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MBA Enrollment Trends Shift in Orange County

Diverse students participating in an online MBA program.

News Summary

Orange County’s MBA programs are adapting to increasing student demand for flexibility. Enrollment trends show a rise in online and full-time options, while part-time enrollments decline. Schools like Pepperdine and UCR are adjusting their offerings, including introducing online programs to meet evolving needs. Overall enrollment across the area has slightly decreased, with notable differences among institutions. The trends reflect national demands for faster, more adaptable educational pathways.

Orange County, California – Changes in enrollment trends across MBA programs in Orange County have highlighted an increasing demand for flexibility among students, prompting local business schools to adapt their offerings. Over the last decade, institutions such as Pepperdine Graziadio Business School have introduced one-year and part-time programs to attract a broader base of students.

At Pepperdine, enrollment in full-time and online MBA programs has seen an increase this fall, largely due to a rise in early-career candidates. This shift has been linked to the flexibility offered by online learning options, as well as the accelerated completion time available for full-time MBA learners. Specifically, Pepperdine provides a one-year MBA option in finance, marketing, and general management.

Conversely, there has been a noticeable decline in enrollments for part-time and hybrid programs at Pepperdine, suggesting that working professionals are increasingly less interested in traditional in-person classes. Across the 16 schools with MBA programs in Orange County, total enrollment has experienced a slight reduction, falling by 1.8% to reach a total of 3,367 students as of October.

The decline is not uniform across all local universities. The University of California, Riverside (UCR) saw a significant drop of nearly 18% in enrollment, which has been primarily attributed to a reduction in international students enrolling in its full-time MBA programs. This decrease in international enrollment can be traced to over 6,000 student visas that were revoked due to stricter immigration policies instituted during the Trump administration. In response to these challenges, UCR plans to launch an online MBA program in Fall 2026, aiming to meet the growing needs of students seeking flexible education options.

In terms of competition, UCR’s assistant dean has expressed concerns about an increasing number of schools offering alternative credentials and non-degree programs, which are drawing potential MBA candidates away from traditional programs. Meanwhile, the University of California, Irvine has reported an 8% enrollment drop, decreasing from 442 students last year to 408 this year. Similarly, California State University, Fullerton has experienced a positive trend, with an 8% increase in MBA enrollment, rising from 365 to 394 students. This growth has been attributed to improvements in their marketing strategies.

Another institution, Chapman University, also saw positive numbers, with an 11% increase in MBA enrollment, bringing their total to 224 students as the university looks for a new dean. Sofia University reported the highest increase in MBA enrollment at 33%, which raised its total to 125 students. This surge is credited to the launch of a fully online MBA program that mirrors the structure of the on-campus offering while maintaining a completion timeline of 1.5 years.

In remarks regarding program structure, Sofia University’s program chair indicated that shorter, cost-effective MBA options cater better to students’ immediate needs for skills and career advancement. Furthermore, Pepperdine’s online MBA program ranks 16th in The Princeton Review’s 2022 online rankings, emphasizing its flexibility and completion time of under two years. In line with national trends, 84% of online MBA programs reported growth in applications in 2020, showcasing the rising demand for online business education.

In addition to enrollment patterns, the admissions process at Pepperdine places significant emphasis on practical experience, self-awareness, and effective interpersonal skills, underscoring the importance of a business degree in contributing to the success rates of aspiring entrepreneurs through a combination of education and mentoring.

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MBA Enrollment Trends Shift in Orange County

STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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