Which is better ROI - MBA vs MS?

Discussion

Hey guys!

Background: Employer is willing to pay 8k per year for higher education. I’m thinking of doing an MBA which seems to offer better ROI than an MS degree? If I’m doing MS it’d be in tech like data science (let me know which you think offers better ROI). I can spread it out to 5 years and complete while working.

About me: I’m 24M and went to Drexel for undergrad. Been working for almost 2 years. 3.97GPA undergrad with great internships now working as a credit analyst. No plans to go into IB or any of those hard core 70-hour work week roles. I am open to relocating to another metro.

Problem: I don’t know which program to go for.

Best in person option is obviously Wharton but they only have executive MBA for part time. Which I will get rejected instantly for lack of experience and frankly I’m just mediocre. Haven’t taken GMAT and not planning to as the below schools don’t require. Not sure about top tier online MBAs.

Next best one is Villanova? They have a business analytics concentration which I aim for. They’re ranked like #34 or so for part time MBA.

There’s also Drexel which costs the same as Villanova but less well known. I think having BSBA and MBA from same school looks nice. We also have Business Analytics concentration.

I’m open to online schools so BU MBA program or any of the top tier MBA onlines.

Not sure which route is worth it. In person Villanova/Drexel vs online top tier online MBA. Not sure what acceptance rates for top tier online MBAs are so if you guys know please share. I saw Villanova/Drexel acceptance rates are high.

Please let me know what you think!

Posted Jun 23, 2025, 4:26 AM UTC

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