About the Episode
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About the Episode:
Is the traditional MBA losing its edge, or is it simply evolving? In this episode, Andrew Crisp, owner of CarringtonCrisp, joins Ray to answer that question with insights from the firm’s comprehensive and influential Tomorrow’s MBA study.
From the surprising drop in interest in international MBA programs to the surging demand for specializations in AI, healthcare, and sustainability, Andrew draws on more than 15 years of global student research to unpack the forces reshaping business education.
Join us as we discuss:
- [2:04] Geopolitical tensions and their impact on global education
- [12:10] How AI policy, integrity, and innovation will influence tomorrow’s MBA
- [15:17] If MBAs still justify their price tag, and rethinking ROI and personalization
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Why are fewer students choosing to study MBAs abroad?
According to Andrew Crisp, the decline in students choosing to study internationally isn’t just a reaction to recent visa policies or election cycles—it’s been a slow burn, fueled by global instability, cost-of-living concerns, and restrictive immigration rules in countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. Students are weighing not just tuition but the full life disruption of moving abroad, especially when many high-quality MBA options are now available domestically or in nearby regions. The takeaway for enrollment marketers? Institutions must emphasize stability, affordability, and post-graduate work opportunities in their value proposition.
How are students rethinking the value of in-person MBA experiences?
While online MBAs and hybrid formats are still booming, Crisp reveals that a notable number of students are craving a return to campus. Why? A hunger for human connection. After years of remote work and Zoom fatigue, students want face time with peers and professors, campus networking, and classroom experiences that foster community. Yet, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all shift. The MBA market is fragmenting—offering both flexibility through online options and exclusivity through elite, in-person experiences. Schools should consider dual pathways to serve this diversified demand.
What role is AI playing in student expectations and curriculum design?
AI has rapidly jumped from novelty to necessity in business education. In the Tomorrow’s MBA survey, 79% of students said it’s "very important" that their program teaches them how to use AI in the workplace. Schools that treat AI as a fringe subject risk being left behind. But it’s not just about integrating AI tools into the curriculum—students also need clear guidance on academic integrity. What’s allowed? What’s not? Institutions must create policies that address AI’s ethical use and provide practical training through case studies and real-world applications. The schools leading in this space are also forming tech-focused partnerships to keep their content cutting-edge.
Are MBAs still worth it?
The million-dollar question—literally. With some online MBA programs costing over $100K, students are re-evaluating the ROI of an MBA. Crisp points out that demand remains strong, but the bar is higher. Students want relevant, flexible, and up-to-date programs. Offering stackable credentials, curating the best supplemental learning resources, and tailoring the MBA experience through electives and certificates are all ways schools can stand out. It’s about helping students “pimp their MBA” and position themselves for success in a shifting job market.
Connect With Our Host:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Generation AI.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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