ROI: Business Schools with Bang for the Buck

The continuously rising costs of an already expensive college education, combined with a still-slumping economy, make the return on investment (ROI) that students get from attending one business school over another more important than ever. As parents and college applicants who want to major in business sit down to decide where to go, they have to consider many things—from the quality of the education they'll receive and the doors it will open to the campus culture and dorms. But when you could be investing upwards of $100,000 and possibly taking on a load of debt that will haunt you for years, you better be certain that this education will help you afford a decent life after graduation. You should be asking, "What's in it for me?"

Recently, asked that question for you and ranked undergraduate business programs at both private and public universities based on their return on investment. By comparing annual tuition spent and the median base salary students receive at graduation, we were able to determine which programs are the best values. Of course, value is very much in the eye of the beholder, and any ranking, including this one, must be just one part of the decision-making process. Low costs and big salaries are great, but not if the school has a tough time placing graduates, classes take place in packed lecture halls, and faculty office hours are nonexistent. Buyer beware.