How to Choose the Best Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Program in 2025
By upGrad
Updated on Aug 21, 2025 | 7 min read | 1.26K+ views
Share:
For working professionals
For fresh graduates
More
By upGrad
Updated on Aug 21, 2025 | 7 min read | 1.26K+ views
Share:
Table of Contents
Do you know? According to the Global DBA Survey by Compass, most DBA candidates have around 15 years of work experience before starting their program.
When choosing the right DBA program, you should always check out the course accreditation, program format, cost, specializations, and career outcomes before making a decision.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to choose the best Doctor of Business Administration program by exploring important factors such as program quality, flexibility, cost, admission requirements, and networking opportunities.
You’ll also learn how to compare top DBA programs, understand its specializations, and align your choice with long-term career growth which will help you to make th right decision for yourself.
If you’re planning for a doctoral journey, we offer top DBA programs designed to fit the needs of ambitious professionals like you.
Before you decide to apply for a Doctor of Business Administration degree, it’s important to check if it matches your career plans, learning style, and budget. The right DBA program will help you grow academically and professionally without disturbing your work-life balance.
Take the Next Step with Our DBA Programs:
Here are the key factors to look for a Doctor in Business Administration Program:
Factor |
Why It Matters |
Accreditation | Boosts credibility and job prospects |
Faculty | Brings real-world insights |
Specializations | Helps achieve career goals |
Program Format | Fits your lifestyle |
Networking | Expands career opportunities |
Cost & Aid | Makes education affordable |
Also Read: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Roles and Responsibilities
Your career can be significantly impacted by your choice of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. It is essential for professionals to understand which programs are the best for them in 2025.
If you are thinking about how to choose the best DBA program then you should always checkout the factors like global ranking, faculty expertise, industry connections, flexibility, and career support to make a best decision.
Here are some of the top DBA programs in 2025:
University/School |
Location |
Duration (Approx.) |
Golden Gate University DBA Program | USA | 3 years |
DBA & MBA from Edgewood University | UK | 2.5 years |
IE Business School DBA Program | Spain | 4 years |
University of Manchester DBA Program | UK | 4 years |
ESGCI Paris DBA Program | France | 3 years |
Also Read: DBA vs PhD in Business Administration
Accreditation is important, the employers always trust the degrees that are accredited because they prove that your studied program has complied with international education standards.
Here’s how you can check your Doctor of Business Administration program accreditation:
Also Read: Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Eligibility
The choice of your learning format depends on your lifestyle and career goals. So, before choosing your preferred format, it's important to consider the benefits and disadvantages of both the programs.
Here are the major key differences between the online and on-Campus DBA programs:
Factor |
Online DBA Program |
On-Campus DBA Program |
Flexibility | Allows you to study anytime, anywhere; ideal for working professionals | Fixed schedules |
Networking | Mostly virtual networking with peers and faculty | Strong face-to-face networking |
Learning Style | Self-paced learning | In-person classes, seminars, and research workshops |
Cost | Usually more affordable | More expensive due to campus facilities and living expenses |
Global Reach | Access to international faculty and peers online | Strong local connections |
Career Impact | Accepted by employers if accredited | Traditional format often seen as more prestigious, especially in academic or research careers |
Also Read: Who Should Pursue a DBA in 2025?
The cost of a DBA program in 2025 can vary significantly on your chosen university, location, and mode of study. However a Doctor of Business Administration program can cost you somewhere between INR 7L to INR 12L.
While pursuing a DBA degree may seem like a big investment, but it also comes with great returns as well such as higher salaries, leadership roles, and excellent career growth opportunities.
Approximate Cost of Popular DBA Programs in 2025:
University/School |
Cost (Approx.) |
Golden Gate University, San Francisco (via upGrad) | INR 10.6L |
IIM Sambalpur | INR 7.2L |
Swiss School of Business Management (via upGrad) | INR 7.5L |
SP Jain Global School of Management | INR 8.1L |
Edgewood University (MBA & DBA) (via upGrad) | INR 11.7L |
Rushford Business School (via upGrad) | INR 8.12L |
Note: The fees mentioned in the table are approximate
When planning, how to choose the best DBA program, you should know that both options have their own advantages, and at last the right choice depends on your budget, career goals, and where you want to work in the future.
Here are some key points to consider: Indian vs. Global DBA Programs:
Factor |
Indian DBA Program |
Global DBA Program |
Cost | More affordable | More expensive, but wider exposure |
Career Opportunities | Best for jobs in Indian companies | Opens doors to international jobs and MNC’s |
Networking | Connects with local professionals and industries | Provides international networking with peers, faculty, and business leaders |
Learning Style | Focuses on regional business challenges | Emphasizes international business practices and research |
Recognition | Highly respected in India and growing globally | Strong worldwide recognition, especially from top-ranked universities |
Must Read: What is the Scope of a DBA in India & Abroad?
Choosing the top Doctor of Business Administration program specializations that align with your future goals can make your degree more valuable than you think. Each DBA specialization prepares you for leadership roles in various industries.
Popular DBA program specializations:
Specialization | Top Career Opportunities | Average Annual Salary in India |
Finance | Chief Financial Officer | INR 57L |
Marketing | Chief Marketing Officer | INR 55L |
Healthcare Management | Hospital Administrator | INR 7L |
International Business | Global Business Manager | INR 15L |
Supply Chain Management | Operations Director | INR 39.7L |
Sourced By: Ambition Box
Related Article: Top DBA Specializations in 2025
It's very important that your chosen DBA program should match with your career goals because only the right program will help you to grow in the direction you want, whether it’s corporate leadership, consulting, or academics.
Here are the things you should consider while deciding how to choose the best DBA program:
Also Read: Highest paying jobs in India
At upGrad, we have helped more than 5,000 doctoral candidates and 2,500+ global CXOs through 50+ successful batches, building a strong name for offering trusted and high-quality DBA programs.
Our DBA courses mix strong academic learning with real business knowledge through which you can grow as a successful leader.
Here’s why our DBA programs are different from others:
Want to move forward in your career? Book a free counseling session with us today and find the right DBA specialization for you.
Discover our top Doctor of Business Administration programs and take the next step toward advancing your leadership and research expertise!
544 articles published
We are an online education platform providing industry-relevant programs for professionals, designed and delivered in collaboration with world-class faculty and businesses. Merging the latest technolo...
Speak with DBA expert
By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy