Because business skills apply across industries and organizations, online MBA programs serve individuals working in diverse fields such as healthcare, information technology, manufacturing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations are projected to grow 9% to 2030, adding more than 900,000 positions. We gathered the best online MBAs to help you decide which program will best meet your needs and facilitate your path to professional success.
Top 5 online schools for MBAs
The best online MBA degrees
The programs below have been assessed using ZDNet’s ranking methodology. Through thorough assessment and consideration of numerous factors, ZDNet provides a comprehensive look at the best online MBAs available. Gainesville, FL
Acceptance rate: 37%Graduation rate: 87%One- and two-year options
$530.70 in-state $1,255.30 out-of-state Application fee: $30 Chapel Hill, NC $586.23 in-state $1,602.45 out-of-state Application fee: $95 Miami, FL Application fee: $30 Champaign, IL Application fee: $70 Salt Lake City, UT Application fee: $55 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
Insights from an MBA graduate
Blaine Thiederman is a certified financial planner and the founder and principal advisor at Progress Wealth Management. Progress Wealth Management is a leading wealth management firm in Arvada, Colorado specializing in serving high-earning professionals in the West Denver area.
Acceptance rate: 37%Graduation rate: 87%Avg. annual net price: $6,302Time to completion: 16 months (accelerated), two years (traditional) GRE/GMAT: GMAT required; average 580 GMAT for admitted students Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Acceptance rate: 23%Graduation rate: 91%Avg. annual net price: $12,352Time to completion: 18-36 monthsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly available Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Acceptance rate: 58%Graduation rate: 64%Avg. annual net price: $7,296Time to completion: 18-33 monthsGRE/GMAT: Optional; minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FiveCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 59%Graduation rate: 86%Avg. annual net price: $15,880Time to completion: 2-3 yearsGRE/GMAT: Optional; minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FiveCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 59%Graduation rate: 86%Avg. annual net price: $15,880Time to completion: 24-26 monthsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly available Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Acceptance rate: 79%Graduation rate: 69%Avg. annual net price: $15,232Time to completion: 21-36 monthsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly available Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 44%Graduation rate: 83%Avg. annual net price: $19,045Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly available Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 60%Graduation rate: 73%Avg. annual net price: $13,986Time to completion: Two years or lessGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly available Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: EightCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 73%Graduation rate: 69%Avg. annual net price: $14,580Time to completion: Two to three yearsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum 475 GMATMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 51%Graduation rate: 81%Avg. annual net price: $20,008Time to completion: TwoGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly available Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 27%Graduation rate: 83%Avg. annual net price: $46.949Time to completion: 20-24 monthsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 68%Avg. annual net price: $15,465Time to completion: 18-36 monthsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 11%Graduation rate: 92%Avg. annual net price: $29,342Time to completion: Under three yearsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 9%Graduation rate: 93%Avg. annual net price: $16,000Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 62%Avg. annual net price: $14,916Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum 500 GMATMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 80%Graduation rate: 52%Avg. annual net price: $4,514Time to completion: One year, accelerated formatGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FiveCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 78%Graduation rate: 68%Avg. annual net price: $17,208Time to completion: 18-36 monthsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); recommended minimum 600 GMATMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 38%Graduation rate: 92%Avg. annual net price: $19,800Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Acceptance rate: 81%Graduation rate: 76%Avg. annual net price: $24,104Time to completion: 31 monthsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 70%Graduation rate: 62%Avg. annual net price: $14,648Time to completion: One yearGRE/GMAT: Required; minimum not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 65%Graduation rate: 73%Avg. annual net price: $19,055Time to completion: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum 500 GMATMinimum GPA: 3.2Enrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 26%Graduation rate: 92%Avg. annual net price: $34,606Time to completion: 18-36 monthsGRE/GMAT: OptionalMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: FiveCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 63%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $10,186Time to completion: 16-23 monthsGRE/GMAT: Waived for Spring 2022; recommended minimum 500 GMATMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 69%Graduation rate: 62%Avg. annual net price: $17,571Time to completion: One to six yearsGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); no minimumMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 82%Graduation rate: 65%Avg. annual net price: $16,020Time to completion: Two years or lessGRE/GMAT: Required (waivers available); minimum 475 GMATMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
ZDNet: What were the greatest takeaways from your MBA that helped you to be successful in your career? Blaine Thiederman: I recently started my own wealth management firm targeting high-earning professionals in Arvada, Colorado. Understanding everything that’s required to start a business from the ground up (at least from a high level) has been immensely valuable to me. Without my MBA, I’m confident I wouldn’t have been anywhere near as well-prepared. In addition, for companies that have employed me prior, my MBA has helped me to think differently than my peers who had less “business” focused backgrounds. The result of this is that I’ve been able to grow my organizations in ways to better serve our target client. ZDNet: What misconceptions do people have about this degree, and what would you tell them? BT: The biggest misconception people have about MBAs is that getting one is the golden ticket to a great career (it’s not). It’s a great step in the right direction, but it doesn’t prove you have specialized expertise. What should take priority over an MBA is first getting the highly regarded professional designation (CPA, CFP, PMP, CFA, etc.), licenses necessary and valuable experience. After getting these, pursue your MBA. By following this path, you’ll be able to prove you’re an expert and get the most out of your MBA and get paid a healthy salary. ZDNet: What was the most challenging, rigorous course you took in your MBA program? BT: Forensic accounting. It required roughly 4-6 hours of reading per week, in addition to a four-page paper. It was not an easy task at all. ZDNet: What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course? BT: First, verify it’s worth it. If you look at job postings for the jobs you seek to attain later in your career and find that none say “MBA preferred,” you should reconsider. Not only are MBAs expensive, but for some careers, they have no value. For others, they’re immensely valuable. In addition, if you can find a company to pay for your MBA for you and you’re able to do the MBA part-time while you’re employed, not only can it be more affordable but also more valuable because you get more experience while you’re going to school. ZDNet: What would you recommend that students do in addition to their MBA program, in order to stand out to employers? BT: Most careers these days have professional designations and licenses that are particularly valuable. Find the designation that your industry values most and get it. Remember, the harder it is, the easier it is for you to differentiate yourself compared to your competition, and, in doing so, prove you’re worth a higher salary. An MBA is much more general than these designations so, while valuable, it doesn’t prove niche specialization in your profession.
What to expect in an online MBA degree program
Designed to enhance existing business knowledge, an online MBA builds managerial and leadership skills. When it comes to what to expect in business school, students complete individual assignments and group projects alike. Core, elective, and specialized coursework accompanies a capstone requirement.
MBA courses
Coursework varies by program, but MBA courses generally emphasize business fundamentals like accounting, finance, and management. Students explore organizational structures, strategic thinking, and leadership as they relate to business environments.
Business administration degree levels
Students have options to earn business administration degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels. Each business degree has unique outcomes and accommodates different needs and goals. Associate and bachelor’s degrees including introductory coursework and lead to entry-level business positions. Master’s degrees and doctorates dive deeper into specific aspects of business, giving learners opportunities to move into advanced business roles.
Associate in business administration
Length: Two years Cost: $200-$700 per credit Post-grad careers: Administrative assistant, customer service representative, sales manager A business administration associate degree introduces students to business concepts and principles. Students study business communications, information systems, and economics through roughly 60 credit hours of coursework. With an associate degree in business administration, learners have the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level roles across industries and organizations. An associate degree in business administration also allows students to continue onto a bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
Bachelor’s in business administration
Length: 4 years Cost: $300-$1,000 per credit Post-grad careers: Project manager, human resource specialist, business analyst Most bachelor’s degrees in business administration include 120 credit hours of coursework and experiential learning requirements. The comprehensive nature of business administration bachelor’s degree prepares students for careers with private, public, and government organizations and across industrial sectors. Students complete general education classes alongside courses in business topics like accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Additional business courses explore human resources, international business, information technology, and project management.
Master’s in business administration
Length: 2 years Cost: $300-$1,200 per credit Post-grad careers: Senior business analyst, marketing director, financial manager A master’s degree in business administration builds on existing knowledge and skills and fosters managerial abilities. What to expect from business school varies by program, but many master’s degrees in business administration allow learners to specialize in areas such as healthcare, international business, or entrepreneurship. Master’s degrees in business administration integrate individuals and collaborative assignments and projects. As part of a business administration master’s degree, students may need to complete an internship or practical requirement. Working professionals often benefit from opportunities to do so at their current place of employment.
Doctorate in business administration
Length: 3-8 years Cost: $300-$1,200 per credit Post-grad careers: University professor, chief executive officer, entrepreneur There are two types of business administration doctorates. A doctorate of business administration focuses on business theory and knowledge, training students to apply it to the business world. A Ph.D. in business administration emphasizes research, ideal for individuals who want to work in academia and research. Coursework prepares learners to undertake an advanced project related to a specific aspect or issue within the business world. A Ph.D. in business administration culminates with a dissertation, while other business doctorates integrate projects and practical requirements.
In conclusion
The top online MBAs vary in format, content, and outcomes, making it essential to choose a degree that meets your needs. Finding the right degree can set you on the path to a lucrative, rewarding career as a business leader.
