MBA Degree in Philadelphia, PA — Salary & ROI 2026
MBA degree analysis for Philadelphia, PA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$0
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$0
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
N/A
in Philadelphia
Cost of Living
150
index (100 = avg)
MBA in Philadelphia, PA Overview
Philadelphia is one of Pennsylvania's top college towns, with 42 institutions and a student population of 116,806. Public tuition averages $18,526/year here — near the national average for public universities. MBA enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Philadelphia is approximately $0.
Category
Business
Local Colleges
42
Public Tuition
$18,526/yr
Private Tuition
$59,845/yr
Room & Board
$19,639/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$10,866/yr
Unemployment
4.5%
Graduation Rate
52%
MBA Salary in Philadelphia (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Philadelphia's cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100).
Note: National average MBA salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Philadelphia adjustment factor: 1.50x based on the local cost of living index.
MBA ROI Calculator for Philadelphia
Estimate your return on investment for a MBA degree using local Philadelphia tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $18,526 | Private avg: $59,845
Philadelphia avg aid: $10,866/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$152,660
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-52,500
vs HS diploma in Philadelphia
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Philadelphia
$-152,660
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($152,660)
Student Loan Payoff for MBA in Philadelphia
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Philadelphia for MBA
University of Pennsylvania
private
$63,452/yr
$253,808 total
Temple University
public
$18,526/yr
$74,104 total
Drexel University
private
$56,238/yr
$224,952 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Community College of Philadelphia
$6,378/yr
Top Employers for MBA in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers opportunities in Financial services, Consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies for MBA graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Philadelphia Hiring Sectors for Business
Financial services
Consulting firms
Fortune 500 companies
Startups
Marketing agencies
Common MBA Job Titles
MBA in Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Pittsburgh, PA
$0 starting · COL 115
12 colleges
Allentown, PA
$0 starting · COL 113
5 colleges
Reading, PA
$0 starting · COL 118
3 colleges
Erie, PA
$0 starting · COL 120
4 colleges
Upper Darby, PA
$0 starting · COL 94.5
4 colleges
Scranton, PA
$0 starting · COL 120
8 colleges
Bethlehem, PA
$0 starting · COL 125
7 colleges
Lower Merion, PA
$0 starting · COL 91.4
3 colleges
Other Business Majors in Philadelphia
Business Analytics
$117K starting · 2 yr ROI
Finance
$105K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Economics
$98K starting · 4 yr ROI
Information Systems
$75K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Supply Chain Management
$75K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Operations Management
$75K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Accounting
$93K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Real Estate
$75K starting · 4 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate MBA degree outcomes in Philadelphia, PA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for MBA programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Pennsylvania.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Philadelphia using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for MBA graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — MBA career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for MBA grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Philadelphia Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Pennsylvania students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Pennsylvania programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "pennsylvania higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
MBA Degree in Philadelphia — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare MBA ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Philadelphia.