Want to improve your career prospects and salary potential in the business world? Then consider applying to online MBA programs. Top MBA programs let you specialize in key business topics like finance, marketing, and management.
Full-time students can earn an MBA degree online in two years, while part-time students take around three years. No matter which option you choose, you'll graduate with the skills needed for a successful career in business.
We ranked the best online MBA programs using criteria like tuition rates, coursework, support services, and student outcomes.
Popular Online Programs
Top Online MBA Programs
Popular Online Programs
Application Requirements for an Online MBA
Completed application and application fee
Undergraduate transcripts
Resume
Statement of purpose
2-3 letters of recommendation
GMAT or GRE scores, if required
Interview, if required
Price Check
The average cost of an MBA is around $17,058 in tuition and fees, according to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Importance of Accreditation for Online MBA Programs
The best online MBA programs hold both institutional and programmatic accreditation.
You can check a school's accreditation status by using the directories on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website or the Department of Education website.
Top MBA programs should hold programmatic accreditation from one or more recognized business program accreditors:
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Programs with AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE accreditation offer many benefits, including a rigorous curriculum and high-quality student services. These programs also do the most to help you land a job.
What You'll Study in an Online MBA Program
In an online MBA program, you'll learn business and accounting basics. You'll study topics like business strategy, operations management, entrepreneurship, business law, and microeconomics.
Online MBA programs require 36-48 credits across a mix of core and elective courses. You'll also likely need to complete a capstone or thesis project.
Some programs give you the opportunity to do an in-person internship at a local business.
Most online MBA programs let you tailor your coursework to a specific concentration, such as finance or human resources.
Common MBA Concentrations
MBA concentrations give students specialized training in specific areas of business and can lead to a salary boost. You can complete an MBA in healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, finance, supply chain management, or hospitality management, among other specialties explored here.
How Much Does an Online MBA Cost?
The average MBA program charges $17,058 in annual tuition and fees, according to 2020 NCES data. Many factors affect the cost of online MBA programs, such as whether you qualify for in-state tuition.
You can lower your out-of-pocket expenses in several ways, including by applying for federal financial aid. You must submit the FAFSA each year if you want to qualify for federal grants and low-interest loans. Your school's financial aid office can help you fill out this form accurately.
Other aid includes scholarships for MBA students.
Jobs for MBA Graduates
The jobs available for MBA graduates depend on a person's individual concentration. For example, you may want to research programs with finance concentrations if you hope to become a finance manager.
An MBA can also help you advance your career if your employer restricts management-level positions to employees with advanced degrees. Many MBA job hubs exist to help you find a first job or start a new career. You can use these to research the latest postings for popular MBA jobs like those in the table below.
| JOB | MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY (MAY 2024) | JOB GROWTH RATE (2024-2034) | MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers | $161,700 | 15% | Bachelor's |
| Human Resources Managers | $140,030 | 5% | Bachelor's |
| Top Executives | $105,350 | 4% | Bachelor's |
| Financial Analysts | $101,910 | 6% | Bachelor's |
| Project Management Specialists | $100,750 | 6% | Bachelor's |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $102,140 | 10% | Bachelor's |
| Management Analysts | $101,190 | 9% | Bachelor's |
| Financial Examiners | $90,400 | 19% | Bachelor's |
| Budget Analysts | $87,930 | 1% | Bachelor's |
| Accountants and Auditors | $81,680 | 5% | Bachelor's |
Why You Should Earn Your MBA Degree Online
Some employers require candidates for leadership and executive roles to have an MBA.
Asynchronous online MBA classes let you complete coursework on your own time.
Out-of-state public universities may offer in-state tuition rates if you enroll in a 100% online program.
The best online MBA programs feature the same student services as on-campus programs, including resume support and career services.
Online education makes it easier to network with peers living around the U.S. — or even around the world.
You can enroll in an out-of-state school without spending money on relocating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Programs
On-campus and online MBA programs usually take full-time students about two years to finish. If you opt for an accelerated MBA, you may finish in as few as 1.5 years. Part-time students, on the other hand, typically take 3-3.5 years to earn their MBA.
