Babson College
Babson College is one of the top business schools in the entire country. Founded in 1919, it opened as a business school that focused solely on courses relating to the profession, including accounting and finance. Roger Babson not only served as the founder of the college, but he also opened his home to students and faculty members. Though less than 30 students enrolled in its first year, all those students took their classes inside the Babson home. The college quickly developed a strong reputation, because it gave students more hands on experiences than other colleges did. Babson emphasized the importance of independent learning through independent projects and working in the field.
That emphasis on practical experience exists today as well. The college encourages students to do internships and work for businesses all across the city and state. Students also have international options as well. In addition to its main campus, Babson also operates a satellite campus in Boston and a second satellite campus in San Francisco. Students taking classes at one of those campuses have full access to all resources available to those on the main campus. Both U.S. News and World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek rank its MBA program as one of the top in the nation, and its MBA program also ranks as one of the world's best on lists put out by Business Insider and Financial Times.
Babson College Accreditation Details
The accreditation of a degree program is important, but it may be even more important in regards to business degrees. Students enrolling in the graduate programs available at Babson College may not have enough money to pay for tuition and other costs. Those who want financial aid will need to attend a college with accreditation. One type of accreditation is regional accreditation, which also goes by the name of institutional accreditation. This means that the college can officially give students their degrees when they graduate. The institutional accreditation that Babson College has comes from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Babson also has specialized or program accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB accreditation applies to all the business programs available online or on campus.
Babson College Application Requirements
Babson College created its own online application system that it calls The Babson Bridge. Once you create an account with the website, you can work on your application. This system lets you save each section you complete to keep your information up to date. You can also go back in later to make changes to each section before you submit that application. Babson also allows students to view the decision its board makes regarding each application. When you log into the system, you'll see whether the board is still making a decision, if you were accepted, if you landed on the wait list or if the board needs more information. In addition to the application, you will also need to pay a $100 fee at the time you submit it.
Other requirements for admission into Babson College include answers to several essay questions that you can view in the online system. Those questions typically ask you about your career goals and why you want to study at Babson. Prospective students must also submit an official college transcript, scores from a standardized test like the GMAT and several letters of recommendation from professionals in the business field or former professors. Babson also asks that you submit a copy of your resume when you apply.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of attending Babson College depends on the field of study you select. Its one year MBA program costs around $77,000 a year, but those who enter the more traditional MBA program may around $66,000 a year. The college also offers a handful of certificate programs for graduate students and charges around $1,600 per credit hour for the courses you need to take to earn one of those certificates. You'll pay the same amount to enroll in the executive MBA program, which the college designed for working executives. You may spend $5,000 or more on textbooks and other supplies that you need while enrolled too.
Babson offers merit awards to full-time and part-time MBA students and those enrolling in an MS program. Its scholars programs award up to $30,000 a year to qualified students who have a high grade point average and maintain a high GPA once enrolled. Fellowship programs award the top students with scholarships that cover their total tuition. Babson College recommends that students fill out the FAFSA to find out about financial aid options available through the government. Even if you do not qualify for a fellowship or scholar programs, you may qualify for student loans or grant programs open to graduate students.
Graduate Degrees
Babson College offers a number of graduate programs designed for those with an interest in business. Its MBA program is available in several different options. The one year MBA program allows students to take longer classes on weekdays to complete their MBA degrees in just one year. It also offers a more traditional program that takes place over two years. The blended learning program is available on both its Boston and San Francisco campuses. These part-time programs allow students to take a combination of online classes and classes on campus. You'll also spend two weeks working on its main campus too. The evening MBA program, also known as the Executive MBA program, lets you take classes on weekends and at night to finish your degree.
In addition to MBA programs, the college also offers a Master in Entrepreneurial Leadership and a Master of Science in Accounting. The MS in Accounting program lets you earn a degree in just seven months and provides you with the background needed to take the CPA exam in Massachusetts. The entrepreneurial leadership program takes place over nine months and teaches you the fundamentals of leading others in a professional capacity. The college also offers several certificate programs for those who want to enhance their knowledge or learn new skills, including certificate programs in advanced accounting and advanced management. These Babson College programs are more suitable for working professionals or those currently enrolled in one of its other programs.