Online MBA programs in Chicago can provide several benefits for students both during enrollment and after graduation. The Second City offers plenty of opportunities for business and finance-minded professionals. Earning a degree from one of the MBA programs in Chicago can give you the chance to build connections with local employers through internships, fellowships, and networking opportunities.
Students do not need to attend on-campus courses to reap these benefits. Online learners can set themselves up for postgraduate opportunities in the Windy City while keeping their day jobs, saving on housing costs, and living at home. These students often pay reduced tuition compared with their on-campus counterparts in Chicago.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Chicagoland Online MBA Programs
Career Outlook With an MBA in Chicago
A healthy portion of the top-ranked online MBA programs in Illinois operate out of Chicago or its surrounding suburbs. As such, Chicago serves as a hub for in-state students looking to pursue online degrees in the field. For more information about the Land of Lincoln's online MBA options, please consult the Illinois state page on this website.
Furthermore, students looking to pursue employment in Chicago after they graduate can benefit from pursuing an MBA in the city. Many of Chicago's business schools maintain connections with local employers, and students can intern or work for local companies while completing their education. Chicago also houses several professional organizations that offer benefits such as conferences, professional development, and continuing education, allowing students to grow and network while still in school.
Online students can also benefit from pursuing an online MBA at one of Chicago's schools. Chicago's cost of living is higher than anywhere else in the state, so in-state students can often save money by living at home and taking online courses. By doing so, these students can pay in-state tuition, continue working at their jobs, and save money on expensive housing costs that they would need to pay if they attended on-campus programs in Chicago.
Chicago provides many opportunities for professionals interested in entering management or the business and financial operations. As most MBA graduates pursue these industries, Chicago provides a particularly fertile ground for launching your career after you finish your program.
| Metro Area | Percentage of Open Business Positions | Percentage of Remaining Discretionary Income After Expense | Average Unemployment Rate for Individuals 20-29 Years Old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 5.7 | 56.6 | 8.4 |
Source: Move.org, 2019
MBA Salary and Employment in Chicago
| Occupation Group | Annual Mean Wage | Employment | Examples of Job Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management | $117,780 | 349,160 | Chief Executives, General Operations Managers, Sales Managers |
| Business and Financial Operations | $76,070 | 263,730 | Buyers/Purchasing Agents, Compliance Officers, Human Resources Specialists |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
