Is an MBA hard? What to expect before you apply

The decision to return to academic life to pursue a Master of Business Administration is worth weighing carefully. Is getting an MBA hard? It certainly takes effort and focus. An MBA is a rigorous degree, with significant demands placed on a student’s time. Of course, it also offers enormous rewards, including the top median earning potential of all business school graduates in the U.S.¹ Most programs require intensive academic research and focus, which helps them to produce capable, confident, and well-informed graduates.

This post will walk you through the potential challenges and benefits of pursuing your MBA.

Academic rigor: How difficult is an MBA?

The building blocks of an MBA include core courses like finance, strategy, operations, and accounting. This base creates a holistic understanding of business administration, enabling dynamic leaders to grasp key business components from financial reporting to supply chain management.

MBA students' coursework is deliberately varied, often including case studies to highlight real-world applications, group work to encourage networking and collaboration, and presentations to demonstrate command of the subject. All of these elements are tied together with exams that bridge the gaps between concepts and interrogate students’ understanding of core business principles.

The intensity and scope of an MBA can vary between institutions, as well as between different degree concentrations. Choosing the right institution is key to getting the most out of your experience. If moving to a new city or attending a traditional campus isn’t the right fit, an online MBA program can offer the same level of rigor, with the added benefit of flexibility.²

Time commitment

Effective time management is non-negotiable for MBA candidates. Consider your commitments, then choose a course load.

MBA students can typically complete their degree in around two years. The online MBA from the University of Kansas, for example, takes as few as 27 months to complete and generally requires 15-20 hours of work per week, including time spent with lectures, research and coursework.

Is an MBA hard to complete while working full-time? Many part-time and MBA programs have been designed specifically with the goals of someone juggling work or parental responsibilities. Generally, a part-time MBA takes three to four years to finish at 15-30 hours a week³

Finally, an Executive MBA, tailored for current working executives, averages 15-25 hours per week.

Cost and financial considerations

As of 2025, the average cost of an MBA in the United States is well over $200,000.⁴ However, MBAs are available at many price points, depending on the institution and the method of delivery, meaning savvy students can find affordable options. Thankfully, financial assistance is available, including student loans, academic scholarships, and employer support.

Online MBA programs, like the one offered by KU, provide the same level of instruction at a fraction of the price. The cost of an online MBA at KU is under $40,000, making it one of the most affordable MBA in the Best Online Programs as ranked by U.S. News and World Report.⁵

Admissions process

You can easily break down the MBA admissions process into manageable parts.

First, test scores. Many programs will be looking at your GMAT or GRE scores. Often, either is acceptable, but the GMAT is tailored to the needs of business schools. In some cases, like the KU online MBA, programs do not require test scores or may offer to waive them.

Second, essays and recommendations. This is your chance to humanize yourself and place your achievements into context. Make sure your recommendations come from direct supervisors who can describe your strengths. In your essay, address the prompt clearly while also showcasing your dynamism and abilities.

Acceptance rates at top schools range from as low as 8% to as high as 40% within the top 10 business schools.⁶

Career goals and ROI weighed against MBA difficulty

Is an MBA the right choice for your goals? It depends. Do you have a clear vision for your career that would be directly influenced by this degree? If so, an MBA can act as a catapult, helping you navigate upwards through leadership pathways or difficult role switches.

One of the most tangible reasons to pursue an MBA is the potential for a significant earnings bump. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) projects the median starting salary for MBA graduates to be $50,000 higher than for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.⁷

Emotional and mental resilience

Don’t neglect to consider the mental load of a high-pressure environment. Protecting your mental well-being is a key part of managing MBA challenges. Take full advantage of your institution’s peer support network, as well as any time management assistance they may offer. If you’re considering an online MBA course, like at the University of Kansas, research the online student experience. Any worthy MBA program will have considered the needs of online students extensively.

Choosing the right program

What is most important for you in your MBA degree? Perhaps you’ll give heavy weight to rankings and accreditation. On the other hand, perhaps a culture and alumni network that aligns with your values is key.

Do you have a particular specialization you’re looking for? Institutions may offer different tracks, like an MBA in global management or consulting. Are you someone with a career track already lined up, or would internship support be a benefit?

Finally, consider ways to mitigate challenges you may face. Are you willing to relocate? Perhaps a part-time degree would allow you to maintain your workload. An online MBA may suit your needs optimally.

Tips for preparing before you apply

The best people to ask about how difficult an MBA is are those who have done it. Talk with alumni and current students at the programs you’re interested in. Attend information sessions or webinars, and get answers to your burning questions.

Before you apply, set aside some time to brush up on your writing skills. Be confident that you’re putting your best foot forward when that all-important application comes around.

Make a strategic choice for your MBA journey

Pursuing your MBA is challenging, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for someone interested in advancing their career in business. The University of Kansas School of Business's online MBA program has been carefully crafted to maximize benefits while mitigating costs. It's the number seven nationally ranked online MBA program,⁵ with all the academic rigor and networking opportunities of an in-person program.

KU has put a lot of thought into the online MBA student experience, from the admissions process to the highly interactive asynchronous coursework and networking opportunities. Make being a Jayhawk work for your work-life balance, and get the best of both worlds.

Contact an admissions outreach advisor at to learn more about how the KU online MBA program can support your individual goals. Is an MBA hard? Not with the right support network and preparation.