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Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - Printable Version

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Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - rachel83az - 03-16-2018

I came across this somewhere online and haven't seen it mentioned here but Smart.ly currently has a free MBA program. https://smart.ly/prices/students Yes, you do need a bachelor's degree in the first place. 

Two points to consider: They are NOT accredited regionally or nationally (only licensed by DC: https://support.smart.ly/article/203-is-the-degree-accredited ), though they claim to be seeking accreditation right now. But it might be a good option for people who want to "practice" MBA coursework or otherwise do it for fun. Second, you'd need to apply by March 25th for their next start date. Their FAQs are a bit confusing in regards to start dates and what comes after April. Did they just start doing this? Maybe! No idea.

It also appears that you can do some of the courses without applying for anything, but you don't get any sort of credits for this route. Of course, since it's not currently accredited anyway, this may not be a problem for someone who just wants another study resource.

There is also a $9600 MBA option but, since they are not accredited, that is potentially a serious waste of money at this point in time.


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - Ideas - 03-16-2018

At least one degreeforum user applied, or was going to try and get in.

Apparently Smart.ly is mostly looking for people who attended a "Top 30" school for undergrad. If I'm reading correctly, they say on their site that 80% in their MBA program were from a top school.

It's cool they also have a 6 week certificate that's free, but that also says 70% were from a top school.


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - jsd - 03-16-2018

I like the idea behind it, as long as they land some actual accreditation...

but that name is a real turd of a name. worse than University of the People. Yuck.


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - rachel83az - 03-16-2018

Yes, it's a ridiculous name. I half expect the site to be about games, like snake.io or something, even though I know it's not.


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - posabsolute - 03-16-2018

Why would someone from a top30 school want to top of his education with this? Seems like a weird thing to put on your resume on top of your undergraduate degree.


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - eriehiker - 03-16-2018

I applied for this last year. They did not accept me for the free option, I think, because I am 42 and they want young people who are willing to relocate so they can earn a finder's fee for locating talent. I also applied for the non-free MBA because they sometimes give full scholarships. Tom Adams, the CEO, actually interviewed me. It was really funny to see him pop up on the screen. They accepted me, but I received a half scholarship and at nearly $5,000, it wasn't a good deal, especially considering the comparative cost of WGU. I have completed 20% of the program via the free certificate track. It is very interactive and I learned a lot. I think that it is worth doing at the free price point.


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - Ideas - 03-16-2018

(03-16-2018, 11:02 AM)posabsolute Wrote: Why would someone from a top30 school want to top of his education with this? Seems like a weird thing to put on your resume on top of your undergraduate degree.

To network with others from Top 30 schools of course Dodgy

Maybe it's mostly people who cannot get a loan or scholarship for something else? And who don't know that the competency degrees exist.


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - MNomadic - 03-16-2018

I applied twice last year. Didn't get accepted since I haven't finished my bachelor's. I did get access to more of their classes, though. The learning method is very good, but as others pointed out, the lack of valid accreditation and the terrible name(I would be ashamed to put that on a resume) mean that it's not worth paying for. I would say it's worth applying for since you have nothing to lose. I plan on applying again after I graduate tesu.


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - rlw74 - 03-17-2018

That name - yuck - just a total turn off. It sounds like an app. How would any employer take you seriously?


RE: Smart.ly MBA (free - kind of) - rachel83az - 03-17-2018

(03-17-2018, 12:46 AM)rlw74 Wrote: That name - yuck - just a total turn off. It sounds like an app. How would any employer take you seriously?

Obviously, you're supposed to find an employer who is hip and cool and... Er, nope!