<p>I've been researching a lot of schools concerning online MBA programs. Since cost is a huge factor for me, I've found several nationally accredited schools that I'm considering. I've read that regionally accredited schools are typically a bit more reputable and the credits are more easily transferred and recognized by other schools. However, since this is my Masters and I'm not planning on going on to get a Ph.D, is it worth it to pay extra for a regional accreditation? Do employers care at all about where the degree came from? I'll most likely be choosing a smaller school that is not well known so I don't think anyone would know the accreditation unless they took the time to research.</p>
<p>For bachelor’s or master’s degree study in business in the US, look for a school where:</p>
<ul>
<li>The school overall has regional accreditation.</li>
<li>The business major has [AACSB</a> accreditation](<a href=“http://www.aacsb.edu/en/accreditation/accredited-members/]AACSB”>Search Accredited Schools | AACSB).</li>
</ul>
<p>I know that’s the optimal choice but what’s the significance of it in the world of job applications? Do employers actually take the time to see which schools have this type of accreditation?</p>
<p>You should look at the starting salaries of MBA programs. After the top 25-30 programs, the salaries really drop off. Some employers will be wary of online degrees. You should do a cost-benefit analysis on whether the debt is worth the effort.</p>
<p>If you want the degree for personal growth, you should check out free courses on Coursera. </p>
<p>If you already have a job, and the MBA is just a “check in the box”,(that would help you qualify for other positions) then any program would likely work. If you’re looking to land a job based on the strength of the MBA program, you’ll need to follow UCB’s advise. </p>
<p>It is not difficult to find regionally accredited schools with AACSB business accreditation. Many local state universities that are not highly selective or expensive have both types of accreditation.</p>
<p>Neither regional accreditation nor AACSB business accreditation has particularly elite standards. Indeed, the standards are such that if a school lacks regional accreditation, or a business degree program lacks AACSB accreditation, then it may be seen by many as questionable (although many schools where one or both is not present already have well known dubious reputations to begin with).</p>