Best Online MBA Programs

Learn the best online MBA programs and take the next step towards advancing your career.
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Updated October 17, 2023

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An MBA can help you improve your communication skills, professional network, and career prospects. Fortunately, advances in online education make finding the right program and earning a degree more accessible than ever.

The best online business schools offer the same rigorous education as comparable on-campus programs. Employers will regard your degree as equal to any other, as well.

We evaluate schools based on affordability, program offerings, and reputation to create our online MBA rankings.

Featured Online MBA Programs

Best Online MBA Programs

Read About Our Methodology

#1 Best Online MBA Programs

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program

Avg. Cost per Credit:
Full-Time | $565
Part-Time | $615

Credits to Graduate: 45

Liberty's online MBA focuses on project management and lets you graduate in two years. 

You learn business management and leadership skills through courses on strategic marketing management, managerial finance, business research methods, organizational design, and operations management. 

For admission, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA. You can transfer up to 50% of your prior college credits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
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

#2 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Total Program Cost:
In-State | $16,983
Out-of-State | $40,174

Credits to Graduate: 32

You can graduate from UF's online MBA program in 16 months, even without an undergraduate business degree. UF features two programs that give you the option of full-time or part-time studies. The program only admits applicants from non-business backgrounds with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

You'll study entirely online, without any requirements to visit the Gainesville, Florida campus. Courses focus on financial accounting, finance, professional writing, organizational behavior, and marketing management.

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%
Acceptance 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

#3 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,660
Out-of-State | $1,660

Credits to Graduate: 52

UMN's online business administration degree spans for two years and blends lessons on strategic management, marketing, and business ethics. You can choose a part-time or full-time path, studying about 80% online. And you can take advantage of their study abroad opportunities in Guangzhou, China and Vienna, Austria. 

Throughout the program, you can meet with academic advisors and career coaches and tap into an alumni network that spans 95 countries. You must have at least a bachelor's degree to get admitted into this program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,318
Out-of-state
$31,616
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,580
Out-of-state
$27,204
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
52,017
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Maryland

  • College Park, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,732
Out-of-State | $1,732

Credits to Graduate: 54

Founded in 1856, UMD's online MBA program lets you choose from five career-focused specializations to tailor your graduate studies. You can study accounting, finance, information systems and business analytics, marketing, or supply chain management. 

The courses incorporate data analysis, decision modeling, financial accounting, and leadership and teamwork. Also, you complete a three-day on-campus residency. 

UMD admits new students in January, May, and August. You need a bachelor's degree from an approved college to get admitted. GRE scores are optional.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,824
Out-of-state
$34,936
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,158
Out-of-state
$29,250
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
40,709
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Best Online MBA Programs

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

  • Edinburg, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $472
Out-of-State | $472

Credits to Graduate: 36

At UTRGV, you can pursue an online MBA degree that emphasizes leadership and project management skills and graduate within 12 months. The required courses teach you about the elements of financial reporting, information systems for managers, marketing policy, and business decision-making. 

UTRGV does not charge an application fee. You'll need a bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and GMAT or GRE scores to be admitted.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,233
Out-of-state
$17,049
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,458
Out-of-state
$13,820
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
32,441
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

#6 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Utah

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,350-$1,400
Out-of-State | $1,350-$1,400

Credits to Graduate: 48

If you have one year of post-undergraduate business experience, you can enroll in the U's online MBA program and graduate in 24-26 months. Aside from a three-day residency that features team exercises at the Salt Lake City, Utah campus, you study fully online at your own pace. 

And you can tailor your studies with graduate certificates in business analytics, cybersecurity management, information systems, and operations and supply chain management.

You need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,412
Out-of-state
$26,017
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,666
Out-of-state
$23,537
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
33,081
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#7 Best Online MBA Programs

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $18,920
Out-of-State | $18,920

Credits to Graduate: 31

At WGU, you can earn an online master's in management and leadership degree in 24 months, or less. Roughly 70% of graduates report earning their MBA degree from WGU in 20 months. 

Program managers help you design a course plan. Generally, you complete one course at a time, followed by an assessment. You'll take 10 courses that blend management, leadership, business acumen, strategy, and a capstone project. 

WGU doesn't require GRE or GMAT scores to apply. But you do need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#8 Best Online MBA Programs

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

  • Baton Rouge, LA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,110
Out-of-State | $1,110

Credits to Graduate: 36

LSU's E. J. Ourso College of Business offers an online MBA degree that you can complete in as few as 18 months. You can graduate quicker by earning up to nine prior learning credits.

The course plan requires 15 core credits and 3-6 electives in subjects such as cost accounting, information systems, and the legal environment of business. You get to pick from specializations in emerging technology, data analytics, and healthcare management. 

You need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA to be admitted. There are no GRE or GMAT requirements.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,038
Out-of-state
$8,038
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,132
Out-of-state
$9,132
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
34,285
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
85% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Best Online MBA Programs

University of Cincinnati

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $11,998
Out-of-State | $12,148

Credits to Graduate: 35-48

UC's Lindner College of Business offers an online MBA program with a customizable curriculum. You can focus your studies on healthcare administration, digital marketing, corporate taxation, investment management, and more. Either way, UC's program blends real-world learning with a research-intensive outlook to prepare you for your post-grad career. 

As a prerequisite for this program, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. The program doesn't require GMAT or GRE scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,723
Out-of-state
$25,057
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,224
Out-of-state
$24,966
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
40,826
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Best Online MBA Programs

George Mason University

  • Fairfax, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Accreditation Standards

Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,066
Out-of-State | $1,066

Credits to Graduate: 48

Mason's online MBA program allows you to study virtually with the option to learn abroad for a week. 

You can graduate in two years through the accelerated program or take up to three years. You study asynchronously, taking courses on statistics for business, organizational behavior, marketing management, and managing costs and evaluating performance. Also, you can earn a graduate certificate in business analytics. 

You can start in the fall, summer, or spring. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,510
Out-of-state
$32,970
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,594
Out-of-state
$33,906
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
38,541
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Why Get an MBA Online?

How Much Does an Online MBA Cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that graduate students attending a public institution in 2020-2021 paid an average of $19,750 in tuition. Graduate students attending a private school paid an average of $26,620 in tuition.

Keep in mind that prices can vary widely between schools. Harvard Business School charged $74,910 in tuition during the 2023-2024 school year, while Southern New Hampshire University's online MBA students paid about $19,000.

Your educational expenses may also include books and fees. You can lower your out-of-pocket costs by applying for government and private grants. Online students can qualify for the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students.

Types of MBA Programs

The best online MBA programs offer many concentrations for students to specialize in their expertise. A concentration involves taking in-depth coursework on a specific topic after completing your general education requirements.

Entrepreneurship

A concentration in entrepreneurship may require classes in financial buyouts, the legal aspects of entrepreneurship, and advanced negotiation. This concentration prepares you to start a new business or help your employer make positive changes.

Finance

A finance concentration will feature classes in asset management, venture capital, and investment styles and strategies. You can apply what you learn in the virtual classroom with business simulations you perform with peers.

Healthcare Management

A concentration in healthcare management prepares you for challenges like commercializing biotech and managing healthcare in the 21st century. You'll learn about the complexities of patient billing, policy admin, and innovative care.

Human Resources

Managing a company's human resources department requires in-depth knowledge of human capital, operations, talent development, and strategic management. A human resources concentration emphasizes classes in these areas and prepares you to work in one of many roles, including administrative.

International Business

An international business focus lets you explore international finance, marketing, and leadership. Classes may include competitive business strategy, global business systems, and government institutions and business strategy.

Management

In a management concentration, you'll take classes like managerial economics, marketing management, and global economics and business cycles. Your program's capstone class may require completing fieldwork and creating a business proposal.

Marketing

A marketing concentration helps you make better business decisions, create new marketing strategies, and apply the latest marketing communication skills. You take classes in business statistics, strategic marketing, and marketing analysis.

Supply Chain Management

A concentration in supply chain management requires classes in operations management and quantitative analysis. Relevant career opportunities include positions in logistics, inventory, or operations research.

How Much Do MBA Grads Make?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2022, professionals in management positions earned an average salary of $131,000. However, keep in mind that many factors impact salaries, such as job title, education, experience, and location.

Changing economic circumstances may affect the salary data and growth rate projections below. You can also use resources from your college career center to keep up with the latest trends.

12 Popular Business Management Jobs
Job Median Annual Salary (May 2021) Job Growth Rate (2021-2031)
Administrative Services and Facilities Managers $99,290 7%
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers $133,380 10%
Chief Executives $179,520 -7%
Compensation and Benefits Managers $127,530 2%
Economists $105,630 6%
Financial Managers $131,710 17%
Human Resources Managers $126,230 7%
Management Analysts $93,000 11%
Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents $75,410 -6%
Sales Managers $127,490 5%
Top Executives $98,980 6%
Training and Development Managers $120,130 7%
Source: BLS

How to Choose an Online MBA Program: 4 Tips

To choose the right online MBA program, you'll want to consider your goals, budget, and interests.

1. Define Your Goals

Researching the best online MBA programs starts with self-reflection. Consider your long-term career goals to discover if another degree can help you meet them.

Use the advice and expertise of trusted friends, family, coworkers, and managers to help you decide. They can offer you a new perspective.

2. Choose Your Specialty

Now that you've decided on an MBA, you must choose which specialty aligns with your education and career goals.

Some programs feature concentrations like leadership, marketing, or human resources. The one you select may impact your career trajectory and salary potential significantly.

3. Determine Your Budget

Online business schools come at different price points, with some much more expensive than others. Narrow down your list of potential schools by determining your budget. You should strive to avoid student debt as much as possible.

Fortunately, many of the best online MBA programs offer cost savings compared to on-campus degrees. You may even pay a lower tuition rate than your on-campus peers.

4. Compare Online Programs

Determining your goals, specialty, and budget should narrow your college shortlist significantly. Now you must compare online programs for their course offerings, alumni network, format, and graduation rate.

You can also research graduate outcomes. Look up where graduates work and their average salaries. Many schools publish this information on their program website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBAs

How long does it take to get an MBA?

A typical MBA program takes 1-2 years to complete. The time to graduation varies due to academic requirements and how many credits you take each semester. You may need longer to graduate if you learn part-time or pause your education.

Is an MBA degree worth it?

The answer depends on whether you need an MBA to reach your career goals. Your employer may restrict promotions or managerial positions to employees with an MBA or similar graduate degree.

Other reasons to earn an MBA include the personal satisfaction gained by earning a graduate degree. Your degree may also qualify you for new career opportunities and higher salary potential.

Is an online MBA legitimate?

Online MBAs from accredited universities offer the same educational rigor and learning outcomes as comparable on-campus programs.

The best online MBAs increase their legitimacy with programmatic accreditation. Look for specific accreditors recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

How much does a master's degree increase your salary?

A 2021 BLS report found that professionals with a master's degree earn over 10% more per week than workers with a bachelor's degree. A higher salary can help you pay down student debt faster and save for long-term financial goals.

You may not earn the salary reported by the BLS right out of school. These figures account for professionals of different experience levels.

Do employers care if you complete an MBA online?

Employers do not care if you complete an MBA online if you graduated from an accredited school. Many colleges' websites have an accreditation page breaking down this information for potential students.

Online MBA programs cover the same content as in-person programs — you'll graduate just as qualified. The degree you earn will not specify that you completed it online.


Page last reviewed June 6, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the CC Rankings Team.

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