Today’s Best Online MBA Degree Programs

Author: Blake Huggins

Editor: Staff Editor

Unlock the doors to your future in business leadership with our guide to the top online MBA programs in 2024 by program quality, cost, and specializations.

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A man smiling while working on a laptop in a bright, well-lit room, suggesting a comfortable and productive environment for engaging with the best online MBA programs in 2023.

Earning an MBA online can open many doors to you in the business world. Whether it is finance, management, or consulting, you will be better-prepared for a rewarding career that pays well. However, deciding to pursue this path is only the first step; you’ll need to decide which business school and online MBA program best align with your education and career goals. Most programs offer a number of degree specializations and course formats to support different career paths. With dozens of possibilities available, how do you choose?

The following guide shows you what to look for in a quality online MBA program, starting with a comprehensive list of this year’s top schools offering MBA programs online. See which programs stand out in 2024.

Top 50 Online MBA Programs: 2024 Edition

Deciding on the right MBA program can be a game-changer for your career, but with countless options out there, how do you choose? This comprehensive list of 2024’s best online master’s programs in business administration includes tailored insights, addressing your concerns about program quality, financial considerations, and timeliness. Get ready to navigate the business landscape and discover the MBA program that aligns seamlessly with your aspirations, propelling you towards success in your business career.

About the ranking
1
Providence, Rhode Island
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

The online MBA at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) focuses on the development of the analytical, communication, and leadership skills that students will use in their future careers. The program is designed with working professionals in mind and offers asynchronous coursework, flexible start dates, and accelerated courses to help students balance their work with their studies. Because the program focuses heavily on applicable skills, students can begin applying what they learn in their courses immediately in their current careers. JWU is notable for its strong student support. Small class sizes help students develop relationships with their professors and peers. Real world projects encourage networking within and outside the school. JWU’s online career coaching tool offers research-based insight into possible careers to help guide students’ studies.

Program Highlights:

Master of Business Administration — General

  • Credits: 36-42
  • Length: Two years
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: NECHE

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
2
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

Concordia University’s online MBA in Leadership teaches students how to problem solve through practical applications for decision-making in the dynamic business environment. As part of their studies, students complete at least six credits of experiential learning. This requirement lets students experience how their studies apply in real life situations and offer opportunities to build professional relationships within their field. Concordia prides itself on the academic and administrative support it provides to online students. All professors are experienced business professionals who are encouraged to take on active roles mentoring their students. Students also benefit from a dedicated, full-time advisor who can provide academic advice, connect them to resources, and provide career coaching.

Program Highlights:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Leadership

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: Two years
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: IACBE

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
3
Owensboro, Kentucky
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

The online MBA at Brescia University is all about efficiency. By offering accelerated courses and focusing on the essential skills and knowledge students need to succeed, Brescia has developed a streamlined curriculum that can be completed in as little as one year. However, students also have the option to study part time and have the option to spread their coursework out over as many as five years. Students can choose between a practicum-based or thesis-based option depending on their goals and interests. Brescia also recently introduced emphasis options in finance or management.

Program Highlights:

Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: One year
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
4
Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania
Type:
Private for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
5
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
6
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
7
Winfield, Kansas
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
8
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
9
Gaffney, South Carolina
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
10
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
11
River Forest, Illinois
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
12
Dearborn, Michigan
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
13
Mequon, Wisconsin
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
14
Saint Louis, Missouri
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
15
Naperville, Illinois
Type:
Private for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
16
New York, New York
Type:
Private for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
17
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
18
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
19
Rockville Centre, New York
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
20
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
21
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
22
Melbourne, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
23
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
24
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
25
Gainesville, Georgia
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
26
Fresno, California
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation WSCUC
27
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
28
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
29
La Grande, Oregon
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NWCCU
30
Macon, Georgia
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
31
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
32
Surprise, Arizona
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
33
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation TRACS
34
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
35
Hackettstown, New Jersey
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
36
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
37
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
38
San Diego, California
Type:
Private for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation ACICS
39
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
40
Danville, Virginia
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
41
Owosso, Michigan
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
42
Columbia, South Carolina
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
43
Harrogate, Tennessee
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
44
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
45
Defiance, Ohio
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
46
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
47
Stephenville, Texas
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
48
Laurinburg, North Carolina
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
49
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
50
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC

While college rankings are a great place to start your business school search, it can be helpful to dive deeper into real-world online MBA programs to get a better sense of what’s out there. We’ve spotlighted three top-tier online MBA programs from AACSB-accredited schools below to give you an idea of what to look for in a quality program.

University of North Carolina – Kenan-Flagler

Logo of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, renowned for having one of the best online MBA programs in 2023, featuring the UNC chapel icon in blue beside the school name in blue and green text.

UNC’s Kenan Flager-School of Business has an online MBA program with five different concentrations. Qualified students can choose from over 25 electives while specializing in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, strategy and consulting, data analytics, and decision-making. The program builds essential business strategy and management skills while introducing learners to economics and organizational leadership principles. The school’s extensive alumni network also helps connect soon-to-be graduates with potential employers, establishing a strong professional network that sets this course of study apart from other online MBA programs.

Specifically designed for working professionals, UNC delivers most coursework components entirely online, offering classes in business modeling, corporate strategy, financial analysis, and a host of other subjects. All students must complete two in-person summits held at the school’s Chapel Hill campus and select cities worldwide. These immersive experiences expose students to new business perspectives and help strengthen the interaction between colleagues and faculty.

University of Southern California

university-of-southern-california-logo

USC offers a cross-disciplinary online MBA that draws on technical knowledge in marketing finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, and management. Students learn how these disciplines intersect and how they can improve business strategies and corporate outcomes. Graduates of the program step into roles as forward-thinking business leaders who can design effective, practical solutions across industries. The fully accredited program entails 51 credits and includes instruction in managerial techniques, business fundamentals, environmental sustainability, and finance.

Students can take classes to choose and access course material using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning tools. USC uses a semester system, which means learners can begin the program in the fall or spring, enrolling in 15-week classes. Within this system, students move through the program with a cohort of peers who provide support and additional interaction opportunities. USC also provides one-on-one career advising services to all its students.

University of Florida

university-of-florida-logo

At the University of Florida, students can earn an MBA online along two different tracks designed to accommodate a wide range of circumstances: a 16-month option and a 24-month option. The 16-month track offers an accelerated path to graduation for students who hold an undergraduate degree in business or a closely related field. The 24-month track casts a wider net and allows for more flexibility in study and timing. Both options result in the same degree and administer the same menu of courses covering financial management, international marketing, organizational behavior, and entrepreneurship.

Housed within USC’s Warrington College of Business, this course of study uses cohorts comprised of ~50 students that offer a small group experience within an interactive online learning environment. The program uses asynchronous tools for maximum convenience – students can access content and complete assignments whenever they choose. USC administers all program requirements virtually, but students must attend an in-person orientation session before beginning a course of study.

Online MBA Programs Near You

While many online programs will allow you to enroll no matter where you live, getting an education in your area can help you complete clinical requirements, access on-campus resources, and network with other local business professionals. Use the guides below to find top online MBA programs in your state.

Common Qualities of the Best Online MBA Programs

There are a ton of business schools and online MBA programs out there. You can narrow your search by looking for common qualities often shared by the top programs. This helps establish some clear parameters and ensures that you complete a solid, reputable course of study that will pay off in the future. Here are a few key indicators to keep in mind.

  • AACSB Accreditation

    This is one of the most important characteristics to look for. Programmatic accreditation from the AACSB is no substitute for institutional accreditation (every potential school should have that), but it does demonstrate additional clout and quality. The best online MBA programs will hold this credential because it provides additional backing specific to business and management.

  • Professional Specializations

    Many students earn a generalist MBA, but you can advance your career even further if you choose a specialization that deepens expertise and expands your profile. With that in mind, it’s worth considering schools that give you some options. We detail some of those options later in this guide. If you already work in finance or entrepreneurship, for example, pursuing a course of study that supports those interests can go a long way.

  • Resources and Support

    Most schools will have some services in this area, but the best online MBA programs showcase their ability to support students (especially online learners) throughout their studies. In this regard, things to look for include professional development tools, built-in alumni networks, technology resources, robust fieldwork placements, and career services for soon-to-be graduates.

3 Best Reasons to Earn an MBA Online

Obtaining the skills and knowledge you need to advance your business career is easier and more accessible than ever, thanks to new technologies and online learning tools. The best MBA online programs provide quality training from industry experts with built-in options for customization. Also, you will enjoy the following benefits and advantages:

  1. Flexibility

    These programs stand among the most convenient and flexible options out there. Designed with busy learners and working professionals in mind, online MBA programs can accommodate various circumstances. This means you can study without any personal or professional hiccups, graduating quickly so you can put your degree to good use.

  2. Diversity

    Business and corporate enterprise are more globalized than ever. The most successful leaders aren’t just aware of this; they encourage it by hiring, interacting, and working with people from all walks of life. Earning an MBA online prepares you for this reality by transcending national and geographic boundaries. You will study with a diverse group of colleagues that reflects real-world work conditions.

  3. Affordability

    Online MBA programs tend to be quite cheaper than the traditional, brick-and-mortar alternatives. Tuition rates vary by individual program, of course, but this approach could save you money in the long run. For example, many schools extend a flat rate to online learners and sometimes forgo many of the fees often associated with in-person education.

To accommodate different starting places and diverse circumstances, most schools offer several different ways to earn your MBA online. The program types discussed below are usually tailored to fit unique needs. If you’re concerned that your situation might make more school difficult, rest assured – there’s a viable starting place for everyone.

  • Executive Online MBA Programs

    Theoretically, you can become a top business executive with an MBA or MBA specialization. These programs fast-track that path and are designed for working professionals with some corporate experience. They typically offer evening courses (if synchronous) and blend traditional business programming with instruction in executive-level leadership and management.

  • Accelerated/1-Year Online MBA Programs

    These programs attract learners who want to complete their studies quickly and have few outside commitments. Most programs graduate students in 16 months or less and administer an intensive curriculum covering a broad range of topics in less time. Because of their rigorous nature, many accelerated programs call for an undergraduate degree in business.

  • Part-Time Online MBA Programs

    If you are already working in business, want the career advancement opportunities an MBA provides, and are in no rush to graduate, this could be the best option. These part-time MBA programs move at a slower pace to accommodate professional commitments and family responsibilities.

  • No-GMAT MBA Programs

    These online MBA programs fast-track the admissions process by waiving traditional test requirements. Many programs require the GMAT (a standardized management test), but if you’re pressed for time or don’t have a business or management background, this could be the way to go. Some programs might call for additional admission requirements in some cases.

Top Online MBA Program Specializations

One of the great things about earning an MBA is the ability to specialize. The best MBA online programs offer specializations that correlate with in-demand skill sets and broader business management trends. Specializing can set you apart from the competition when you graduate. Check out some of the options below.

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