Best Online MBA in Florida: Top 7 Choices [2024 Review]

Earning a business degree is an ideal way to fast-track your career, no matter your field. It’s a solid educational asset to strengthen your management, team-building, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. While many entry-level professionals pursue MBAs to move up, it’s also common for executives and entrepreneurs to enroll mid-career to enhance their skills or move even further up.

The degree will provide advanced training in accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources management, to name a few.

And if you have a tight schedule? Online MBAs are around for that purpose — to help you manage work-life balance while pursuing education. We think today’s aspiring business professionals would benefit greatly from pursuing an online MBA in Florida.

Accredited Florida Universities such as Warrington College of Business, Florida Atlantic University, and Muma College of Business offer some of the best online master’s degrees in Florida.

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with the best MBA programs in Florida. Let’s go over seven top MBA schools in Florida.

Keep reading, and we’ll help you decide the best MBA in Florida.

• University of Florida – Warrington College of Business
• University of South Florida – Muma College of Business
• Florida Gulf Coast University – Lutgert College of Business
• Florida Southern College – Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise
• Florida Institute of Technology – Nathan M. Bisk College of Business
• Florida Atlantic University – College of Business
• Florida International University – Chapman Graduate School of Business

Top Florida MBA Programs – At a Glance

University	Tuition	Notable feature
University of Florida – Warrington College of Business	$48,000 $60,000	Short, one-year program
University of South Florida – Muma College of Business	$30,000	Data privacy and security specializations
Florida Gulf Coast University – Lutgert College of Business	$20,000	Entrepreneurial approach; ethical awareness; low tuition
Florida Southern College – Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise	$30,000 to $35,000	CPA licensure and industrial-organizational psychology concentrations; hybrid option
Florida Institute of Technology – Nathan M. Bisk College of Business	$32,000	GMAT/GRE not required.
Florida Atlantic University – College of Business	$32,000 to $36,000	#1 in Florida for best ROI
Florida International University – Chapman Graduate School of Business	$42,000	Online Healthcare MBA specialization

Top 7 Online MBA in Florida

1. University of Florida – Warrington College of Business

The University of Florida is a pioneer in online MBA programs. Don’t believe us? The program tops a few best online MBA program lists.

Students can pick from a one-year (16-month) online program or a two-year (24-month) course based on their qualifications. The shorter program is an accelerated degree if you’ve graduated within the last seven years with a business undergraduate degree. The two-year degree is for candidates who graduated more than seven years ago. Those from non-business fields can also opt for this program. Interested in applying? Make sure you have at least two years of work experience.

Tuition: $48,000 $60,000

Location: Gainesville, Florida

Notable course or school feature: Short one-year program

2. University of South Florida – Muma College of Business

The University of South Florida fuses its infamous high-quality academic standards with the flexibility of distance learning through the online MBA at the Muma College of Business.

This online MBA uses the latest technology to conduct seamless online classes. At the end of the course, students will emerge with proficiency in their chosen elective. A dedicated USF advisor will help you pick a concentration aligned with your passions and strengths.

You might choose one of the following concentrations:

• Finance
• Healthcare Analytics
• Cybersecurity
• Anti-money laundering
• Data Analytics

Working professionals with full-time jobs can finish the course in three years; others can decide to fast-track it and complete it in one year.

Tuition: Ranges from $29,000 – $30,000

• $750 per credit hour for core, elective, and capstone courses.
• $497 per credit hour for foundation courses.

Graduation rate: 69%

Location: Tampa, Florida

Notable course or school feature: Data privacy and security specializations

3. Florida Gulf Coast University – Lutgert College of Business

Lutgert College of Business has an inexpensive yet comprehensive online MBA program. This accredited degree covers popular topics in accounting, economics, executive, management, and supervisory positions.

Despite the online format, lesson plans foster teamwork and communication, ensuring that the students learn the cardinal topics involved in being a leader and team manager.

Candidates from a non-business background can also apply for this degree program. But, the institution may require four basic classes in accounting, economics, and corporate finance. A nice bonus? This program is one of the cheapest online master’s programs out there.

Tuition: $20,000

Location: Fort Myers, Florida

Notable course or school feature: Entrepreneurial approach; ethical awareness; low tuition

4. Florida Southern College – Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise

This Florida online MBA program offered by the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise is one of the fastest-growing in the state. Its high popularity leads it to our list of the best online MBA programs in Florida.

First established in 2016, the online program has grown by over 250%. With 33 hours of coursework, it’s asynchronous, meaning students can log in and finish the program at their own pace.

Here’s what you can specialize in:

• Business Analytics
• Healthcare Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Esports Management
• CPA Licensure
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Students can choose between a hybrid program or an online-only course. In the hybrid one, most coursework is completed online, with on-campus presence required every other Saturday. Working professionals with little time for in-person classes can select the online-only program.

Distant learners will have access to the same renowned professionals and coursework as their on-campus classmates.

Tuition: $30,000 – $35,000

Graduation rate: 95%

Location: Lakeland, Florida

Notable course or school feature: CPA licensure and industrial-organizational psychology concentrations; hybrid option

5. Florida Institute of Technology – Nathan M. Bisk College of Business

The Nathan M. Bisk College of Business is one of the few colleges on this list that offers a 100% online MBA program without requiring a GMAT or GRE entrance score. Overseas students, however, will have to submit a TOEFL score of 79 or more to qualify.

The program aims to give students essential qualities to create successful businesses in the real world. A few concentration options include:

• Accounting
• Accounting & Finance
• Cybersecurity
• Finance
• Healthcare Management

Additionally, students will dive deep into practical topics like risk assessment and organizational management mastery.

Nathan M. Bisk College of Business’s tuition is higher than average at $32,000.

Tuition: $32,000

Graduation rate: 75%

Location: Melbourne, Florida

Notable course or school feature: GMAT/GRE not required.

6. Florida Atlantic University – College of Business

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) College of Business has superb 16 and 23-month online MBA programs. Designed for working professionals, the program invites professionals to study without interrupting their careers.

The college prioritizes interactive learning to reproduce in-person classes in the virtual space. Plus, its online faculty is the same as the on-campus program. With AACSB accreditation, students who finish this asynchronous program will receive a globally recognized MBA degree. Looking to specialize? Take your pick with these abundant concentrations:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• International Business
• Finance
• Health Administration
• Operations Management
• Management Information Systems

And if you aren’t feeling the online vibe? Feel free to switch to on-campus education at any time.

Tuition: $32,000 – $36,800

Graduation rate: 58.9%

Location: Boca Raton, Florida

Notable course or school feature: #1 in Florida for best ROI

7. Florida International University – Chapman Graduate School of Business

Chapman Graduate School of Business’s MBA degree is an intensive course for hardworking students. Boasting a reputed faculty, low tuition fees, and high-quality education, the Chapman Graduate School of Business is an excellent choice for an online MBA.

You can finish this Florida online MBA in 18, 21, or 33 months, in any of these specializations:

• General MBA

This fast-paced program is perfect for professionals with full-time jobs.

• MBA with a Specialization in Sports Management

A collaboration between Real Madrid Graduate School and Chapan led to this rare sports management MBA program. For 17 months, you learn from the best sports industry professionals worldwide.

• Online Healthcare MBA

Interested in healthcare administration and leadership? This online MBA in the medical field is perfect for aspiring hospital administrators or innovative healthcare tech entrepreneurs. The best part? You’re finished after 18 months.

Tuition: $42,000

Graduation rate: 80%

Location: Miami, Florida

Notable course or school feature: Online Healthcare MBA specialization

Common Admission Requirements for MBAs

Prerequisites for online MBA, part-time MBA, full-time MBA, and executive MBA programs vary significantly.

But, most have basic requirements like:

Bachelor’s Degree: You’ll usually need an undergraduate degree from an accredited college before pursuing an online MBA. While business is an ideal field for that credential, you can still come to an MBA with an unrelated specialty.

Recommendation Letter: Most schools will request two recommendation letters. They could be from professors, colleagues, or mentors. Pro tip? Try your best to score a letter from a professional in a senior position since they’re generally more highly regarded.

GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Test entrance exam assesses your critical thinking and verbal skills.

Professional Work Experience: Most online MBA programs admit people with at least one year of experience, either as an entrepreneur or managerial role. Some don’t have this requirement, while others ask for as much as five years of work experience.

Resume: Research your prospective school’s core principles and add similar values to your resume. Just don’t embellish it too much. A succinct, one-page CV is all you need.

Essay: Pen down your short-term and long-term career goals, interests, and unique experiences in your MBA application essay. Have fun with it! This is your chance to make your unique personality and values shine across the competition.

Proof of English proficiency: Students applying to an MBA program in the US but with an undergraduate degree taught in a language other than English may need to qualify for TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

Tuition for MBAs

Online MBA programs cost between $30,000 – $35,000 on average. Of course, some programs charge heftier fees depending on their prestige.

Is Accreditation Important for MBAs?

Accreditation is not only about prestige. It ensures that students receive a quality education that prepares them for the workforce. When you choose a school without accreditation, there’s no guarantee that its courses are up to par. On top of that, employers won’t look as highly at an MBA from an unaccredited institution.

While regional and national accreditations help distinguish high-quality colleges and universities, program-based accreditation speaks to the quality of certain specializations. For MBAs, look for three accrediting bodies:

• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

How to Choose the Best Online MBA in Florida

Many students need help deciding which online MBA degree is right for them. So to save you time, we’ve put together a few tips on how you can decide which MBA program to enroll in.

First of all, consider your goals and objectives. For example, do you want a career change? Or do you want to become a business analyst or entrepreneur? Knowing these answers will help you determine which program is most suitable for your path.

Secondly, what’s your budget? Compare prices before choosing a program — of course, online education saves you in accommodation and transportation. Still, some tuition fees are higher than others.

You might also consider:

• Faculty
• Alumni success
• Specializations
• Internship and study-abroad opportunities
• Perks

Conclusion

An online MBA in Florida offers you fabulous career options, specialization potential, and innovative learning opportunities no matter where your future takes you.

Our advice? Browse through our list and inquire with individual universities with any other questions you might have about a program.

And once you graduate? You might take that next step and explore DBA programs!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an Online MBA Respected?

An online MBA from an accredited university is identical in prestige to a campus course.

2. How Much Does an Online MBA Cost in Florida?

On average, an online MBA in Florida costs between $30,000 – $35,000. Scholarship opportunities reduce this substantially, along with grants and student loans. Tuition might feel steep, but it’s still cheaper than attending an out-of-state college in person, for example.

3. Can an Online MBA Get You a Job?

Yes, an online MBA can help you secure a high-paying job. Most employers consider an online MBA equally reputable as an on-campus program.