Choosing an MBA in the USA is not just about admission and tuition fees—it’s about career ROI, salary growth, scholarships, and how long it takes to pay back your investment.
In this guide, we’ll compare Loyola University Chicago (Quinlan School of Business), Keiser University, and Northeastern University (D’Amore-McKim School of Business) to help students and working professionals decide: Which MBA program is worth the cost in 2025?
🎓 MBA Program Overview
| University | Types of MBA Offered | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Loyola (Quinlan) | Full-time, Part-time, Executive, Hybrid | Focus on values-based leadership, consulting projects, EMBA includes international immersion. |
| Keiser University | On-campus, Online, Hybrid | Affordable, flexible 8-week terms, specializations in Healthcare, International Business, Marketing. |
| Northeastern (D’Amore-McKim) | Full-time, Part-time, Online | Strong corporate residencies, STEM-designated MBAs, global network & experiential learning. |
💰 Cost Comparison – Tuition & Living Expenses
| University | Tuition (Program) | Living/Other Costs | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Chicago | $84,000–$108,000 | Chicago living ~$25,000–$30,000/year | ~$110,000–$140,000 |
| Keiser University | $50,000–$70,000 (varies) | Florida living ~$15,000–$20,000/year | ~$65,000–$90,000 |
| Northeastern University | $82,000–$100,000 | Boston living ~$30,000–$35,000/year | ~$120,000–$150,000 |
🌍 Region-Wise Cost of Living (2025)
| Location | Housing (per year) | Food & Transport | Total Living Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago (Loyola) | $16,000 | $8,000–$10,000 | ~$25,000+ |
| Boston (Northeastern) | $18,000 | $10,000–$12,000 | ~$30,000–$35,000 |
| Florida (Keiser) | $12,000 | $6,000–$8,000 | ~$18,000–$20,000 |
👉 Clearly, Boston (Northeastern) is the most expensive region, while Florida (Keiser) offers the cheapest living cost.
📊 Average MBA Salaries by Specialization (USA 2025)
| Specialization | Average Salary After MBA | Best Fit University |
|---|---|---|
| Finance & Consulting | $115,000–$140,000 | Northeastern (corporate residencies, finance focus) |
| Technology / Data Analytics | $100,000–$125,000 | Northeastern + Loyola STEM MBAs |
| Healthcare Management | $90,000–$110,000 | Keiser (health admin specialization) |
| General Management / Marketing | $85,000–$105,000 | Loyola (Chicago corporate links) |
🎤 Interview-Style Insights (Student Voices)
🔹 “When I joined Northeastern’s MBA, the corporate residency program gave me a direct entry into a Fortune 500 company. The upfront cost was high, but my salary jumped to six figures within a year.” – Rahul S., MBA Graduate 2024
🔹 “Keiser’s MBA worked for me because it was flexible and affordable. I could study online while working, and the loan burden was half of what my peers at other schools took on.” – Emily R., Healthcare MBA Student
🔹 “Loyola’s Executive MBA wasn’t cheap, but the networking and leadership modules helped me secure a senior role. My payback time is 3 years max.” – David L., EMBA Graduate
🎓 Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Loyola: Limited merit aid + employer sponsorship for EMBA.
- Keiser: Federal student loans, grants, some scholarships for eligible students.
- Northeastern: 6–10% students get institutional aid; average $4,000–$5,000.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re an international student, look for STEM MBAs (like Northeastern) to qualify for 3 years OPT work visa.
📈 ROI & Payback Period
- Northeastern: Expensive, but strong placements → ROI in ~3–5 years.
- Loyola (EMBA): For mid-career professionals, ROI is faster due to promotion + leadership roles.
- Keiser: Lowest cost → ROI in 2–3 years, but average salary boost is slightly lower.
✅ Which One is Worth the Cost?
- If you want brand, network, six-figure salary jump → Northeastern
- If you’re mid-career, aiming for leadership & networking → Loyola EMBA
- If you want affordable MBA + quick ROI → Keiser University
🔑 Conclusion
All three universities have unique strengths:
- Loyola = Leadership & Networking
- Keiser = Affordability & Flexibility
- Northeastern = High ROI & Corporate Residencies
👉 The “worth” depends on your career stage, financial situation, and long-term goals.
For students targeting high-paying MBA careers in Finance, Tech, and Healthcare, Northeastern offers the best ROI. For cost-conscious learners, Keiser is unbeatable. For leadership-focused professionals, Loyola stands tall.