Best Online MBA Programs
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2024If 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.
The Top 10 Online MBA Programs
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,434
- Out-of-state$40,089
- In-State$10,516
- Out-of-state$28,305
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate33%
- Students Enrolled9,647
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,749
- Out-of-state$27,201
- In-State$6,970
- Out-of-state$24,607
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled34,464
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,118
- Out-of-state$37,110
- In-State$10,600
- Out-of-state$22,050
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled27,341
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,392
- Out-of-state$31,176
- In-State$10,386
- Out-of-state$31,158
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled31,897
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,460
- Out-of-state$23,800
- In-State$11,184
- Out-of-state$27,888
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled22,166
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus
- Norman, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,920
- Out-of-state$21,488
- In-State$8,034
- Out-of-state$23,820
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled28,420
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Blacksburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,751
- Out-of-state$30,829
- In-State$14,521
- Out-of-state$29,267
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled38,365
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland, College Park
- College Park, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,695
- Out-of-state$36,683
- In-State$16,238
- Out-of-state$35,388
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled40,947
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nevada, Reno
- Reno, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,923
- Out-of-state$24,013
- In-State$5,814
- Out-of-state$22,356
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled20,960
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Villanova University
- Villanova, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$58,290
- Out-of-state$58,290
- In-State$21,099
- Out-of-state$21,207
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled10,356
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
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 concern | An online MBA can be completed from the comfort of your couch — no need to relocate. |
| Finances are a challenge | Many online MBA programs will save you money on tuition, commuting costs, and living expenses. |
| You need scheduling flexibility | Online MBA programs offer both synchronous and asynchronous course options to accommodate your life. |
| You’re looking to create a professional network | Both online and in-person MBA programs connect you to alumni, classmates, and future colleagues. |
| You want to customize your degree | Both 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:
Accreditation from a recognized accrediting body.- An excellent virtual learning environment that is user-friendly, encourages participation, and enhances your experience.
- Engaging course content that leverages multimedia resources like video lectures, readings, simulations, and interactive discussion opportunities.
- Access to faculty through email and online office hours, as well as support resources like tutoring, advising, counseling, tech help, and career guidance.
- Asynchronous learning options that allow you to learn on your own terms and at your own pace.
- Strong student outcomes like high graduation and employment rates.
- 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.
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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