Online MBA programs teach foundational business concepts through core courses like accounting, finance, and leadership. Students pursuing online MBA programs often continue their full-time employment while completing their studies, enjoying the benefits of a prestigious education without the hassle of moving to a new location.
MBA graduates can use their credentials to pursue advancement opportunities in a healthy job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) projects 8% growth for business and financial jobs between 2020 and 2030, which is the average growth rate for all occupations.
#1 The Best Online MBA Programs of 2023
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Gainesville Florida in proximity to beaches and theme parks, the University of Florida enrolls over 53,000 students. UF offers over 300 degree tracks, including various graduate programs.
Hough Graduate School of Business
UF's Hough Graduate School of Business offers 1-2 year MBA program tracks for on-campus and distance learners.
UF's online MBA program features the same renowned faculty and rigorous coursework as the on-campus program. Students may pursue a 16-month accelerated track or a more traditionally paced 24-month track. The accelerated program suits learners with an undergraduate degree in business who meet specific program-eligibility requirements.
Students complete all coursework online. But, an in-person orientation in Gainesville is required, and additional on-campus residencies are encouraged. These intensive programs max out at 65 students per cohort to foster stronger connections between faculty and students.
Applying to UF
Admission to both the one- and two-year program requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, a minimum of two years of professional experience, two letters of recommendation, and an entrance essay. Some applicants may be invited for an interview.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $49,205 total (one-year program); $59,807 total (two-year program)
- Required Credits: 32 (one-year); 48 (two-year)
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: 100% Online (coursework online, on-campus orientation required)
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 The Best Online MBA Programs of 2023
Rice University
- Houston, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Situated on an 300-acre campus in the heart of Houston, Rice University enrolls students in over 50 undergraduate programs and offers many graduate degrees.
Jones Graduate School of Business
Rice University's 54-credit online MBA gives students the flexibility to tailor their learning toward their career goals. With 13.5 credits of electives built into the curriculum, students can take courses in marketing, finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
The program culminates in a collaborative capstone course where students create a workable solution to a business-centered problem. They can receive help and input from real executives working at not-for-profit community organizations.
Students complete all coursework online through live, courses streamed weekly. They must also attend some on-campus "Rice Residential" events.
Rice's MBA Specializations
Corporate Strategy | Corporate Finance | Investment Management | Marketing | Entrepreneurship | Energy | Healthcare
Applying to Rice
Candidates must submit official transcripts, an online application, letters of recommendation, a detailed professional history, admissions essays, and a $150 application fee. All candidates must also sit for an interview.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $2,100 per credit
- Required Credits: 54 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Delivery Format: Hybrid (online with minimal on-campus residencies), synchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 The Best Online MBA Programs of 2023
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Western Governors University's student body of more than 138,000 resides across all 50 states. Excelling in distance education, WGU operates on a competency model that allows students to get credit for the skills they learn.
WGU Online Master of Business Administration
Western Governor University's fully online MBA program offers students the flexibility to complete coursework anywhere, anytime, and earn credit as they master skills. The school's competency-education model emphasizes earning credit for the experience and skills students already have, allowing learners to complete their degrees faster.
Students work with their instructors and a program mentor to develop and follow a specialized degree plan tailored to their experience, interests, and goals. Students demonstrate competency by completing course assessments and requirements.
The program culminates in a capstone course. Students demonstrate their skills by identifying and solving a real-world business problem.
WGU's MBA Specializations
Management | Economics | Marketing | Accounting | Leadership | Finance | Strategy
Applying to WGU
Applicants to WGU must submit official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate program, submit an online application form, and speak with an enrollment counselor.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: NWCCU, ACBSP
- Tuition: $4,530 per six-month term
- Required Credits: 11 courses
- Program Length: 1 year
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 The Best Online MBA Programs of 2023
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With an urban campus situated on the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities enrolls more than 50,000 students. UMTC offers over 200 graduate and professional programs, with online, on-campus, and hybrid options.
Carlson School of Management
UMTC’s Carlson School of Management offers a 52-credit fully online MBA for students seeking both flexibility and collaboration. In addition to completing online coursework on their own time, students can participate in live, virtual interactions with peers and faculty members.
Typically requiring about two years to complete, UMTC's online MBA allows learners to tailor their coursework to their interests. The program offers foundational courses in business and industry-specific courses to help students hone their skills in various fields.
Students can benefit from services like career counseling, mock interviews, networking events, job search tools, and career fairs.
UMTC's MBA Specializations
Financial Accounting | Data Analysis and Statistics | Managerial Economics | Marketing | Supply Chain and Operations | Financial Management | IT Management | Strategic Management | Business Ethics
Applying to UMTC
Applicants must submit a personal statement essay, GMAT, EA or GRE scores, evidence of two years of full-time work experience, two professional recommendations, a video essay, a current resume, and official undergraduate transcripts.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
- Tuition: $1,605 per credit
- Required Credits: 52 credits
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 The Best Online MBA Programs of 2023
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Part of the massive Texas A&M University system, Texas A&M International University enrolls over 8,400 students in online and on-campus programs at its home location in Laredo, Texas. Situated just near Mexico, the campus embraces a large, diverse multilingual community.
A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business
TAMIU’s A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business offers an expansive list of fully online degree programs, including a 30-credit MBA designed with students' interests and goals in mind. Learners can choose from six specializations including management, international banking and finance, international business, and criminal justice.
Each program pathway features prep courses to prepare students without a background in business for graduate study. The two-credit prep-module courses cover foundational topics in business like finance, accounting, management, and marketing.
Online MBA students at TAMIU often complete their program within 21-24 months. Coursework is delivered fully online, asynchronously, with no on-campus requirements.
TAMIU's MBA Specializations
Management | International Banking and Finance | International Business | International Trade and Logistics | Criminal Justice | Healthcare Administration
Applying to TAMIU
For automatic admission, applicants must submit official transcripts from an undergraduate business degree with a GPA of at least 3.25 and a resume with three references. Applicants without a business degree can still gain admission after a special review of their transcripts.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $11,010 total (in-state); $30,900 total (out-of-state)
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 21-24 months
- Delivery Format: 100% online, asynchronous
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With details about each school, including degree expectations, this list serves as an excellent resource for prospective students. The page also discusses considerations for selecting a business school, plus information about specializations and career possibilities.
Our rankings of the top online MBA programs in the United States highlights leading business schools. To learn more about the methodology used to evaluate them, follow the link below.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Choosing Between Top Online Business Schools
Choosing the right program depends on each student’s individual goals. Degree-seekers should consider some of the following factors before committing to a program.
- Accreditation: In the U.S., schools obtain accreditation by submitting to a thorough qualitative review of their programs, faculty, and resources. All accrediting agencies in the U.S. should hold membership with the Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. For school accreditation, regional accreditation carries the most weight, though some schools (especially for-profit institutions) are nationally accredited. Business students may also seek out programmatic accreditation, granted by organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
- Affordability: Higher education carries a cost, but the best online MBA programs aim to make their offerings worth the price. Many students can access scholarships, grants, federal aid programs, and support from their employers to help cover costs
- Alumni Network: Networking with other professionals is an important component of the MBA. Schools with strong alumni networks, where graduates work in a variety of industries, can also help students to secure future employment.
- Concentration Options:The best MBA programs in the U.S. serve more than one kind of student. These schools offer many specializations in diverse subfields, including healthcare administration, accounting, and supply chain management. Choosing a program with a concentration provides valuable specialized training.
- Professional Classmates: Students enrolling in accelerated MBA programs tend to be older and further along in their professional careers than those in traditional MBA programs.
- Robust Curriculum:Top online MBA programs mix practical courses in accounting and managerial finance with classes in leadership and ethics to facilitate professional and personal growth. These schools also equip students for the data-driven business world through courses in analytics, quantitative methods, and decision-making.
- Successful Graduates: Prospective students can identify the most successful online MBA programs using two main metrics: graduation rate and job placement rate. High graduation rates indicate that schools provide their students with the resources to complete their degrees. Job placement demonstrates the rate at which recent graduates land full-time jobs.
- Student-to-Teacher Ratio:Choosing a school with a lower student-to-teacher ratio ensures that students have ample opportunities to connect directly with faculty members. Individualized attention from professors can help students find internship and job opportunities.
- University Resources: Online students in particular may wish to investigate what resources a school offers to distance learners. Important resources can include tutoring, career centers, library assistance, and disability services.
Why Enroll in an MBA Program?
By completing an online MBA, graduates can stand out as applicants for jobs in competitive industries. Most business careers require a bachelor’s degree at minimum, but many employers prefer candidates with MBAs because they bring advanced knowledge and skills to the table. Additional benefits of obtaining an MBA include:
Career Flexibility
The MBA can entice employers across the country and internationally in a host of industries. Graduates can pursue options at large or small companies, follow a preferred industry to its hotspots, or secure advancement opportunities close to home.
Knowledge Breadth
Because the MBA underpins its curriculum with solid business basics, degree-holders may pursue a variety of jobs that extend beyond their specializations. This can pave the way for promotions and career changes.
Hands-On Experience
Many MBA programs feature practical capstone projects or internships. Often, a capstone or final project requires students to partner with a real business, providing networking opportunities and resume-boosting experience.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Why You Should Get Your MBA Online?
Many online MBA degrees make use of asynchronous coursework, where students can engage with lectures and discussion boards in accordance with their own schedules. Some classes may also run synchronously, with live webcam sessions that more closely resemble the in-person experience. Online programs may also require occasional campus visits for residencies or immersion events.
Part of the appeal for online programs includes the cost-saving opportunities: schools may offer reduced or in-state tuition for all learners, regardless of residency status. Online programs also do not require students to relocate. Many do not require an in-person presence, which eliminates commuting costs. There are many reasons why an online program may be the ideal solution; each student needs to evaluate their situation to determine if it is the right fit.
Career Opportunities After Graduating
With an MBA, degree-holders qualify for top careers with high earning potential. The BLS reports that chief executives earned a median annual salary of $197,840 as of May 2020, with higher median salaries in top-paying industries. Chief executives are employed across government, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional, scientific, and technical services.
MBA-holders may also pursue careers in areas like accounting, healthcare management, information systems, real estate, and consulting. Each industry encompasses a variety of specific job titles, giving MBA graduates a wealth of choices and entry points to each industry.
What to Expect From Online MBA Programs
A typical online MBA program requires around 50 credits for graduation. Students can complete many programs within two years, though requirements and timelines differ depending on each individual’s academic background. Learners can also take advantage of part-time and accelerated pathways.
Online MBA tuition rates vary widely. Some schools offer reduced rates for distance learners, while others do not differentiate between online and in-person programs. As a rough estimate, students can find top accredited MBA programs that cost between $55,000 to $161,000.
While the particulars differ depending on the school, MBA core courses often include strategic management, financial accounting, managerial economics, and marketing. With many concentration options available, prospective students can seek out the school that best aligns with their goals. Frequent specialization options include entrepreneurship, analytics, finance, project management, and technology.
Admissions
Prospective MBA students should research each program’s admission requirements. A minimum GPA, standardized test scores, or previous work experience may be required.
Cost
The pursuit of higher education is a sizable financial investment. Degree-seekers may wish to compare program costs against the potential return on investment and look for funding opportunities.
Capstone or Thesis
A capstone project can be a meaningful resume-building experience for MBA students. Online students should consider whether they need a capstone, and how the online MBA structures this requirement.
Online Courses
Some students thrive in face-to-face environments, while others enjoy the relative flexibility of online programs. When considering an online degree, students should factor personal preferences into their decision-making process.
Internships
Students hoping to gain professional experience should consider a degree with internship opportunities. Distance learners should find out how online programs structure their internships.
Networking
Networking is an important aspect of the MBA. Prospective students may want to ask how an online program handles alumni connections and networking events.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Online MBA Programs of 2023
Are online MBA degrees respected?
Yes. Students who earn their MBA online receive the same education and degree as learners in on-campus programs. Employers respect online MBA degrees just as much as their on-campus counterparts. Your college diploma will not reflect that you graduated from an online program.
Is a top online MBA worth it?
Yes. Earning a graduate degree can help you advance your career and increase your earning potential. MBA holders earn a median salary 75% higher than those with bachelor's degrees, according to the Graduate Management Admission's Council 2020 survey. This means that earning an MBA can be a great investment with a high return.
What are the advantages of an online MBA program?
Earning your MBA online offers more flexibility and convenience than traditional on-campus programs, allowing students to work while earning their degree. Online learning often allows students the opportunity to network and grow their skillset without interrupting their daily life.
What should I look for in an online MBA program?
Look for a program that you can tailor to your interests and career goals. Look for an affordable online MBA program that provides enough flexibility to fit your budget and lifestyle.. If you want a hybrid option, look for a program close enough to you so you can complete on-campus requirements. Ensure that you attend an accredited school, which means it meets educational standards.
