MBA ROI Calculator
Model costs, opportunity cost, and outcomes. Get payback period, ROI%, and NPV — with transparent assumptions.
MBA ROI model
Compare an MBA path vs a no-MBA baseline using after-tax cashflows. Adjust assumptions and export/share results.
Tip: Use Quick for a sanity check. Switch to Advanced for opportunity cost, taxes, discount rate, and loans.
Results
ROI and NPV are based on modeled cashflows. Benchmarks are for sanity checking only.
Timeline (year-by-year)
| Year | No MBA | With MBA | Costs | Net | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 67.711 $ | 5.250 $ | 40.000 $ | -102.461 $ | -102.461 $ |
| 2 | 70.419 $ | 5.250 $ | 40.000 $ | -105.169 $ | -207.629 $ |
| 3 | 73.236 $ | 122.630 $ | 11.146 $ | 38.247 $ | -169.382 $ |
| 4 | 76.165 $ | 109.335 $ | 11.146 $ | 22.023 $ | -147.359 $ |
| 5 | 79.212 $ | 113.708 $ | 11.146 $ | 23.350 $ | -124.009 $ |
| 6 | 82.380 $ | 118.256 $ | 11.146 $ | 24.730 $ | -99.279 $ |
| 7 | 85.675 $ | 122.987 $ | 11.146 $ | 26.165 $ | -73.114 $ |
| 8 | 89.102 $ | 127.906 $ | 11.146 $ | 27.657 $ | -45.457 $ |
| 9 | 92.667 $ | 133.022 $ | 11.146 $ | 29.209 $ | -16.248 $ |
| 10 | 96.373 $ | 138.343 $ | 11.146 $ | 30.824 $ | 14.576 $ |
Costs are spread across the program duration; loans (if enabled) start after graduation.
Benchmarks (sanity check)
MBA outcomes vary widely. Use published benchmarks to sanity-check assumptions, not as guarantees.
Source: GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey 2024 (US regional profile) PDF
This benchmark is a high-level ratio and doesn’t account for school/industry/location differences.
Methodology (visual)
We compare two paths: a no-MBA baseline vs an MBA path. The difference in monthly cashflows determines payback, ROI, and NPV.
- Opportunity cost matters: foregone income can exceed tuition.
- Use scenario presets to model uncertainty (placement, salary).
- NPV depends heavily on discount rate and time horizon.
- Loans change cashflow timing; interest increases total cost.
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What you get
Payback timeline
See when you break even on an MBA vs the no-MBA baseline.
NPV + ROI%
Discount future cashflows and quantify upside vs downside.
Scenario presets
Stress test placement probability and salary outcomes.
Share & export
Copy a share link and export a CSV without signup.
How it works
Costs
Tuition + living costs minus scholarships/sponsorship.
Opportunity cost
Account for foregone salary during the program.
Outcomes
Model salary ranges and placement uncertainty.
FAQ
Ready to sanity-check your MBA decision?
Run a quick scenario, then switch to Advanced to model opportunity cost and financing.
Start nowThis tool provides estimates only and is not financial advice. Use conservative assumptions and verify costs/outcomes for your situation.