Top Online MBA Programs

online mba

Online MBA programs have been getting more and more popular in the past few years, and many top business schools offer such top online MBAs in addition to the traditional full time MBA programs. Their growing popularity is mainly because students don’t have to quit a job to get an MBA degree. An online option provides maximum flexibility for a student. Unlike part-time MBA programs that often require you to sit in a class for a couple of nights a week, you don’t have to commute to an actual location and be physically present anywhere. Online MBA programs are also more likely to waive a standardized test requirement such as the GMAT or GRE. And finally, because you are already employed, you may be able to take advantage of a company plan to pay at least part of your education.

Here are some of the best online MBAs according to US News:

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Kelley Direct allows high-caliber working professionals to earn the world-renowned Kelley MBA or MS degree while enjoying the ultimate in flexibility. In addition to the flexibility inherent in an online program, students have 2-5 years to complete the program. Students will be working with the same Kelley faculty that teach in our highly-ranked full-time and part-time MBA programs, many of whom have been teaching in the program for 10+ years.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at Indiana University–Bloomington (Kelley), a public school, is rolling. One hundred percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at Indiana University–Bloomington (Kelley) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 564

Accepted 424

New entrants 302

Acceptance rate 75%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.4

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 100%

Average GMAT score 639

Entrants providing GMAT scores 66%

Entrants providing GRE scores 20%

Students with prior work experience 100%

Average months work experience of new entrants 84

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation 1

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 1

Business-related work experience requirement Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement No

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement Yes, with exceptions

TOEFL required for international students Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required Paper 550, Internet 79

MBA@UNC delivers the same rigorous MBA experience as offered on campus but through a flexible, virtual environment. Innovative technology allows students to attend weekly live classes anywhere, anytime. The flexible length (18-36 months) allows students to complete the program around their schedules. Students also have the opportunity to take some courses in-person through Kenan-Flagler’s full-time MBA and EMBA programs. Additionally, individual career management plans tailor specifically to professional goals.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler), a public school, is rolling. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 1,186

Accepted 649

New entrants 497

Acceptance rate 55%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.2

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 95%

Average GMAT score 652

Entrants providing GMAT scores 14%

Entrants providing GRE scores 1%

Students with prior work experience 100%

Average months work experience of new entrants 116

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement N/A

Letters of recommendation 2

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 2

Business-related work experience requirement Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement No

TOEFL required for international students No

Minimum TOEFL score required N/A

What sets our online MBA apart is its blended format. The program combines online learning and technology with on-campus, immersive Access Weekends. Part-Time Online Hybrid program participants have the same opportunities as Full-Time and Part-Time On-Campus MBA candidates to gather with professors and network with other students, immersing themselves in the Tepper School culture. This combination of online and on-site learning distinguishes our program from other online-only MBA programs. 

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper), a private school, is April 20. One hundred percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants: 153

Accepted: 82

New entrants: 34

Acceptance rate: 54%

Average undergraduate GPA: 3.4

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA: 82%

Average GMAT score: 651

Entrants providing GMAT scores: 88%

Entrants providing GRE scores: 15%

Students with prior work experience: 97%

Average months work experience of new entrants: 74

Requirements

Application essay required: Yes

Standardized test requirement: GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation: 1

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts: 1

Business-related work experience requirement: Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement: No

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement: No

TOEFL required for international students: Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required: Internet 100

The UF MBA Online program gives students the flexibility to complete the program from anywhere without sacrificing high-quality learning opportunities and access to top faculty. Additionally, face-to-face meetings, co-curricular programming and Global Immersion Experiences complement the online learning environment enabling students to develop powerful and diverse networks. Students have access to dedicated career coaches for career readiness help and preparation for the next career opportunity.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at University of Florida (Hough), a public school, is rolling. One hundred percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at University of Florida (Hough) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 611

Accepted 279

New entrants 188

Acceptance rate 46%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.2

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 96%

Average GMAT score 588

Entrants providing GMAT scores 61%

Entrants providing GRE scores 25%

Students with prior work experience 100%

Average months work experience of new entrants 79

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation 2

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 2

Business-related work experience requirement Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement Yes, with exceptions

TOEFL required for international students Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required Paper 550, Internet 80

Our Online MBA program has a lock-step curriculum that provides a solid foundation in all essential areas of business. These topics are organized into six themes that students take over five semesters. Each course is team taught by 2-4 faculty. We use the “flipped classroom” approach where each week students complete asynchronous content (pre-recorded videos, team projects, assignments, discussions boards) at their own pace and then meet as a class in two weekly live (synchronous) online class sessions.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at University of Southern California (Marshall), a private school, is rolling. One hundred percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at University of Southern California (Marshall) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 165

Accepted 92

New entrants 52

Acceptance rate 56%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.1

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 100%

Average GMAT score 624

Entrants providing GMAT scores 40%

Entrants providing GRE scores 25%

Students with prior work experience 100%

Average months work experience of new entrants 132

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation 3

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 1

Business-related work experience requirement Yes, always

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement No

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement No

TOEFL required for international students Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required Paper N/A, Internet 90

The W. P. Carey Online MBA offers a lock-step core curriculum and a variety of electives to match students’ career goals. Teamwork is a hallmark of the program, beginning with orientation, which develops a tight-knit community of faculty and students. Because the program is designed for maximum flexibility to account for busy schedules, students can complete coursework and take exams whenever it is convenient for them during each five-week course.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at Arizona State University (Carey), a public school, is June 5. One hundred percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at Arizona State University (Carey) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 435

Accepted 250

New entrants 158

Acceptance rate 57%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.2

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 96%

Average GMAT score 591

Entrants providing GMAT scores 54%

Entrants providing GRE scores 31%

Students with prior work experience 99%

Average months work experience of new entrants 83

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation 2

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 2

Business-related work experience requirement Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement No

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement No

TOEFL required for international students Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required Paper 550, Internet 80

Completely flexible programs allow students to create their own pathway through the curriculum. The courses are taught by our regular faculty and are fully developed and recorded in our academic studio on site. Students enrolled online can also take classes on campus if they choose.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at University of Texas–Dallas, a public school, is rolling. Ninety-one percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at University of Texas–Dallas are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 372

Accepted 125

New entrants 45

Acceptance rate 34%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.4

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 100%

Average GMAT score 617

Entrants providing GMAT scores 67%

Entrants providing GRE scores 36%

Students with prior work experience 100%

Average months work experience of new entrants 84

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation 1

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 1

Business-related work experience requirement Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement No

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement Yes, always

TOEFL required for international students Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required Paper 550, Internet 80

The Online MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business offers a high-engagement, high-touch, high-quality educational experience. Taught by the same faculty who teach in Smith’s highly-ranked Executive and Full-time MBA programs, courses cover cutting-edge business topics with real-world business application. Students form strong bonds with faculty and fellow students through our weekly “live” sessions where small class sizes allow students to see one another and share ideas with faculty and with each other. A capstone closing residency held on campus offers an opportunity to integrate learning across all business functions in an energized, competitive simulation.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at University of Maryland–College Park (Smith), a public school, is rolling. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at University of Maryland–College Park (Smith) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 410

Accepted 305

New entrants 180

Acceptance rate 74%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.2

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 100%

Average GMAT score 614

Entrants providing GMAT scores 8%

Entrants providing GRE scores 8%

Students with prior work experience 100%

Average months work experience of new entrants 102

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation 1

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 1

Business-related work experience requirement Yes, always

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement No

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement No

TOEFL required for international students Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required Paper 600, Internet N/A

Auburn University has delivered courses in a distance mode since 1989, is AACSB accredited, and has a proven track record of success. The business school has smart classrooms where on campus classes are recorded and streamed online to distance students – thus distance students get the same material as on-campus students. New online students have the option of coming to campus to participate in orientation and this has been found valuable. Only one short campus visit required.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at Auburn University (Harbert), a public school, is rolling. Ninety-nine percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at Auburn University (Harbert) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 213

Accepted 167

New entrants 105

Acceptance rate 78%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.2

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 99%

Average GMAT score 577

Entrants providing GMAT scores 70%

Entrants providing GRE scores 18%

Students with prior work experience 96%

Average months work experience of new entrants 85

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation 2

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 2

Business-related work experience requirement No

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement No

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement No

TOEFL required for international students Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required Paper 550, Internet 79

Penn State’s Online MBA is AACSB accredited and designed for mid-level management professionals seeking senior management ranks. The MBA program offers an engaged and dynamic experiential learning environment within a rigorous business curriculum. The MBA is designed with an appreciation for customization in terms of pace, and specialization. These options allow students to foster a healthy work/life balance, and combine core business concepts with a unique specialization that aligns with individual career goals. Penn State’s MBA faculty are world renown subject matter experts who are trained to deliver high quality applied learning to skilled and experienced MBA students. Learning is based on application of tools and concepts that integrates professional experience with current academic models.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at Pennsylvania State University–World Campus, a public school, is rolling. Ninety-five percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at Pennsylvania State University–World Campus are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment

Applicants 150

Accepted 125

New entrants 60

Acceptance rate 83%

Average undergraduate GPA 3.3

Entrants providing undergraduate GPA 100%

Average GMAT score 542

Entrants providing GMAT scores 63%

Entrants providing GRE scores 25%

Students with prior work experience 100%

Average months work experience of new entrants 95

Requirements

Application essay required Yes

Standardized test requirement GRE or GMAT

Letters of recommendation 2

Letters of recommendation from professional contacts 2

Business-related work experience requirement Yes, with exceptions

Business-related undergraduate degree requirement No

Business-related undergraduate course work requirement No

TOEFL required for international students Yes

Minimum TOEFL score required Paper 550, Internet 80

The Online MBA is a 36 credit hour comprehensive program that can by completed in two years by taking two courses per term. In four semesters and two summer sessions, students can earn an affordable, 100% online MBA from a top-ranked AACSB accredited program. Students also have the option to extend the time to completion to better suit their career development. The challenging curriculum is highly engaging and taught by world-renowned faculty. Students are never required to visit campus, but are welcome to join us for campus activities. Students are not charged non-resident fees.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at University of Mississippi, a public school, is rolling. Eighty-three percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at University of Mississippi are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

Admissions & Enrollment
  • Applicants – 158
  • Accepted – 49
  • New entrants – 24
  • Acceptance rate – 31%
  • Average undergraduate GPA – 3.5
  • Entrants providing undergraduate GPA – 100%
  • Average GMAT score – 566
  • Entrants providing GMAT scores – 71%
  • Average GRE score breakdown – 154 verbal, 156 quantitative, 3.6 analytical writing
  • Entrants providing GRE scores – 29%
  • Students with prior work experience – 100%
  • Average months work experience of new entrants – 85

Faculty are drawn from the graduate faculty of the 4 AACSB accredited Consortium partners. In a recent AACSB reaffirmation, the team characterized the program as “successful and unique.” One key element of the uniqueness is the structure: the program has four core modules built around the business cycle, and each is taught by multiple instructors from various disciplines. The rest of the program includes 14 elective credits (1, 1.5, and 2 credit courses) that focus on specialized topics.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium, a public school, is rolling. Ninety-nine percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

The Ball State MBA provides students with a high quality, flexible degree at a competitive cost. Experienced faculty have been delivering professionally produced, distance education for more than 30 years. Online students can earn their MBA, without any residency requirement, while interacting with on-campus students in a virtual classroom. Ball State offers a full staff of certified instructional designers who assist our faculty in course development and delivery while remaining one of the higher ranked, low-cost programs in the U.S.

The application deadline for the online MBA programs at Ball State University (Miller), a public school, is rolling. Eighty-seven percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. For these programs, all of the online classes are recorded and archived. Students should also note that the online MBA programs at Ball State University (Miller) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

IE Business School offers several Blended MBA programs:

Global Online MBA – this program combines online educational environment and face-to-face experience in Madrid. The Global Online MBA is a challenging career-booster that builds upon your current professional momentum. Led by industry-savvy professionals, this MBA allows you to explore business foundations in a flexible, customizable and highly interactive learning environment. Discover the potential the digital world has to offer and be ready to disrupt traditional business models while inspiring a lasting change.

  • DURATION – 17 months
  • LANGUAGE – English
  • LOCATION – Online + Madrid
  • INTAKE – September & February
  • PROGRAM – MBA
  • FORMAT – Blended Methodology

Executive MBA – Over 15 months, IE Business School’s Executive MBA unites diverse international business leaders with a focus on impacting lasting change. By gaining invaluable insights, business acumen and developing essential soft skills, high-performing professionals can level-up their career potential while immersed in a dynamic, international network. Our Blended programs represent the culmination of over 15 years of hard work and dedication as we deliver high-impact interactive lessons through group work and case studies.

  • DURATION – 15 months
  • LANGUAGE – English or Spanish
  • LOCATION – Online + Madrid
  • INTAKE – September & March
  • PROGRAM – Executive MBA
  • FORMAT – Blended Methodology

IE Global Executive MBA – IE Business School’s Global Executive MBA is an international, top-ranked program for global business leaders. Our five face-to-face residential weeks span three continents—America, Europe and Asia—providing our students with valuable and actionable insights on today’s most important economic regions. This firsthand experience alongside interactive online classes will give you a truly global vision of the modern business world.

  • DURATION – 15 months
  • LANGUAGE – English
  • LOCATION – Online, Madrid, London, Singapore & Los Angeles
  • INTAKE – May & October
  • PROGRAM – Executive MBA
  • FORMAT – Blended Methodology