Lindner full-time MBA ranks No. 3 in U.S. for ROI

Bloomberg touts return on investment for MBA graduates

The Carl H. Lindner College of Business’s full-time, cohort MBA degree program at the University of Cincinnati has been ranked third in the country by Bloomberg Businessweek for return on investment for graduates.

Lindner’s return on investment is 20.5%, an increase of 5.3% from the 2023-24 rankings. Bloomberg’s methodology for its Business School return on investment calculator uses profit relative to initial principal as the basis for its rankings, which are updated annually. The median return on investment based on Bloomberg survey responses was 13.3%.

The Return on Investment Calculator, which uses data reported to Bloomberg by MBA graduates, is “designed to help students evaluate the numbers to determine whether the time and expense of getting the advanced degree is worthwhile.”

Lindner Full-Time MBA Rankings

No. 3 full-time MBA program in the country for return on investment.
Bloomberg Businessweek (2024-25)

No. 1 full-time MBA program in Ohio. 
No. 58 overall in the country, climbing 10 spots from previous year. 
– Fortune (2025)

No. 2 full-time MBA program in Ohio. 
No. 64 overall in the country. 
– Bloomberg Businessweek (2024-25)

No. 30 MBA specialty in business analytics in the country. 
– U.S. News & World Report (2024)

Lindner’s full-time, top-ranked MBA program is intended for driven early-career or seasoned professionals desiring career growth or a transition, and offers an accelerated, one-year degree in business domains while ensuring flexibility to align with goals and life commitments.

“Graduates hailing from diverse backgrounds can expect to complete their Lindner MBA degree within 11 months from an August start, developing into a principled trailblazer leveraging leadership, analytical and communication competencies to impact organizational change for societal benefit,” said Johnny Rungtusanatham, PhD, academic director, MBA programs, Ohio Eminent Scholar in Operations Management and Quantitative Analysis, and professor of operations, business analytics, and information systems.

The first round deadline for Lindner’s full-time, MBA cohort program is December 15. Application decisions are released in rounds.

Featured image: Full-time MBA students at Lindner Hall. Photo/Lauren Meisberger

Earn your MBA at Lindner

Want to build your professional skills and develop your talents in a way that will open the right doors for you? Lindner's MBA program is small, personalized, customizable and immersive. Our full-time, part-time working professionals and online programs have all gained national acclaim. Request more information or join us at a future information session.

Related Stories

1

Partnerships powered by philanthropy

December 11, 2025

Scott Dust, PhD, associate dean and Kirk and Jacki Perry Professor in Leadership, is leveraging the best of the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business to strengthen local companies in the greater Cincinnati area and create new leadership opportunities for students.

2

Celebrating the newest Bearcats on Decision Day

December 11, 2025

The University of Cincinnati admits its newest Bearcats for Fall 2026. Interest in the university is at an all-time high with more than 35,000 applicants for admission. Decision Day was also a time to celebrate 10 new Marian Spencer Scholarship recipients.

3

Be careful when clicking “buy now, pay later”

December 10, 2025

When checking off your holiday lists, it’s hard to keep track of your budget. Sue Heilmayer, executive director of the University of Cincinnati’s Alphaugh Family Economics Center, spoke with Local 12 on the risks of relying on buy now, pay later apps to do your everyday spending.