Is a DBA degree respected?

Yes, a DBA degree is highly respected. A DBA demonstrates deep expertise. A DBA shows you have advanced knowledge and skills in the field. It also enhances your credibility. Having a DBA after your name gives you greater authority in your industry, making people more likely to trust your ideas and advice on business matters.

Is a DBA as good as a PhD?

A DBA and a PhD are both well respected doctoral degrees, but they serve different purposes. Both are demanding and worthwhile, yet their suitability depends on your career objectives. In the business world, a DBA may hold greater recognition, while a PhD is often more well-known in academic settings.

Does a DBA increase salary?

Earning a DBA might help you make more money, but there's no promise it will. A lot of people who get this degree do end up earning more because they learn valuable skills and gain knowledge that are in-demand by top organizations. Companies often pay more for employees who have this high-level business know-how.

Is a doctorate of business administration worth it?

Getting a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) can be a great choice if it fits your career dreams, especially if you want to be a business leader. This degree can help you get better jobs, make people trust your business skills more, and learn a lot about how businesses work. But remember, it takes a lot of time, it can be expensive, and you'll need to work hard.

Best Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

Quick Highlights:

Temple University and Pepperdine University have top business administration doctorate degree programs.
A DBA shows you have advanced knowledge and skills in the field and enhances your credibility.
Completing a DBA program can increase your networking opportunities.
Those with a DBA can go on to become executives, consultants, and researchers.

In-person Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs offer a unique opportunity to advance your career. These programs combine advanced business knowledge with the benefits of face-to-face learning. By attending classes in person, you’ll have the chance to build strong relationships with your professors and classmates, creating a network that can last a lifetime. You’ll also benefit from immediate feedback and lively discussions that just aren’t the same online. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best in-person DBA programs available, highlighting what makes each one stand out and how they can help you achieve your career goals.

This ranking was created in June 2024 and updated on May 8, 2025. The data was accurate at time of publication.

Featured Programs

What is a DBA?

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a terminal degree program that lets you become a business expert. It’s perfect for ambitious professionals looking to boost their career. You’ll study advanced topics like leadership, strategy, and business management. This degree sharpens your skills to help you navigate tough business challenges. With a DBA, you’ll be ready for high-level jobs like executive positions in companies, or you could even teach business at a university.

What are the Best Doctorate in Business Administration Programs?

At CollegeRank, we start with data and evaluation informed by experience. Our trusted team of professional researchers, writers, and editors develop each ranking and resource with future learners in mind. We are invested in highlighting degree programs and options that are known for quality, affordability, accessibility, and return on investment. Our rankings and resources are continually updated with the most recent available data and information on trends in higher education.

In ranking the top DBA programs, we faced a challenge since our data sources don’t track the same metrics for doctoral programs. To ensure a fair comparison, we highlighted programs based on their professional accreditation, quality curriculum, opportunities for students to tailor the program to meet their professional goals, and support services available to help students advance in their careers. All the programs we selected meet our criteria and would be a great choice to consider for your DBA journey.

At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. To supply you with the best of the best in Doctorate of Business Administration degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:

The school’s ability to provide a quality Doctorate degree program in the field of Business Administration,
Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
Has an excellent reputation and has earned applicable awards in the field,
Taught by professionals in the field of Business Administration,
Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
Displays proper accreditation, pursuant to the field of Business Administration,
Prepares graduates for career placement in Business Administration.

Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.

Related:

Per Credit Hour Tuition Disclaimer: The tuition amounts given are estimates and subject to change.

Temple University

Cost

$2,200/credit hour

Accreditation

AACSB

Program Information

Elevate your career to new heights with the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. This elite, three-year, part-time program is designed for ambitious executive professionals. With 54 credits blending rigorous online and in-person coursework, you will study areas like Advanced Research Methods and Strategic Management. You’ll develop your critical reasoning and data-driven decision-making skills.

Temple’s DBA program stands out with its convenient structure, featuring six on-site weekend residencies per year. This format is perfect for balancing professional commitments while advancing your education. Enrich your network and collaborate with a supportive cohort. You’ll benefit from personalized mentorship and learning from distinguished faculty who are leaders in their fields. Graduates from the Fox School’s DBA program emerge as influential executives, consultants, and researchers.

Pepperdine University

Cost

$3,275/credit hour

Accreditation

AACSB

Program Information

Unlock unparalleled career advancement with the ExecutiveDoctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Designed for driven executives, this part-time program spans three years and 55 credits. The program provides a rigorous education on the scientific methods to solve real-world business problems. Students select a track to specialize either in quantitative or qualitative methods.

Key features that set the Pepperdine’s Executive DBA program apart include:

Convenient Structure: Attend six on-site one-week residentials during the first two years of the program, making it easy to balance professional commitments with program requirements.

One-on-One Coaching: Students benefit from personalized mentorship and supervision by faculty who are recognized as leading scholars and experts. They’ll give you great advice and support throughout your r