Deciding to acquire an MBA is a major life choice. It costs time and money, and you may even need to quit your job if you want to study full-time.
Figuring out whether it’s the right choice for you is a thing in and of its own, but one thing’s certain: the best MBA programs offer professionals a competitive edge in the business world.
If you want to know more about the best online MBA programs available — and about MBAs in general — this ultimate guide can help you out.
Best Online MBA Programs Ranked – 2026
- Bloomington Kelley School of Business – Indiana University
- Marshall School of Business – University of Southern California
- Tepper School of Business – Carnegie Mellon University
- Warrington College of Business – University of Florida
- Foster School of Business – University of Washington
- Ross School of Business – University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
- W.P. Carey School of Business – Arizona State University
- Eller College of Management – University of Arizona
- School of Business – University of Kansas
- Marshall School of Business – University of Southern California
- Spears School of Business – Oklahoma State University
- Saunders College of Business – Rochester Institute of Technology
- Naveen Jindal School of Management – The University of Texas at Dallas
- Zarb School of Business – Hofstra University
- Robert H. Smith School of Business – University of Maryland–College Park
What is an MBA?
An MBA is a Master of Business Administration.
MBAs were first introduced in 1908 by Harvard Business School. When Harvard first launched this master’s degree, it was the first known business-related graduate degree that became globally offered by big schools.
These days, the MBA is the most popular graduate management degree, most likely because it often comes with the benefit of making degree holders more attractive to employers.
When you study for a master’s degree in business administration, you build business knowledge, develop important leadership skills, learn soft skills, network, and gain fundamental management knowledge. This knowledge can help you achieve a more holistic perspective of business in various spaces like finance, marketing, and accounting.
It’s well-known by many that MBAs can help to boost your career and yearly salary prospects — even if you don’t necessarily go to the best MBA programs in US locations. This very career and salary boost is often why many choose to go for their master’s in business administration.
Other things that can motivate people to get an MBA include promotions to senior positions, managing people, better prospects when changing industries, and better knowledge for changing job functions.
The 15 Best Online MBAs 2024 Has to Offer
Based on some of the online MBA rankings, the best online business schools with MBA programs available are listed here.
Total Cost: $83,940
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: 36%
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: $125,140
Credits to Graduate: 54 credits, highly customizable
GMAT Requirements:
- GRE or GMAT scores are required, but in special cases, you may be able to apply for a waiver (especially if you have a strong academic past or can provide other evidence of your potential)
- As GMAT scores are valid for five years, if you’ve taken the test more than once in the past few years, only your highest scores will be considered
- Bloomington Kelley states the average GMAT score of applicants is around 670, but if your score is lower you may try to compensate on other parts of your application. Your scores should demonstrate a balance between your verbal and quantitative skills
- For more information on Bloomington Kelley’s requirements, see this link
- November 15 – Deadline for priority online MBA application for Spring (2026)
- December 15 – Deadline for final online MBA application for Spring (2026)
Bloomington Kelley School of Business offers what appears to be the best MBA online, and here’s why.
Indiana University’s Bloomington Kelley School of Business offers an online program that tops the MBA rankings almost every single year. It’s a top-tier program, but it’s affordable and offers plenty of value.
Some of the best benefits of this program include networking opportunities and flexible schedules. Many of the graduates mention they appreciated learning from devoted instructors and professors who give students personalized attention and use good-quality materials. It’s worth noting that the professors are the same ones that teach the conventional, in-person program.
The Kelley School of Business’ online MBA constantly tops ranking lists because it mirrors the in-person program exactly. There is also an on-campus week for students where they get world-class support.
Students can complete dual degrees (MBA/MS) at this school.
Total Cost: $125,589
Financial Aid: More information here
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: $134,235
Credits to Graduate: 62 credits
GMAT Requirements:
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill requires GMAT or GRE scores to be included with your application
- You may be able to apply for a waiver of this requirement; for more information click here
- There average GMAT scores for applicants is around 690
Application Deadlines:
- For April 2026 Start:
- Priority: December 15, 2025
- Final: January 26, 2026
- For October 2026 Start:
- Priority: June 22, 2026
- Final: July 20, 2026
Students who enroll in the Kenan-Flagler Business School’s online MBA program can experience the benefits of a highly flexible learning experience, a very strong curriculum, and the potential of a high average starting salary after graduation. It’s worth mentioning that the material covered in this program’s curriculum is highly invested in helping students to more deeply develop their analytical skills.
Students can even choose to earn their online MBA with an entrepreneurship concentration if they prefer — something that not many other online programs offer.
Total Cost: $141,320
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: $134,000
Credits to Graduate: 48 credits
GMAT Requirements:
- Required; GMAT scores are preferred, but GRE scores are accepted
- The average applicant GMAT score is 684 as of writing
Application Deadlines:
- January 5, 2022 / March 6, 2022 / April 18, 2022
- Because all the major deadlines have passed, you can continue to send in your application through rolling admissions though you will need GRE/GMAT/EA scores to do so.
Carnegie Mellon (CM) is a prestigious institution offering an online MBA program through the Tepper School of Business. The tuition costs reflect this distinction.
The program offered at this school is a part-time online MBA where students can enjoy the convenience of online classes while also attending short yet immersive on-site “Access Weekends” every two months at a CM location.
Students often choose this program for its quality and flexibility. It offers part and full-time options, so if you want to keep working, you won’t have to quit your job. Regardless of your choice, you still go through the same curriculum as the full-time program.
Total Cost:
- One-Year Online MBA: $49,205
- Two-Year Online MBA: $59,808 (total tuition & fees)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 71%
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $112,000 (reported for online MBA graduates; salary outcomes may vary by role and industry)
Credits to Graduate:
- One-Year Online MBA: 32 credits
- Two-Year Online MBA: 48 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT/GRE scores are optional for the Online MBA program. Applicants may submit scores to strengthen their application, but they are not required.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: June 1
- Spring Start: November 1
- Summer Start: February 15
The University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business offers a highly ranked and affordable online MBA program designed for working professionals.
Students can choose between an accelerated one-year format or a flexible two-year option, both delivered fully online while maintaining the same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus MBA.
The Warrington Online MBA is frequently recognized for its strong return on investment, combining a respected public-university brand with comparatively low tuition and competitive post-graduation salary outcomes.
Total Cost: ~$99,000 (over 6 quarterly installments)
Financial Aid: Available (financing options include federal and private loans, employer assistance)
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 67% (for the Hybrid MBA program)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximate ~$151,000 (based on Foster MBA broader employment outcomes; specific hybrid MBA salaries may vary)
Credits to Graduate: Program structure spans ~21 months/6 academic quarters — credit count not publicly specified as traditional quarter credits for the hybrid MBA; typically aligned with a ~48 credit equivalent MBA load (confirm with admissions)
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are generally considered; the Hybrid MBA class profile reports an average GMAT of ~664, indicating test submission is common and competitive (confirm current requirement with admissions)
Application Deadlines:
- Round 1: January 9, 2026
- Round 2: March 6, 2026
- Round 3: May 8, 2026
The University of Washington’s Foster School of Business Hybrid MBA combines predominantly live online classes with occasional in-person sessions, catering to working professionals seeking a flexible MBA format. Ranked among the top online/part-time MBA programs nationally, Foster’s hybrid degree emphasizes leadership, career advancement, and connection with industry teams and faculty.
Total Cost: Approximately $130,000–$135,000 (tuition based on per-credit pricing; subject to annual increases)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 23% (Ross School of Business overall selectivity; online MBA admissions are competitive and holistic)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $170,000+ average base salary (based on Ross MBA employment outcomes; online MBA graduates report comparable career progression and compensation growth)
Credits to Graduate: 57 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Applicants may request a test waiver based on academic background and professional experience, though strong scores may enhance competitiveness.
Application Deadlines:
- Round 1: September
- Round 2: January
- Round 3: March
The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business offers a top-ranked Online MBA designed for experienced professionals seeking flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor or brand prestige.
The program blends live online classes with in-person residencies, emphasizing action-based learning, leadership development, and real-world business impact.
Ross is widely recognized for its elite faculty, powerful alumni network, and strong post-MBA career outcomes, making its Online MBA one of the most respected and competitive programs in the market.
Total Cost: Approximately $61,000 (tuition and fees; varies slightly by residency and term)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 35%–40% (estimated based on W. P. Carey MBA admissions selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $125,000 (based on W. P. Carey MBA employment outcomes; online MBA graduates report comparable compensation growth)
Credits to Graduate: 49 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Many applicants receive a test waiver based on professional experience, prior academic performance, or advanced degrees.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: June 1
- Spring Start: October 1
- Summer Start: February 1
Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business offers one of the most flexible and affordable top-ranked online MBA programs in the U.S., designed specifically for working professionals.
The program is delivered 100% online with asynchronous coursework, allowing students to balance full-time employment while completing a rigorous, analytics-driven MBA curriculum.
W. P. Carey is consistently recognized for innovation, strong career outcomes, and excellent return on investment, making its Online MBA a popular choice for professionals seeking advancement without career interruption.
Total Cost: Approximately $62,000–$65,000 (total tuition and fees; cost may vary slightly by course load and term)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: 40% (estimated based on Eller MBA admissions selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $120,000 (based on Eller MBA employment outcomes and reported post-MBA compensation growth)
Credits to Graduate: 45 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Many applicants qualify for a test waiver based on professional experience, academic performance, or advanced degrees.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: July 1
- Spring Start: November 15
- Summer Start: April 1
The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management offers a highly respected online MBA program focused on leadership, strategy, and innovation for experienced professionals.
The program is delivered 100% online with flexible scheduling, allowing students to balance full-time work while completing the same rigorous curriculum as Eller’s on-campus MBA.
Eller is well known for strong career outcomes, a collaborative culture, and excellent return on investment, making its Online MBA a compelling choice for professionals seeking advancement without relocating or pausing their careers.
Total Cost: Approximately $60,000–$62,000 (total tuition and fees; pricing is consistent for in-state and out-of-state students)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 50%–55% (estimated based on University of Kansas MBA admissions selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $120,000 (based on KU MBA employment outcomes and reported post-MBA salary growth)
Credits to Graduate: 42 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Test waivers are widely available for applicants with sufficient professional experience, strong academic records, or advanced degrees.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: July 15
- Spring Start: November 15
- Summer Start: April 15
The University of Kansas Online MBA is designed for working professionals seeking a flexible, high-quality business education from a respected public university.
The program is delivered 100% online with asynchronous coursework, allowing students to progress at a manageable pace while maintaining full-time employment.
KU’s School of Business is recognized for strong career outcomes, personalized faculty support, and excellent value, making its Online MBA an attractive option for professionals focused on leadership advancement and return on investment.
Total Cost: Approximately $125,000–$130,000 (total tuition and fees; based on per-unit pricing and subject to change)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 20%–25% (estimated based on USC Marshall MBA admissions selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $165,000–$170,000 average base salary (based on USC Marshall MBA employment outcomes; online MBA graduates report similar compensation growth)
Credits to Graduate: 51 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Applicants may qualify for a test waiver based on academic background, professional experience, or advanced degrees. Strong scores may enhance competitiveness.
Application Deadlines:
- Round 1: October
- Round 2: January
- Round 3: March
The University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business offers a highly selective and prestigious Online MBA program designed for experienced professionals seeking flexibility without compromising academic rigor or brand value.
The program blends live online classes with in-person residential experiences, emphasizing leadership, data-driven decision-making, and real-world business application.
USC Marshall is widely recognized for its powerful alumni network, strong placement outcomes, and emphasis on collaborative leadership, making its Online MBA one of the most competitive and respected programs in the online MBA market.
Total Cost: Approximately $30,000–$35,000 (total tuition and fees; same rate for in-state and out-of-state students)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 55%–60% (estimated based on Spears School of Business MBA admissions selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $105,000–$110,000 (based on Spears MBA employment outcomes and reported post-MBA salary growth)
Credits to Graduate: 33 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Test waivers are commonly granted based on professional experience, undergraduate GPA, or prior graduate coursework.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: July 1
- Spring Start: November 1
- Summer Start: April 1
Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business offers one of the most affordable AACSB-accredited online MBA programs in the U.S., making it an excellent option for cost-conscious working professionals.
The program is delivered 100% online with asynchronous coursework, allowing students to balance full-time work while progressing through a rigorous, fundamentals-driven MBA curriculum.
Spears is well regarded for strong faculty engagement, flexibility, and value, consistently delivering solid career outcomes and return on investment for online MBA students.
Total Cost: Approximately $48,000–$52,000 (total tuition and fees; based on per-credit pricing)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 65%–70% (estimated based on RIT graduate admissions and Saunders MBA selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $110,000–$115,000 (based on Saunders MBA employment outcomes and reported post-MBA salary growth)
Credits to Graduate: 48 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Test waivers are commonly granted based on professional experience, undergraduate GPA, or prior graduate coursework.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: July 1
- Spring Start: November 15
- Summer Start: April 1
Rochester Institute of Technology’s Saunders College of Business offers a technology-focused Online MBA designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in data-driven and innovation-oriented organizations.
The program is delivered 100% online with flexible, asynchronous coursework, allowing students to balance full-time employment while completing a rigorous and applied MBA curriculum.
Saunders is well known for its strong STEM emphasis, experiential learning approach, and solid return on investment, making its Online MBA a compelling option for professionals at the intersection of business and technology.
Total Cost: Approximately $55,000–$60,000 (total tuition and fees; cost varies slightly by residency and course load)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 55%–60% (estimated based on Jindal School of Management MBA admissions selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $120,000–$125,000 (based on Jindal MBA employment outcomes and reported post-MBA salary growth)
Credits to Graduate: 53 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Test waivers are commonly granted for applicants with strong professional experience, prior academic performance, or advanced degrees.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: July 1
- Spring Start: November 15
- Summer Start: April 1
The University of Texas at Dallas’s Naveen Jindal School of Management offers a well-regarded Online MBA program with a strong focus on analytics, technology, and leadership development.
The program is delivered 100% online with flexible, asynchronous coursework, making it well suited for working professionals seeking to advance their careers without pausing employment.
Jindal is consistently recognized for strong ROI, solid career outcomes, and its proximity to major business and technology hubs, making its Online MBA a popular choice for professionals aiming for managerial and executive roles.
Total Cost: Approximately $70,000–$75,000 (total tuition and fees; based on per-credit pricing)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 60%–65% (estimated based on Hofstra graduate admissions and Zarb MBA selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $115,000–$120,000 (based on Zarb School of Business MBA employment outcomes and reported post-MBA salary growth)
Credits to Graduate: 42 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Test waivers are commonly granted for applicants with sufficient professional experience, strong undergraduate GPA, or prior graduate coursework.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: July 1
- Spring Start: December 1
- Summer Start: April 1
Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business offers a flexible Online MBA program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in the New York metropolitan market and beyond.
The program is delivered 100% online with asynchronous coursework, allowing students to balance professional responsibilities while completing a rigorous, AACSB-accredited MBA curriculum.
Zarb is well regarded for its strong corporate connections, personalized class experience, and practical, career-focused approach, making its Online MBA a solid option for professionals targeting leadership and management roles.
Total Cost: Approximately $90,000–$95,000 (total tuition and fees; pricing is consistent for in-state and out-of-state students)
Financial Aid: Available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 30%–35% (estimated based on Smith School MBA admissions selectivity)
Graduates’ Average Starting Salaries: Approximately $140,000–$145,000 (based on Smith MBA employment outcomes and reported post-MBA compensation growth)
Credits to Graduate: 54 credits
GMAT Requirements: GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Test waivers are available for applicants with strong professional experience, academic performance, or advanced degrees.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Start: June 1
- Spring Start: October 15
- Summer Start: February 15
The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business offers a highly ranked Online MBA program designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in technology, consulting, and government-adjacent industries.
The program is delivered 100% online with live and asynchronous components, emphasizing analytics, digital transformation, and experiential learning.
Smith is widely recognized for strong career outcomes, a powerful alumni network in the Washington, D.C. corridor, and excellent return on investment, making its Online MBA a strong choice for ambitious working professionals.
What Are Some Common MBA Specializations?
MBA specializations allow you to go into a niche of your choosing once you begin your career. Deciding which field to go into isn’t easy, but it depends on your long-term career goals.
1) General Management
The general management niche is often the most popular choice for MBA students. Even if you ask the best MBA programs’ students, you’ll likely find that many have chosen this specialization — and there’s a reason why.
General management is a great choice if you want to develop your general or all-around business knowledge and skills. It’s versatile, allowing you to use your newly gained knowledge in different industries and business areas.
2) Strategic Management
Unlike general management, strategic management focuses more on preparations you can take for long-term plans. Strategic management usually involves long-term business planning and planning for back-ups and contingencies.
3) International Business
This specialization is a great choice for people who want to work abroad. It’s also excellent for people who want to work for companies with headquarters in several countries worldwide. People within this niche often help keep a company’s or organization’s goals aligned globally.
4) Entrepreneurship
As the name might suggest, students often choose the entrepreneurship specialization if they plan to pursue a business idea. People who work in or want to pursue a start-up can benefit greatly from studying entrepreneurship with their MBA.
5) Finance
The finance specialization is best for people who want to work within the exciting world of finance. It focuses on data analysis, statistics, and accounting, making it a fantastic choice for financial managers, bankers, and financial controllers. It also makes a good choice for chief executives — chief financial officers, in particular.
6) Marketing
Although there are other master’s degrees in marketing, in-person and online MBA programs also offer a marketing track. This specialization focuses on teaching students strategies to promote a business’s products and services.
7) Human Resources (HR)
This specialization is for managers who control HR teams or those working with large groups of employees. When you’re studying HR with your MBA, you’ll focus heavily on team development and motivation, conflict resolution, and other similar management-related concepts.
8) Information Technology (IT) Management
If you want to work in the tech sector or for a business that relies heavily on technology, you can specialize in IT management. It’s not a requirement to go into that industry, but it may help you get a leg up on your competition.
Pros and Cons of an MBA
Deciding whether to pursue a master’s in business administration can be difficult, considering how much time and money you’ll need to invest in the process. If you’re still trying to figure it out, this list of pros and cons may help.
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Alternatives to an MBA
Many may assume that having an MBA can enhance their careers and provide them with a considerable return on investment (ROI), which is true in many cases.
However, earning a master’s in business administration isn’t always the best choice for everyone. After all, the cost involved can be prohibitive for some — and truthfully, not everyone will benefit from having this achievement.
If you’re unsure whether you need to earn an MBA to advance in your career, here are a few alternatives for you to consider.
- Leadership development programs
- Simple networking
- Earning various certifications
- Mentoring
- Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma Certification
- Attending seminars and conferences
When you’re deciding between an MBA and some of the above alternatives, you can consider your career goals as well as the critical skills and requirements of your dream job. Ask yourself what experience, training, and exposure can help you develop these skills best.
A Career With an MBA
The world is in the middle of a pandemic that has affected many people’s lives and the global economy. Despite this fact, there doesn’t seem to be a massive negative effect on how well MBA graduates have been doing.
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s 2020 survey for corporate recruiters, students who graduated with an MBA in 2020 have still been commanding six-figure salaries in their job offers.
The main effect the pandemic has had on MBA grads is the $10,000 drop-in average yearly wages. It appears as though the current average sits around $105,000, where it used to be $115,000 pre-pandemic.
So, if you’re worried about getting a job after your MBA, there still appears to be a good chance you’ll find a job with a lucrative salary.
It’s worth mentioning that some MBA specializations seem to be doing better than others during the pandemic (and most likely for some time after it), like the jobs below.
1) Marketing Managers
Average Yearly Salary: $142,170
Growth from 2020-2030: 10% (around the average)
Marketing managers plan and strategize programs and campaigns to generate consumer interest in a business’s services or products. They often work in corporate offices or regional managing offices. Alternatively, they can also work in ad agencies.
2) Medical and Health Services Manager
Average Yearly Salary: $104,280
Growth from 2020-2030: 32% (triple the average)
Professionals in this fast-growing occupation plan, coordinate, and direct all the business activities of healthcare providers. They work as administrators in healthcare facilities like elder care homes, hospitals, and private group medical practices. People in this field will often need some clinical experience or experience working an administrative role in a healthcare facility or hospital.
3) Financial Manager
Average Yearly Salary: $134,180
Growth from 2020-2030: 17% (around double the average)
People in this role create financial reports, develop long-term financial plans for growth and management, and direct investment activities. Financial managers often work full-time, sometimes over 40 hours a week. They often find employment in insurance companies, investment firms like hedge funds or mutual funds, and banks.
4) Top Executives
Average Yearly Salary: $103,650 for general and operation managers and $185,950 for chief executives
Growth from 2020-2030: 17% (around double the average)
Top executives can work in practically any industry given the duties they usually undertake. They plan policies and strategies to ensure that organizations and businesses meet their financial goals. Top execs often have busy, irregular schedules, including working evenings and weekends. They may often travel for work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MBA is most valuable?
The top 10 highest-paying MBA concentrations are:
- Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resources
- IT
- Marketing
- Real Estate
- Information Security
- International Business
- Healthcare Management
Is an online MBA worth it?
The answer to this question depends on your needs. Online MBAs have many benefits: you may not need to quit your job, and you may be able to pursue rarer specializations not available nearby. Additionally, online studies can mean that you won’t need to relocate.
The best benefit, of course, is you can often save money pursuing degrees online.
On the flip side, online MBAs may not be worth it if you prefer in-person learning. Some recruiters and hiring managers may also not respect online MBAs as much as conventionally earned degrees. However, this is changing more and more over time, especially since the pandemic has helped push education into the online space. It’s more likely for employers to respect your online MBA now, but you must ensure that it comes from an accredited institution.
How do I choose the right MBA program?
When selecting the right program, consider the program’s culture, your ideal concentration, delivery format, tuition cost, and the potential ROI.
Related: Best Online MBA in Florida: Top 7 Choices
Can you complete an MBA in 1 year?
The simple answer is: yes — depending on the school and program you choose. Some programs can be finished as quickly as nine months, especially ones with accelerated tracks. You’ll need to do a bit of shopping around, but chances are you’ll be able to see some programs that you can finish quickly so you can go back to your career as soon as possible.
Do online MBAs provide placements?
In some countries, the answer to this would be yes. However, this does not appear to be the case in the US.
Which type of MBA is in demand?
When it comes to specializations, the Princeton Review says that the following are the most in-demand:
- General management
- Strategy
- International management
- Consulting
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial leadership
Are online MBAs taken seriously?
Yes! Most employers these days recognize the availability and credibility of online degrees, including MBAs. The exception to this, of course, is when it pertains to unaccredited schools. If the university or college from which you’ve earned (or intend to earn) your MBA is not registered or accredited, it is likely an employer will not take your degree seriously.
If you are still in the process of figuring out which MBA program to choose, make sure that you investigate each one to determine if they are accredited institutions. If they are not registered and accredited, strike them off your shortlist.
Is getting an online MBA worth it?
This Coursera article goes over some of the benefits you are likely to get when you graduate from an online MBA program. Some things that you may experience include:
- You may get a promotion at work or see your responsibilities expanded at the very least
- You can get access to your school’s alumni network nation and worldwide — something that can be extremely valuable in the world of business
- You are likely to receive a financial boost in the form of increased salaries and benefits
The financial boost alone can be an excellent reason to go for an MBA. You can consider an online MBA as an investment, especially since Poets & Quants says that in 2021, online MBA graduates received salary boosts of as much as a staggering 63%.
Which online MBA is the best?
Choosing the “best” online MBA can be incredibly challenging, especially since it’s an entirely subjective experience. Of course, you can go by the rankings and say the school at #1 is objectively the best, but for your particular situation, it could still be different. Consider things such as:
- The school’s name and ranking
- The MBA program’s curriculum
- The total cost of attendance, and whether you can obtain financial aid, scholarships, or grants
- The specializations and MBA concentrations available at the institution
- The success of previous graduates and their average starting salary post-graduation
In the end, only you can decide the best online MBA program for you.
Does Harvard offer an online MBA?
Unfortunately, no. At this time, Harvard currently does not offer a full-time online MBA program. The Harvard Business School’s MBA programs are typically full-time cohort programs held in person, on-campus. However, the programs do still offer some part-time or online-learning opportunities so that students can at least have some flexibility to work with. These opportunities allow students to continue working their full-time jobs or fulfill any other ongoing responsibilities they may have as they study.
If you’d like to know more about why the HBS does not offer fully-online MBAs, it is because HBS felt in 2012 that the tools available in online education weren’t a good fit for courses taught with methods that were heavily reliant on in-person class discussions (such as case methods).
Regardless, we may see this change as online learning becomes the norm — especially now that HBS online is a thing!
Does it matter where you get your MBA from?
Most of the time, the answer to this question depends on your employer. Some employers focus on where you got your MBA, giving more credence to the source of your degree than any other factor that may come into play. In this GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) report from 2018, 84% of full-time 2-year MBA graduate respondents (regardless of institution) were employed, while 12% are now entrepreneurs. Full-time 1-year MBA graduate respondents were 78% employed, with 13% now pursuing entrepreneurship. That brings it to a total of 96% and 91% total employed for both 2-year and 1-year programs, respectively.
Of course, you may receive an edge by going to one of the programs. Going to a well-known university or program may help you command a higher salary and more benefits all around.
How much does an MBA increase your salary?
According to this article, those who graduate from an MBA program can earn as much as $20,000 more each year. Some may also earn much more, depending on a few factors. Your increase may depend on things such as your location, your school (sometimes, if the employer cares about where your degree came from), your experience, what industry you are in, and more. For more insight and a few examples of prospective salaries depending on the industry, you can check out this Coursera article.
How long does it take to get an online MBA?
The length of time it takes to earn your MBA can depend on a few things. For example, if you are taking a one-year program, you might be able to finish it as quickly as nine to twelve months. If you take a full-time program, you can finish within the expected time frame of one to two years. Part-time can take you as long as four years, depending on how much time you dedicate to your studies. MBAs generally require about 30 – 50+ credit hours to complete, at an average of two to three years.
Is an MBA for You?
Only you can decide which of these best online MBA programs are right for you. You’ll need to consider a few things, such as the cost of your education and whether it makes sense with your career goals. But since career and salary prospects for MBA graduates seem to be good even during a pandemic, it may be worth considering!
If you’re considering a graduate program, check out our article about how to pay for grad school.
Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications. When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.
