Best Online MBA Programs

These top online MBA programs can help you save money, work while you study, and start a lucrative business career.
Meg Embry

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Updated May 2, 2024
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The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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If you’re a gambler, getting an MBA is consistently a safe bet if you want to make more money. In 2022, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that an MBA boosts salaries by 50% pretty much out the gate.

And employers love a shiny new MBA: According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, nearly 90% of business school students were employed upon graduation in 2023.

Getting your MBA doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal that upsets your whole life, either. We’ve rounded up some of the top fully online programs out there, which provide the training you need on a schedule that works for you.

Online MBA Programs for You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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The Top 10 Online MBA Programs

#1

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$17,434

In-State

$40,089

Out-of-state

33%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,305

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,647

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$17,434

Out-of-state

$40,089

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$17,434

Out-of-state

$40,089

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

25%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,305

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,647

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

$7,749

In-State

$27,201

Out-of-state

95%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$6,970

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,607

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

34,464

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$7,749

Out-of-state

$27,201

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$7,749

Out-of-state

$27,201

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

66%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$6,970

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,607

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

34,464

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

$14,118

In-State

$37,110

Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$10,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,050

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

27,341

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$14,118

Out-of-state

$37,110

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$14,118

Out-of-state

$37,110

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$10,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,050

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

27,341

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,392

In-State

$31,176

Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$10,386

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,158

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

31,897

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$10,392

Out-of-state

$31,176

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$10,392

Out-of-state

$31,176

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$10,386

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,158

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

31,897

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,460

In-State

$23,800

Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

35%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,888

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

22,166

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$7,460

Out-of-state

$23,800

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$7,460

Out-of-state

$23,800

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

35%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$11,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,888

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

22,166

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online

$4,920

In-State

$21,488

Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$8,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,820

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

28,420

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$4,920

Out-of-state

$21,488

University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$4,920

Out-of-state

$21,488

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$8,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,820

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

28,420

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$11,751

In-State

$30,829

Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$14,521

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,267

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

38,365

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$11,751

Out-of-state

$30,829

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$11,751

Out-of-state

$30,829

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$14,521

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,267

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

38,365

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

University of Maryland, College Park

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$9,695

In-State

$36,683

Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$16,238

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,388

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,947

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$9,695

Out-of-state

$36,683

University of Maryland, College Park

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$9,695

Out-of-state

$36,683

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$16,238

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,388

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,947

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online

$7,923

In-State

$24,013

Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$5,814

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,356

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

20,960

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$7,923

Out-of-state

$24,013

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$7,923

Out-of-state

$24,013

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$5,814

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,356

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

20,960

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$58,290

In-State

$58,290

Out-of-state

23%

Acceptance Rate

26%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$21,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,356

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

In-State

$58,290

Out-of-state

$58,290

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

In-State

$58,290

Out-of-state

$58,290

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

26%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-state

$21,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,356

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why Should You Get Your MBA Online?

There are plenty of reasons to consider getting your degree online — flexibility chief among them. If you’re not sure whether an online or in-person MBA is the best choice for you, this guide might help:

If…Then…
Accessibility is a concernAn online MBA can be completed from the comfort of your couch — no need to relocate.
Finances are a challengeMany online MBA programs will save you money on tuition, commuting costs, and living expenses.
You need scheduling flexibilityOnline MBA programs offer both synchronous and asynchronous course options to accommodate your life.
You’re looking to create a professional networkBoth online and in-person MBA programs connect you to alumni, classmates, and future colleagues.
You want to customize your degreeBoth traditional and online MBA programs offer professional specializations to support your goals.

What You Can Expect From Online MBA Programs

Generally, the curriculum for online MBA programs is identical to what you’d expect from a traditional program. Some online programs offer accelerated tracks, which cover the same ground in less time. But at the normal pace, you can expect an MBA to take 2-3 years to earn.

There are a few things you should look for in a top-notch online MBA program:

  • check-circle Accreditation from a recognized accrediting body.
  • check-circle An excellent virtual learning environment that is user-friendly, encourages participation, and enhances your experience.
  • check-circle Engaging course content that leverages multimedia resources like video lectures, readings, simulations, and interactive discussion opportunities.
  • check-circle Access to faculty through email and online office hours, as well as support resources like tutoring, advising, counseling, tech help, and career guidance.
  • check-circle Asynchronous learning options that allow you to learn on your own terms and at your own pace.
  • check-circle Strong student outcomes like high graduation and employment rates.
  • check-circle Specializations or concentrations that will help you develop the specific professional skills you need to advance your career.

Common Online MBA Concentrations

Here’s a quick look at popular MBA specializations, the roles they lead to, and average annual salaries based on Payscale data.

Finance

Prepare for roles in investment banking, corporate finance, or finance consulting.

  • Investment Banker Average Salary (2024): $117,690

Marketing

Prepare for roles in advertising, digital marketing, and brand management.

  • Senior Brand Manager Average Salary (2024): $109,984

Management Consulting

Prepare for roles in organizational management, consulting, or executive leadership.

  • Management Consultant Average Salary (2024): $95,544

Entrepreneurship

Prepare to manage your own business, launch a start-up, or drive new initiatives for an existing company.

  • Chief Executive Officer Average Salary (2024): $164,880

Healthcare Administration

Prepare for in-demand roles in hospital administration or healthcare consulting.

  • Hospital Administrator Average Salary (2024): $93,707

How to Pay for Your Online MBA?

The cost of earning an MBA is among students’ top admission considerations. Many factors, such as reputation and location, affect the price of tuition for MBA candidates. The National Center for Education Statistics calculated that the average graduate tuition was $12,600 at public institutions and $28,020 at private institutions during the 2021-2022 academic year. Explore these resources to learn more about paying for your online MBA.

How Much Does an MBA Cost? Full Statistics
How Can I Pay for My MBA?
Financial Aid Guide for Graduate Students

Common Questions About the Best Online MBAs

Yes. A degree from an accredited online MBA program holds just as much weight as an on-campus degree. No employer is going to ask you during a job interview whether you attended online or in person.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 19, 2024.

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