2023's Best Online Executive MBA Programs

portrait of OnlineMBA.com Staff
by

Updated March 21, 2023

Are you considering pursuing an online executive MBA? Start your search with this ranking of some of the top accredited online executive MBA programs.

OnlineMBA.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Man smiling and taking in business meeting Credit: Carlina Teteris / Moment / Getty Images

The following ranking lists the top 2023 executive MBA online programs to help you begin your search for the right graduate school. Learn what we consider when ranking schools by exploring our ranking methodology below.

Our Ranking Methodology

Top 5 Online Executive MBA Programs: At a Glance

Rank School Admissions Insights Outcomes by the Numbers

1.

California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA
  • Minimum Undergrad GPA: 2.5
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Average Student Age: 23 (undergraduate); 31 (graduate)
  • Tuition: $8,110
  • Median Salary: $50,960

2.

Carlow University | Pittsburgh, PA
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Tuition: $21,190
  • Median Salary: $48,450

3.

Prairie View A & M University | Prairie View, TX
  • Minimum Undergrad GPA: 2.8
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Average Student Age: 21 (undergraduate); 32 (graduate)
  • Tuition: $16,000
  • Median Salary: $40,350

4.

Southeastern University | Lakeland, FL
  • Minimum Undergrad GPA: None
  • Acceptance Rate: 43%
  • Tuition: $26,640
  • Average Starting Salary: $40,640

5.

Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Tuition: $20,540
  • Median Salary: $44,110

Executive MBA Programs for You

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

#1 2023’s Best Online Executive MBA Programs

California State University-San Bernardino

  • San Bernardino, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1965, CSUSB offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. CSUSB students can connect through day hikes, team-building workshops, and leadership challenges.

Master of Business Administration Online for Executives

Learners complete CSUSB's 30-credit executive MBA entirely online. The program requires foundational studies in data-driven decision-making and advanced managerial communications. Students can also explore organizational theory, accounting, corporate finance, and marketing.

Before starting their second quarter, each enrollee must complete an online executive MBA bootcamp. The modules introduce accounting, finance, and supply chain management principles to prepare learners for future coursework.

A required elective lets students choose a business area of interest to learn more about, such as global marketing or entrepreneurship. Enrollees may also elect to complete internships to fulfill the elective requirement. 

CSUSB's Affordability

CSUSB offers a one-year loan to students taking prerequisite courses. Enrollees may also apply for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to finance the rest of their online executive MBAs.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: WSCUC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $1,200/credit
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 21 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Each applicant must submit a resume, bachelor's degree transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a letter of recommendation with an application. CSUSB also requires a candidate interview.
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Standardized Tests: None
    • Cost: $70
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
19,689
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 2023’s Best Online Executive MBA Programs

Carlow University

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Carlow is a Catholic-rooted liberal arts university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school's Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development helps students transition from the classroom to their careers through professional development opportunities. 

Online Executive MBA

The online executive MBA from Carlow prepares learners to advance their communication, project management, and risk management skills. Graduates should feel equipped to pursue careers as sales directors and strategic planners.

Carlow breaks down its program into eight-week courses, allowing learners to complete their degrees in 10 months. Courses include business analytics, management operations and change, and financial analysis and planning. Learners network and collaborate with the same students in each class using a cohort model.

Carlow's online executive MBA enrollees can access career planning services throughout the program. Upon graduating, learners receive continued career support and alum benefits from community-based partnered organizations.

Carlow's Affordability

Carlow's low tuition rate of $675 per credit makes this program just over $20,000 in total. Students who have filled out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid may qualify for loans and grants. Applicants may also apply for school-sponsored scholarships.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: MSCHE, IACBE
  • Tuition: $675/credit
  • Required Credits: 30 credits
  • Program Length: 10 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online 
  • Admissions
    • Process: Each candidate must submit an online application, official transcripts, a resume, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also have at least five years of work experience.
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Cost: Free
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,542
Out-of-state
$30,542
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,844
Out-of-state
$19,844
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
1,976
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 2023’s Best Online Executive MBA Programs

Prairie View A & M University

  • Prairie View, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1876 during the Civil War, PVAMU was one of the first in the state to create fair and equal higher education for Black students. The school's study abroad programs provide opportunities for enrichment and research across the globe.

Executive MBA

PVAMU's College of Business offers courses for its executive MBA through online and in-person delivery. Learners can complete the program in two years by taking two eight-week classes per semester. In-person classes occur two Saturdays per month, with the remaining classes taking place online for the remaining weekends.

Before their last semester, learners study abroad with a PVAMU-sponsored field trip. The experience provides case studies and research opportunities to apply learned concepts to real-life business situations. 

The program's capstone lets each degree-seeker choose between creating a plan to improve a business aspect of their current companies or developing an entrepreneurial plan. 

PVAMU's Affordability

PVAMU allows its online executive MBA students to pay in per-credit installments, spreading the cost of the program across each semester. The school adds a $50 fee per installment, totaling $600 per semester.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $1,167/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Delivery Format: Hybrid (synchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Applicants submit official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Eligible candidates then complete interviews with PVAMU representatives.
    • GPA: 2.75
    • Standardized Tests: None
    • Cost: $50
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,253
Out-of-state
$22,552
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,096
Out-of-state
$14,316
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
9,248
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 2023’s Best Online Executive MBA Programs

Southeastern University

  • Lakeland, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

This private Christian university, located in Lakeland, Florida, includes several schools and learning centers for student enrichment. The campus also hosts the Pathways School of Excellence for middle and high school students living with disabilities.

MBA in Executive Leadership

At SEU, the 39-credit executive leadership MBA classes run for eight weeks throughout the fall, spring, and summer terms. Degree-seekers may take all their classes online or attend some in-person classes.

This program includes 33 credit hours of core coursework in accounting, marketing, ethics, and other relevant business areas. Students also complete one three-credit leadership course and a three-credit elective in risk management, current issues in business, or global social entrepreneurship. 

Enrollees must complete a six-credit capstone course analyzing a business case study. Through research, data collection and analysis, and practical application, learners develop strategic plans grounded in ethics to assist their companies.

SEU's Affordability

SEU enrollees can access financial aid opportunities, like grants, scholarships, and student loans, to offset the cost of their degree. The school also offers no-interest payment plans.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
  • Tuition: $525/credit
  • Required Credits: 39 credits
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Delivery Format: In person or online
  • Admissions
    • Process: Each candidate must submit official college transcripts, a resume, a professional reference, and two writing samples.
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Standardized Tests: None
    • Cost: $40
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,520
Out-of-state
$26,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,365
Out-of-state
$13,365
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
43%
Students Enrolled
9,546
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 2023’s Best Online Executive MBA Programs

Spring Arbor University

  • Spring Arbor, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Originally Spring Arbor College, SAU builds its curriculum and student activities around Christian principles. SAU students participate in team-building, fellowship, and entertainment activities throughout the busy school year, including late-night breakfasts and Welcome Week.

Online MBA Executive Leadership Concentration

SAU's Gainey School of Business features an executive leadership MBA with flexible scheduling options. Students can complete the part-time pathway by taking one course at a time for up to 18 months or opt for the 12-month intensive accelerated program.

The executive leadership MBA curriculum incorporates courses in strategic leadership, management of organizational behavior, and strategic planning and management. These classes join a core MBA curriculum covering marketing, statistics, and accounting.

Learners who prefer in-person delivery to network and interact with peers can pursue an optional international business summit in New York City.

SAU's Affordability

An MBA student at SAU can earn their online degree for just over $27,000, regardless of their geographic location. Additionally, eligible students can use financial aid like student loans and grants to lower their costs.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: HLC
  • Tuition: $752/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 12-18 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: SAU MBA applicants must submit official transcripts and at least two letters of recommendation with their applications.
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Standardized Tests: None
    • Cost: $30
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,872
Out-of-state
$29,872
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,942
Out-of-state
$7,942
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
3,118
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
69% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Common Questions About Online Executive MBA Programs

What courses are in an executive MBA program?

An executive MBA program builds on concepts taught in bachelor's degrees in business administration. Intermediate to advanced marketing, finance, human resources, and operations management topics are common course subjects.

What is an executive MBA degree?

An executive MBA suits working professionals who already have several years of experience in business careers. This degree provides added flexibility through online courses or evening classes for learners to pursue their degrees while working full-time.

What is the starting salary for someone with an executive MBA?

January 2023 data from Payscale lists an average salary of $124,000 for executive MBA degree-holders. The starting salary for these graduates averages between $61,000-$76,000, with top earners making as much as $214,000.

What jobs can I get with an executive MBA degree?

An in-person or online executive MBA can lead to several high-paying careers. For example, chief executive officers, chief financial officers, vice presidents, and presidents of companies may hold this degree. Graduates can also become analysts, business consultants, and operations managers.

Recommended Reading

Search Programs by Concentration

View schools and degrees from across the country.
Find the right program to advance your career.