The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman argues that the costs associated with obtaining an MBA may not be worth the value such a degree provides. Especially if the value anticipated by the student is only measured in increased income.

Early in his book Kaufman acknowledges statics that correlate advanced degrees with people that earn greater annual salaries. Of course, while acknowledging the correlation Kaufman also postulates that it is more likely for greater income earning to be a function of skill than credentials.

Going on to equate the greatest value of an MBA with the intrinsic knowledge a person gains from reading through a few dozen good books, Kaufman concludes that just as keen an education can be acquired in a self-lead study, without spending a dime on inflated tuition costs.

It is probably understood by most, but even Kaufman mentions, that the folks who are able to earn acceptance to the quality MBA programs are people who already have higher earning potential, regardless of the MBA credential.

The remainder of The Personal MBA gives readers a birds-eye-view of the business acumen one would expect to acquire over the duration of an MBA course of study.

The book serves as a great primer for others who wish to conduct their own self-lead study into the world of business. It also draws on insights gained from Kaufman’s own self-lead education along with his experience as a successful entrepreneur and executive coach.

The Personal MBA serves as just another reminder that we are all responsible for our own on-going education. What’s more, Kaufman challenges us all to more heavily weigh the pros and cons of investing in higher education, especially as it appears to be the next major economic bubble.

Read the book yourself: The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business