Best Online MBA Programs of 2025

An online MBA degree can help working professionals advance their careers without stepping away from their jobs. Check out our helpful guide to learn more.
Bennett Leckrone
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Updated March 25, 2025
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At This Site, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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An online MBA isn’t just a long-term investment — it can start paying off before you even graduate.

Many working professionals report earning promotions and raises before graduating. In fact, 64% of 2024 graduates of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business graduates reported receiving a promotion during their studies. This early return on investment makes online MBAs an attractive option for working professionals.

To meet this demand, a growing number of business schools are launching online MBAs geared toward adults who don’t want to step away from their jobs. These programs are often more affordable than in-person options and are frequently offered in flexible, asynchronous formats that fit busy schedules.

We ranked the best online MBA programs based on factors like affordability and student outcomes to help you find the program that works best for you.

MBA Degree Highlights

  • Getting an MBA degree can increase your salary and career prospects.
  • Online MBA programs are now including more networking opportunities to help students build their professional network, even while studying remotely.
  • In a 2024 BestColleges survey, more than 94% of online MBA and master’s students and graduates said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.

Start Your Online MBA Degree Journey Today

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Top Online MBA Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

BestColleges Top-Ranked-2024 Badge
  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

#1

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,882

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

63%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,637

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

76,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,882

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,882

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,637

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

76,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$10,905

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,352

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

33%

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,252

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,053

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,762

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,905

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,352

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,905

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,352

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

14%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,252

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,053

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,762

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

$11,220

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,372

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

38%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,982

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

28,747

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,220

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,372

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,220

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,372

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,982

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

28,747

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$21,261

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,261

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

25%

Acceptance Rate

26%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$63,806

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$63,806

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

10,111

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,261

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,261

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,261

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,261

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment

26%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$63,806

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$63,806

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

10,111

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#5

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,979

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$20,155

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,111

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

17,987

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,979

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,155

Wilmington, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,979

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,155

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

67%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,111

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

17,987

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,119

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

59%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,566

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

54,085

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,119

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,600

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,119

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,600

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

66%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,566

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

54,085

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$16,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

45%

Acceptance Rate

30%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,889

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,690

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

40,813

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,100

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,100

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment

30%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,889

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,690

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

40,813

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,692

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$32,076

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

50%

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,704

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,112

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

33,015

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,692

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,076

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,692

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,076

Acceptance Rate

50%

Online Enrollment

45%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,704

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,112

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

33,015

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$25,873

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,873

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

11%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,587

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,587

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

9,326

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,873

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,873

Santa Clara, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,873

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,873

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

11%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,587

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,587

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

9,326

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online

$8,903

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,163

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,140

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

29,166

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,903

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,163

Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,903

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,163

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

51%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,140

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

29,166

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why You Should Get an MBA Degree

  • minusIncrease your earning potential: Having an MBA degree is generally tied to higher earnings, with MBA graduates having a higher average salary than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
  • minusBoost your career prospects: MBA programs have a particular focus on leadership skills that can help you advance into managerial positions, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects will grow faster than average for all jobs from 2023 to 2033.
  • minusSpecialize in a specific field: Many online MBA programs offer specializations in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), finance, accounting, marketing, and more.
  • minusBuild your professional network: Online MBA programs often feature networking opportunities, such as speed networking and virtual panels, that allow you to work closely with peers and discuss real-world business challenges.

Benefits of Getting an MBA Degree Online

  • minusMore than three-quarters of online MBA and master’s students BestColleges surveyed said they think online learning is equal to or better than on-campus classes.
  • minusThe same survey found that 97% of online MBA and master’s students say they would recommend online education to others.
  • minusOnline MBA programs are generally tailored to working professionals. They often feature asynchronous schedules that let you learn and complete assignments at your own pace.

How to Choose the Best Online MBA Program for You

When choosing the best MBA program for you, make sure to consider the program’s cost and length. You should also take into account whether it offers courses and concentrations that fit your career goals.

Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, says another important factor to consider is the curriculum. “If you have specific career interests,” Gutiérrez says, “then it will be imperative to select an MBA program that will offer the courses necessary to develop skills that will improve your career prospects.”

How Much Does an Online MBA Program Cost?

Master’s in Business/Management, 2019-20

Online

$10,995 Avg. Tuition & Fees

$8,534 Avg. Net Price

In-Person

$21,974 Avg. Tuition & Fees

$15,428 Avg. Net Price

Source: NCES PowerStats

The cost of an MBA program can vary widely, but online MBA programs tend to be less expensive than in-person programs.

For example, yearly tuition and fees for an in-person MBA program are almost 100% more expensive than an online program, according to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics. However, keep in mind that the school you attend can drastically change the cost of your degree.

Nationally renowned business schools, like Michigan Ross or the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, can charge more than six figures for their online MBA programs. On the other hand, regional schools and online-only institutions tend to be much more affordable.

How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA?

Typical # of Credits

36 Credits

Typical Program Length

2-3 Years

MBA degrees traditionally take two years to complete, but online MBA programs can vary in terms of the time it takes to graduate.

Many online programs follow an asynchronous format, meaning you can study and complete assignments on your own schedule. This setup is ideal for working professionals who want to earn their degree without leaving their jobs. However, these part-time, asynchronous programs can take more than three years to complete.

Other online MBA programs have an accelerated format, allowing you to earn your degree in as little as a year. These programs are generally more intensive, as they condense the curriculum into shorter classes and a faster-paced schedule.

MBA Application Requirements

Accreditation for MBA Degrees

In addition to institutional accreditation, some business schools also hold programmatic accreditation. This type of accreditation is granted by third-party organizations that evaluate MBA programs based on factors such as the quality of their curriculum and student employment rates after graduation.

Attending an MBA program with programmatic accreditation is a good way to make sure you’ll get value out of your degree, since accreditors evaluate faculty expertise and consider students’ success after graduation.

Here are some programmatic accreditations to look for:

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB): The AACSB offers programmatic accreditation to some of the world’s top academic institutions. When accrediting schools, the organization takes into account factors such as student learning and progression and faculty qualifications.
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): The ACBSP accredits individual MBA programs by evaluating teaching and faculty excellence, as well as student outcomes.
  • International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE): When accreditng business schools, the IACBE emphasizes student success and outcomes, as well as a university’s overall mission.
Image of Angelica Gutierrez

Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accreditation for MBAs?

“Accreditation for an MBA is important because it signals that the program meets quality standards and that the curriculum will provide a solid education. Some employers only recognize MBA programs with accreditation, so it is important to consider it when exploring an MBA.”

Angélica S. Gutiérrez, Ph.D.

What Can You Do With an MBA?

With an MBA degree, you’ll learn broad business skills in areas like finance, accounting, and data analysis. These skills, along with work experience, can help you land managerial positions, such as financial or operations manager.

Many MBA graduates work in the consulting, finance, and tech industries. However, an MBA degree can bolster your resume regardless of your work sector. And it can help you pivot into a different industry if you’re looking for a change.

Also, note that you may not even have to wait until graduation to start seeing a return on your investment. Some online MBA students report getting raises, new job offers, or promotions before graduating.

Popular Business Administration Jobs
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2023)Description
Management Analysts$99,410Evaluate an organization to improve efficiency and boost earnings.
Financial Managers$156,100Manage an organization’s money and assist in planning and investments
Financial Analysts$99,890Help businesses make decisions based on financial forecasts and budgets
General and Operations Managers$101,280Oversee the day-to-day operations of a business and look for ways to improve efficiency
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Popular MBA Concentrations

Some MBA programs use the terms concentration or specialization, and this generally means that they offer a curriculum with in-depth courses around a specific business area. If you want to advance in a specific field or break into a new one, opting for one of these MBA programs can help you hone a specific skill set.

Accounting, marketing, finance, and analytics are all common MBA concentrations. Each of these concentrations can potentially improve your career opportunities in those respective fields.

Recently, several schools have also rolled out concentrations in emerging areas like cybersecurity and AI in response to student and employer demands.

Is an MBA Worth It?

An online MBA degree can help you advance your career without stepping away from the workforce.

Graduates from some online MBA programs, like the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois, report getting raises and promotions even before graduating.

Additionally, 94% of the online MBA and master’s students and graduates BestColleges surveyed were optimistic about their prospects and think their degree will have a positive return on their investment.

However, an MBA isn’t a guaranteed return on investment. While it’s generally tied to higher earnings, that doesn’t mean it’s the best career move for everyone.

Before enrolling, consider a specialized degree, such as a master’s in accounting, if you want to move up within a specific field. You can also pursue short-term credentials, like a mini MBA, to get a feel if it’s the right path for you.

Education Beyond an MBA

There are some certifications you can earn after graduating from an MBA program.

For example, some business schools offer short-term credentials and certifications in high-demand areas like AI that can help bolster your resume. Moreover, employers have reported that they see value in short-term, stackable credentials.

If you want to focus more on research or land a job in academia, earning a doctoral degree in business administration is also an option to consider. However, note that these advanced degrees are not generally required to work in the private sector.

Frequently Asked Questions About MBAs

MBA programs teach a mix of business fundamentals and leadership skills. You’ll get a broad overview of business skills like accounting, analytics, marketing, and finance. You may also have the opportunity to specialize in more technical areas, such as information technology.

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