The online MBA is weaker proposition which trades at a discount. That is why it is cheaper. It is not valueless but you will see that few online programmes have data to show a clear RoI while all top EMBA programmes do.

<blockquote>It is not valueless but you will see that few online programmes have data to show a clear RoI while all top EMBA programmes do. </blockquote>
Indeed - these programs do not currently show a clear return on investment, especially when compared to in-class programs.

But also keep in mind that over the past few years, distance learning programs have been going through somewhat of an evolution, both in terms of the learning experience and overall quality. If you think about it, not so long ago, some of these programs were delivered through correspondence and books in the mail. Now, you regularly see video lectures delivered live - and instantaneous communication makes collaboration much easier. The overall learning experience is becoming much more robust.

Because of these advances, given a few years, I'd say that it's not unreasonable that these types of programs could close the gap that Duncan refers to.

However, you can always connect with the career services departments from the schools you are interested in to get a clearer sense of where graduates end up.

The Kelley online MBA is the only one I can think of which has advertised a positive RoI.

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think that part of the reason there isn't ROI data on the online programs is because they are relatively new, and most don't have the 10+ years of data to measure?

Can you point toward the supporting data for these assertions?
(Unless of course you are assuming that as data is not currently available that it cannot be "shown")

Instinctively this makes sense, but I am interested in the size and nature of the gap from an employers' perspective given the different circumstances under which an online MBA may be taken.

BigD

<blockquote>
Indeed - these programs do not currently show a clear return on investment, especially when compared to in-class programs.
</blockquote>

Yes, that's exact what I mean. Business schools don't show the RoI for online MBAs.

Don't assume the difference is only in the employers' perceptions. Full-time MBAs are, by definition, actively looking for work and will all start new jobs at the end of their course. Online MBA students generally don't. The full-time programme forces a job change, and because of that it all the things that MBA recruiters look for: internship and project openings, electives and concentrations, soft skills.

Online MBAs don't offer that, generally, and that's because often the students are not looking to change company, or even function.

<blockquote>The Kelley online MBA is the only one I can think of which has advertised a positive RoI.</blockquote>
I've heard this as well. Can you point me to the salary statistics? I can't seem to find them.