Insights

Nexford University vs Rome Business School: Which Online Business School Is Right for You?

Written by Nexford Staff | Feb 26, 2026 12:45:00 PM

Choosing between business schools shouldn’t feel like comparing apples to oranges. When you’re looking at Nexford University and Rome Business School, you’re considering two respected institutions with fundamentally different approaches to cost, flexibility, learning structure, and global reach.

Rome Business School, part of the Planeta Formación y Universidades network, has built a strong reputation as one of Italy’s top-ranked business schools. With programs ranked by QS World University Rankings and Eduniversal, and certifications from ASFOR and EFMD, it offers a traditional European business education with both on-campus and online options.

Nexford University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Founded in 2019, we designed our university from the ground up for working professionals who need flexibility and affordability without sacrificing quality.

This guide breaks down the key differences between Nexford and Rome Business School across the factors that actually matter: cost, flexibility, support systems, career development, and global accessibility. Both universities offer quality business education, but the way we deliver it—and what it costs you—differs significantly.

Let’s get into it.

Quick Overview - Nexford vs Rome Business School

Nexford University

Founded: 2019
Focus: Business and technology programs for working professionals
Accreditation: DEAC (National)
Model: Pay-per-course (undergrad) / Monthly subscription (grad)
Start Dates: 1st of every month
Programs: BBA, MBA, MS degrees
Total Enrollment: Learners from 100+ countries

Key Differentiator: Country-adjusted pricing and true self-paced learning with monthly starts designed specifically for working adults worldwide.

Rome Business School

Founded: Part of Planeta De Agostini Formación y Universidades network
Focus: Comprehensive business education with European tradition
Accreditation: ASFOR (MBA), EFMD Member, EOCCS certified, ISO 9001:2015
Model: Fixed-fee per program
Start Dates: April and October intakes
Programs: MBA, 40+ Master’s programs, Executive Education
Total Enrollment: Students from 150+ countries

Key Differentiator: QS-ranked programs with strong Italian and European business connections, on-campus options in Rome, and international bootcamp experiences.

Cost Comparison: The Numbers That Matter

Let’s address the number that matters most: what you’ll actually pay for your degree.

MBA Programs

Nexford:

  • Cost: $3,300-$8,100 total (depending on completion speed and country)
  • Model: Monthly subscription
  • Average Completion: 12-18 months (can finish in 9 months if accelerated)
  • Transparency: Faster completion = lower total cost

Rome Business School:

  • International MBA (On Campus): €24,000 [3]
  • International MBA Online: €19,000 [3]
  • Executive MBA: €19,000 [3]
  • Scholarships: Up to 30% available [3]

The Difference:
Even with Rome Business School’s scholarship of up to 30%, the Online MBA would still cost approximately €13,300(€19,000 × 0.70 ) (roughly $14,500 USD at current exchange rates)[4]. Nexford’s MBA at $3,300-$8,100 total represents significant savings—potentially 50-75% less depending on your country and completion speed.[5]

Master’s Programs

Nexford:

Rome Business School:

  • International Master’s (On Campus): €9,400 [3]
  • International Master’s (Online): €7,400 [3]
  • Global Master’s Programs: €14,900-€16,500 [3]

The Difference:
Rome Business School’s online Master’s programs start at €7,400 (approximately $8,100 USD)[3]. Nexford’s graduate programs, with country-adjusted pricing and monthly subscription models, often come in lower—especially for international students outside Europe and the United States.

Undergraduate Programs

Nexford:

  • BBA: $4,800-$10,000 total (depending on your country)[5][10]
  • Model: Pay-per-course ($120-$250 per course based on location)[5][10]
  • Total Program: 40 courses

Rome Business School:

  • Online Bachelor Degree in Business Economics: Available through their online platform
  • Pricing for bachelor’s programs not prominently listed; contact required for specific fees

The Difference:
For undergraduate business education, Nexford’s transparent pay-per-course model with country-adjusted pricing provides clear cost predictability from day one.

Why the Cost Structures Differ

Rome Business School:
Rome Business School operates as a traditional European business school with physical campus facilities in Rome, international bootcamp programs, and partnerships with major universities. These resources contribute to higher program costs, though scholarships help offset expenses for qualified students.

Nexford:
We eliminate physical infrastructure costs and use a globally adjusted pricing model. For undergraduates, you pay per course. For graduates, you pay monthly—the faster you finish, the less you pay.

Flexibility: Fixed Intakes vs. True Self-Pacing

Start Dates

Rome Business School:
Programs typically have two main intake periods: April and October. [3] Some programs may have additional start dates, but students generally must wait for these enrollment windows.

Nexford:
Begin on the 1st of any month—12 start dates per year. No waiting for semester schedules or intake periods.

Learning Structure

Rome Business School:

  • On-Campus Programs: Traditional classroom instruction in Rome with structured schedules
  • Online Programs: Interactive online classes in real-time or recorded lectures accessible for one year [4]
  • Hybrid Options: Some programs offer flexibility between on-campus and online attendance
  • International Bootcamps: Optional immersive experiences in Silicon Valley, Paris, Barcelona, and other destinations

Nexford:

  • True self-paced learning: No term deadlines, no scheduled course end dates
  • Start, pause, and resume courses as needed
  • Complete your MBA in 9 months or take longer—entirely your choice
  • Monthly starts mean you never wait more than a few weeks to begin

The Difference:

Rome Business School offers flexibility within structure. Their online programs provide recorded lectures and interactive sessions, but you’re working within program timelines and intake schedules.

Nexford offers complete self-pacing. No terms. No planned end dates. No minimum progress requirements. You control your timeline entirely.

Choose Rome Business School if: You benefit from structured program schedules and enjoy the option of on-campus experiences or international bootcamps.

Choose Nexford if: You want complete autonomy to learn entirely at your own pace without any term constraints or fixed intake periods.

Student Support: Traditional Model vs. Career-Integrated Coaching

Both institutions understand online learners need support, but they approach it differently.

Rome Business School: Career Services Model

Rome Business School provides comprehensive career services, including: [1]

  • Career Accelerator Center: Support for professional development
  • Company Partnerships: Access to over 600 partner companies including Accenture, Hermès, and American Express
  • Employment Support: Reports a 98% student placement rate
  • International Bootcamps: Networking opportunities in global business hubs
  • Alumni Network: Connection to graduates across industries

Rome Business School’s Philosophy: Strong employer connections and international experiences prepare students for career advancement, with services available throughout and after the program.

Nexford: Career Success Coach Model

Every Nexford student receives a Career Success Coach from Day One—not just academic support, but career-focused coaching integrated throughout your learning journey.

Your Career Success Coach:

  • Helps you build your career while you learn, not after
  • Provides resume refinement throughout your program
  • Supports network building from the start
  • Offers interview preparation integrated into your timeline
  • Focuses on professional development as part of your journey

Nexford’s Philosophy: Your degree should advance your career immediately, not after you graduate. Career development isn’t a separate service—it’s integrated into your entire learning experience.

The Difference

Rome Business School provides comprehensive career resources with strong European and Italian business connections. Their partnership network and international bootcamps offer valuable networking opportunities, particularly for those interested in European markets.

Nexford provides proactive, integrated career coaching. Your Career Success Coach works with you from enrollment, ensuring you’re building professional momentum from course one—not waiting until graduation.

Choose Rome Business School if: You value extensive corporate partnerships, international bootcamp experiences, and strong connections to European employers.

Choose Nexford if: You want someone proactively guiding your career development from the moment you enroll, with coaching integrated into your learning journey.

Learning Experience: European Tradition vs. Global Practicality

Rome Business School: Business Practice Labs and Bootcamps

Rome Business School emphasizes practical learning through:

  • Business Practice Labs: Hands-on projects with companies like Amazon, Meta, Tesla, Microsoft, and Bulgari
  • Capstone Projects: Real company challenges as part of program completion
  • International Bootcamps: Immersive experiences in Silicon Valley, Paris, Barcelona, London, and other global destinations
  • Faculty: Industry professionals and academics with European and international business experience

Teaching Methodology: Live lectures (on-campus or streaming), case study analysis, group work exercises, and business simulations.

Nexford: Project-Based Learning with Global Focus

Every Nexford course includes projects based on real challenges from companies like Tesla, Amazon, Apple, and Google. You create:

  • Marketing campaigns
  • Financial models
  • Business strategies
  • Data analyses
  • Pitch decks

Portfolio Building: You graduate with tangible work samples to show employers—not just grades on a transcript.

Faculty: Professional instructors whose primary role is teaching and mentoring, bringing real-world business and technology experience from across the globe.

The Difference

Rome Business School offers European business education with optional on-campus experiences and international bootcamps. The opportunity to study in Rome and participate in bootcamps across Europe and Silicon Valley appeals to students seeking immersive international experiences.

Nexford focuses on practical application with global accessibility. You solve real business problems using real company data and graduate with a portfolio of work demonstrating your capabilities—all without needing to travel or attend in person.

Choose Rome Business School if: You value the European business school experience, want optional on-campus learning in Rome, or are interested in international bootcamp opportunities.

Choose Nexford if: You want to learn by doing, graduate with tangible work samples, and need fully online flexibility without travel requirements.

Program Options: Specialized Focus vs. Comprehensive Selection

Nexford: Business and Technology

Programs:

BBA Specializations:

MBA Specializations:

Certificate Programs:

Philosophy: Do a few things exceptionally well. Focus on what working professionals need most: business and technology skills for today’s economy, with future-ready specializations designed with input from industry leaders.

Rome Business School: 40+ Programs Across Business Disciplines

Rome Business School offers extensive program options:

MBA Programs:

  • International MBA
  • Executive MBA
  • International MBA Online

Master’s Programs include:

  • Marketing and Sales
  • Project Management
  • Fashion Management
  • Data Science
  • HR and Organization
  • Finance
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Arts and Culture Management
  • Food and Beverage Management
  • Sustainability Management
  • And many more

Philosophy: Comprehensive business school serving diverse educational needs across multiple business disciplines, with strong specializations in fashion, luxury, arts, and Italian business traditions.

The Difference

Choose Nexford if: You’re pursuing business or technology degrees with modern specializations like AI, Cybersecurity, or Fintech. You don’t need 40+ program options—you need one excellent program focused on the skills employers demand today.

Choose Rome Business School if: You’re interested in specialized fields like fashion management, arts and culture, luxury goods, or Italian business traditions, or you want access to a wide range of business specializations with European perspectives.

Global Accessibility: True Global Pricing vs. European Focus

Nexford: Country-Adjusted Pricing

Global Model: Pricing adjusted based on local economic factors in 100+ countries.

What This Means:

  • A student in the Philippines pays different rates than a student in Switzerland
  • Pricing reflects local purchasing power
  • Quality education genuinely accessible worldwide
  • Same degree, same quality, adjusted affordability

Philosophy: Education should be accessible regardless of where you live. Charging someone in Nigeria the same as someone in Norway doesn’t reflect economic reality.

Rome Business School: European Pricing Model

Rome Business School charges consistent Euro-based pricing for all students.

What This Means:

  • Standard European pricing regardless of student location
  • Scholarships up to 30% available for qualified students
  • Strong value for students within the Eurozone
  • Currency fluctuations may affect costs for non-European students

Philosophy: Quality European business education with scholarship opportunities to support access.

The Difference

For European Students: Rome Business School offers competitive pricing within the European education market, with the added value of potential on-campus experiences in Rome and bootcamps across Europe.

For International Students (outside Europe): Nexford’s country-adjusted pricing can make a dramatic difference. Our pricing model means students in emerging economies access the same quality education at rates that reflect their local economic conditions.

Choose Rome Business School if: You’re based in Europe, value the Euro pricing structure, or want access to European business networks and on-campus experiences.

Choose Nexford if: You’re an international student seeking globally adjusted pricing, or you’re a working professional anywhere in the world who values maximum flexibility and affordability.

Accreditation: Different Approaches, Both Legitimate

Rome Business School: European and Italian Accreditations

Rome Business School holds several recognitions:

  • ASFOR: Italian Association for Management Training (accredits MBA and select Master’s programs)
  • EFMD Member: European Foundation for Management Development
  • EOCCS: EFMD Online Course Certification System for select online courses
  • ISO 9001:2015: Quality management certification
  • QS Rankings: Multiple programs ranked in QS World University Rankings
  • Eduniversal Rankings: Programs recognized in global rankings
  • VIU Partnership: Double degree option with Universidad Internacional de Valencia

Recognition: Strong European recognition with Italian business community connections.

Nexford: U.S. National Accreditation with Business Program Certification

Nexford University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The School of Business and Innovation at Nexford University has received specialized accreditation for its MBA program through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Recognition: U.S. Department of Education and CHEA recognized, with IACBE business program accreditation.

What This Actually Means

For Employers: Both accreditations signal legitimate, quality education. Your degree holds value either way.

For Further Education: If you plan to pursue additional degrees at European universities, Rome Business School’s European accreditations may facilitate recognition. For global careers, both institutions provide credentials that employers respect.

For Your Career: For most business and technology careers, the distinction matters less than your actual skills and experience. Employers care about what you can do, not which accreditor approved your university.

Our Take

We’re honest about this: if you specifically need European accreditation or plan to work primarily within European academic or regulatory frameworks, Rome Business School provides those credentials. We chose DEAC accreditation because it’s specifically designed for distance education and aligns with our global, accessible model.

For the vast majority of working professionals pursuing business and technology careers globally, DEAC accreditation provides the legitimacy you need while allowing us to maintain our affordable, globally accessible model.

Choose Rome Business School if: You specifically need European accreditation or plan to work within European regulatory frameworks.

Choose Nexford if: You value affordability and flexibility, and DEAC national accreditation with IACBE business program certification meets your needs.

The Bottom Line

Rome Business School is an established European business school with strong rankings in QS World University and Eduniversal, comprehensive program offerings, and the unique opportunity to study in Rome or participate in international bootcamps. It’s ideal for students who value European business traditions, want optional on-campus experiences, are interested in specialized fields like fashion, arts, or luxury management, or seek strong connections to European employers.

Nexford is designed specifically for working professionals worldwide seeking business and technology degrees. It offers exceptional affordability ($3,300-$8,100 for an MBA vs. €19,000-€24,000 at Rome Business School)[3][8], country-adjusted pricing for international students, complete self-paced learning with monthly starts, and integrated career coaching from Day One. It’s ideal for cost-conscious students, international learners, those who need maximum flexibility, and professionals who want project-based learning with a portfolio of real work samples.

Neither is objectively “better”—they’re different tools for different situations. Choose based on your budget, location, need for flexibility vs. structure, interest in on-campus experiences, and career goals.

Ready to Get Started?

Ready to pursue an affordable, flexible business or technology degree? Explore our BBA, MBA, or MS programs, or apply to Nexford today—no application fee, monthly start dates, and personalized support from Day One.

Disclaimer

This comparison was written and fact-checked as of January 2026. Tuition rates, program offerings, and policies can change. We strongly recommend confirming current details directly with each university before making enrollment decisions.

As this comparison is published by Nexford University, we acknowledge our perspective. We've aimed to present both institutions fairly while highlighting why we believe Nexford offers exceptional value for working professionals pursuing business and technology degrees. We encourage you to research both options thoroughly and make the decision that best fits your individual circumstances.

References

All information about Rome Business School was verified from official Rome Business School sources:

[1] Rome Business School homepage: https://romebusinessschool.com/
[2] Rome Business School accreditation: https://romebusinessschool.com/accreditation/
[3] Rome Business School fees: https://romebusinessschool.com/master-and-mba-fees/
[4] Rome Business School online masters: https://romebusinessschool.com/masters-online/

Nexford.edu:
[5] https://www.nexford.edu/tuition
[6] https://www.nexford.edu/about/accreditation
[7] https://www.nexford.edu/
[8] https://www.nexford.edu/mba
[9] https://www.nexford.edu/career-success
[10] https://www.nexford.edu/bba
[11] https://www.nexford.edu/learning-experience
[12] https://www.nexford.edu/degrees/bba-with-specialization-in-artificial-intelligence
[13] https://www.nexford.edu/degrees/mba-with-specialization-in-artificial-intelligence