Best MBA AACSB Accredited Programs

What is Accredited by AACSB?

AACSB can accredit business programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Also, unlike some other specialized accrediting agencies, AACSB accreditation is granted to the entire institution. This means that all business degrees within the school, whether they are part of the business department or not, are included. Colleges and universities can, however, request that only a single academic unit be evaluated.

AACSB does not limit accreditation to institutions offering in-person instruction only. Many of the colleges and universities accredited by AACSB offered blended and online business programs. This means that you are likely to find schools with programs delivered through various modalities which fall under AACSB accreditation.

The agency does have strict standards for virtual resources. For example, schools with online programs must provide infrastructure to support instructional activities for all modalities. Faculties must also have access to sufficient current and emerging technologies for teaching and research purposes. Additionally, professional staff must be provided with adequate training in technology to ensure advising, career placement, and other mission-specific activities can be performed successfully.

Currently, 910 business schools in 58 different countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation. AACSB also provides specialized accreditation for accounting programs, which 188 institutions have obtained.

Additionally, AACSB offers memberships to educational, business, and global entities. Members are not necessarily accredited, but they do gain access to a number of significant benefits. Some of the most prominent reasons to become an AACSB member include networking with other business education professionals, participating in global professional development events, and advocating for business education worldwide.

Accreditation Standards

In order to earn and maintain AACSB accreditation, colleges and universities must meet a wide variety of standards that support learners, faculty, and staff, as well as focus on mission, strategic management, and innovation.

The guiding principles include:

Continued adherence to AACSB guiding principles and business standards is also required.

In order to achieve AACSB accreditation, colleges and universities must establish memberships. Afterward, schools can submit an eligibility application to be reviewed by the Initial Accreditation Committee (IAC). Approved eligibility applications enter the initial accreditation phase, which includes self-evaluations, the development of in-depth strategic plans, and peer and committee reviews. Only institutions that are able to align with AACSB’s accreditation standards and demonstrate high-quality will be recommended for accreditation. The entire process takes an average of four to five years to complete.

Further, once accreditation is achieved, colleges and universities must undergo continuous improvement reviews. This ensures that the institutions and the programs they offer are evolving and improving over time, something that is particularly essential in the business field. Improvement reviews occur every five years.

Best AACSB Accredited Schools Ranked

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If you want a highly successful, rewarding career in business, a great first step is to find a business school with AACSB accreditation. The benchmark of quality for business education worldwide, AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of excellence in the field. Not only do graduates from these schools have the knowledge to perform well in the professional world from day one, they tend to have access to more jobs and promote faster. It’s still important to realize that some colleges and universities stand out more than others, however. A complete list of AACSB-accredited institutions can be found on the AACSB website, some of which are the best business programs available.

Why Look for an Affordable AACSB Program?

Enrolling in classes at a college or university can be a substantial financial investment. While scholarships and grants may help to ease the burden, financial aid does not always account for all of the costs associated with earning a degree. This is particularly relevant for prospective students who lack financial resources. Ultimately, one of the best solutions to dealing with monetary constraints is attending more affordable schools. When looking for affordable business programs, there are several factors worth considering. Every institution is different, but some of the most significant financial influences tend to relate to cost, location, instruction methods, and graduation requirements. An easy way to receive the best return for your investment is to consider affordable schools with AACSB accreditation. In addition to leaving students in less debt after graduation, these schools offer high-quality academic programs that are likely to lead to well-paying employment opportunities.