Businesses around the globe lean on influential and knowledgeable leaders to maximize profits while adapting to changes in their field. And while effective business leaders seem to have some innate leadership qualities, the truth is you can develop key leadership skills and business knowledge through an MBA program – many of which are now offered through the convenience of online learning.
To help you in your search, we’ve found and ranked the best online MBA programs of 2023. The schools that came out on top offer a top-notch, student-centered education and can prepare you to tackle the most pressing challenges facing businesses today. Along with our program rankings, you’ll get answers to your most pressing MBA questions and the details on what you’ll be doing in your online MBA program, which classes you’ll take, and what you can do with this popular degree upon graduation.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Scranton, PAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Seasoned business professionals and those just entering the field should both consider the University of Scranton’s master in business administration and in business analytics. Both programs are offered online and while synchronous, they are offered at times that suit a typical full-time work schedule. The master in business analytics is much more specialized and successful applicants usually have some sort of background in that field before applying. The MBA is more general and students only need an undergraduate degree (not necessarily in business) to apply. While the main curriculum is general, the MBA also offers eight specializations for students to choose from: accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, operations management, human resource management, and international business.
Program Highlights:
Master in Business Administration
- Credits: 36-48
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $965/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Master in Business Analytics
- Credits: 36-48
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $965/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
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Oakland City, INPrivate not-for-profit $$
Oakland City University offers a flexible Master of Business Administration for those wanting to advance their business careers by learning about the necessary foundational skills for managers to lead productive economic behavior, and about the means for cultivating and preserving a labor force of high-quality. OCU’s MBA program emphasizes the student’s own role and responsibility for his or her own learning. Since all courses are offered online, students can take courses from the comfort of their own home and choose synchronous class times that align with their work and personal schedules. Oakland City University also offers generous financial aid packages, with close to 100% of students receiving some sort of financial aid. In this MBA program, students take foundational courses as well as electives in fields like leadership and organizational behavior, managerial economics, and marketing and financial management.
Program Highlights:
Master in Business Administration
- Credits: 48
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $450/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
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Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Webster University offers a robust MBA program that prepares students to be leaders in the modern world. Because the program is designed for working professionals, applicants must have an undergraduate degree to apply, though it doesn’t have to be in business. Webster also designed the program with maximum flexibility so students can work while enrolled. Most students take their MBA on a part-time basis and finish in 2.5 years. Students can finish faster if taking courses full-time. Students can also choose between two 100% online options: asynchronous course delivery or synchronous delivery. Asynchronous delivery allows students to take courses according to their own schedule while synchronous allows students to take courses live and interact in real-time with other students and instructors.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $700 per credit
- Mode: Online (Synchronous)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $700 per credit
- Mode: Online (Asynchronous)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
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Denver, COPublic $$
The University of Colorado Denver offers two MBA programs which are great for seasoned professionals looking to advance their career or for professionals in other fields who want to learn more about business administration. While they offer two official MBAs, one in business healthcare and the other in general administration, those who go with the general MBA can choose from a couple specializations. These include accounting, business intelligence, commodities, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, marketing, sustainability, and risk management. No matter which MBA a student chooses, they can experience the benefit of the flexible, online courses which are designed to fit around a working professional’s schedule. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree to be eligible, though it doesn’t have to be in business and they don’t have to submit GRE test scores.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 42
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $667 per credit in-state | $780 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Business Administration in Business Healthcare
- Credits: 42
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $667 per credit in-state | $780 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
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Salt Lake City, UTPublic $$
Those searching for a flexible MBA program should consider the University of Utah’s program that can be done either fully online or hybrid. The curriculum was set up for maximum flexibility, so students can choose between taking all their courses online or taking some classes in-person and others online. Courses are also hosted in five or ten week blocks so students can tailor their course schedule to their individual preferences. Additionally, all online courses are asynchronous, meaning you can watch class sessions and do assignments at whatever time best suits your work schedule. The University of Utah also offers a variety of resources to help students succeed during and after their program, including professional development resources and financial aid. To help offset the cost, the University of Utah also offers scholarships based on an applicant’s GRE score.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 48
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $1,350 per credit
- Mode: Online or Hybrid
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Longmeadow, MAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Gainesville, GAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Miami Gardens, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Jackson, TNPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Lakewood, COPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Hackettstown, NJPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Collegedale, TNPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Fresno, CAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Bolivar, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Siloam Springs, ARPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Wichita, KSPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Montreat, NCPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
San Antonio, TXPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Bethany, OKPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Raleigh, NCPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Boiling Springs, NCPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Springfield, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Hickory, NCPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Baldwin City, KSPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Mishawaka, INPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
La Crosse, WIPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Anderson, INPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Oklahoma City, OKPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Berea, OHPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Newport, RIPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Jackson, MSPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Denver, COPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Salem, ORPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Gainesville, FLPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Newton, MAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Lebanon, ILPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Olathe, KSPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Allentown, PAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
West Lafayette, INPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Fort Wayne, INPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Jacksonville, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Lawrence, KSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Las Cruces, NMPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Macon, GAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Salt Lake City, UTPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Troy, NYPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Emmitsburg, MDPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
Key Goals and Outcomes of Earning Your Online MBA
Even though specific MBA programs may have learning objectives unique to them, you can still expect most quality programs to prepare you in several key areas. Accredited MBA programs prioritize strategic thinking and analytical skills while introducing foundational business knowledge. Additionally, because MBA programs are effectively training the next generation’s business leaders, management and leadership skills are emphasized. When searching for the right MBA program, ensure their goals align with yours. Explore some of the key goals and outcomes you can expect in online MBA programs.
Develop an Understanding of Business Administration Functions
Whether online or on-campus, an MBA program empowers you to develop a working knowledge of foundational business topics, theories, and practices that are essential to the modern business leader. Throughout your MBA program, you’ll typically complete coursework in accounting, marketing, finance, and strategic management. Many programs also introduce tech and data-centric topics including information systems management and data analytics.
Develop and Practice Leadership Skills
Top MBA programs typically take a multifaceted approach to preparing business leaders, so along with core business classes in accounting or economics, you’re given a chance to develop and practice your leadership skills in a safe and productive environment. You’ll also hone negotiation skills to facilitate outcomes that can benefit an organization while enhancing your formal presentation skills.
Standout MBA programs will also challenge you to effectively lead a culturally diverse team while simultaneously assessing your strengths and weaknesses as a leader and, most importantly, enabling you to continue developing leadership skills.
Information Literacy and Analysis Skills
Assessing different sources of information is an essential part of leading your current or future business. Throughout your MBA curriculum, you’ll learn to gather information, analyze it, and learn how to effectively communicate relevant information in a clear and concise format. Additionally, you’ll develop the skill needed to evaluate, create, and communicate financial statements. Verbal, written, and presentation skills are prioritized and practiced in the best MBA programs.
Problem Solving for Business Leaders
Great leaders are typically great problem solvers. Companies and the people that work for them look to the company leaders to solve problems and move the business forward. In addition to further developing your critical thinking and analytical skills, you’ll be challenged to develop the tools and abilities needed to effectively weigh evidence and apply theoretical business concepts to complex practical business issues. You’ll also consider business challenges within local, national, and global contexts and learn to apply strategic thinking to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of achieving business goals.
Inside Look at Online MBA Program Coursework
In your MBA program, you’ll develop foundational business skills that effective business leaders commonly call upon. Many business master’s programs allow students to pair their core business classes with academic specializations in areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare management, human resources, and marketing. When searching for the online MBA program that’s right for you, be sure it offers both the foundational knowledge and specialized skills that mirror your career goals. Explore some common MBA courses below.
Fundamentals of Business
This course challenges students to develop analytical business skills while digging into contemporary business issues. You’ll incorporate essential business topics, including analytics, accounting, and economics knowledge, while addressing common business challenges. Additionally, you’ll begin to hone your ability to communicate effectively in a business environment.
Role of the Manager
Throughout this class, you’ll be called upon to consider the management fundamentals that allow business leaders to address complex challenges while leading effectively. Whether developing managerial communication skills or analyzing team dynamics, you should expect to come away with an array of management tools that will serve you now and down the road as you take on more responsibility.
Business Environment and Leadership
After developing foundational business skills, a course focused on leadership in a business environment will enable you to apply your skills to the decision-making and strategic analysis essential to effective business leadership. From macroeconomics to corporate strategy, as a graduate student you’ll be called upon to evaluate business challenges in a global environment and learn how to analyze various international markets and how they can impact your organization’s interests.
Strategic Marketing Management
When preparing to release a product or service into the marketplace, strategic marketing is vital. This course will provide you with a working knowledge of the decision-making processes essential when developing, executing, and managing a strategic marketing project. You’ll become familiar with key marketing concepts and consider elements like branding, competition, and consumer markets.
Organizational Structure and Design
This course will supply you with essential knowledge about the design and structure of effective and profitable organizations. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to analyze the technical and social infrastructure of various organizations, the challenges they encounter, and how to improve performance. You should also explore topics such as organizational culture, decision-making, conflict, and business ethics.
Issues in Human Resource Management
In any organization, competent human resource management is critical, and this course introduces managers to foundational knowledge in HR topics. You’ll learn to apply your analytical skills to contemporary challenges expected in the HR side of the business world while considering issues such as downsizing, performance management, training, workplace safety, and benefits administration.
FAQs About Earning Your MBA Online
Enrolling in an online MBA program requires a significant investment of time and money. As a result, you might have some questions before coursework begins. Get answers to seven of the most pressing questions our readers have about earning an MBA online.
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Can I earn my MBA completely online?
While in-person MBA programs are widely available, so too are online MBA programs. If you’re a working professional juggling personal obligations, work, and academic responsibilities, online MBA programs can provide the flexibility you’ll need for success. Many programs deliver coursework asynchronously, which will allow you to complete program requirements at your own pace.
Before enrolling, take time to consider whether an online program is a good fit. Self-starting students with strong time management skills often thrive in the virtual classroom. If you tend to thrive in a traditional on-campus environment, a hybrid program with some elements taking place online and some on campus could offer you the best of both worlds.
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What career paths are available for MBA grads?
Completing an online MBA can lead to a long list of potential careers. MBA coursework can help you fine tune foundational business and leadership skills that apply to just about any industry. Most MBA programs encourage students to pursue academic specializations that offer a more specific set of skills. Popular MBA concentrations span from entrepreneurship to healthcare management and include some of the typical MBA jobs below.
- Financial Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Operations Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Healthcare Executive
- Chief Executive
- Information Systems Manager
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What accreditation should online MBA programs have?
When considering potential online MBA programs, one of the first details you should consider is accreditation—standout programs typically hold both institutional (the school) and programmatic (the MBA program) accreditation. In both cases, accreditation acts as a stamp of approval, ensuring that the academic quality and student services meet a set of rigorous standards.
MBA programs traditionally hold accreditation through three agencies:
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What’s required to get into an online MBA program?
Admission requirements vary between programs, but there are still some common factors that are consistent. When evaluating prospective students, MBA programs traditionally consider past academic performance, professional goals, and how the applicant can benefit the program. Many online MBA programs require significant professional experience in a field relevant to the business world. Alongside an online application, applicants often submit GMAT or GRE scores, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a professional resume, and a personal essay outlining academic and career goals.
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How much does an online MBA degree in business cost?
Just like admission requirements, how much an MBA program costs often varies dramatically between schools. An online MBA can cost as much as the one from the University of Southern California at over $100,000 or as little as the program offered by Fort Hays State University at $350 per credit. In general, public institutions offer tuition rates that are considerably cheaper than private MBA programs. Whether you attend a public or private school, scholarships, loans, grants, and other financial aid opportunities can help relieve some of the financial burden of an MBA program.
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How long will it take me to earn an MBA online?
Numerous factors can impact how long it will take you to complete your online MBA program. Your status as a full-time or part-time student is a crucial influencer of your graduation timeline. Most MBA programs require students to complete 30-45 credits and typically take about two years to complete. Still, some programs offer accelerated tracks that allow students to meet degree requirements in just one year.
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What specializations are available for online MBA programs?
In addition to the foundational business coursework that informs an MBA program, many programs offer an array of MBA specializations that allow you to sharpen a specific set of skills relevant to your career goals. Throughout your MBA coursework, you’ll complete a core curriculum covering business management, analytics, and economics. You’ll fill out the remainder of their curriculum with specialized coursework in an area of their choice. Some common MBA specializations are spotlighted below.
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- International Business
- Marketing
- Nonprofit Management
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Sustainability
Earnings and Job Outlook After Earning Your Online MBA
While MBA graduates can usually choose from a long list of specializations, the business world offers endless industries and jobs. Because business careers supply countless options, earning potential and job growth can vary dramatically. An MBA degree can prepare you to tackle leadership roles in whatever field you choose and get you ready to secure lucrative positions from healthcare executive to marketing manager. Some common business careers are showcased below.
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Executive | $101,340 | 32% |
| Human Resources Manager | $126,230 | 9% |
| Marketing Manager | $133,380 | 10% |
| Chief Executive | $179,520 | 8% |
| Information Systems Manager | $159,010 | 11% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics