Could You Get a World-Class MBA Without Drowning in Six-Figure Debt?
Justin Spears’ story began with a search for high-quality education at a price that was realistic for him. “I wanted this prestigious education,” he shares. “I really wanted to go to these high-end schools, but I didn’t want to have a major debt.” His research led him to FIU, where he found a wealth of experienced and renowned faculty members who have also taught at institutions like Harvard. “When I found access to the professors at FIU, I was more than excited,” Spears says. The affordability of FIU, especially with the Post 9/11 GI Bill, was a key factor in his decision.
"The ROI was a huge factor," he reflects, noting how he could earn a world-class education at a fraction of the cost compared to other prestigious universities. "I was looking at $200,000 in debt versus a tenth of that with a much higher return on investment."
"I really wanted to go to these high-end schools, but I didn’t want to have a major debt."
Embracing Entrepreneurship with FIU’s Strategic Growth Mindset
Through the MBA program, Spears’s entrepreneurial mindset was shaped in profound ways. “FIU’s MBA program really instilled in me a strategic growth mindset and the importance of data-driven decision-making,” he explains. “It taught me to blend creativity with analytics to identify market opportunities and execute strategies effectively.”
That blend of creativity and analytics became the foundation for launching MXI Consulting, where Spears helps businesses achieve sustainable growth through innovation, operational excellence and strategic foresight. “My entrepreneurial mindset thrives on adaptability,” he says, a skill he honed during his time at FIU.
As Spears envisions the future of MXI, he’s less focused on the size of his team and more on the impact his company can make. “We strive to make businesses sustainable and impactful, creating positive outcomes for owners, families and communities,” he explains. This mission is what drives his passion for the work he does.
"FIU’s MBA program really instilled in me a strategic growth mindset and the importance of data-driven decision-making."
The Real ROI of an MBA: More Than Just Financial Returns
When asked about the ROI of the FIU MBA degree, Spears doesn’t hesitate. “The financial return was very fast and very high,” he admits. However, he is quick to point out that the value of an MBA degree extends beyond money. “It’s not just the financial return,” Spears emphasizes. “It’s the career opportunities, the credibility and the lifelong skills you gain, like how to network and analyze markets differently.”
However, he wants to make sure future MBA students have clear expectations and know that an MBA isn’t a magic ticket to success. “An MBA opens a lot of doors and gives you credibility,” he says. “But it’s not an instantaneous game changer. It’s a tool, a launching point. You still have to apply what you’ve learned and be tenacious in your career.”
Spears shares an essential piece of advice for those considering earning an MBA degree: “The tools and knowledge you gain will transform your career and position you for success in ways you can’t imagine until you have it.”
Personalized Support: A Distinct Advantage of FIU
For Spears, the support he received during his MBA program went far beyond traditional academic help. “When I was going through some medical challenges, FIU’s personalized support blew me away,” he recalls. Despite facing a complex spinal surgery during his MBA program, the FIU staff and his cohort went above and beyond to ensure he stayed on track. “I missed one week of class. That was it. They gave me extensions, they understood, and I stayed on schedule and graduated with the rest of my cohort. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
This level of support isn’t something Spears takes for granted. “I feel for most public universities, you wouldn’t experience this kind of individual attention in an online program,” he says. “At FIU, I felt truly supported, and that made all the difference.”
Advice to Those Considering Earning an MBA
For anyone considering earning an MBA, Spears’ advice is clear: “Don’t wait to invest in yourself. Take the leap. The skills and knowledge you gain will open doors you never expected. But remember, the journey doesn’t end with the degree. It’s just the beginning.”
As Spears looks to the future, his focus remains on growth – both for himself and for the businesses he helps through MXI Consulting. His story is a testament to the power of education, the value of hard work, and the importance of seizing opportunities when they come your way.
In his own words: “The MBA wasn’t just a credential. It was a steppingstone to a larger vision.”
Advice for Fellow Military Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life
Having served in the military, Spears understands the unique challenges that come with transitioning to civilian life. His experience in both the military and the business world has given him valuable insights into the process.
For veterans, Spears’ advice is clear: "Start surrounding yourself with that new tribe of people you want to run with," he shares. “I wanted to be a business executive and grow in helping people to build their businesses and lead ventures. And while I was very much surrounded by the military and veteran world, it was about finding military business owners, veteran business owners and civilian business owners. The commonality shifted to business ownership, which became the new landscape of my life.”
"Start surrounding yourself with that new tribe of people you want to run with."
Spears made a conscious choice to build his "new tribe" by surrounding himself with like-minded individuals, both civilian and veteran business owners. “Now, I actually serve as the vice chairman for the Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses, representing over 500 members and more than 150,000 veteran-owned businesses in the state,” he adds proudly. “Surrounding myself with other business owners has been a key factor in my success. Whether military or civilian, they all bring a level of support, and I have people I can connect with—people who understand the language, the context, and the challenges I’m facing."
He encourages veterans to take the initiative in finding their new community. “When you have people who share your mindset, who bring similar skills and experiences to the table, it makes all the difference. Whether they’re military or civilian, you can talk the same language and offer each other invaluable support.”
Ultimately, Spears believes that the military experience provides a strong foundation for success. “As a veteran, you’ve already proven that you can adapt, overcome challenges and lead. Use that mindset to build your future in civilian life. You’ve got what it takes to thrive.”