How much does an online MBA program cost?

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average MBA program costs between 44,640 and $71,140. MBAs at public universities tend to be cheaper, while MBAs from private or prestigious universities are usually more expensive. Other factors affecting a program's cost include the length of the program, the amount of fees, and the amount of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid you receive.

Is an online MBA worth it?

An online MBA can have many positive effects on your life. People with MBAs earn more money, are qualified for a wider range of jobs, and have a higher level of skills than those with a bachelor's degree. As a result of getting an MBA, you might get a promotion at work, too. One of the biggest reasons an online MBA is worth it is the flexibility you get for completing your degree. Online MBAs are often less expensive than on-campus programs, too.

How long does it take to get an MBA online?

Most online MBA programs require 30-36 credits, which takes about two years of full-time coursework to complete. Some programs require more credits, though. You can also find accelerated programs that allow you to complete an MBA in as little as 18 months.

What is the acceptance rate for online MBA programs?

According to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), MBA acceptance rates vary widely. Stanford's Graduate School of Business is one of the most difficult programs to get into, with an 8.9 percent acceptance rate. Other elite MBA programs have acceptance rates in the teens and twenties, with some accepting more than 50 percent of applicants. Lower-tier MBA programs can have acceptance rates of 75 percent or higher.

Do employers care if your MBA is online?

Employers usually don't care if your MBA was earned online, provided your degree is from an accredited institution. Potential employers are often more concerned about your grades, the courses you took, and any specializations you have, more so than if you got your degree in person or online.

Is an online MBA taken seriously?

As long as your online MBA is from an accredited school, it will be taken seriously. Look for online programs that have programmatic accreditation as well, like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Online MBA programs are typically taught by the same faculty and follow the same curriculum as on-campus programs. "Online" is not denoted on most degrees, either.

Do online MBA require GMAT?

GMAT scores are not required for all online MBA programs. Some programs allow you to submit GMAT scores if you feel they will help your case for admission. Others will not accept scores at all. Still, other online MBA programs offer GMAT waivers to some students, such as those who have extensive work experience in the business field.

What jobs can I get with an MBA?

An MBA offers many potential career paths in business, finance, and marketing, among many others. You can work as a Management Consultant, Business Intelligence Analyst, or Human Resources Manager. Other options include, but are not limited to, the following: • Sales Manager • Marketing Manager • Director of Business Operations • Financial Manager • Purchasing Manager You can also work your way up to C-Suite careers, like Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer. Many MBA graduates also start their own businesses after graduation.

How much can I make with an MBA?

According to ZipRecruiter, many MBA jobs pay six figures. The exact amount you earn depends on a host of factors, not the least of which is your level of experience, the industry in which you work, and the geographic area in which you work. Some MBA jobs, like chief executive positions, can pay far more - into the millions of dollars each year.

What makes the most money with an MBA?

According to the BLS, Chief Executive Officers are among the highest-paid MBAs, with an estimated annual salary of more than $258,900. Other executive positions, like Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, also pay very well. Non-executive positions in consulting, finance, and health care can pay well over $100,000 a year, according to Fortune.

Best MBA Programs Online

Quick Highlights:

Our #1 ranked school for an online MBA is West Texas A&M University, followed by University of Wisconsin, Consortium.
Online MBA programs offer flexibility and are accessible from anywhere, catering to working professionals.
They cover a wide range of disciplines and can be completed in different durations based on the student’s needs.
The cost of online MBA programs varies widely, with many providing competitive tuition rates.
These programs are often just as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts and are increasingly respected by employers.

Networking, leadership skills, and career opportunities are just a few reasons people decide to study in an advanced degree program in business. Yet with more aspiring business professionals enrolling in MBA programs, MBA school search results reveal that there are more options (and more competition) than ever before.

The core benefit of earning an MBA online is that you can get an affordable education without committing to a full-time class schedule. This flexibility makes it an enticing option for recent graduates and working professionals alike.

Featured Programs

Last updated: April 22, 2025

To supply you with the best of the Online MBA programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:

The school’s ability to provide a quality online Master of Business Administration degree program,
Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
Taught by professionals in the field of Business Administration,
Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
Displays proper accreditation, pursuant to the field of Business Administration,
Prepares graduates for career placement in Business Administration.

We’ve ranked the top graduate College of Business schools based on faculty credentials, full-time to part-time staff ratio, online program options, admission rates, coursework, and more. We also factored in The Economist’s rankings on full-time programs.

Finally, our rankings also take affordability into account. All tuition costs cited are accurate as of Fall 2020. With more online students pursuing MBAs and more options for accredited MBA programs, unexpected schools are rising high in the ranks.

Prospective MBA students can trust that these ratings reflect the most important considerations for getting a degree. Here’s a look at the 20 top online MBA programs available today from the country’s top business schools.

Related (Campus):

college rank top online MBA programs — High Resolution Badge

Related (Online):

Top Online MBA Programs: 20 Options To Earn Your Degree

West Texas A&M University