20 Best Online MBA Programs

An online MBA program might be in your future!

So you want to run a business?

Featured Programs

There’s a quote by John Maxwell that says, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

If you have a desire to run your own business or lead a team to success in some other way, there’s a good chance that you know the way you need to go. However, figuring out how to follow that path—and how to show others what they should do to help the team be successful, too—now that’s another challenge entirely.

When you go to business school, you’ll gain the skills you need to find your path as a leader—and to help those that you are guiding find their way, too. The MBA is often considered the quintessential, gold-standard business degree by most employers.

While a Master of Arts or a Master of Science in something like finance or business analytics can get you buy, only the curriculum of an MBA will provide you with the hands-on emphasis in comprehensive leadership skills that you need to be successful in the long term.

Earning an MBA is a great way to start your career, switch fields, or open up a business of your own. If you earn your MBA online, you can do so even faster, often while also saving a ton of money in the process.

There is a perception that earning an online MBA isn’t the same as earning one on-campus. However, that’s not the case. Business schools offer all kinds of online MBA programs, including both full-time and part-time, executive, flex, or even eMBA programs. While these each have their own lists of pros and cons depending on your career goals and learning style, here’s what they have in common—they’re equivalent to their on-campus counterparts.

Most online MBAs still require a practicum or summer internship, while others feature optional global experiences, cooperative learning experiences, and research fellowships. Plus, an online MBA program tends to be much more affordable than its on-campus counterparts.

Very few schools even differentiate between online and on-campus programs on their diplomas—meaning nobody (including you or your future employer!) will ever know the difference. The quality is there—and you have plenty of schools to choose from. An online MBA program may be just what prospective students should consider.

It can be daunting to find the right online MBA program for your needs, goals, and budget. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Check out this list of the 20 best online MBA programs—and start pursuing your dreams today! Out of all the business schools, find the one that is right for you.

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

What Are the Best Online MBA Degrees?

You are looking for an online MBA program! We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there

20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni

20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted

10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help prospective students reach their goals. Let us help you will your school search!

See Also: 20 Best Online MBA in Strategy

Find an Online MBA Program!

#1. University of Florida

Online MBA Degree

Located in Gainesville, FL, the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida offers the best online MBA program in the country. A fast-track program, this online MBA program lets you earn your degree in as little as 16 months of study.

You’ll complete around 32 credit hours of study in this fast-paced online MBA program, though there’s also a 48-credit program in this college of business that can be completed at a more leisurely pace (around two years of study).

Regardless of how quickly you decide you want to move through the curriculum, this online MBA program offers lots of benefits. It is highly experiential in nature, allowing you to complete on-campus electives, global immersion experiences abroad, and hands-on internships as you see fit.

These components aren’t mandatory, with the vast majority of all coursework delivered asynchronously. The only time you ever need to visit campus, in fact, is for the in-person orientation.

Class sizes are capped at 65 students to ensure that all online MBA students get the attention they deserve. You do have to have at least two years of full-time professional work experience in order to qualify for admission into this online MBA program. This online program is one of the best and most flexible in the country for its quality, affordability, and reputation among industry leaders.

You don’t have to just take our word for it, either. This school of business is ranked third in the country for the best online MBA programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report. As you can see, you don’t have to ever step foot on campus in order to get the well-rounded and enriching MBA experience you deserve.

Related: Best Online MBA in Information Systems

#2.  University of Nebraska, Lincoln

MBA Online

Originally chartered in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a land-grant university that first opened its doors to offer programs in the agricultural sciences. Although these programs are still at the heart of what UNL does best, it has since expanded to offer dozens of programs within eight different schools.

You’ll find more of the best MBA programs online at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The MBA@Nebraska is an entirely online program that is ranked as the best value for the money by Financial Times. It combines online and on-campus courses and allows students to choose from multiple specializations.

Whether you’re interested in business analytics, marketing, finance, human resource management, international business, or even supply chain management, this is the online MBA program for you. It is extremely flexible, with three separate start dates per year.

Online students will take core classes in subjects like:

• Business Data Mining
• Descriptive Analytics
• Data Management and Organization
• Applied Marketing Research

Best yet, you won’t have to go broke in order to benefit from all that this degree has to offer. You’ll pay just $650 per credit hour and enjoy an excellent return on your investment when you graduate. This online MBA program is one of the best of its kind.

#3.  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

MBA Online

A public land-grant research institution, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the largest public schools in the country by enrollment. Home to Research Park, where there are innovation centers for nearly 100 start-up companies and multinational corporations, this school is one of the best to earn an MBA.

The good news is that you don’t even have to step foot on campus in order to do so.

A top online MBA, the online MBA program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a self-paced degree that requires 72 credit hours of study. Technically referred to as an “iMBA,” the degree from the school of business is cohort-based so you’ll learn alongside these same groups of students for all of your courses.

The online MBA program is innovative and collaborative in nature, allowing you to work in groups as you complete a variety of team-based capstone projects. You can choose from a handful of different specializations for this online MBA program, including:

• entrepreneurship and strategic innovation
• business analytics
• digital marketing

There are plenty of immersive global experiences you can participate in as well.

You don’t even have to fully enroll in the online program in order to start honing your skills. Online students can take non-credit courses on their own or toward a certification pathway to help you figure out whether the program is right for you. You can also enroll in a single for-credit course to help you ease into things. The choice is yours.

Of course, you’ll also be able to tap into a large alumni network as a student here, too. Although this program is fully online with no travel requirements or added expenses, you’ll still get all the benefits of studying in the traditional sense on campus. You can tap into career services and the 470,000-strong alumni network around the world.

And at just $302 per credit hour, this online program is one of the cheapest (yet highest-quality!) you’ll find in the country. Not only that, but a survey of 2020 graduates showed that more than half had a promotion, job offer, or new position lined up while they were still enrolled in the iMBA. The average pay increase? More than 20%. Not a bad return on investment, we’d say!

#4.  The University of Texas at Dallas

MBA Online

A public research university located in Richardson, TX, the University of Texas at Dallas is the largest public university in the Dallas area. Although it’s still relatively young, founded only in 1961 as a private research branch of Texas Instruments, it has grown rapidly since its inception.

Another one of the top online MBA programs can be found here. This part-time online MBA program is flexible enough so that you can customize your coursework to meet your interests—and schedule your classes so that they fit around your fast-paced life.

It comes with 15 optional concentrations, including those in in-demand areas like accounting, energy management, finance, international management, and real estate, to name a few. You can also choose to pursue an academic certificate in areas like:

• Project Management
• Executive and Professional Coaching
• Transformational Leadership
• Organizational Consulting

A highly flexible program, it comes with pathways that allow you to take classes when it’s most convenient for you. In Addition to the online program, there’s also a flex degree and evening MBA evening cohort option.

You can even take on an additional Master of Science degree to help you double up on your studies and make your degree even more marketable. There are 13 different dual-degree options available, six of which are STEM-designated. As you probably could have predicted, this program is ranked the sixth-best online program by U.S. News & World Report.

#5.  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MBA Online

A public research university located in Chapel Hill, NC, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is not only one of the best institutions of higher education in the country—but also one of the oldest. It’s often considered a Public Ivy, offering an academic experience similar to that of a prestigious Ivy League university, and its charter in 1789 makes it the oldest public school in the state of North Carolina.

The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a superb cohort-based online MBA program. It offers all the perks of an on-campus program—the ability to interact with your peers, synchronous class sessions, and six days of in-person immersive experiences—with all the benefits of online learning.

Specifically, this online MBA program can be completed on your own terms. It requires 62 credit hours of study but you can take as long as 36 months or as few as 18 to complete those requirements. It even has four separate start dates for you to choose from!

With more than 25 electives and five different connections for online MBA students to choose from, this program is incredibly customizable. You’ll be able to specialize in fields like:

• marketing
• finance
• data analytics and decision making
• strategy and consulting

This affordable online MBA program costs around $2,025 per credit hour.

A STEM-designated degree, this program will give you the skills you need to make analytical and strategic decisions in a data-driven workplace. You’ll be able to tap into an alumni network that’s more than 42,000 strong along with global learning experiences to expose you to more diverse perspectives.

This school is ranked #1 in the country for the Best Online MBAs by U.S. News & World Report. Kenan-Flagler is also ranked within the Top 20 Best Business Schools by this publication as well. The average salary within one year of graduation is a whopping $159,557, with all graduates reporting an average 39% salary increase one year after graduation. You can’t put those results! The online MBA program at this college of business will set you on the path to a successful career.

#6.  Villanova University

Online MBA Program

You’ll find some of the best online MBA courses at Villanova University. Located near Philadelphia, PA, Villanova offers a number of programs entirely online. Among them is its 48-credit online MBA. You can complete your studies in as little as 20 months by taking classes full-time.

This accelerated program can be completed in as little as two years of study and provides students with the option of choosing between five different specializations:

• marketing
• finance
• strategic management
• analytics
• international business

Most course requirements can be completed entirely online, though all must participate in a three-day residency weekend within the first two semesters. You’ll also participate in synchronous sessions once a week so that you can interact face-to-face (albeit online, from the comfort of your own home!) with fellow classmates and your instructors.

There are three capstone projects for online MBA students that you’ll be required to complete, one of which is a global practicum that involves a trip abroad to an emerging or developing economy. Not interested (or able) to participate in this excursion? Don’t worry. You can substitute a domestic equivalent of this capstone experience instead.

The school is recognized as one of the best schools in the country for an online MBA, ranking within the top 20 in the U.S. News & World Report’s annual list. It’s also top-ranked by Poets and Quants and many other organizations as well.

#7.  Texas Tech University

Online MBA Program

Also known simply as Tech, Texas Tech University originally opened its doors as the Texas Technological College. This school has more than 150 courses of study through 13 colleges, along with 60 different research centers and institutes.

It is here that you will find some of the top online MBA courses for busy working professionals to take advantage of. A 42-credit hour program, it will allow you to earn your MBA at your own pace. Most students can complete it in as little as a year.

You’ll gain the skills you need to be successful as a leader in any business, learning from industry experts as you do so. There are several concentrations available, including those in General Business and Information Technology.

Regardless of the concentration you choose, you’ll take foundational courses like:

• Financial Management Concepts
• Marketing Concepts and Strategies
• Statistical Concepts for Business and Management

You can even pursue certifications such as Six Sigma or artificial Associate in Project Management to add to the overall value of your degree.

The online MBA program is just as easy to apply to as it is to complete. GMAT and GRE waivers are available and the online MBA has a flexible rolling admissions policy.

#8. Florida International University

Online MBA Program

As you might expect from the name of this university alone, Florida International University offers one of the most diverse and globally-focused online MBA programs around. You’ll be able to complete the degree in as little as 18 months, studying with learners and faculty from all over the world.

Not interested in an accelerated program? That’s okay! You can take up to 33 months to finish your courses if you choose. This online MBA program has five separate start dates and three different choices of completion tracks. You can also choose from eight different specializations including:

• strategic negotiations
• real estate
• business data analytics
• international business

Depending on the concentration you select, you may be able to complete the necessary requirements for an additional credential, too. For example, the healthcare MBA has certifications in things like Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belts and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. You can even get an Advanced Certificate in Global Healthcare Administration!

In addition to your core courses and the electives you’ll take in your area of specialization, you’ll also be required to complete three professional development seminars. There are all kinds of immersive in-person opportunities you can complete, including industry nights, residencies, and more. Plus, you’ll be able to build your professional skills and expand your networking opportunities with classmates and an alumni network of more than 300 healthcare professionals.

An affordable program, this online MBA program costs just $1,426 per credit hour—a bargain compared to many equivalent on-campus degrees! Plus, many of the concentrations within the online MBA have merit scholarships available. The healthcare concentration awards numerous $10,000 merit scholarships to its students each year!

#9.  Clemson University

Online MBA Program

Clemson University is the second-largest university in South Carolina. Located in the city of the same name, Clemson is a public land-grant research university that is known for its small class sizes. You’ll enjoy a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 18:1 here!

The online MBA at Clemson is offered by The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business and, despite being online and highly accessible to students everywhere, is also incredibly close-knit. Class sizes remain small despite the reach of the program, and they also offer an excellent quality of education.

You’ll be able to select the class structure that best fits your schedule, whether it’s joining a live class via video conferencing or consuming all the pre-recorded lectures and other materials you need asynchronously.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find that your courses take an innovative, applied approach to common business topics. You’ll collaborate with international and domestic companies on real-world projects and network with top executives and entrepreneurs at dozens of different program-sponsored events.

Of course, you’ll be able to benefit from all the resources you might have as an on-campus student at Clemson, too, such as job placement assistance and individual career counseling.

This school is ranked as one of the best universities in the country by the U.S. News & World Report.

#10. University of Maryland-College Park

Online MBA Program

The University of Maryland-College Park offers another one of the highest-ranked online MBA programs for you to choose from. The flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, the school is the largest university in the state with more than 41,000 students and a global alumni network of more than 388,000.

The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland has one of the best MBA programs in the nation. You’ll build your skills in leadership, analysis, communication, and decision-making so that you can take your place at the forefront of international business.

You can choose from multiple concentrations including:

• finance
• marketing
• information supply chain management
• systems and business analytics
• accounting

The online program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and is ranked tenth in the country by U.S. News & World Report. 

This online MBA program offers the same academic rigor and access to the same world-renowned faculty that you would get if you chose to study on-campus—but with the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Plus, when you graduate, you will join a network of more than 66,000 alumni worldwide.

#11. Johns Hopkins University

Online MBA Program

The oldest research university in the United States, Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, MD. First founded in 1876, this school was named after its original benefactor, the entrepreneur himself Johns Hopkins. As such, it is unsurprising that this school has one of the best programs for aspiring entrepreneurs in the country!

A flexible MBA, the Master of Business Administration at Johns Hopkins University is perfect for the student with full-time work experience in the private or public sector. It covers all the skills, concepts, and techniques that you need in order to be an effective leader in just about any organization.

It can be completed entirely in person, entirely online, or as a combination of the two formats. It can also be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. It has multiple specialization options to choose from including:

• Digital Marketing
• Business Analytics and Risk Management
• Entrepreneurial Marketing
• Financial Management
• Investments

Throughout the course of the entire online MBA program, you will only have to take one course on-campus (which includes a two-day onsite component). There are additional optional residency courses you can choose to take if you’d like to connect with your classmates, too, all of which take place in Baltimore, MD.

In total, you’ll complete 54 graduate credits within six years or less. Core courses include studies in:

• Marketing Management Strategic Management
• Corporate Finance
• Economics for Decision Making

#12. Florida State University

Online MBA Program

With more than 360 programs of study, including numerous professional school programs, it’s easy to see why Florida State University has been repeatedly ranked as one of the best public schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are so many different degrees to choose from here, all of which are taught by highly recognized, highly credentialed faculty members who are among the best in their respective fields.

That holds true for all of this school’s programs, but especially for this acclaimed online MBA. Available as a popular on-campus program, it can also be completed entirely online.

An affordable and flexible degree, it is ideal for the on-the-go learner. You’ll take 39 credit hours of study within the College of Business, allowing you to learn from the same credentialed instructors you would interact with as a student on-campus. U.S. News & World Report calls this program one of the Best Online MBA Programs in the country!

You can choose to take classes on a full- or part-time basis, but whichever you choose, know that there are multiple specializations for you to choose from. You can pursue an area of specialties like:

• Business Analytics
• Finance, Marketing
• Human Resources

There’s even an optional dual major with a real estate concentration, if you’re so inclined!

Whichever specialization you choose, you will take around 39 credit hours of study. Core courses include:

• Financial Reporting and Managerial Control
• The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• Problems in Financial Management
• Strategy and Business Policy

Tuition starts at just $479.32 for Florida residents studying on-campus and only $780.18 for learners online (non-residents pay only slightly more for online tuition and fees).

#13. University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Online MBA Program

Located in Amherst, MA, the University of Massachusetts is the only public land-grant university in the state. Although it originally opened its doors as an agriculture college, it is now the largest campus (and the flagship school!) in the prestigious UMass system.

With students spread out among nine different colleges and schools, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst has plenty to offer both traditional and online learners alike. The Isenberg School of Management is home to a fully online MBA that is perfect for professionals who want to become industry leaders.

Flexible and accessible, it will let you earn your degree in as little as two years. You can choose to take on-campus courses if you’d like, choosing from satellite locations in Shrewsbury and Boston in addition to Amherst, but you can also take all of your classes online.

There are multiple focus areas for you to choose from for this online MBA degree, including popular choices in:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Healthcare Administration
• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship

Whichever you choose, you’ll benefit from an AACSB-accredited curriculum that is one of the most well-established and robust in the country. The program is nationally ranked by publications like Financial Times, Poets & Quants, and U.S. News & World Report, just to name a few. You’ll learn from faculty who are approachable and dedicated, offering cutting-edge expertise and experience in their respective fields.

#14. Fayetteville State University

Online MBA Program

A historically black public regional university located in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville State University is the second-oldest state university in North Carolina. Originally a primary school, the university has evolved rapidly to provide quality bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to thousands of students from all over the country.

This online MBA degree at Fayetteville State University is both flexible and affordable, making it easy for working professionals everywhere to pursue their academic goals. You’ll benefit from industry-leading software, live, interactive lectures, and many other tools.

The online MBA program is regarded as the most affordable MBA program in the UNC system, costing you just a fraction of what you’d pay at other state schools. The degree is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and has multiple financial aid options available for qualifying students.

There are numerous concentrations for you to choose from, too. These include:

• Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Healthcare Management
• International Business
• Marketing

Of course, there’s a general track for students who aren’t sure which area of business they’d like to pursue.

In total, you’ll complete 27 core credit hours of study from this school of business in addition to up to 12 elective credit hours to focus on your specialization of choice.

#15. Rice University

Online MBA Program

A private research university, Rice University (formerly known as William Marsh Rice University) is located in Houston, TX. This school is home to eleven residential colleges and eight major academic colleges, including the prestigious Jones Graduate School of Business.

This school offers one of the best online MBA programs in the country—and you don’t have to just take our word for it, either. U.S. News & World Report has ranked this program as one of the top for 2021. It’s also ranked highly by Fortune Education, The Princeton Review, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

The online MBA program at Rice consists of 54 credits but can be completed entirely online in as little as 24 months. You’ll complete live virtual classes, with all of your assignments accessible from anywhere (including a mobile device!). Your assignment will include everything from real-world case studies to video simulations and even collaboration projects, allowing you to immerse yourself fully to practice vital hands-on business skills.

Your classes will take place with a smaller cohort of students, allowing you to approach the curriculum more intimately. You’ll be able to choose from multiple electives and career-path focus areas including:

• Corporate Strategy
• Corporate Finance
• Investment Management
• Marketing
• Healthcare
• Energy
• Entrepreneurship

Whichever you choose, you’ll benefit from a large global network of fellow Rice graduates. There are nearly 8,000 Rice MBA graduates around the world! The connections you make in this program are sure to last you a lifetime.

#16. University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Online MBA Program

Originally founded as Wilmington College, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a large public school with three campuses in Wilmington, NC, Jacksonville, NC, and Myrtle Grove, NC.

However, it is the online campus for which this school is most famous. There are dozens of online programs offered by the Cameron School of Business alone at UNC Wilmington—to say nothing of the other colleges that offer fully online degrees.

The online MBA program presents students with multiple opportunities to specialize in an area of interest. You can choose from concentrations like:

• Business Analytics
• Cybersecurity
• Human Resources
• International Business
• Supply Chain Management

Regardless of the option you choose, you will take around 36 credit hours of study and can graduate in as little as 12 months. You’ll take core courses in their rigorous curriculum such as:

• Business Analytics
• Corporate Finance
• Strategic Management
• Information Analysis and Management

The degree is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Finally, it’s important to note that this program is highly affordable. Total in-state tuition and fees for the entire program come in at right around $18,000. You can’t beat that kind of return on investment!

#17. University of Southern California

Online MBA Program

A private research university located in Los Angeles, CA, the University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in this state. It’s home to multiple graduate, undergraduate, and professional schools, including the famed Marshall School of Business.

At this school of business, you’ll find one of the country’s best online programs—but the good news is that you don’t have to study on-campus in order to benefit from all that it has to offer.

The online program in business is truly one of a kind ranked as a top program nationwide by Poets & Quants, U.S. News & World Report, and countless other publications. Your courses will prepare you to become a forward-thinking business leader with the ability to analyze a situation from numerous and diverse perspectives.

Although there is a mandatory on-campus residency for one week, all other requirements can be completed entirely online via weekly live webcam sessions. Most students enrolled complete their studies in as little as two years but you can take up to five if you want to complete your requirements on a part-time basis.

You will be taught by distinguished faculty and have the ability to access all regular campus resources, including career services and alumni outreach programs. Tuition is affordable and there are numerous merit-based scholarships available that range in price from $5000 to $20,000 to help you meet your goals.

#18. Auburn University

Online MBA Program

Auburn University is a public land-grant research university located in Auburn, AL. It’s home to more than 24,000 students, many of whom study online.

The online MBA degree is practically identical to the one offered on-campus—except, of course, you’ll be able to complete classes when it’s most convenient for you! You’ll complete 13 required classes (four of which are electives) over the span of up to six years.

Required courses include:

• Financial Analysis
• Strategic Analysis and the Competitive Environment
• Operations Excellence
• Marketing and Consumer Theory
• Information Systems for Competitive Advantage

You can customize your experience even further by pursuing a second master’s degree as part of the school’s dual degree pathways. Dual degree options include:

• Master of Science in Finance
• MS in Information Systems
• Master of Industrial Systems Engineering
• Master of Science in Supply Chain Management

Whichever path you select, you will be supported throughout every step of your journey by the same resources you’d be able to access on-campus. That includes the Graduate Career Services office, which facilitates summer internships, Advanced Professional Development courses and workshops, and more, and Financial Aid.

This online MBA has affordable tuition that starts at just $900 per credit hour along with a limited number of competitive scholarships for incoming students each year.

#19. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Online MBA Program

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public research university that has multiple campuses throughout the state of Texas. It is one of the largest universities in the country to have a majority Hispanic student population—making it one of the most diverse schools in the nation.

Of course, it also offers one of the best Master of Business Administration degrees, too. The program is offered 100% online and will provide you with the skills in leadership, project management, and communication that you need to meet your career goals.

You will take core required courses such as:

• Managerial Economics
• Accounting and Financial Analysis
• Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing
• Social Media in Business

You can complete the courses just one or two at a time to help you keep up with your other commitments, or you can complete your classes in an accelerated format.

Whichever you choose, you’ll love how affordable and convenient the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s online programs are. You’ll pay just $472.22 per credit hour for an entire program cost of just $17,000. There are numerous scholarships and other financial aid opportunities available as well.

#20. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Online MBA Program

You might be surprised to see Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University included on this list of the best online MBA programs, but rest assured—this private university focused on aviation and aerospace has more than earned its spot in this ranking.

Despite being known for its courses of study in aircraft mechanics, aviation, and engineering, Embry-Riddle is also home to one of the country’s best MBA programs. This revolutionary program is also available entirely online.

A certificate-based graduate program, the Master of Business Administration at Embry-Riddle has a special focus on aviation. It will let you tailor your studies to your unique interests in this field while also offering plenty of hands-on learning experiences in the field. In addition to the online global campus where you’ll likely take the majority of your classes, you can also take courses in Asia.

Although the program has a special focus on aviation, it can also provide you with a certification in an additional area of interest as well. Options include:

• Business Intelligence and Analytics
• International Business
• Project Management
• Leadership
• Information Systems Security

Your courses will blend a strong business foundation with a core of aviation fundamentals.

A 36-credit hour program, it is affordable and transfer-friendly, with multiple financial aid and scholarship opportunities available.

Frequently Asked Questions for Online MBA students to Consider

Is an online MBA taken seriously?

After reading our top online MBA rankings, you might be thinking, “that all sounds good—but is an online MBA just as respected as a traditional on-campus program?” The short answer to that question is this—absolutely.

Just make sure you select a program that is offered by an accredited school. If you choose a school that’s not accredited, you run the risk of employers not taking your credentials seriously. You may also be rejected for state and federal financial aid and if you decide to transfer to another university midway through your program, it’s unlikely that other accredited schools will accept the credits.

Choose a school that is regionally accredited. These tend to be better for MBA programs because they have higher academic standards than nationally accredited schools.

What are the admissions requirements for online MBA programs?

Because MBA programs are so popular—and profitable—they also have a tendency to be highly competitive. Requirements vary, but most popular programs have acceptance rates that are less than 25%. Online MBA programs do tend to have higher acceptance rates, but they’re still much more competitive than Master of Arts or Master of Science degrees in business.

As a result, you’ll need to make sure your application materials are in tip-top shape. Official transcripts will need to be sent from your undergraduate institution directly to the prospective school. Online MBA applicants should be aware of undergraduate GPA requirements. Most programs look for candidates with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. They are usually interested in applicants who majored in business, finance, economics, or a related field, though this can also vary.

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, is another common requirement. This graduate placement test is a standard requirement for most business schools, though some accept scores from the more generalized Graduate Record Examinations.

In addition to these two materials, you’ll also need to submit a resume, personal essay, and letters of recommendation. You may also need to have several years’ worth of work experience, particularly in a leadership role, in order to apply.

What will I learn in one of the top online MBA programs?

MBA programs are incredibly diverse—just as diverse as the students who choose to enroll in them! You’ll gain the analytical, networking, leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills you need to be successful as a leader in the business world.

In some of the highest-ranked online MBA programs, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of concentrations. Some of the most popular include:

finance, human resources, healthcare management, entrepreneurship, information systems management, marketing, and more.

These concentrations are designed to accommodate each and every student’s diverse career goal in business and it helps them learn their dream jobs. Many new online MBA programs also feature things like global immersions and study abroad programs to help you develop a more diverse perspective of the world of business.

What can you do after completing one of the best MBA programs online?

After completing one of the best online MBA programs, you’ll have a wide variety of career opportunities available to you. An MBA will prepare you for executive-level management jobs as well as to become an entrepreneur.

Some of the most common job titles pursued by graduates include:

• chief executive
• financial manager
• computer and information systems manager

As a chief executive (or chief financial officer, executive director, or president—these job titles are often viewed in the same category or line of work), you’ll be able to find a job in just about any industry. You’ll have to establish and oversee a company’s organizational goals, procedures, and policies while also overseeing the budget and managing other leadership activities.

You could also work as a financial manager. Financial managers perform data analysis tasks, create financial reports, and direct investment activities within organizations. While you could theoretically work as a financial manager with just a bachelor’s degree and a few years of experience, getting an MBA is the smartest choice if you want to ensure long-term career success.

Finally, another common job title pursued by MBA graduates is that of an information systems manager. As a computer and information systems manager, you’ll coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization.

Is an online MBA worth it?

Earning an MBA can be expensive, but trust us when we say—it’s worth it. There’s the potential for a serious return on your investment when you enroll in one of these programs.

According to The Wall Street Journal, MBA graduates earn tens of thousands of dollars more each year than they did before earning their MBAs—and those increases are exponential over the span of several years later, too.

Just how much can you earn? Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common job titles held by MBA graduates, along with their respective salaries.

As a chief executive, you have the potential to earn well over $107,680 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While some graduates progress to these leadership positions with just a bachelor’s degree and a few years’ worth of experience, having an MBA will streamline the process and put you on the fast track to success.

Financial managers enjoy high salaries, too. These jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 17%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even better, the average salary comes in at around $134,180 per year—even higher for professionals who work for in-demand organizations like scientific and technical services.

Decide to become a computer and information systems manager, and you’ll need to have some more specialized training in technology in addition to your MBA. However, your efforts are sure to pay off. Not only is this job in high demand—new positions are growing at a rate of around 11% per year, according to the BLS—but it’s also incredibly lucrative. You could earn around $151,150 per year on average!

See Also: Is An Online MBA Worth It?

Which online MBA is the best?

As you can see from our online MBA programs rankings, there are plenty of quality online MBA programs for you to choose from. These degrees are perfect for busy adults who want a rigorous program of study but without the hassle of traditional on-campus scheduling.

In addition to the programs listed above, some other top-notch online MBA programs can be found at schools like Indiana University, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Denver, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, according to The Princeton Review.

Leave no stone unturned in your search for the best online MBA for you. There’s no shortage of options out there, to say the very least!

Other Notable Programs:

• Virginia Commonwealth University
• University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Lehigh University
• West Chester University
• Southern California’s Marshall School of Business
• Colorado State University
• South Dakota’s Beacom School
• Kent State University

Other School Rankings

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 40 FASTEST ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS & TOP 10 REASONS TO EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE!