sounding more prestigious, nationally accredited schools are typically for-profit, trade, or vocational schools.
For the best quality of education, look for online programs from schools that have been regionally accredited. Any course credit earned in these programs will be easier to transfer if needed in the future.
Find Online MBAs
Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates
Despite many residents being employed by nationwide staples like retail stores, much of Arizona’s economy is driven by healthcare, tech, and manufacturing industries. These sectors are particularly prominent in metropolitan areas such as Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa, where there is a greater demand for services and innovation. Arizona is home to approximately 3.5 million workers, with Phoenix being the central hub for job opportunities in the state.
Top Employers in the State by Number of Employees
| Company | Industry | Headquarters City | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banner Health | Healthcare | Phoenix | 45,185 |
| Walmart Stores | Retail Department Stores | Phoenix/td> | 37,648 |
| Amazon.com | Online Retailer | Tempe | 36,000 |
An MBA earned from an online program can start you on the path to success. Companies in a wide range of industries employ business administrators to make sure operations run smoothly.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Arizona
Students who graduate with a master’s degree typically go on to earn income at a significantly higher level than their less educated counterparts. With an MBA comes the ability to draw a larger salary and higher position than you might otherwise have access to. Many MBA graduates are able to land six figure jobs upon graduation, with little problem finding their lucrative positions.
The table below should give you an idea of the salary potential that individuals with an MBA can expect to enjoy.
Average Degree Salary Ranges Potential
- Earnings with Associates - $60,000
- Earnings with Bachelors - $68,980
- Earnings with MBA - $100,000
Careers for AZ MBA Grads
- Healthcare Executive
High ranking executives in the healthcare industry spend their careers ensuring that the patients under their organization’s care have the best possible experience in some of their most vulnerable times. - Director of Human Resources
HR managers oversee employee relations within the company or organization. They often act as a buffer between the business and its staff, and may handle responsibilities such as staffing, training, and issues of employee satisfaction. - Chief Operating Officer
In most companies, the COO works to monitor and ensure the smooth running of operations within the organization. Their job is largely to make sure the company is running in an overall sustainable manner. The COO is second in command to the CEO in most major companies. - Information Technology Manager
The IT manager is the go-to person overseeing the operation of computers and technological equipment within the company infrastructure. They may supervise teams of IT support staff to make sure tech resources remain up and running. - Business Development Executive
Individuals in this position work toward increasing their company’s customer base. They may handle the issues that arise when promoting services or products, and are often responsible for raising funds and coming up with strategies to expand their organization.
How to Choose & FAQ's
When considering which program will be the best fit for you, there are several important factors to think about. Here are a few of the school characteristics that can help to determine whether a school’s online MBA program is right for you.
- Compare Each School’s Student Outcome Data
It can be helpful to see exactly how the schools you’re considering stack up against each other in terms of what happens to students following graduation from the MBA program. Data like graduation rate, student retention rate, average student debt after graduation, and overall student satisfaction can help you make the right decision for your future. -
Make Sure Classes Will Fit With Your Schedule
While many online MBA programs allow their students to complete coursework on their own terms, others may require students to be at their computer at certain times throughout the week. Make sure you’re not enrolling in any classes that you won’t feasibly be able to virtually attend. One of the perks of distance learning is the increased ability to take classes around your schedule; if that’s important to you, do the research to make sure you won’t be left out.Search Programs Offering MBA Majors
- Look At Partnerships With Local Businesses
It’s important to make sure job opportunities will be available following graduation, as well as internship opportunities while you’re completing the program. Schools who have relationships with local businesses may be able to ease the stress of finding that perfect internship to finish your degree, or finding placement after graduation. - Talk to Students and Recent Alumni
The alumni office at the school you may be considering can give you a list of alumni contacts upon request. Don’t hesitate to reach out to current and recent students of the school to find out what does and doesn’t work well within each program. This is the best way to find out what it’s really like for students taking each school’s online MBA program. - Consider the Cost of Each Program
Get realistic with yourself about the costs you might encounter with each school’s program. Expenses like textbooks, living costs, technology fees, and administrative fees can add up quickly. Find out what you can expect to pay with each program, and choose one that will work reasonably within your budget. - GMAT Exam Preparation
- GRE Exam Preparation
- What GMAT or GRE scores do you need?
Search All Programs