Best Online MBA Programs

Earning your MBA online can help fast track your career while balancing the demands of work and family. Take the next step by exploring your online MBA program options.

BestColleges.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.

With an MBA, you can earn more money, change careers, or position yourself for Ph.D. coursework. This degree program can sharpen your business skills, improve your problem-solving abilities, and introduce you to a powerful network of influential business leaders.

The cost of an MBA varies widely depending on the school’s reputation, the program delivery format, and whether it is public or private. MBAs tend to have a high return on investment, however. The median salary for MBA graduates was projected to be $115,000 before the pandemic, according to the Graduate Management Admissions Council.

Besides earning higher wages, MBA graduates can often compete for top-level management positions or leave corporate America behind to become entrepreneurs. The degree offers so many benefits that some employers will even help subsidize the cost of an MBA.

If you’re considering where to pursue an online MBA, take a look at our list of the top accredited programs below.

Take Your Next Step With One of Our Trusted MBA Partners

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Programs

Do employers care where your MBA is from?

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Top companies in popular industries may prioritize candidates who graduate from institutions with name recognition, especially if you're applying for executive positions. Other employers may only care that your degree comes from a respected and accredited institution.

Is an online MBA taken seriously?

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Employers do not treat all online MBAs equally. If you receive your online MBA from a school that is not accredited, your degree will not receive serious consideration. On the other hand, if you earn your degree online from an accredited school, you hold a legitimate academic credential.

Is it better to get an MBA in person or online?

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The answer depends entirely on your needs and expectations. If you need flexibility and convenience, an online degree is probably your better choice. However, if you expect peer-to-peer activities and personal interaction with instructors, you may benefit from an in-person program.

What should I consider when choosing an online MBA program?

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When considering different institutions, look at online business school rankings like ours, job placement rates, and concentration options. These can help you determine how seriously employers in your industry will treat your degree.

Best Accredited Online MBA Programs

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

These rankings were compiled by our BestColleges Ranking Team and include BestColleges.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. from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.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.
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#1 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Gainesville, UF's Warrington College of Business offers a quick route to an MBA degree with a 16-month, 32-credit accelerated online program. The university also provides a flexible 24-month, 48-credit option.

UF's program consists of an experiential learning course that may include an on-campus elective, online global business concept, or global immersion experience abroad. The program delivers all coursework asynchronously, except for an in-person orientation.

UF holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Warrington College of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Length: 16 months or 24 months
  • Format: Online
  • School Status: Public

University of Florida is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
53,372
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online MBA Programs

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UNC-Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School's cohort-based online MBA program allows students to interact with classmates and includes weekly synchronous class sessions. Students can complete the flexible 62-credit program in 18-36 months while choosing from four start dates.

Learners may select from over 25 electives and five concentrations, which include entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, strategy and consulting, and data analytics and decision making. The program incorporates six days of in-person immersive experiences.

UNC-Chapel Hill holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Kenan-Flagler Business School holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Cost-per-credit: $2,025.63
  • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 62 credits
  • Program Length: 18-36 months
  • Format: Online
  • School Status: Public

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,278
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located close to downtown Los Angeles, USC's Marshall School of Business offers a 51-credit online MBA that delivers coursework both synchronously and asynchronously. Synchronous activities include weekly class sessions by webcam, virtual activities, and one-on-one faculty sessions.

The program starts with a two-week course that includes an online component and a six-day on-campus intensive. Five courses make up the rest of the degree, which students can complete in 21 months. Graduates leave with a completed e-portfolio.

USC holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Marshall School of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Cost-per-credit: $2,090.12
  • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 51 units
  • Program Length: 1-5 years
  • Format: Online
  • Instruction Style: Both
  • School Status: Private

University of Southern California is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$59,260
Out-of-state
$59,260
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$47,880
Out-of-state
$47,880
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
16%
Students Enrolled
46,287
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Online MBA Programs

Villanova University

  • Villanova, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Villanova, a Catholic university located near Philadelphia, offers a two-year, 48-credit online MBA. Students can choose from five specializations, including finance, marketing, analytics, strategic management, and international business. All learners must complete a three-day residency weekend within the first two semesters.

Once a week synchronous sessions offer classroom-like learning. The program also incorporates three capstone projects, including a global practicum, which typically involves a seven-day trip to an emerging or developing economy. Students unable to participate may complete a domestic equivalent.

Villanova holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The business school holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Cost-per-credit: $1,409
  • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 48 credits
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Format: Online
  • Instruction Style: Both
  • School Status: Private

Villanova University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$56,730
Out-of-state
$56,730
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,619
Out-of-state
$20,619
Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
11,032
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online MBA Programs

Rice University

  • Houston, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Houston, Texas, Rice's Jones Graduate School of Business offers a 54-credit online MBA. Students choose from five focus areas, including corporate strategy, corporate finance, investment management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Learners can also gear their studies toward energy or healthcare through electives.

Students learn through self-paced study and a weekly webcam class and can complete the program in 24-36 months. Participants must complete a capstone project, one intensive residency course, and a global field experience, which consists of one week abroad.

Rice holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Jones Graduate School of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Cost-per-credit: $2,035.74
  • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 54 credits
  • Program Length: 24 months
  • Format: Online
  • Instruction Style: Both
  • School Status: Private

Rice University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,310
Out-of-state
$50,310
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$47,306
Out-of-state
$47,306
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
7,643
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online MBA Programs

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  • Daytona Beach, FL
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Among the top universities in aviation and aerospace, ERAU offers an online MBA in aviation. Students can choose from five specializations within the aviation industry, including accounting, finance, information technology, marketing, and international business.

Most students complete the 33-credit curriculum in three years. The program offers courses in strategic marketing management in aviation and advanced aviation economics and culminates in a capstone project.

ERAU holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The MBA in Aviation holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • Cost-per-credit: $743.00
  • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 33 credits
  • Format: Online
  • School Status: Private

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$36,456
Out-of-state
$36,456
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,228
Out-of-state
$18,228
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
61%
Students Enrolled
8,797
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online MBA Programs

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Johns Hopkins's Carey Business School offers a 54-credit flexible online MBA that allows students to choose between online or hybrid courses. Online concentrations include financial businesses, healthcare management, leading organizations, and marketing. Students can complete the program in less than three years by taking two courses per term.

The program delivers most coursework asynchronously, although some courses involve synchronous elements. The program also requires three 2-3 day in-person residencies at the Carey Business School's Baltimore campus.

Johns Hopkins holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Carey Business School holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Cost-per-credit: $1,650
  • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 54 credits
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Format: Hybrid
  • School Status: Private

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$54,160
Out-of-state
$54,160
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$57,010
Out-of-state
$57,010
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
28,890
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Online MBA Programs

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Miami, FIU's professional MBA online program offers five start dates and three tracks that allow students to complete the program in 18-33 months. Learners choose from eight specializations, which make up two of the 14 courses. Options include international business, strategic negotiations, business data analytics, and real estate.

This 42-credit degree requires three professional development seminars. FIU also provides several optional immersive in-person opportunities for online students, including a two-day residency and industry nights.

FIU holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The business school holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
  • Cost-per-credit: $1,426
  • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 42 credits
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Format: Online
  • School Status: Public

Florida International University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
58,836
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online MBA Programs

Florida State University

  • Tallahassee, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Tallahassee, FSU's College of Business's part-time online MBA program offers maximum flexibility for working students. Learners complete the fully online 39-credit curriculum in seven semesters. The core curriculum comprises nine courses with classes in information and technology management and marketing strategy in the global environment.

Students may also choose from six specializations, including risk management, financial planning, real estate, management information systems, business analytics, and marketing.

FSU holds regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The College of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Cost-per-credit: $780.18 for residents; $810.24 for nonresidents
  • Total Credits Required to Graduate: 39 credit hours
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Format: Online
  • School Status: Public

Florida State University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,640
Out-of-state
$19,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,684
Out-of-state
$24,116
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
43,569
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • Champaign, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

U of I's Gies College of Business offers an entirely online, affordable 72-credit iMBA program. The program's self-paced and cohort-based learning includes weekly interactive live courses with students from around the globe and three team-based capstone projects.

The program consists of six specializations, including entrepreneurship and strategic innovation, digital marketing, and business analytics. The iMBA program also offers several optional in-person experiences on campus, at U.S. companies and abroad.

U of I holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Gies College of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program Snapshot

  • Cost-per-credit: $302
  • Format: Online
  • Instruction Style: Both
  • School Status: Public

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,317
Out-of-state
$33,824
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,016
Out-of-state
$27,187
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
52,679
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Take Your Next Step With One of Our Trusted MBA Partners

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online MBA Concentrations

MBAs typically offer a variety of concentrations, accommodating each student's diverse career goals in business administration. Below are some of the most popular MBA concentrations.

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Career Paths for Online MBA Graduates

Whether delivered on campus or online, the best MBA programs help students maximize their career opportunities after graduation. Before applying, students should consider a school's available career resources, including whether the school works directly with corporate recruiters and boasts a high post-MBA employment rate.

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Questions to Explore Before Applying to an Online MBA Program

Earning an MBA requires an investment of time and money so it makes sense to ask a lot of questions. Explore our resources for prospective online MBA students and get answers to your most pressing questions.

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Paying for Your Online MBA Program

The cost of earning an MBA is among students' top admission considerations. Many factors, such as reputation and location affect the price of tuition for MBA candidates. The National Center for Education Statistics calculated the average graduate tuition at $11,617 at public institutions and $24,712 for private institutions, as of 2016-2017.

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Online MBA Program Format and Location Options

Schools may offer MBA programs on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Programs often feature customizable options, enabling students to choose whether to enroll full-time or part-time or study entirely online. Many online MBA programs admit cohort groups and offer accelerated schedules. Schools may deliver online coursework synchronously or asynchronously, live or without scheduled class times.

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Online MBA Admission Requirements

MBAs are enduringly popular among grad students. As a result, these programs can be pretty competitive. While requirements vary, many popular MBA programs have acceptance rates near 50%, although some top programs accept under 25% of applicants. MBA programs tend to include more rigorous admission requirements than other master’s options; however, online MBA programs generally have higher acceptance rates than traditional MBAs.

What Do You Need to Apply?

Test Scores

MBA programs typically require students to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), the most commonly accepted graduate placement test for business programs. Most schools accept scores from 650-690 but prefer a score of 700 or higher, especially for highly competitive programs. A perfect score is 800.

Though less common, some MBA programs accept scores from the more generalized Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Most MBA programs accept minimum GRE scores around 310 but prefer a score of 325 or higher.

Letters of Recommendation

MBA programs prefer letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors, student advisors, employers, and/or mentors. Students should consider writers who can provide insight into their professional and academic progress and potential. Six weeks ahead of the application mailing date is a reasonable time to ask for a recommendation.

Resume

A student’s resume should highlight their management and leadership experience. Their professional background should also reflect experience in their desired specialization, potentially including volunteer, community service, and interning events.

Essays

Essays help students explain their intentions for pursuing an MBA. Additionally, students can showcase their written communication skills. Applicants should always use correct grammar and spelling in their essay.

Official Transcripts

Applicants should arrange for official transcripts to be sent from their undergraduate institution directly to their prospective school. Official transcripts verify the authenticity of a student’s bachelor’s degree. Most MBA programs do not accept transfer credits, though some do in limited quantities.

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