Best Executive MBA Programs
This article discusses part-time EMBA programs; for a list of full time programs for senior candidates, visit this page.
EMBA programs (Executive MBA) are MBA programs intended for working professionals who already have extensive work experience, and by that, we usually mean a minimum of 8-10 years (there is no maximum). The EMBA programs are also generally intended for applicants who will continue working during their degree, so the studies are conducted part-time, during evenings, weekends, and occasional intensive study weeks. Therefore, EMBA students can often stay in their current professional positions on a full-time basis and with a full-time salary! while still taking on a degree at the same time.
Traditionally, the costs for an EMBA were covered by the student’s employers as they naturally also benefit from the new skills their employees learn. These days, self-funded candidates are common. Therefore, more and more business schools offer EMBA scholarships (although, significantly fewer scholarships than in the full-time programs). As a result, an EMBA will generally be less of a financial burden for most, than a traditional MBA.
Additionally, it is common for older applicants to choose an EMBA program over an MBA program due to the work experience requirements for EMBA programs. Due to that, the average age of students at EMBA programs is 32 to 38 years, comparable to under 30 for most top-ranked full-time MBA programs.
See below the rankings of best executive MBA programs in the US and Europe.
Sign Up For a Free Consultation
Top Ranked EMBA Programs in the US:
What are the details of the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School EMBA Program?
The University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School offers a 24-month EMBA program at both their Philadelphia and San Francisco campuses. The admission process includes one recommendation, 3 essays, standardized test scores (GMAT/GRE/EA), a sponsorship letter, and official transcripts. Tuition for the class graduating in 2027 is $238,620, covering tuition, fees, some course materials, and program-related housing and meals. Applicants typically have eight or more years of work experience and five or more years in a managerial position.
What are the details of the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business EMBA Program?
The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business offers the Sokolov EMBA Program, a 21-month program for experienced professionals, available across three global campuses: Chicago, Hong Kong, and London. The program's class profile shows an average age of 38 and 13 years of work experience. The application requires one essay, a resume, 2 recommendations, and GMAT/GRE/EA scores (though waivers are possible). The total cost for the 2025 Chicago-based program is USD215,750, covering tuition, books, materials, and accommodations for residencies.
What are the details of the Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management EMBA Program?
The Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management offers its Executive MBA program in two U.S. locations: Miami, FL and Chicago, IL, with start dates in January or September. This EMBA program is STEM-designated, benefiting international students. The class profile shows an average age of 39 and 15 years of work experience. The application process includes a resume, 2 essays, 2 recommendations, a time sponsorship letter, and official transcripts; GMAT/GRE/EA scores are not required for most applicants.
What are the details of the Columbia Business School EMBA Program?
Columbia Business School offers two New York-based EMBA options (Friday/Saturday and Saturday) and a partnership with London Business School, allowing students to start in January or August. The class profile shows an average age of 34 and 11 years of work experience. The application requires employer sponsorship, official transcripts, a short answer, 3 essays, one recommendation, GMAT/GRE/EA scores, and an interview. Total EMBA-Global charges for May 2025 entry are $231,240.
What are the details of the New York University, Stern School of Business EMBA Programs?
New York University, Stern School of Business offers four EMBA programs: EMBA New York City (22 months, every other Friday/Saturday), EMBA Washington, D.C. (2 years, one 3-day weekend per month), TRIUM Global EMBA (18 months, jointly with LSE and HEC Paris), and Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi EMBA (23 months, immersive residencies). Prerequisites generally include a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six years of full-time work experience. The application process involves a pre-assessment and a formal application. The program cost for NYC is $232,880 and for Washington is $196,700 for August 2025 entry.
What are the details of the Duke University, Fuqua School of Business EMBA Program?
Duke University, Fuqua School of Business offers a 22-month EMBA program starting in February, featuring residencies in 7 global locations and a general management curriculum with 5 concentrations. The program typically involves one 3-day residency per month. The class profile shows an average age of 36 and 11 years of work experience. Admission requires educational background, transcripts, employment history, resume, self-reported test scores (waivers available), essays, and one recommendation. The program cost for the class of 2028 is 178,400 USD.
What are the details of the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business EMBA Program?
The University of Michigan, Ross School of Business offers a 21-month EMBA program with options in Ann Arbor or Los Angeles, requiring an average weekly commitment of 20-25 hours. The class of 2026 has an average age of 39 and 14 years of work experience. The application process includes a resume, one recommender, 2 essays, official transcripts, employer support, and an interview. The tuition cost is $199,000, covering courses, workshops, textbooks, materials, accommodation, and meals.
What are the details of the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business EMBA Program?
The University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business offers a 22-month Executive MBA program designed for working professionals, with classes typically meeting every three weeks (Thursday-Saturday). The class profile shows a median age of 37 and 13 years of work experience. The application requires 2 essays, one recommendation, GMAT/GRE/EA scores (waivers available), a resume, official transcripts, and an interview. The approximate cost for the class entering July 2025 is $216,500.
What are the details of the University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management EMBA Program?
The University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management offers a 22-month EMBA program starting in September, known for its flexible scheduling. The class size is 150, with an average of 15 years of work experience. The application requires official transcripts, 2 recommendations, and 2 essays; GMAT/GRE/EA scores are optional, but 8 years minimum work experience is required. The total program fee for the Class of 2027 (entering Fall 2025) is $200,424.
What are the details of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School EMBA Programs?
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School offers three EMBA programs: Evening EMBA, Weekend EMBA, and Charlotte EMBA. The class profile shows an average age of 37 and 14 years of work experience. The application requires a resume, 2 essays, 2 recommendations, GMAT/GRE (waivers available), and official transcripts, with a minimum of 5 years work experience. The Charlotte EMBA costs $125,589, including tuition, meals, and housing during Orientation and Impact Weekends.
What are the details of the Harvard Business School Program for Leadership Development (PLD) for Executives?
The Harvard Business School Program for Leadership Development (PLD) is a 7-month program starting in July or December, designed for executives preparing for career growth. Ideal candidates include specialists and high-potential talent in senior management roles. The class size is 170, representing 45 countries. Candidates are admitted on a rolling basis, with decisions typically within four to six weeks. The tuition cost is $56,000.
What are the details of the MIT, Sloan School of Management EMBA Program?
The MIT, Sloan School of Management offers a 20-month Executive MBA program designed for mid-career leaders, with classes held every two-to-three weekends on campus in Cambridge, MA. The program emphasizes innovation and leadership through applied learning projects. The class profile shows an average age of 41 and 17 years of work experience. The application requires 6 essays, employment history, 2 recommendations, official transcripts, and an organizational chart; GMAT is not required, but a minimum of 10 years of work experience is. The tuition cost is $214,174.
Cornell- Johnson EMBA Americas
Program Snapshot
The format of the Executive MBA Americas program combines two delivery methods that allow for collaborative teamwork and building relationships:
- Weekend courses—in select cities or online with synchronous instruction from the Cornell University campus
- Residential sessions—four in total, held on the campuses of Cornell and Queen’s universities
Every other weekend, you’ll be among classmates and connected—via live, interactive videoconferencing—to the rest of your cohort across the Americas. This unique delivery format, paired with residential sessions, will expand your network and global perspective
Classes for the Executive MBA Americas program begin annually in late June.
Class Profile
Class Size: 118
Average Age: 38
Average Years Work Experience: 14
% of Women: 32%
Internationally Based: 45%
Application Process
The application includes a resume, an organizational chart, 3 essays, two letters of recommendation and academic transcripts.
GMAT/GRE/EA are not required.
Tuition Cost
The cost of the EMBA Americas program is $194,346.
—————–
Cornell – Johnson EMBA Metro NY
Program Snapshot
The Executive MBA Metro NY program is 22 months in duration and is divided into four terms. Below is a snapshot of the typical sequence of the program, which includes residential sessions and weekend classes.
Incoming classes for the Executive MBA Metro NY program begin in July.
The Executive MBA Metro NY program combines two delivery methods that emphasize collaboration and executive leadership:
- Weekend classes—held every other Saturday and Sunday at the Tata Innovation Center on the Cornell Tech campus in NYC
- Residential sessions—four one-week sessions held on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York
Every other weekend, you’ll join classmates for in-person classes in New York City. This convenient weekend format offers opportunities for extensive networking and engagement with peers. At the beginning of each term, residential sessions unite the cohort as you prepare for your next set of courses together.
Class Profile
Class Size: 75
Average Age: 36
Average Years Work Experience: 12
% of Women: 21%
Internationally Based: 26%
Application Process
The application includes a resume, an organizational chart, 3 essays, two letters of recommendation and academic transcripts.
GMAT/GRE/EA are not required.
Tuition Cost
The cost of the EMBA Metro NY program is $228,916. This cost includes academic services, books, materials, accommodation, accommodation and meals in Ithaca and accommodation and meals during the Global Business Study trip
What are the details of the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business EMBA Program?
The University of Virginia, Darden School of Business offers a 21-month EMBA program starting in August and ending in May, which includes one global residency with options for more. The class size is 119, with an average age of 34 and 13 years of work experience. The application includes a resume, transcripts, short answer questions, and one recommendation; standardized test scores are not required. The tuition cost is $189,000.
What are the details of the Yale School of Management EMBA Program?
The Yale School of Management offers a 22-month EMBA program beginning in July, with classes every other weekend and a one-week EMBA Global Network Week abroad in June. The class size is 77, with an average age of 36 and 16 years of work experience. The application requires official transcripts, GMAT/GRE/EA scores, at least one recommendation, employer approval, a resume, and 2 essays. The tuition cost is $193,500, covering textbooks, materials, some meals, and lodging during summer residencies, Friday evenings, and EMBA Global Network Week.
Top Ranked EMBA Programs in Europe:
What are the details of the London Business School EMBA Program?
London Business School (LBS) offers a 20-month EMBA program starting in September, with an additional top-ranked EMBA program in Dubai. The class size is 80, with an average of 13 years of work experience. The application requires a resume/CV, official transcripts, 3 essays, 2 references, and GMAT/GRE/EA scores (waivers available); English test scores are required for non-native English speakers without prior English-speaking work experience. The tuition cost for LBS's London EMBA is £98,500, covering course materials, textbooks, and accommodation for international assignments and orientation.
What are the details of the INSEAD Global EMBA (GEMBA) Program?
INSEAD offers a top-ranked Global EMBA (GEMBA) program, a 14-17 month program requiring 51-60 days away from work, conducted across three campuses in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi). The class size is 230, with an average of 14 years of work experience. The application consists of motivational essays, 2 recommendations, official transcripts, a CV, and a photograph; non-native English speakers require an English exam. Tuition fees vary by region: GEMBA Asia is SG$196,000, Middle East is US$135,000, and Europe is €125,500.
What are the details of the London School of Economics TRIUM Global EMBA Program?
The London School of Economics (LSE) partners with NYU Stern and HEC Paris for the top-ranked TRIUM Global EMBA, an 18-month program beginning in September, taking place in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Paris, and Shanghai. The class size is 65, with an average age of 40 and 16 years of work experience. The application is a 4-step process, including a preliminary assessment, interview, application form (with essays, references, transcripts, GMAT/GRE, TOEFL), and requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience. The tuition cost is $185,150, covering lodging for Silicon Valley and Shanghai modules, some meals, and materials.
What are the details of the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School EMBA Program?
The University of Oxford, Saïd Business School offers an EMBA program with two intakes: September (26 months) and January (24 months). The class size is 74, with an average age of 38. The application requires official transcripts, GMAT/EA scores, 3 essays, and valid email addresses for referees; non-native English speakers need an English test score. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of managerial experience. The tuition cost is £91,350.
What are the details of the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School Executive MBA Program?
The University of Cambridge, Judge Business School offers a unique 20-month Executive MBA program for senior executives, taught over 16 weekends and four week-long blocks, starting in September. The class profile includes 128 students, with an average age of 37 and 13 years of work experience. Application requirements include 7 years of full-time professional experience, a strong bachelor's degree, GMAT/GRE/EA scores (waivers available), two references, and English proficiency. The tuition cost is £98,100.
What are the details of the IE Business School EMBA Program?
IE Business School offers an EMBA program with a duration of 16 or 20 months, available in English or Spanish, and locations including online & Madrid or 100% Madrid, with intakes in September/October and April. The program is part-time, blended & in-person. The class profile shows an average age of 35 and 12 years of work experience. The application is a 4-step process, including an online form (transcripts, CV, recommendations, work verification, organizational chart, photo), an online assessment, an entrance exam (GMAT, GRE, IEGAT, or EA), and a personal interview. The tuition cost is €80,000.
What are the details of the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program?
HEC Paris offers an Executive MBA program with 2 study formats and 4 flexible, part-time intakes, held in Paris, Jouy-en-Josas, Doha, Qatar, or Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Each intake is completed in 18 months, requiring approximately 50 days out of the office. The program emphasizes international experience. Application requirements include a completed form, essays, a management test (GMAT, GRE, EA, or HEC test), English test (if applicable), 2 recommendations, passport photo, resume (minimum 8 years work experience), and copies of degrees. The tuition cost is €110,000.
Top Ranked International Executive MBA Programs:
The EMBA-Global program allows participants to earn two MBA degrees in 20 months from London Business School and Columbia Business School, with monthly week-long classes alternating between London and New York City, starting in May. This unique program offers career services and alumni privileges at both schools. The class size is 106, with an average of 12 years of work experience. Applications are completed online and evaluated by a joint admissions committee. The fees for the May 2025 intake are $231,240.
The TRIUM Global Executive MBA is a program for experienced executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, offered through a unique alliance of HEC Paris, NYU Stern, and the London School of Economics. The class size is 50, with an average age of 40 and 16 years of work experience. The application process consists of a preliminary assessment, an interview, an application form (including transcripts, TOEFL, and GMAT/GRE if applicable), and a second interview. The tuition fee for the Class of 2028 is $208,080.