Best Online Business Schools in New York (MBA)

Exploring your options for an online MBA in New York? Discover some of the top NY colleges offering an online MBA. Learn which companies often hire MBA graduates.

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Students hoping to find finance jobs in New York City or other business hubs can improve their chances by earning an online MBA in New York.

MBA learners study advanced business principles and theories, applying these ideas to real-world situations through experiential learning. This professional degree supports business students who want to obtain leadership and management roles and secure promotions.

MBA graduates in New York often earn higher salaries than they would in other states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an average annual salary of $151,510 for financial managers nationwide as of May 2020. In New York, however, financial managers earned an average annual salary of $215,640.

Prospective learners can begin their New York school search with our list of MBA programs below. This page also covers details and frequently asked questions about the degree.

Why Get an Online MBA in New York?

The courses that comprise MBA degrees prepare students for work in the business world. Learners are trained in finance, marketing, management operations, and accounting. Graduates also enjoy a number of employment benefits:

  • Higher Salaries: MBA graduates may earn significantly higher salaries than their coworkers. In fact, MBA-holders may secure starting salaries that are $20,000 higher than starting salaries for professionals with just a bachelor's degree in business.
  • Leadership Promotions: The highly transferable leadership skills students learn in MBA programs allow them to take on advanced leadership and management roles. Some programs offer opportunities to specialize in a specific style of management, such as online MBA programs in human resources.
  • Positive Job Outlook: MBA graduates qualify for many positions with high growth projections. For example, the BLS projects jobs for analytics management professionals to grow by 14% from 2020 to 2030.

Because New York is the nation's business center, MBA students in the state can readily find work after graduation with major corporations like JPMorgan Chase, IBM, and PepsiCo. These companies offer jobs across many fields, including banking, media, healthcare, entertainment, and even cybersecurity.

Online MBA Programs for You

Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.

Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2022

This ranking of 2022's best online MBA programs in New York considers factors such as academic quality and reputation. Review our top five schools to find a program that's right for you.

#1 Best Online Business Schools in New York (MBA)

Syracuse University

  • Syracuse, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in the heart of New York State, Syracuse enrolls about 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The school's catalog includes 200 advanced degrees. Syracuse is well-known for its professional programs, including its law and business schools.

Martin J. Whitman School of Management

The Whitman MBA prepares leaders to thrive in a business age marked by technological and social changes. Students complete the 54-credit degree in 24 months. Enrollees move through the program as part of a cohort, taking online classes and attending three in-person residencies. 

Participants learn to manage core functional business areas. They customize the degree with one of six concentration offerings, which include business analytics and supply chain management. Enrollees can also use business or other elective courses to design their own plans of study. 

Students complete class exercises that address complex business challenges. The virtual career center offers services such as one-on-one career coaching and resume reviews. MBA graduates join a network of more than 30,000 business professionals located around the globe.

Syracuse's MBA Specializations

Accounting | Business Analytics | Entrepreneurship | Finance | Marketing Management | Supply Chain Management

Applying to Syracuse

Admission requires a bachelor's degree and at least three years of professional experience. No GMAT or GRE scores are needed.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Institutional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; programmatic: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business 
  • Tuition: $1,734/credit
  • Required Credits: 54 credits
  • Program Length: 24 months
  • Delivery Format: Hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,616
Out-of-state
$50,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,880
Out-of-state
$38,880
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
22,850
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Best Online Business Schools in New York (MBA)

Excelsior College

  • Albany, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online

Excelsior College is a distance learning college founded in 1971. The school specializes in making education more accessible and affordable for nontraditional learners. Degree-seekers choose from 40 programs in fields such as business and technology.

School of Graduate Studies

Excelsior designs its online MBA for managers who want to pursue C-suite careers and other advanced roles. Students can finish the 33-credit degree in 12 months. Participants learn core business skills such as marketing, finance, and data-driven decision-making.

Enrollees can complete up to three of the degree's seven concentrations, which include marketing and HR management. A unique cannabis control concentration caters to savvy business managers with expertise in regulatory issues.

Students can earn this online MBA for under $23,000. Degree-seekers save even more by transferring up to 15 credits. Military personnel receive a steep tuition discount. 

Excelsior's MBA Specializations

Cannabis Control | Finance and Accounting | General Business | Healthcare Management | HR Management | Leadership | Marketing

Applying to Excelsior

Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college, plus foundation courses for applicants without a business-related degree.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private 
  • Accreditation: Institutional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education;  programmatic: International Accreditation Council for Business Education 
  • Tuition: $695/credit; $315/credit for military service members
  • Required Credits: 33 credits
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
25,245
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Best Online Business Schools in New York (MBA)

SUNY College at Oswego

  • Oswego, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

SUNY Oswego enrolls about 7,000 students in 110 programs. Most learners study on a 700-acre campus situated on Lake Ontario's shore. The school also offers online programs in fields such as business administration and healthcare.

School of Business

SUNY Oswego's business school offers an affordable and customizable online MBA. Students develop individualized degree plans based on their educational backgrounds and career objectives. The 36- to 57-credit degree requires an MBA core of managerial coursework. Enrollees develop skills in areas such as finance, marketing management, and management information systems.

Participants learn one advanced business tool, such as project management. Elective courses topics like cyber law and new product design and development. Students can also pursue an optional semester-long internship to build professional experience. 

Degree-seekers can transfer up to six credits into this online MBA. Students without business backgrounds may need to complete a 21-credit foundation requirement.

Applying to Oswego

Admission requires a bachelor's degree, a business essay, and competitive GPA scores. Applicants can submit GMAT or GRE scores to strengthen their application.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public 
  • Accreditation: Institutional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; programmatic: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business 
  • Tuition: $625/credit (in state); $750/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 36-57 credits
  • Program Length: 24 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
7,830
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Business Schools in New York (MBA)

Marist College

  • Poughkeepsie, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Marist College is located in Poughkeepsie on the banks of the Hudson River. The private liberal arts college enrolls about 6,400 undergraduate and graduate students. Marist offers 11 master's programs, including an online MBA.

School of Management

The MBA at Marist prepares business managers to competently execute responsibilities in a variety of areas. The program also prepares managers to lead data-driven business environments. Marist designed this degree as a part-time program for working professionals, with full-time enrollment possible with approval. 

Students complete the 36-credit MBA asynchronously online. Enrollees learn to manage various functions within a business enterprise, including marketing and operations. Participants receive targeted training with one of the program's three concentrations: ethical leadership, financial management, or healthcare administration. 

Learners can earn an optional advanced certificate in business analytics through additional coursework. Online students can participate in networking events held in the New York City area.

Marist's MBA Specializations

Ethical Leadership | Financial Management | Healthcare Administration

Applying to Marist

Admission requires a bachelor's degree, school transcripts, and GRE or GMAT scores (waivers are available for qualified applicants).

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Institutional: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; programmatic: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Tuition: $870/credit (in state); $870/credit (out of state)
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$39,925
Out-of-state
$39,925
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,300
Out-of-state
$15,300
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
6,738
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Best Online Business Schools in New York (MBA)

Mercy College

  • Dobbs Ferry, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy College offers 100 programs on three campuses in New York state and online. About 9,500 students from 40 states and 51 countries attend this private college.

School of Business

The Mercy MBA emphasizes hands-on experience working for real clients. Students pursue the MBA online or in hybrid format within some courses taken on campus in Manhattan, Dobbs Ferry, or the Bronx. Enrollees can complete the 36-credit degree in 12 months. 

The curriculum provides training in essential business areas such as accounting and operations management. Enrollees enhance their skills with one of nine concentrations. Participants complete consulting projects for major corporations to address marketing assessments, life sciences analytics, and other areas.

In just one month, Mercy's free TURBO Flex program prepares students who don't have business or accounting degrees to tackle MBA coursework.

Mercy's MBA Specializations

Accounting | Finance | Healthcare Management | HR Management | International Business | Management | Managerial Analytics | Marketing | Organizational Leadership

Applying to Mercy

Admission requires a bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite leveling coursework for non-business and non-accounting majors.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education 
  • Tuition: $994/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,934
Out-of-state
$18,934
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,146
Out-of-state
$16,146
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
10,557
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

What To Expect From NY's MBA Programs

The MBA experience varies by school, but most degrees comprise 50-60 credits and take 1-3 years to complete. Accelerated online MBA programs allow students to finish the degree in one year. Schools may also offer part-time enrollment, permitting students to take fewer classes at once. Part-time students take longer to complete their degrees.

Online MBAs in New York offer foundational knowledge in core subjects like finance and marketing. However, students can specialize their expertise through electives or concentration tracks.

Business professionals with concentrated MBAs in areas like leadership, finance, and marketing enjoy a competitive edge for securing employment in New York.

Admission Requirements for MBAs

Admission requirements for MBA programs in New York vary by school, but students should prepare to provide the following information:

  • Prior Education: MBA candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in business or a related field and demonstrate their prior education through formal transcripts.
  • Work Experience: Some programs may require students to hold a few years of professional experience and submit a resume detailing their employment history.
  • Required Tests: Depending on program requirements, candidates should prepare to sit for the GMAT, the GRE, or the Executive Assessment. However, there are programs with no GMAT requirements.
  • Statement of Goals: Many MBA programs ask prospective enrollees to write an essay about their career aspirations and how the program would help them achieve these goals.

Specialized MBAs

Though many MBA programs in New York offer a general purview of advanced business concepts, some schools may offer specialized curricula. These degrees feature more coursework in specific areas of business like healthcare management or marketing, and students who graduate from these programs are often prepared for niche careers.

MBA students in New York who aim to work on Wall Street may specialize in finance, information systems, or business analytics can make them stand out as applicants. Others who hope to start their own business may enjoy an MBA in entrepreneurship.

Click the links below for more information regarding MBA concentrations.

Popular MBA Program Courses

Course offerings vary by school. However, many MBA programs offer similar core classes that teach students about business essentials, like economics and leadership. Common courses students can expect to encounter in their MBA include:

This class teaches future business professionals the theories, frameworks, and tools to analyze financial decisions at the corporate level. Students examine concepts like capital structures, cost of capital, and dividend policies.
Through studying macro- and global economics, MBA degree-seekers learn to think systematically about the economy, macroeconomic policy, and the economic environment. This course focuses on economic theory, including concepts like national income, interest rates, and exchange rates.
Since business professionals at the executive level rely on managerial skills to successfully lead their teams, MBA programs generally require completion of core courses in leadership and management. These courses examine leadership theory and often incorporate experiential learning opportunities where students can apply these ideas hands-on.
Elective courses in marketing analysis teach students to use modeling tools to support marketing analysis and decision-making. This class is crucial for future marketing professionals. Topics of study include marketing segmentation, new product development, and sales promotion analysis.

The MBA Capstone or Thesis

Many MBA programs require students to complete a culminating project like a capstone or thesis.

Capstone projects challenge students to identify a business issue or problem and propose a solution. These hands-on projects usually take 1-2 semesters to complete, and students often work in teams to conduct studies and present their solutions. These projects can provide the real-world experience employers find valuable.

Thesis projects require students to write a longform essay to study a business concept in depth. Thesis projects typically take at least two semesters to complete. Though a thesis does not offer the same kind of hands-on experiences a capstone does, they can demonstrate a student's ability to think critically and synthesize information.

How Much Do MBAs Cost in New York?

New York is home to many postsecondary institutions, including two Ivy League schools. The cost of earning an MBA in New York depends not only on the prestige of the school, but on factors like in-state or out-of-state residency and instructional delivery mode.

While the National Center for Education Statistics reports the average nationwide tuition for graduate students was $19,314 for the 2018-19 academic year, the numbers vary widely: Public school tuition averaged $12,171, while the 75th percentile for private institution tuition was $44,667.

Students attending on-campus programs and residing in New York should consider the state's high cost-of-living when calculating their expenses. New York has a cost-of-living index of 139.1, much higher than the average national index of 100. This makes New York the third-most-expensive state in the country.

Some schools, however, offer in-state tuition for all online students, regardless of state residency. This means learners can pursue a degree from one of New York's renowned institutions without taking on the burden of relocation expenses or living in an expensive state. The associated costs of pursuing an online MBA can be complex, so degree-seekers should research online options thoroughly.

MBA candidates can also take advantage of financing options like scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans to support their educational investments. The link below offers more information about financial aid options:

What Jobs Can MBAs Get You?

Professionals with MBAs can qualify for a number of advanced, lucrative jobs in a variety of fields. Though many jobs only require a bachelor's degree, the additional credential of an MBA can help applicants stand out. Specialized MBAs can also help graduates qualify for competitive, niche careers. The following careers offer especially lucrative salaries in the state of New York:

Management Analyst

Management analysts, also known as consultants, take on leadership roles and work with a team of analysts to improve an organization's efficiency.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's degree required, but MBA and work experience preferred
  • Job Outlook (2020-30): +14%
  • Median Annual Salary: $87,660
  • Average Annual Salary in New York: $113,560

Administrative Services Managers

Administrative services managers are responsible for planning and directing an organization's resources to ensure efficient business operation.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's degree required, MBA preferred
  • Job Outlook (2020-30): +9%
  • Median Annual Salary: $98,890
  • Average Annual Salary in New York: $143,760

Human Resources Managers

Human resource managers direct an organization's workforce. They often play major roles in hiring employees, mediating disputes, and overseeing benefits packages.

  • Job Outlook (2020-30): +9%
  • Median Annual Salary: $121,220
  • Average Annual Salary in New York: $169,290

Training and Development Managers

Training and development managers assess and organize the professional development needs of an organization.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's degree required, MBA or master's in training and development preferred
  • Job Outlook (2020-30): +11%
  • Median Annual Salary: $115,640
  • Average Annual Salary in New York: $169,300

Financial Managers

Financial managers oversee a business's finances, monitoring the budgeting and reporting staff to ensure an organization's financial health.

  • Required Education: Bachelor's degree required, MBA preferred
  • Job Outlook (2020-30): +17%
  • Median Annual Salary: $134,180
  • Average Annual Salary in New York: $215,640

New York's Top MBA Employers

MBA graduates in New York can use their degrees to find jobs in finance, marketing, manufacturing, banking, and sales. Companies in New York are often nationally known, which makes job openings very competitive. Thus, these employers seek out highly qualified candidates with the knowledge and experience gained in accredited MBA programs.

Top MBA Employers in NY

IBM

One of the largest companies in New York, IBM is headquartered in Armonk, New York. The corporation, known for their contributions to computer technology, provides a host of services, including hardware sales and consulting services. IBM offers leadership development programs and career opportunities for MBA graduates, including consultant work.

JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase, one of the oldest financial institutions in the U.S., is a multinational investment bank and financial holding company. Headquartered in New York City, this bank offers careers in corporate banking, investment banking, and global wealth management. They also offer several programs and internships for MBA students with diverse backgrounds.

PepsiCo

A nationally recognized brand, PepsiCo is headquartered in Harrison, New York. The company's manufacturing, marketing, and distributing services provide many higher-level career opportunities for MBA graduates. Pepsico offers internship and employment opportunities in marketing, finance, corporate strategy, global procurement, sales, and supply chain operations.

Choosing Between Online Schools in New York

Although our ranked program lists provide a good place for students to begin their school searches, MBA candidates in New York should also consider the following factors:

  • Accreditation: Business schools in New York should hold regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools.
  • School Size: Larger schools can offer a greater variety of electives and concentrations, while smaller schools offer more intimate class settings.
  • Concentrations: Students interested in specialized careers should find schools with concentrations relevant to their aspirations.
  • University Resources: Students should investigate the resources a school offers learners, including internship opportunities and other career services that can help graduates land jobs.
  • Alumni Network: The active, extensive alumni networks of well-known programs can help MBA students find job and internship opportunities.

Why You Should You Consider Online Schools in New York

Online MBA programs offer quality, cost-effective education that often better serves the needs of diverse students. Virtual students can pursue an online MBA in New York from anywhere without relocating. Online learners may pay less per credit, avoid costly commutes to campus, and bypass campus-specific fees. Many online MBAs in New York offer in-state tuition rates to students regardless of their actual location.

Many MBA students pursue their degree while working full time, so their professional obligations may not be compatible with the demands of in-person classes. Online programs, however, often offer their courses asynchronously, where students can watch recorded lectures and complete assignments in accordance with their schedules.

Some online MBA programs offer accelerated programs and even course waivers to experienced professionals in the business industry. These opportunities allow professionals to complete their degrees in as little as one year.

Online MBA Programs In Nearby States

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an online MBA respected?

Yes. Online MBA degrees with accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education are as well-respected as in-person MBAs.

How much does an MBA cost in New York?

It depends. Several factors affect tuition rates in New York, including the prestige of the school, in-state or out-of-state tuition, and public or private institution. Graduate students should generally expect to pay $12,171-$44,667.

Are MBAs still worth it?

Yes. MBA degrees prepare students for employment in fields such as finance, marketing, management operations, and accounting. Graduates also enjoy higher salaries, opportunities for promotion, and positive job outlooks.

Can you get an MBA in one year?

Some online MBAs in New York offer accelerated study options or course waivers for experienced business professionals, all of which can help students graduate in a year.

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