Are you thinking of ways to accelerate your career in business? Perhaps you feel ready to switch your area of focus, become a manager in your company, or start your own. Maybe you’ve thought about an MBA, but you’re hesitant to quit your job and put your life on pause for grad school. An online or hybrid Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program could be the perfect solution. Below, you can read about factors to consider when choosing the best online MBA for you, followed by a list of 20 top online and online/hybrid MBA programs. Click here is you are looking for a list of the Top MBA Programs.
What to consider when choosing an online MBA
Before we dive into the list, here are some important factors to consider as you begin your application process.
Online vs. hybrid format: Some of these programs are fully online, while others take place in an online/hybrid format. This means that a percentage of your time will be spent on campus, participating in seminars, workshops, or networking events. This hybrid format can be great for students who want to continue working their jobs but still want to connect with their cohorts and professors. However, if you are extremely busy or getting to campus is highly inconvenient, a fully-online program could be a better option.
Location: Location also comes into play here, since programs with hybrid elements will require that you travel to campus every so often. So, if you live and work in Seattle, you may want to consider University of Washington’s program before USC’s. Location can also affect tuition, if the program offers in-state tuition at lower rates than out-of-state.
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Acceptance information: Make sure to pay attention to the program’s acceptance rate, average GMAT scores, and undergrad GPAs. Some schools value high GPAs and test scores more than others, and doing the research ahead of time will allow you to streamline your application process.
Tuition: Below, you will find information on each program’s tuition-per-credit. Throughout the course of these programs, you will likely end up paying a tuition somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000, more or less (depending on the length of the program and whether it’s at a public or private university). However, certain programs are as low as $29,000, and even offer additional merit- and need-based- scholarships. So, while online MBAs can be costly, they tend to be significantly less expensive than many residential programs.
20 Best Online MBA Programs
Continue reading for 20 of the nation’s top online MBA programs.
1) Indiana University—Bloomington (Kelley)
With 50% of coursework made up of electives, this program is perfect for students who want to customize their own pathways. In addition to being the top program on the U.S. News list, Kelley’s online MBA is ranked as the #1 online MBA program in Finance and Marketing, and the #2 online MBA program in Business Analytics and General Management. The program boasts its excellent full-time faculty and career coaching that extends through professional life after graduation.
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 27%
- Average GMAT score: 670
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 1,652
- Tuition per credit: $1,635
2) Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
Tepper’s online hybrid MBA is taught by the same faculty who teach their full-time MBA, and online students also have access to the school’s many resources. With an analytics-focused curriculum, the program is designed to help students harness emerging technologies and work with data to make smart business decisions.
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- School type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 61%
- Average GMAT score: 668
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 228
- Tuition per credit: $2,274
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3) University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
This online MBA offers full-time and part-time options, which makes it possible for working professionals to complete the program without disrupting their career goals. Students choose from 36 electives, immersive summits, and 6 concentrations: Data Analytics and Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Strategy and Consulting, and Management and Leadership.
- Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 62%
- Average GMAT score: 674
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.3
- Graduate enrollment: 797
- Tuition per credit: $2,025
4) University of Southern California (Marshall)
Designed for fully employed professionals, this comprehensive and full-time MBA prepares students to accelerate their careers or successfully change industries. Despite its online format, students experience camaraderie with other students and support from expert faculty. After an on-campus orientation, classes take place two evenings a week.
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- School type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 46%
- Average GMAT score: 619
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.2
- Graduate enrollment: 283
- Tuition per credit: $2,307
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5) University of Washington (Foster)
Foster’s online/hybrid MBA program offers a 4-to-5-day session on campus each quarter to ensure networking and professional development opportunities for students. The core curriculum is grounded in business principles, theories, and frameworks, while also offering hands-on case analysis for real-world decision-making experience.
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- Average GMAT score: 620
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.5
- Graduate enrollment: 160
- Tuition per credit: $1,500
6) University of Florida (Warrington)
The Warrington College of Business offers an accelerated 16-month online MBA program, as well as an online 2-year program. As one of the first schools to offer a fully-accredited online degree, UF offers experiential learning opportunities and global immersion experiences, as well as top career coaches.
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 56%
- Average GMAT score: 617
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 867
- Tuition per credit: $1,208
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7) Arizona State University (Carey)
Carey’s online MBA emphasizes connected leadership, fostering leaders with a “holistic understanding of people, ideas, and context.” In this program, students enroll in one 5-week class at a time, which makes the course load manageable for those who need flexible learning schedules.
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average GMAT score: 548
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 515
- Tuition per credit: $1,330
8) University of Arizona (Eller)
Eller College of Management offers a rigorous core curriculum, a range of electives, and an optional Global Business Experience trip that provides the opportunity to gain hands-on business experience in settings from Brazil to Singapore. Depending on circ*mstance, students can complete this degree in as little time as 14 months and in as much time as 48 months.
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Average GMAT score: 572
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 552
- Tuition per credit: $1,250
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9) Rochester Institute of Technology (Saunders)
This online executive MBA, which takes place over 16 months and 4 semesters, is designed for experienced, creative, and innovative leaders in business who seek further career advancement. Though all coursework is online, students must attend a 3-day on-campus orientation, as well as a 7-to-10-day international seminar closer to the time of graduation (airfare and lodging provided).
- Location: Rochester, New York
- School type: Private
- Acceptance rate: 50%
- Average GMAT score: 551
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 39
- Tuition per credit: $1,660
10) University of Kansas
This highly-affordable MBA provides a top-tier business education for under $40,000. Better yet, there’s no Kansas residency requirement, which makes the program incredibly flexible. According to reports, Kansas MBA alumni have an average post-graduation salary increase of 27%, and 87% received a pay raise after degree completion.
- Location: Lawrence, Kansas
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 66%
- Average GMAT score: 530
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 489
- Tuition per credit: $865
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11) University of Maryland—College Park (Smith)
UMD’s Smith School of Business boasts a flexible and engaging curriculum that provides the same rigor as its on-campus MBAs. Specializations include Finance, Information Systems, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and a General Track that takes a more expansive look at core business concepts. No matter the concentration, Smith provides real-world value through a focus on data-driven strategies.
- Location: College Park, Maryland
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Average GMAT score: 564
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.8
- Graduate enrollment: 429
- Tuition per credit: $1,733
12) Ball State University (Miller)
- Another highly-affordable option, Ball State’s online MBA offers seven concentrations, ranging from Artificial Intelligence, to Finance, to Healthcare Administration. The degree program has no on-campus requirements and requires fewer credits for students who already have previous business degrees.
- Location: Muncie, Indiana
- School type:
- Acceptance rate: 93%
- Average GMAT score: 586
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.5
- Graduate enrollment: 345
- Tuition per credit: $701
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13) The University of Texas at Dallas
With 9 concentrations and 5 double degree options, online MBA students at UT Dallas take courses on their own schedules while receiving customized career support. Though the program offers courses online (in synchronous and asynchronous formats), students must be able to attend testing centers in-person.
- Location: Richardson, Texas
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 46%
- Average GMAT score: 635
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 429
- Tuition per credit: $1,871
14) University of Massachusetts—Amherst (Isenberg)
This MBA includes six focus areas: Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Marketing, and Sport Management. Though Isenberg MBA students have the option of completing the degree entirely online, students who live in the area (or near the Boston or Worcester locations) have the option of complementing online learning with some in-person classes in order to engage more closely with faculty members.
- Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 92%
- Average GMAT score: 623
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.3
- Graduate enrollment: 1,605
- Tuition per credit: $925
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15) University of Utah (Eccles)
The Eccles online MBA emphasizes analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills, effective management skills, awareness of ethical issues, communication, and strategic thinking. With its flexible and strategically-built curriculum, reports show that 50% of students received a promotion while completing this 2-year program.
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average GMAT score: 645
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.3
- Graduate enrollment: 228
- Tuition per credit: $1,350
16)University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium
In addition to its program in General Management, the University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium offers a 36-credit MBA in Healthcare Management. Both of these options are 100% online, highly personalized, taught by Ph.D.-qualified faculty, and can be completed in 2.5-to-3 years.
- Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate:
- Average GMAT score:
- Average undergrad GPA:
- Graduate enrollment: 418
- Tuition per credit: $825
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17) Oklahoma State University (Spears)
As the most affordable program on this list and one of the most affordable accredited MBAs in the nation, Spears attracts full-time and motivated professionals who wish to complete a rigorous and practical academic curriculum in 16 months. Its online courses are designed to promote student collaboration, and better yet, they are available 24/7, so they can be completed regardless of student schedule or location.
- Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 66%
- Average GMAT score: 617
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.5
- Graduate enrollment: 303
- Tuition per credit: $364
18) University of Michigan—Ann Arbor (Ross)
Through a mix of online coursework and in-person residencies, University of Michigan offers an interactive and collaborative experience through its online MBA. The curriculum includes both synchronous class sessions and asynchronous modules, and local students are also eligible to attend in-person elective courses on the Ann Arbor campus. Career services for online MBA students include on-campus recruiting, personal coaching, LinkedIn profile review, resume reviews, virtual mock interviews, and more.
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- Average GMAT score: 670
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.4
- Graduate enrollment: 378
- Tuition per credit: $2,212
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19)Florida State University
Designed for highly motivated individuals seeking a competitive edge in the business field, FSU offers an online, part-time MBA with specialization in real estate (which includes rigorous electives on real estate finance and analysis), in addition to its general online MBA program. Applicants should be able to demonstrate extensive professional experience and/or excellence and leadership in their previous academic work.
- Location: Tallahassee, Florida
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- Average GMAT score: 560
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.5
- Graduate enrollment: 599
- Tuition per credit: $810
20) James Madison University
JMU offers three MBA concentrations: executive leadership (for tenured professionals seeking to enhance their skill sets), information security (for managers aiming to lead information security teams), and innovation (for professionals seeking to lead innovation in an organization). All three are delivered in a hybrid format with online coursework and in-person residencies. including an optional global residency.
- Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
- School type: Public
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average GMAT score: 605
- Average undergrad GPA: 3.1
- Graduate enrollment: 171
- Tuition per credit: $1,000
Best Online MBA Programs – Further Reading
Hopefully, this list has been helpful as you continue your search for the right online MBA. All in all, an online MBA program can be perfect for professionals with busy schedules and tight budgets who are looking to advance their careers. For more on how to get into top business schools, consider reading about the top feeders into MBA programs or the best Doctor of Business Administration Programs. Click here for the Average GMAT Score by School. Looking for more information on preparing for grad school applications more generally? Check out our articles on the top 130 GRE vocabulary words and how to study, orGMAT vs GRE.
