With so many variables, it can be challenging to figure out which program is best for you. One valuable tool is to calculate the return on investment — the total cost of the degree as compared to the increased income you can reasonably expect to earn over the rest of your lifetime. To find the real numbers needed to reasonably calculate ROI, visit the websites of the schools you're most interested in attending to determine an estimate of the total cost. Most have fee schedules that tell you the cost per credit hour and the number of credit hours required to complete the school's MBA program. Data from our companion site, GradReports.com, may be useful in estimating potential income. The following table shows what MBA graduates of various programs are earning one year after graduation, although there is no guarantee that any of these degrees will lead to high-level positions and significantly more lifetime earnings. Clearly, however, graduates of the top MBA schools are earning far more than their counterparts from other schools. Yet, all of these programs equip students with advanced knowledge and skills, so it's up to you to determine how much you want to invest versus what you need to obtain the job you envision. If you're more focused on the knowledge than the name brand, it's quite possible that a lower-priced degree will still get you where you want to go.