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Best Online MBA Programs of 2025
Compare MBA Programs
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An MBA is one of the most versatile master’s degrees students can earn, and online programs make them more accessible than ever.
Given the volume of online MBA programs available, selecting the best option for you can be difficult. That’s why Intelligent.com reviewed hundreds of programs based on factors like cost, retention and graduation rates, and rankings, to create this list of the best online MBA programs of 2025.
To further help students navigate the process of enrolling in an online MBA program, Michelle Pickett, the director of the Academic Advising Center at Northern Illinois University offers her expertise for evaluating and selecting programs, concentration options for MBAs, and what career prospects await graduates.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online MBA degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
Admission rate versus enrollment rate
Retention rate of students who return after year one
Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
Overall graduation rate
Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
Required credits to graduate
Earning potential after graduation
Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
A Master of Business Administration, commonly known as an MBA, is a graduate degree focusing on business management skills and topics.
The minimum number of credits required for an MBA varies based on the type of program. Standard MBA programs, which include foundational core business courses and more advanced specialized courses usually require 40-60 credits and can take 2-3 years to complete, depending on a student’s enrollment status. Executive or accelerated MBA programs, which cater to students with extensive professional experience, may require fewer credits and can be completed in a shorter timeframe.
MBA curriculums typically include courses in areas like finance, management, marketing, and business ethics. They also teach transferable skills like leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship. Experiential learning is also a common component of MBA programs, with students completing internships to give them real-world experience before graduating. Students can choose between generalist MBA programs that give equal attention to all related topics and specialized MBA programs that dive deep into a specific subject area. Some of the most popular MBA specializations include:
An MBA is an incredibly versatile degree. Students can use an MBA to help them advance towards management and C-suite positions, pivot to a new career, increase their earning potential, or start their own business. Many industries employ MBA grads, including tech, finance, healthcare, marketing, and consulting.
What You Can Do With an Online MBA
An online MBA is a versatile degree that prepares graduates for roles in various industries, including business, finance, media and communication, healthcare, tech, and more.
Many students use an MBA to advance into leadership roles. These programs teach high-level business principles as well as skills vital to effective leadership, such as strategic thinking, conflict mediation, negotiation, communication, and more.
Others may pursue an MBA to change careers or learn new skills to help them in their current roles. Students who are entering an MBA program without a business background should seek out programs that are open to students from all undergraduate and professional backgrounds.
An MBA can also be useful to students who want to own and operate their own businesses. An MBA program with an entrepreneurship focus may benefit students with this goal most, as this specialization will emphasize innovation, raising capital, strategic investments, marketing, and more.
Career Outlook
Top executives — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
Median annual salary: $206,680
Projected employment growth (through 2033): 6%
New job openings projected: 343,800 per year
Management analysts — Advise organizations on how to increase revenue, reduce expenses, and improve efficiency.
Median annual salary: $99,410
Projected employment growth (through 2033): 11%
New job openings projected: 95,700 per year
Human resources managers: Plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization, including overseeing recruitment and hiring of new staff and serving as the link between an organization’s management and employees.
Median annual salary: $136,350
Projected employment growth (through 2033): 6%
New job openings projected: 17,400 per year
How to Choose an MBA Degree Program
Overall, the process of selecting an online MBA program can be broken down into the following four steps:
Step 1: Make sure an MBA is the right degree for you
According to Pickett, selecting an MBA degree program begins with students thinking about what they want to achieve at the end of their program regarding career trajectory and the skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities they need to meet their goals.
“Pursuing an MBA degree is a significant investment of one’s time, energy, and resources,” Pickett says. “Having a clear understanding of your “why” and understanding how the program will meet your goals and add value to you professionally is important.”
This is also an ideal time to establish your logistical needs. For example, can you enroll in a synchronous program, with virtual classes that meet at designated times or do you need an asynchronous program that allows you to access lessons and assignments whenever is most convenient for you? Are you planning on attending your MBA program part-time or full-time? Knowing this information will help you find programs that meet your specific priorities.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Next, students should research programs and learn more about their admission requirements, course offerings, faculty, academic support systems, and alumni networks.
“Doing this provides a clearer picture of the specific MBA program, as well as key program outcomes,” Pickett says. “Ideally, you want a program with outcomes that match some or all of your personal goals for earning the degree.”
As you’re researching programs, gather the following information:
What networking opportunities are available to online MBA students?
What support services do the school and program provide for online MBA students?
Does the program have any in-person requirements, such as internships?
How do online students interact with faculty and classmates?
What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available?
Step 3: Prepare for tests and applications
Each MBA program sets its own admission requirements, so it’s best to check with the particular program you’re interested in to determine if you’re qualified and what application materials are needed.
In general, an application for an online MBA program consists of:
Completed application and required fees
Official transcripts from all undergraduate colleges attended
Because of the academic rigor MBA programs require, there may be academic requirements, such as a minimum undergraduate GPA or prerequisite coursework. Many MBA programs also require students to have a minimum amount of professional work experience (typically 2-5 years), although there are programs open to those with little or no professional experience.
Step 4: Determine how you’ll pay for your online MBA
It’s also important to gather information about how much your online MBA program will cost, including tuition and fees. This will help you determine how you will pay for your program.
If you’re currently employed, find out if the company you work for offers tuition assistance benefits. Because of the desirability of MBA skills, many employers offer financial assistance to help employees earn their MBA.
Students seeking need-based aid, including student loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study funding, must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use this application to determine students’ eligibility for need-based financial aid. Students should also explore opportunities for merit-based scholarships and grants.
The decision to get an MBA online or in person is unique to each student, based on their priorities and needs.
Earning an MBA online is the most flexible option, especially if students choose an asynchronous program that allows them to complete lessons and assignments whenever is most convenient for them. This may be an ideal option for students who work full-time or have other obligations that prevent them from attending regularly scheduled classes.
Meanwhile, other students may benefit from the in-person interaction and accountability of an in-person program. Attending in-person classes may also give students more of an opportunity to network with classmates and faculty, which can be valuable for building connections that can lead to jobs and other opportunities.
Is a specialized online MBA degree better than a general online MBA degree?
According to Pickett, one type of MBA isn’t objectively better than the other. Rather, it depends on what you hope to get from your MBA program.
“General MBA programs are valuable for those looking to gain exposure to a degree that covers a variety of business areas and have little or no professional business experience,” Pickett says. “The general MBA is broader and can be applied to more areas,”
Meanwhile, “Specialized MBA programs are valuable for those looking to build expertise in a specific area of business, such as accounting, finance, or management,” Pickett says. “Those who complete specialized programs may have a professional advantage because they will have a deeper level of knowledge in a specific area, which some employers find attractive.”
To help students decide which type of MBA is better for them, Pickett suggests students ask themselves questions like, “What professional and personal goals do I have?” and “What specific skills am I looking to develop or enrich with this degree?”
How long does it take to get an online MBA degree?
The amount of time it takes to earn an MBA depends on a few factors.
The most significant determining factor is the number of credits required for an online MBA. Most online MBA programs in the U.S. require 36-60 credits. Programs with 36 credits can typically be completed in one year of full-time study, while the standard minimum time to complete a 60-credit program is two years of full-time study. Students who enroll part-time typically take longer to complete their online MBA.
Transferring previously earned credits from another MBA or graduate program can help students complete their MBA faster than those who start from scratch. Many MBA programs also grant students credit or waive certain requirements if they have extensive applicable work experience, which can shorten program length. On the other hand, inexperienced students may need to complete prerequisite coursework, adding time to their program.
How much does an online MBA degree cost?
According to EducationData.org, the average cost of an MBA is $56,850. However, the amount each student pays for their online MBA will vary by institution and the amount of financial aid they receive. For the most accurate information about program costs, speak to a financial aid counselor at your institution.
Tuition differs greatly based on whether an institution is public or private, with public universities typically charging lower tuition than their private counterparts. For example, EducationData.org reports that an MBA at Binghamton University, a public school, costs $22,620, compared to $231,276 at Harvard University, a private school. Students should note that public universities typically charge different tuition rates based on whether students are in-state or out-of-state.
A school’s advertised tuition price and what a student pays may differ, thanks to financial aid like scholarships and grants. Because an MBA makes an employee more valuable, many companies offer tuition assistance to workers who enroll in an MBA program. This may cover some or all of your tuition based on your employer’s policies.
Is an online MBA degree worth it?
According to Pickett, “Pursuing an MBA degree is a valuable use of your time if it fits your personal and professional goals. Being clear on your “why” is important to help you maintain your focus and commitment to the program.”
Companies often fill leadership and management roles with MBA grads. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that management occupations will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033. The agency estimates that roughly 1.2 million new management positions will open up each year over the next decade, meaning individuals with the necessary training and skills will be in high demand.
These positions are also lucrative. BLS reports that the median annual wage for workers in management positions is $116,880, over $60,000 more than the median annual wage for all occupations.
Because they are business-minded, most prospective MBA grads want to know the ROI of an online MBA. This ultimately depends on multiple factors, including the cost of the MBA program the student enrolls in, the type of job the student pursues, and where the student ends up working.