Best Online MBA Programs

These top online MBA programs can help you save money, work while you study, and start a lucrative business career.
Meg Embry

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Updated October 16, 2024
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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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If you’re a gambler, getting an MBA is consistently a safe bet if you want to make more money. In 2022, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that an MBA boosts salaries by 50% pretty much out the gate.

And employers love a shiny new MBA: According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, nearly 90% of business school students were employed upon graduation in 2023.

Getting your MBA doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal that upsets your whole life, either. We’ve rounded up some of the top fully online programs out there, which provide the training you need on a schedule that works for you.

Online MBA Programs for You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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The Top 10 Online MBA Programs

#1

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$28,305

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

33%

Acceptance Rate

25%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,434

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,089

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,647

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,305

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,516

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,305

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

25%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,434

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,089

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,647

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

$6,970

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$24,607

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

95%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,749

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,201

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

34,464

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,970

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,607

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,970

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,607

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

66%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,749

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,201

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

34,464

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

$10,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,050

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,110

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

27,341

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,050

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,050

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,110

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

27,341

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,386

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$31,158

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,392

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,176

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

31,897

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,386

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,158

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,386

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,158

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,392

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,176

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

31,897

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$11,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,888

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

35%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,460

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,800

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

22,166

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,888

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,184

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,888

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

35%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,460

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,800

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

22,166

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online

$8,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,920

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,488

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

28,420

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,820

University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,820

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,920

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,488

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

28,420

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$14,521

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,267

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,751

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,829

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

38,365

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,521

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,267

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,521

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,267

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,751

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,829

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

38,365

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

University of Maryland, College Park

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$16,238

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$35,388

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,695

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,683

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,947

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,238

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,388

University of Maryland, College Park

College Park, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$16,238

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,388

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,695

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,683

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,947

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online

$5,814

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,356

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,923

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,013

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

20,960

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,814

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,356

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,814

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,356

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,923

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,013

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

20,960

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$21,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

23%

Acceptance Rate

26%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,290

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,290

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,356

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,099

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

26%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,290

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,290

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,356

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why Should You Get Your MBA Online?

There are plenty of reasons to consider getting your degree online — flexibility chief among them. If you’re not sure whether an online or in-person MBA is the best choice for you, this guide might help:

If…Then…
Accessibility is a concernAn online MBA can be completed from the comfort of your couch — no need to relocate.
Finances are a challengeMany online MBA programs will save you money on tuition, commuting costs, and living expenses.
You need scheduling flexibilityOnline MBA programs offer both synchronous and asynchronous course options to accommodate your life.
You’re looking to create a professional networkBoth online and in-person MBA programs connect you to alumni, classmates, and future colleagues.
You want to customize your degreeBoth traditional and online MBA programs offer professional specializations to support your goals.

What You Can Expect From Online MBA Programs

Generally, the curriculum for online MBA programs is identical to what you’d expect from a traditional program. Some online programs offer accelerated tracks, which cover the same ground in less time. But at the normal pace, you can expect an MBA to take 2-3 years to earn.

There are a few things you should look for in a top-notch online MBA program:

  • check-circle Accreditation from a recognized accrediting body.
  • check-circle An excellent virtual learning environment that is user-friendly, encourages participation, and enhances your experience.
  • check-circle Engaging course content that leverages multimedia resources like video lectures, readings, simulations, and interactive discussion opportunities.
  • check-circle Access to faculty through email and online office hours, as well as support resources like tutoring, advising, counseling, tech help, and career guidance.
  • check-circle Asynchronous learning options that allow you to learn on your own terms and at your own pace.
  • check-circle Strong student outcomes like high graduation and employment rates.
  • check-circle Specializations or concentrations that will help you develop the specific professional skills you need to advance your career.

Common Online MBA Concentrations

Here’s a quick look at popular MBA specializations, the roles they lead to, and average annual salaries based on Payscale data.

Finance

Prepare for roles in investment banking, corporate finance, or finance consulting.

  • Investment Banker Average Salary (2024): $117,690

Marketing

Prepare for roles in advertising, digital marketing, and brand management.

  • Senior Brand Manager Average Salary (2024): $109,984

Management Consulting

Prepare for roles in organizational management, consulting, or executive leadership.

  • Management Consultant Average Salary (2024): $95,544

Entrepreneurship

Prepare to manage your own business, launch a start-up, or drive new initiatives for an existing company.

  • Chief Executive Officer Average Salary (2024): $164,880

Healthcare Administration

Prepare for in-demand roles in hospital administration or healthcare consulting.

  • Hospital Administrator Average Salary (2024): $93,707

How to Pay for Your Online MBA?

The cost of earning an MBA is among students’ top admission considerations. Many factors, such as reputation and location, affect the price of tuition for MBA candidates. The National Center for Education Statistics calculated that the average graduate tuition was $12,600 at public institutions and $28,020 at private institutions during the 2021-2022 academic year. Explore these resources to learn more about paying for your online MBA.

How Much Does an MBA Cost? Full Statistics
How Can I Pay for My MBA?
Financial Aid Guide for Graduate Students

Common Questions About the Best Online MBAs

Yes. A degree from an accredited online MBA program holds just as much weight as an on-campus degree. No employer is going to ask you during a job interview whether you attended online or in person.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 19, 2024.

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