CFA® vs MBA
Pros and cons of doing a CFA versus an MBA
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Should I do a CFA vs MBA?
One of the most common debates among aspiring finance professionals is whether to get a CFA vs MBA. Both are highly sought after, and both have a long list of successful alumni. There are, however, some very important differences to consider, depending on what your career goals are.
CFA vs MBA? Both are highly regarded finance accreditations that require a lot of hard work and can produce excellent career mobility. In order to easily summarize the trade-offs between the two designations, we have created a table that outline the most important points for each one.
CFA vs MBA – What are the differences between the programs?
See the summary table below to compare the two options – CFA vs MBA – and see which fits better with you and your personal objectives.
| CFA® | MBA |
|
|---|---|---|
| Length of time: | 3-4 years | 1-2 years |
| Cost: | ~$5,000 | $50,000 - $180,000 |
| Prestige: | High (equal) | Low to Ultra-High (variable) |
| Academic focus: | Portfolio management | Business management |
| Networking: | CFA societies | Broad student/alumni networks |
| # of designation holders: | 120,000+ | Millions+ |
| Pass rate: | ~50% | ~85% |
| Career benefit: | Technical knowledge | Connections & recruitment |
| Career paths: | -Equity research -Investment management -FP&A | -Investment banking -Corporate development -Private Equity |
CFA vs MBA – Which one is right for you?
In summary, it’s really up to you and what your personal goals are as far as determining the right answer for yourself in the CFA vs MBA debate.
CFA vs MBA – CFA
The CFA program costs less than an MBA and is more finance-specific and technically focused. It’s most suitable for people who are interested in equity research, and portfolio management. The prestige of having the charter is completely homogeneous, as there is only one standard. The program focuses more on technical skills and has little to no networking involved.
CFA vs MBA – MBA
On the other hand, MBA programs have a high degree of variability, and their prestige is measured in the school you obtained it from. It’s not really fair to ask, “is a CFA credential better than an MBA?”, when really the question has to be, “Is a Harvard MBA or a University of Phoenix MBA better than a CFA credential?”. Of course, the answer is still subjective. The school from which you received your MBA matters a lot. The top MBA schools include Harvard, Stanford, and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
The MBA is better suited to people who are more interested in general management and executive leadership. MBA career paths tend to be more popular with people in investment banking, private equity, and corporate development.
MBA programs typically include a lot of networking, which is one of their main benefits.
Compare more designations
Below is a helpful summary table of more designations, beyond just CFA vs MBA, for easy reference.
| CFA | CPA | FMVA | CAIA | CFP | FRM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Levels | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Costs | $2,550 to $3,450 | $1,000 to $3,000 | $497 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Exam Pass Rate | 30-50% | 40-50% | 70% | 70% | 67% | 40-50% |
| Content Focus | Portfolio Management, Investments | Financial Reporting, Audit | Financial Modeling, Valuation | Real Assets, Alternative Investments | Financial Planning | Financial Risk Management |
| Career Application | All Encompassing | Accounting and Finance | All Encompassing | Asset Management | Retail and Wealth Management | Risk Management |
| Study Time (hrs) | 300-350 per exam | Varies | 120-200 total | 200 per exam | Varies | 200-300 per exam |
| Completion Time | 3-5 years | 2.5 - 5 years | <1 year | 1-2 years | 4 years | <1 year |
| Work Experience | 4 years | 1 year | None | 1 year | 3 years | 2 years |
Additional resources
This has been CFI’s guide to compare the CFA vs MBA. To compare more designations and degrees, explore our additional guides below:
