CFA® vs MBA

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 boast a long list of successful alumni. There are, however, some very important differences to consider, depending on what your career goals are.

When breaking into finance, it’s important to evaluate whether an MBA for finance careers is required or if targeted skill-building can achieve similar outcomes.

CFA vs MBA? Both are highly regarded finance accreditations that require significant hard work and can offer excellent career mobility. To easily summarize the trade-offs between the two designations, we created a table outlining the key points for each.

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 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 come with a high degree of variability, and their prestige is measured in the school from which you obtained it. It’s not really fair to ask, “is a CFA credential better than an MBA?”, when really the question must 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 are more popular among people in investment banking, private equity, and corporate development.

MBA programs typically include extensive 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.

Additional Resources

Thank you for reading CFI’s guide comparing the CFA vs MBA. To compare more designations and degrees, explore our additional guides below:

• Financial Modeling Guide
• Valuation Methods
• Is An MBA Worth It?
• Institute for Management Accountants (IMA)
• See all career resources
• See all capital markets resources