Best Online MBA Programs – When deciding on the Best Online MBA Program to pursue, there is usually a lot to consider. This is not an easy task because there are currently hundreds of online MBA programs out there making it difficult for prospective students to narrow down their choice.
In this article, we will help you narrow down the choice of the best online MBA programs and give you some tips on the key factors to look out for while choosing an online MBA program.
Truly the benefits of completing an online MBA program are amazing, the flexibility of completing the degree on your own terms with course schedules planned around your availability and the possibility of running an accelerated one-year online MBA makes this a no-brainer for professionals looking to advance their career goals.
Key Factors to Look Out for While Choosing an Online MBA Program
Before you set out to find an online MBA program, you need a thorough introspective evaluation of your career goals and priorities. Some factors you may want to consider include:
- Capacity: Do you have the capacity to start and finish the MBA program?
- Value: Is the MBA degree of value to your current and most importantly your future plans?
- Cost: Do you have the finances to undertake an MBA? Is there a scholarship or discounted rate available for students with financial hardships?
- Program Length: How long is the program? When do you need to start?
- Curriculum: What will you be learning in the program? Does it align with your career goals?
- Intensity of coursework: Do you prefer more lectures or hands-on experience? Will the coursework be challenging enough for you?
Factors that Determine the Best Online MBA Programs listed
In determining the Best Online MBA Programs, the following evaluation metrics were considered and each institution was evaluated based on:
- Faculty and Teaching Capacity (35%): this is based on three metrics including; the Academic Reputation (15%) of the program based on a survey of academic experts; FTE Faculty i.e. the percent time a faculty member is paid to teach and the number of enrolled students ratio (10%); and Completion rate (10%).
- Employability (30%): this is based on the Global Employer Survey from employers who have hired online MBAs.
- Class Profile (30%): this is based on the number of students enrolled, Applicant ratio, students’ Work experience, and diversity among enrolled students.
- Class Experience (5%): this is based on the overall support services available to the students including opportunities to network and interact with staff and colleagues.
Best Online MBA Programs
Based on the metrics described above, here are some of the top institutions with the Best Online MBA Programs in the USA:
- Florida International University (Miami, Florida): The renowned Professional online MBA offered is consistently ranked as one of the top online MBA programs in the country. The online MBA program offers students flexible options in 5 different focus areas; finance, marketing, and business analytics.
The faculty are highly rate and students get the opportunity to complete both, yellow and green belt Lean Six Sigma certifications. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $1,000. The acceptance rate is 54%, the average undergraduate GPA is 3.4, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are accepted, but not required. - Naveen Jindal of Management, University of Texas, Dallas: This online MBA is completely flexible allowing students to create their own pathways through the curriculum. The faculty are the same as the live on-campus MBA and promises to be very interactive. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $1,858.
The acceptance rate is 35%, the average undergraduate GPA is 3.2, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are required; however, they offer some exceptions. - George Washington University: The online MBA program is targeted at healthcare professionals and is fully accredited by the AACSB. The aim is to provide business skills to healthcare professionals to better manage the healthcare industry.
At least half of the new students are physicians. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $2,285. The acceptance rate is 78%, the average undergraduate GPA is 3.1, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are accepted, but not required. - University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business: The Maryland Smith Online MBA program offers students an amazing opportunity to earn a fulfilling MBA plus other perks like career coaching, an alumni network of over 68,000, and a top-ranked faculty. The courses are designed and led by the same faculty who teach the on-campus MBA programs. The program specialization tracks are creatively designed to deepen subject expertise. Furthermore, students are encouraged to participate in global study programs.
Also, from their second year, students are immersed in action learning projects, addressing real-world challenges from their own organizations. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $1,733. The Acceptance rate is 76%, the Average undergraduate GPA is 3.4, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are not used in admissions. - American University Kogod School of Business: The MBA program curriculum here focuses on team-based learning with weekly live zoom classes. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $1,866. The Acceptance rate is 86%, the average undergraduate GPA is 3.0, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are accepted, but not required.
- Colorado State University: This is an accelerated 21-month 42-credit Online MBA featuring time-tested online technology, strong support, and job-ready skills taught by qualified faculty. The program is designed for flexibility and includes dedicated in-house teams to support the student experience in enrollment, course discussions, career management, and more. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $998. The acceptance rate is 78%, the average undergraduate GPA is 3.2, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are accepted, but not required.
- North Carolina State University Poole School of Management: This is an executive Professional Online MBA program designed for the utmost flexibility with a focus on helping students grow their careers in a technology-driven, global marketplace. The completion schedule ranges from 21 months to up to six years. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $2,384. Acceptance rate is 70%, the average undergraduate GPA is 3.2, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are not used in admissions.
- Syracuse University Whitman School of Management: Syracuse University’s MBA offers students the opportunity to learn from award-winning faculty with a curriculum that blends a foundation in core business principles, specialized study in an area of concentration, and hands-on domestic and international residencies.
The University also offers the opportunity to earn two master’s degrees at Whitman for fewer credits. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $1,802. The acceptance rate is 83%, the Average undergraduate GPA is 3.1, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are required; however, they offer some exceptions. - Baylor University Hankamer School of Business: This accelerated online MBA program can be completed in 12 months, is offered via an asynchronous learning method, and guarantees the flexibility to be in class on your schedule.
The program also offers corporate alliances to help students land better employment opportunities. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $1,068. The Acceptance rate is 81%, the Average undergraduate GPA is 3.1, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are accepted, but not required. - Lehigh University: The Lehigh MBA offers complete flexibility but a rigorous curriculum, designed by faculty with real-world experience. Tuition per Credit for the 2023 session is $1,235. Acceptance rate is 66%, the average undergraduate GPA is 3.4, and test scores (GMAT or GRE) are required; however, they offer some exceptions.
Conclusion
In summary, this article was aimed at helping prospective students narrow their search for the Best Online MBA Programs in the USA. It is obviously not an easy task as there are some key factors that must be taken into consideration before one settles for a particular online MBA program.
We also showed the evaluation metrics used to recommend the Best Online MBA Programs as listed in the article. Hopefully, you find this article useful in your search.
Finally, take your time and make sure the program you eventually decide to apply to suits your specific need and overall career goals.