Online vs. In-Person MBA: Which Is Right for You?

A master of business administration (MBA) comes in a variety of formats. Whether you want to stay in the workforce and pursue your MBA part-time or online, or head to a full-time program and dive into the curriculum, you’ll be able to find an MBA for you.

An MBA has traditionally been a full-time, in-person degree, but that’s changing. A growing number of business schools are adopting flexible, online MBA programs to help students pursue their degrees while staying in the workforce. Those programs largely offer the same classes and fundamental instruction as their in-person counterparts.

But there are still several key differences between online and in-person MBA programs that you’ll need to consider as you look to pursue the graduate business degree.

In-person and online MBA programs provide similar academic and career opportunities. On-campus and online programs go through the same rigorous accreditation process, presenting students with equivalent coursework and educational requirements. In many schools, the same faculty teach both programs.

Online programs may consist of asynchronous classes, meaning students can access online class materials at their convenience, submitting materials by a specific deadline. Synchronous courses may require weekly meetings, often in live online classes. Many schools use both learning formats in their online MBA program.

In-person MBA programs tend to attract younger students with less work experience looking for the campus experience. On the other hand, online programs appeal to older working professionals looking to advance in their current position or industry or change careers.

Online graduate business degrees are on the rise. A 2023 Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) report found that online, hybrid, and other flexible program types were more likely to report application growth even as graduate business applications fell globally.

“As post-pandemic attitudes toward work continue shifting and preferences for educational offerings continue evolving, the business school community as a whole is quickly adapting,” GMAC CEO Joy Jones said in a release at the time.

While hybrid and online learning is on the rise, the GMAC has also found that graduate business candidates still want in-person options. The percentage of prospective students seeking hybrid program delivery globally increased from 12% in 2019 to 17% in 2023, although most hybrid candidates want to spend at least half of their class time in person.

While in-person is still the top preference for prospective candidates, that figure has dropped off since the pandemic, the GMAC found. A recent GMAC survey of corporate recruiters also found that employers continue to value human skills taught by graduate business programs, but generally had more confidence in in-person programs.

Online MBA programs were on the rise well before the pandemic, but have accelerated further in recent years. That has coincided with growing acceptance among employers, who see value in online degree programs.

An online MBA typically includes the same curriculum as a school’s in-person program, although this varies by institution. Online programs also tend to come at a lesser cost, but the price tag varies widely by school. Some schools offer online programs in an accelerated, one-year format, whereas others feature a self-paced format that allows you to work around your schedule.

Students in online MBA programs typically stay in their careers while working toward their degree. This option is ideal for working professionals who don’t want to take time away from the workforce to pursue a graduate business degree.

In-person MBA programs come in a wide range of formats. A full-time, traditional on-campus MBA typically features two years of accelerated study, although many business schools also offer accelerated one-year formats.

Part-time, in-person MBA programs — or those with blended online and in-person instruction — are increasingly popular among students as a flexible alternative.

In-person MBA programs typically feature a cohort-based model and numerous networking opportunities. Full-time MBA students tend to be younger, although some people also pursue executive MBA programs that are in-person and geared toward experienced leaders.

BestColleges previously found that full-time, in-person MBA programs are the most expensive format, but keep in mind that this factors in everything from elite, private institutions to much more affordable regional public universities. The price tag of an MBA varies widely, and the degree can bring a hefty return on investment.

Deciding to pursue an online or in-person MBA can be a difficult decision that ultimately depends on your personal life and career trajectory. Here are some pros and cons for online versus in-person MBA programs. Keep in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list, and each program brings its own nuances.

Tuition fees for on-campus and online MBA programs tend to fall within similar ranges, though some schools offer significant savings for their online programs. However, while many online programs do not charge out-of-state residency fees, some online programs could cost more.

Online students do save in other ways. According to the College Board, average annual room and board costs for students pursuing a master’s are $11,520. These same fees at top-ranked schools can easily exceed $20,000 per year. There are also significant savings in opportunity cost, which refers to the lost wages and employment opportunities for those quitting their job to attend a full-time MBA program.

Most schools request the same application materials for their on-campus and online MBA programs. Online programs generally waive GMAT score requirements more readily because online applicants often possess many years of experience. By waiving the standardized test scores, schools hope to attract a diverse student population with varied work experience.

Typical admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, 2-3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Many MBA programs require 2-4 years of work experience.

Schools and programs accredited by third-party, independent agencies meet the highest academic standards and provide students with a comprehensive, quality education. Regional accreditation is the gold standard for universities.

Both online and on-campus MBA programs may also earn accreditation. The AACSB is the oldest and most prestigious MBA accrediting agency. Accreditation from the AACSB demonstrates that a program has passed rigorous quality standards. Most school’s websites display institutional and program accreditation.