Find Your Perfect Business Degree
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An online Master’s of Business Administration is the top degree for employment in upper management positions of any organization. Chief Executive Officers must have a shrewd understanding of business management and how to run an entire corporation. But to become a CEO, you’ll need an MBA. An online MBA is one option to getting the education you need to start a prominent business career.
An online MBA from an accredited institution can help you gain valuable knowledge from the top minds in the profession. Each program includes learning experiences that put theoretical information into practice. Here’s a look at 10 online MBA programs, how we determined our top 10 choices, and how they stand out above the rest.
Our editors first ranked online Master’s of Business Administration programs in May 2023. This ranking was updated March 2024.
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Methodology for Top Online MBA Degrees
The researchers and writers at Business-Management-Degree.net use strict guidelines when selecting online colleges and universities for their rankings. The criteria utilized for the top online MBA degrees included the following:
- An online master’s degree in business administration that includes modern and relevant information for obtaining high-level positions of employment
- A retention rate, which is an excellent indicator of student satisfaction, of no less than 50%
- High-quality online coursework that is easy to approach and includes any and all recent changes to the discipline
- Excellent faculty members who bring various areas of expertise to the online classroom
- Proper accreditation requirements
- Offers financial aid solutions
For more information, see our Methodology page.
Top Online Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) Degree Programs
| Rank | College Name | Location | Retention Rate | Tuition |
| #1 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | 97% | $19,118 |
| #2 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | 75% | $5,328 |
| #3 | University of Nebraska | Lincoln, NE | 82% | $6,318 |
| #4 | University of Mississippi | Oxford, MS | 89% | $9,252 |
| #5 | Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | 85% | $12,376 |
| #6 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | 94% | $9,459 |
| #7 | University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | 87% | $15,088 |
| #8 | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 84% | $21,042 |
| #9 | Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | 90% | $10,133 |
| #10 | University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | 90% | $19,116 |
1. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia offers an online Executive Master of Business Administration. This includes immersive learning experiences with a high level of student engagement. This online school is connected with more than eighty countries throughout the world. Online students participate in at least one global experience while completing the MBA.
Coursework covers relevant industry-related topics, such as:
- Accounting for Managers
- Financial Management and Policies
- Global Economies and Markets
Students engage with the program through exciting simulations and role-playing. Leadership principles get enforced through team-based collaboration, leadership experiences, and individual work.
Pros
- 95% graduation rate
- 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Distance sessions twice a week
- High engagement courses and interactions
- Recordings of online classes offered
Cons
- Highly competitive program
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
2. Kennesaw State University
The Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business provides an online Master’s of Business Administration degree called the WebMBA. The program consists of extensive team-based learning experiences in which students have close, virtual interaction with their peers and classmates. Students also have access to faculty and advisors. You take two courses at a time and complete your classes in a lockstep schedule.
Courses covered in the program include:
- Human Behavior in Organizations
- Global and International Business
- Managerial Decision Analysis
Kennesaw State, for the sixth consecutive year, has been rated as best in Georgia and among the top in the world, according to CEO Magazine’s MBA rankings.
Pros
- Graduate in 20 months
- In-state tuition for Georgia residents
- Nationally ranked and recognized program
- No GMAT required
- Quick return on investment
Cons
- Highly competitive program
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
3. University of Nebraska Lincoln
According to such reputable resources as the Financial Times, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln online MBA degree program is the best program across the entire globe for “alumni salary increases.” It offers an MBA you can earn online.
Coursework is interactive and includes only the most relevant information regarding business practices in today’s markets. It is an accelerated MBA with 8-week classes, so the pace is quick. You explore topics like:
- Applied Organizational Behavior
- Managerial Economics
- Strategic Management and Business Policy
Students engage with faculty, alumni, and UNL business partners throughout the world. These connections have the potential to result in international employment opportunities.
Pros
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- AACSB-accredited program
- Access to career coaches
- Ranked among top MBA programs by reputable publications
- Strong alumni network
Cons
- Competitive admissions
- Limited number of start dates
4. The University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss Online, has a Master in Business Administration degree with a comprehensive curriculum that gives students a broad foundation of skill and understanding in business management.
The courses have been specially designed to allow for the maximum amount of flexibility for working adult learners, and students receive the same high-quality instruction as those on campus. Samples of courses offered in this program include:
- Management of Technology and Innovation
- Strategic Management
- Supply Chain Management
There is an overarching goal throughout this MBA degree of developing analytical skills and effective decision-making for any organization. U.S. News and World Report has listed the MBA from Ole Miss Online in the top 25 in the country for many consecutive years.
Pros
- AACSB-accredited program
- Fully online with no campus visits
- Quick completion time of 2 years
- Summer sessions offered
Cons
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required
5. Arizona State University
At Arizona State University, online Master’s of Business Administration students can take comfort in the knowledge that they attend one of the most popular and well-established distance education institutions in America. The school offers accelerated MBA curriculum with classes that run five weeks in length.
The foundational curriculum enhances concepts of leadership and personal performance for a successful career in business administration. Coursework includes topics like:
- Financial Performance Reporting
- Managerial Accounting
- Operations and Supply Management
Pros
- Diverse selection of courses and electives
- Faculty include business leaders and scholars
- Fast-paced, five-week courses
- Flexible learning environment
- In-state tuition for Arizona students
Cons
- Competitive admission (3.0 GPA)
- Final exams and final projects required
6. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University offers a professional online Master’s of Business Administration program. You can complete the program in either a flexible or accelerated format. The degree takes just under two years, or up to six.
Students can choose one of six concentration options to specialize their learning experience further and enter into specific areas of the profession. These concentrations include:
- BioSciences Mangement
- Financial Management
- Innovation Management
- Marketing Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization
The foundational coursework has a focus on research, technology, practical applications, and business processes. The Poole College of Management Career Center fosters relationships between MBA students and future employers and provides an entry into a competitive marketplace with innovative thinking and proactiveness.
Pros
- AACSB-accredited program
- Customization options with certificates
- Global programs offered (from Brazil to South Africa)
- Highly ranked MBA program
- Optional hybrid courses
Cons
- Highly competitive program
- Residency requirement in Raleigh
7. University of Texas at Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas offers a professional online MBA program. The MBA degree has nine concentration options that help expand curriculum and improve your job prospects.
Useful concentrations include:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Energy Management
- Finance
- Healthcare Leadership and Management
- Information Technology Management
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Internal Audit
- International Management
The MBA program consists of fifty-three semester hours with a focus on the development of business solutions and utilizing creative problem-solving skills. The curriculum is incredibly flexible and can be completed in under two years or, for those who require more time, it can continue for as long as six.
Pros
- 59 electives to choose from
- Double degree options (MS/MBA option)
- Multiple concentrations
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes
Cons
- Competitive GPA requirement (average of 3.6)
8. Temple University
Temple University offers an online master’s degree in business administration that includes thirteen concentration areas and takes 24 months (or up to six years) to complete. The core coursework includes a strong focus on two critical areas: organizational leadership and business acumen. Some of the concentration options include:
- Business Analytics
- Business Management
- Corporate Compliance, Governance, and Regulatory Policy
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
Graduates are skilled strategists and can design innovative approaches in finance, management, consulting, travel and tourism, and more! Temple fosters a learning environment in which students achieve their ultimate business career goals.
Pros
- Five- and ten-week courses
- One-on-one career coaching and resumé critiques
- Optional global immersion experience
- Stellar tech support
- Tailored curriculum with many market-driven concentrations
Cons
- Five-day required residency
- Highly competitive program
9. Indiana University Bloomington
The Indiana University Bloomington online MBA program is fully customizable to individual students’ career goals. It is a top-ranked program with multiple concentration options.
The program offers a wide array of elective and core courses that include unique topics. IUB instructors and advisors are highly dedicated to the success of all students and work diligently to provide studies that closely align with individual pursuits.
MBA curriculum as a whole has a focus on business foundations, key business functions, and the exploration of business ventures. The program is highly diverse and attracts students from across the world. Over 50% of students report receiving promotions while enrolled at IUB.
Pros
- Customizable degree options
- Diverse selection of MBA courses and electives
- Diverse student body
- Flexible course scheduling
- State-of-the-art technology and online delivery
Cons
- GMAT and GRE scores required
- Two in-residence experiences required
10. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management offers an online MBA. The online program is known for its top-quality career services which have leveraged employment opportunities for graduates at international corporations. Some of these resources include recruitment meetings, one-on-one career coaching, and high-tech job search tools.
Courses cover an array of business topics. Students explore studies in:
- Data Analysis
- Financial Management
- Managerial Economics
There are exciting opportunities for students to broaden their networking connections by attending non-mandatory on-campus experiences that connect students with businesses throughout the state and the country.
Pros
- 1:1 career support and coaching
- Flexible timeline (3 years average completion)
- GMAT/GRE scores optional
- Large selection of electives to help customize degree
- Multiple start dates
Cons
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
Other Online MBA Programs to Consider
Not every online MBA program made our top 10 list, but that doesn’t mean these accredited colleges and universities should be ignored. Here are more schools and programs to consider for your online MBA degree.
- Arkansas State University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Penn State World Campus
- The George Washington University
- University of Florida
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- University of Southern California
- University of Wisconsin
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most employers don’t care if you’re MBA is online or in-person. The point is that you have an accredited MBA degree. So, yes, it’s okay to get your MBA online. In fact, an online MBA provides flexibility and convenience. Accelerated programs offer short completion times, so you’re able to put your degree to work fast.
It depends on the program. Some top-ranked, research institutions demand rigorous study, while other programs focus attention on career-ready courses. Success hinges on your dedication and choosing the right program for your career goals.
There are many different jobs you can get with an online MBA. Some possible careers include:
• Business Operations Manager
• Human Resource Manager
• Finance Manager
• Information Systems Manager
• Market Research Analyst
• Sports Manager
• Top Chief Executive Officer
The average pay varies by job title, location, and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average pay for the following careers that require MBA or related degrees.
• Business Operations Manager: $122,860/year
• Chief Executives (CEOs): $189,520/year
• Financial Manager: $139,790/year
• Human Resource Manager: $139,000/year
An online MBA and a traditional MBA cover the same curriculum but differ in delivery. Online MBAs offer flexibility for remote learning, catering to working professionals. Traditional MBAs involve on-campus classes. Both confer the same degree, but the format suits individual preferences and lifestyle constraints.
The time it takes to complete an online MBA varies, but the average is 18 months to 3 years. Accelerated programs can cut the timeframe shorter, while part-time options extend completion. Program length depends on factors such as course intensity and individual pacing.
Many students choose an MBA for its financial rewards. 87% of respondents in a survey issued by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) said their MBA increased their employability. 68% of alumni respondents found the degree financially rewarding.