Top Online MBA Programs
There are a few reasons why a master’s in business administration (MBA) is consistently among the most popular graduate degrees in the country. Earning an MBA degree online is an investment that can provide flexibility, speed up your career, and pave the way to a high salary.
Below, explore the best online MBA programs, concentration areas, average tuition costs, career paths, and salary outcomes for MBA graduates.
10 Best Online MBA Programs
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.
This list has been updated for 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Why Get Your MBA Online?
- Flexibility: Online MBA programs allow you to balance your education with other personal commitments, such as a full-time job or family obligations.
- Same High-Quality Education: They provide you with the same level of business expertise and marketable skills as a traditional MBA program, unlocking high-paying business management and leadership positions.
- No Relocation: You can enroll in top programs across the country or access unique specializations without having to relocate.
- Cost Savings: Tuition for online MBA programs tends to be lower, on average, than traditional MBA programs, and you don’t have to worry about commuting or housing costs.
Reality Check: Are Online MBA Degrees Respected by Employers?
Employers typically view online MBA degrees just like traditional, on-campus MBAs. You’ll gain the same business knowledge and in-demand skills, often learning from the same faculty who teach on campus. Accredited online MBA programs meet the same rigorous academic standards as in-person programs, ensuring you get a high-quality education.
What You Can Expect From an Online MBA
An MBA is an advanced business degree that develops broad expertise in business. Courses cover topics like business strategy, ethical decision-making, and organizational management. Most MBA programs consist of 36-40 credits and take between 2-4 years to complete.
As an online MBA student, you can take courses in asynchronous and synchronous settings, either through lesson plans or live classes. In addition to taking online courses, many MBA programs require a capstone project and professional development activities to graduate.
Many online MBA programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission, preferably in a business-related major. Some require applicants to hold several years of professional experience. Others are open to all prospective students regardless of undergraduate major or prior career experience.
- Accounting
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Supply Chain and Logistics
Accredited Online MBA Programs
You should ensure that all online MBA programs on your list hold institutional accreditation. Institutional accreditation is a process through which a third-party organization verifies whether a school meets high standards for faculty qualifications, academic rigor, and student learning outcomes.
Additionally, some business schools may hold programmatic accreditation — an optional process that evaluates how well a particular department or program’s coursework prepares learners for careers in the field.
MBA programmatic accreditors include AACSB International, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Online MBA Degree Courses
Online MBA programs focus on business best practices, including leadership and management skills. Common courses in these degrees include:
- Legal and Ethical Decision-Making
- Leadership Theory and Practice
- Finance and Accounting for Managers
- Information Technology
- Marketing Management
- Personnel Management
Online MBA Concentrations and Focus Areas
Business is a broad topic, so most online MBA programs offer concentrations to help students focus their skills. Below are several common specializations for online MBAs.
Accounting
An MBA in accounting focuses on financial leadership in corporate settings. This degree can prepare you for work as a certified public accountant (CPA), management accountant, or financial consultant. An accounting concentration may require classes like advanced cost accounting, tax research and jurisprudence, and advanced auditing.
Economics
Economists research economic issues and recommend solutions to economic problems. These professionals can influence public policy and global economies. An MBA in economics can prepare you for economic careers by blending courses in business leadership with classes in econometrics, economic theory, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs create their own business ventures. In this concentration, you’ll learn about the financial, marketing, human resources, and management aspects of developing business plans. Classes also cover topics like venture capital, the finance of buyouts and acquisitions, and intellectual property strategy for innovation-driven enterprises.
Finance
MBA finance concentrations explore the tools used to improve company bottom lines. You learn to make financial decisions and keep organizations profitable. Classes explore ideas like international financial markets, advanced corporate finance, venture capitalism, and behavioral finance.
Human Resource Management
Human resource management concentrations prepare you for roles like training manager, compensation and benefits manager, or human resource manager. Courses cover human resource staffing, talent management and development, and leading strategic change initiatives. Programs may also examine negotiation and conflict resolution strategies.
International Business
In an international business concentration, you study global markets, international trends, and the rules governing multinational corporations. This specialization covers traditional business topics — like human resource management and finance — through an international lens.
Common courses include international business environments, international business law, and global operations for supply chain strategies.
Management
MBA in management programs can offer specializations such as operations management, healthcare administration, or business analytics. You’ll take classes like organizational management, managerial economics, and supply chain management.
With a management focus, you can qualify for roles such as director of operations, procurement manager, or executive director.
Marketing
Marketing concentrations teach you to lead marketing departments and make high-level decisions about brand strategy. Courses cover marketing analysis and development, global brand strategies, and how to use data analytics in marketing.
With this concentration, you can pursue jobs like brand and product marketing manager, public relations director, marketing data analyst, or marketing director.
Supply Chain and Logistics
Logisticians and supply chain managers help ensure the efficient delivery of goods and services. An MBA in supply chain management may include classes such as global logistics management, quantitative analysis for supply chains, and artificial intelligence for supply chain management.
What Can You Do With an MBA Degree?
Because many sectors seek professionals with leadership and business skills, MBA graduates can find jobs across many industries. Common roles for MBA graduates include management, executive-level positions, and consulting.
Many MBA grads in the management field become project managers, leading teams and keeping projects on track and on budget. In finance, they may work as a financial manager, analyzing data, preparing reports, and guiding strategic financial decisions. Many also work as human resources managers, overseeing hiring, employee development, and workplace culture.
What Are the Highest-Paying MBA Careers and Concentration Areas?
Some of the highest-paying MBA careers are in information technology management and finance, each with median salaries over $160,000 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Other well-paying roles include human resources manager, data scientist, and administrative services manager.
| 9 Careers You Can Pursue With an MBA | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) | MBA Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology Manager | $171,200 | 17% | Information Technology Management |
| Financial Manager | $161,700 | 17% | Finance |
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 | 6% | Human Resources |
| Data Scientist | $112,590 | 36% | Business Analytics |
| Administrative Services Manager | $106,880 | 6% | Operations Management |
| Top Executive | $105,350 | 6% | General |
| Management Analyst | $101,190 | 11% | Consulting |
| Project Management Specialist | $100,750 | 7% | General |
| Accountant and Auditor | $81,680 | 6% | Accounting |
How Much Does an Online MBA Degree Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported in 2020 that an online master’s in business or management cost $10,994 in annual tuition and fees, on average. For comparison, an in-person master’s in business or management cost an average of $16,120 that same year. Adjusted for 2025 inflation, that’s about $13,699 for an online program compared to $20,087 for an in-person program.
But the cost of an online MBA can vary. Factors such as the school, program duration, and whether it is a public or private institution can change the price. Your access to reliable internet may also impact the cost of an MBA if you don’t have a strong web connection in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Degrees
How long does it take to get an MBA online?
An online MBA program usually takes 1-2 years for full-time students to complete. For a part-time student with a lighter course load, it may take 3-4 years. Many accelerated MBA programs can be completed in 12-18 months. Some schools have “4+1” programs, where students earn a bachelor’s and an MBA in five years.
Is an online MBA worth it?
An online MBA can be a worthwhile investment if you’re seeking a flexible way to change careers or advance in your current role. These programs typically offer the same core curriculum and skill development as traditional on-campus MBAs, often at a lower cost.
An MBA degree can lead to a high-paying job in fields like consulting, finance, and management. Still, the time and financial commitment are significant, so it’s important to be sure you’re ready for the challenge.
Do online MBA programs require GMAT or GRE?
A lot of traditional MBA programs require standardized test scores, but you can find many online MBA programs that do not require GMAT or GRE scores. Admission requirements vary; many programs prefer criteria like work experience, GPA, certifications or licensure, letters of recommendation, and personal essays or statements.
How do I choose an online MBA program?
Choosing the right online MBA program requires careful research and planning. The right online MBA program for you is the one that meets your academic and career goals. In general, you should take into account key factors like reputation, cost, and flexibility. It is also important to find a program that offers your preferred concentration. Program length, accreditation, and access to support services like career advising or alumni networks can also make a big difference.
Can I do an online MBA while working?
Yes, it’s possible to work full-time while earning an online MBA. These programs typically offer schedules that allow you to balance work, school, and family responsibilities. Executive online MBAs, in particular, are designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers. That said, strong time management is crucial for staying on track.