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Florida’s Top Online MBA Programs Offered Today

Embark on a journey to business excellence under the Florida sun with our guide to 2024’s top online MBA programs offered in the Sunshine State.

If you live in Florida and want to advance your business career, an MBA can expand your options and increase your earning potential. And with a job growth rate that’s 5 times the national average, Florida residents with MBAs are positioned to land significantly better positions.

An online program is usually a cost-effective and flexible way to get your MBA, as many people continue working while completing their degrees. This guide outlines the top online MBAs in Florida for 2024, along with state-specific resources and scholarships currently available. You’ll also learn about how online graduate programs work, including what to expect in terms of length, curriculum, and specializations.

Best of 2024: Online MBA Programs in Florida

This year’s best online MBA programs in Florida offer flexibility, value, student support, and high-quality curriculum. With different specializations to choose from, they also help you prepare for a business career in leadership, marketing, finance, operations, analytics, and more. Learn more about 2024’s top-rated programs below and see which one has the features you’re looking for.

About the ranking
1
Melbourne, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

The online MBA program at Florida Tech University offers students the opportunity to explore real world business challenges in a convenient 100% online format. Florida Tech MBA students can expect to develop a balanced foundation in the practical and theoretical aspects of business that can be applied to a range of positions across various fields. Once the basics are covered, students can select from one of 10 different concentrations in topics like project management, information technology, marketing, and accounting. These specializations offer students the chance to explore industry-specific knowledge that relates to their individual interests and career goals.

Program Highlights:

Business Administration

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: Two years
  • Mode: Online, in person
  • Accreditation: IACBE

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
2
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

Students of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) online MBA in aviation program develop skillsets unique to the aerospace industry. Within the MBA program, students can specialize by opting to use elective credits toward professional certificates in business intelligence, finance, human resources, information systems, information technology, international business, leadership, marketing, or project management. Students can opt to learn fully online or on a campus near them, while international or adventurous students can also pursue this degree at ERAU’s Asia campus in Singapore. Regardless of how they choose to complete their degree, ERAU graduates benefit from the school’s close relationships with major aerospace companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream. Many ERAU graduates move on to high-level careers in these companies.

Program Highlights:

Master of Business Administration in Aviation

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: Varies
  • Mode: Online, in person
  • Accreditation: ACBSP

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
3
Ave Maria, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

Ave Maria University takes pride in the strong support it provides to its online MBA students. To encourage community between distance learners, their peers, and instructors, Ave Maria creates space for students to seek individualized administrative and academic support and to connect with their classmates outside of their online classrooms. Ave Maria offers students six emphases to choose from: management, accounting, communications, international business, legal studies, and sports management. During their studies, students benefit from expert faculty, many of whom have professional experience in their emphasis. During the program, students will complete their coursework asynchronously and 100% online. This gives students the flexibility to complete their work on their own schedule while they balance their other commitments.

Program Highlights:

Online Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 32
  • Length: One year
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
4
Gainesville, Florida
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
5
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
6
Saint Leo, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
7
Winter Park, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
8
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
9
Boca Raton, Florida
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

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

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
11
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
12
Boca Raton, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
13
Fort Myers, Florida
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
14
Jacksonville, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
15
Boca Raton, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation ACCSC
16
Miami, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
17
West Palm Beach, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
18
Lakeland, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
19
DeLand, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
20
Babson Park, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
21
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC

Because of the many online MBA programs available through Florida’s colleges and universities, there are also a good variety of specializations available. The most popular specializations are in-demand due to the abundant business job openings in Florida. Learn more about the six most popular specializations below and see schools offering quality programs in each.

MBA with an Emphasis in Healthcare Management and Administration

Healthcare management and administration is a great choice for those looking to take on managerial roles in the Florida healthcare system. An MBA with this specialization is usually designed for those with some experience working in healthcare administration who want to advance to a management or leadership position.

Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization

University of South Florida (Fully-online)

Florida Southern College (Fully-online)

Florida Atlantic University (Fully-online)

Human Resource Management

An MBA with a human resource management specialization offers a great path both for those looking to enter or advance in human resources. In Florida specifically, there are plenty of HR job openings across a variety of different sectors from real estate to healthcare.

Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization

University of Florida (Fully-online; On-campus)

University of West Florida (Fully-online)

Florida International University (Fully-online)

Information Technology

Information technology is a great MBA specialization for anyone working in the tech sector who would like to transition into a leadership role. Some technical knowledge is usually required for this specialization, though some MBAs may be appropriate for those looking to enter this field.

Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization

University of South Florida (Fully-online)

Florida International University (Fully-online)

Florida Atlantic University (Fully-online)

Finance

A finance MBA is one of the most popular MBAs and one that is often necessary for promotions in financial career fields. This is a great MBA for anyone looking to advance their career and increase the number of jobs available to them in the finance field.

Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization

University of Florida (Fully-online; On-campus)

University of South Florida (Fully-online)

Florida International University (Fully-online)

Management

As a more general specialization, a business administration MBA gives access to a variety of paths for degree-holders. Graduates with this MBA often advance into managerial roles. In Florida specifically, there is an increase in demand for management roles since more companies have moved to the Sunshine State in the last five years.

Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization

St. Thomas University (Fully-online)

Florida Southern College (Fully-online)

Marketing

An MBA in marketing is an ideal degree for anyone looking to advance their career in marketing or to enter the field. This degree also features a variety of sub-specializations like SEO, social media marketing, and marketing management.

Examples of Online MBA Programs in Florida with this Specialization

University of Florida (Fully-online; On-campus)

Florida International University (Fully-online)

Florida Atlantic University (Fully-online)

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning an Online MBA in FL

What is the average cost of an MBA program in Florida?

The average cost for an MBA in Florida varies greatly. In general, online programs run by in-state, public universities are the most affordable. However, scholarships, employer reimbursement programs, and other financial aid considerations can greatly decrease the cost even for private or out-of-state programs. When looking at program costs, consider the financial aid opportunities as well as the upfront tuition cost.

What does an MBA admissions process in Florida look like?

The MBA admissions process varies from school to school, though some requirements are almost universal. Most accredited programs ask for undergraduate degree transcripts, letters of recommendation, and some sort of personal statement or short-answer question responses. Read the directions carefully, so you know what is required. For example, the University of Florida requires both a personal statement and responses to short answer questions while the University of South Florida only requires a statement of purpose.

How quickly can I earn an online MBA in Florida?

How quickly you can earn your MBA depends on a variety of factors, including if you’re taking courses on a full-time or part-time basis. Since many MBAs are designed for those with a typical 9-5 schedule, most students take them on a part-time basis and finish within two years. You might be able to finish faster if you increase your course load, but this depends on the program.

Is the GMAT required to get into an MBA program in Florida?

The GMAT is a standardized test required by many MBA programs across the country. However, not every MBA program requests your GMAT scores. Read each program’s requirements carefully, so you know if you must submit these scores. For example, the University of Florida requires them while the University of Miami does not. Some programs, like the University of South Florida, allow you to waive the GMAT requirement if you have specific work experience.

In Florida, what is the ROI on an MBA vs a bachelor’s degree in business?

On average, MBA holders earn more than those with only bachelor’s degrees. This ROI isn’t just in the short term, either, as MBA holders get more promotions and increase their earning potential across their working careers. In Miami, for example, someone with an MBA makes $80,000 a year on average while someone with a bachelor’s in business makes $59,000. The same is true in Tampa, where bachelor’s degree holders make $57,000 and MBA holders make $78,000.

What accreditations should I look for in an online MBA program in Florida?

Any program you apply to must be properly accredited. Accreditation is usually listed on a program’s website. If an in-person program is accredited, that means the online program is too. Accreditation means a program offers a high-quality education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for MBA Students in Florida

The financial toll of graduate school can be minimized with the right financial aid options. Some of the most common include student loans, employer tuition assistance, assistantships, scholarships, and research grants. Explore our financial aid guide for a more in-depth look at each option.

For MBA programs specifically, the most common financial aid options are employer tuition assistance and scholarships. If you work a full-time job, check out our employer tuition assistance guide to find out how to discuss tuition assistance with your employer. For scholarships, consider general ones and those specific to your state or to those pursuing MBAs since these programs typically have less competition. Below is a list of some Florida-specific scholarships for MBA students to get you started.

Also, check out our scholarships guide for more scholarships along with tips to make your applications stand out.

University of Florida General Scholarship

Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program

Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

University of South Florida Scholarships

Professional MBA Online Scholarships from Florida International University

Salary Potential for MBA Grads in Florida

The temperature in Florida isn’t the only thing that’s hot. The job market is too. In fact, Florida jobs are growing at three times the national average. When looking specifically at MBA grads, there are many job openings with above-average salaries. Metro areas like Tampa, Fort Myers, and Miami have a variety of job openings for those with MBAs across all sectors. How many job openings there are and how much you can expect to make differs by MBA specialization. To give you an idea of what to expect, the chart below outlines the growth rate, average annual openings, and average mean wage for five of the most popular jobs for MBA-holders in Florida.

Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) Annual Mean Wage (2021)

Accountant

22.7%

9,560

$76,320

Human Resource Manager

20.9%

790

$118,520

Financial Manager

30.5%

3,800

$137,890

Market Research Analyst

38.4%

7,040

68,620

Marketing Manager

23.8%

1,500

$150,760

Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics

Resources for Online MBA Students and Professionals in Florida