5 Best Colleges for an Online MBA

These days, you can do just about anything online – buy your groceries, explore a museum halfway across the world, and get your Master’s degree. For many students, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the next step after undergrad, a goal they achieve some time in their mid-20s, or cause for a career change later in life. Whatever the case, an MBA can now be earned from the comfort of your own home, making this achievement more accessible and affordable. At this point in the process, you may know that you’re interested in obtaining an MBA, but you don’t necessarily know where you want to attend. Fortunately, U.S. News and World Report has included the best places to obtain an online MBA in their rankings.

#5: University of Florida (Warrington)

The University of Florida was one of the first online MBA programs available, and now, it’s one of the best. They provide two options: a one-year or two-year degree programs. Prospective students that have graduated in the last seven years with a degree in Business are eligible to apply for and complete the one-year online program. Those students that have not graduated within the last seven years – or did not have an undergraduate degree in Business – must complete the 24-month program. The online program is identical to the in-person instruction that students receive on campus. Students can apply year-round through their rolling admissions deadline. Admissions decisions are received within two to three weeks after your application is submitted, and a deposit will guarantee your place with the next cohort of MBA students. The cost for the one-year MBA program is approximately $49,204.80, and the two-year program is $59,087.52.

#4: University of Southern California (Marshall)

The University of Southern California MBA from the Marshall School of Business focuses on the “digitally driven business landscape,” according to their site. Though the curriculum was designed by USC Marshall faculty exclusively for an online platform, the coursework and instruction is no different from that of in-person instruction on USC’s campus. As a student, you’ll be able to complete coursework on your own as well as attend real-time interactive classes. Through this hybrid approach, students can work virtually on a team just as they would in person. The fall cohort begins in August, and the Spring cohort begins in December. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling bases; however, there is an admissions timeline for those intending to start at a specific time of year. Total cost for the USC online MBA program is $112,346.

#3: Indiana University – Bloomington (Kelley)

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University provides an online MBA that allows students to customize their degree. With seven different majors as well as numerous electives, you have the flexibility to specialize in a certain area. In addition to an MBA, students can add an online Masters degree in one of the following fields: Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, Information Technology Management, Marketing, and Strategic Management. Students have five years to complete both degrees, which applies 54 credits to the MBA and 12 credits to the Masters of their choice. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, and you’re able to choose which cohort you would like to start with. Applicants are notified within two to three weeks of submitting their application whether or not they’ve been admitted. For the 2020 – 21 school year, tuition and fees are set at $1,380 per credit hour.

#1: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)

It’s a tie for the #1 spot, and the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill is claiming one of the prized spots. With an online MBA from UNC, you get to engage in multiple components of curriculum. Classes may occur online, but they are collaborative in nature. Students can also customize their degree with a specialty in Data Analytics and Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, and Strategy and Consulting. Every quarter, the program hosts a weekend-long intensive learning experience in multiple cities around the world. Finally, students can engage in hands-on learning through action-based learning programs. Cohorts begin in both July and October. Depending on the season you want to begin your studies, there is an application timeline that you need to follow. Total tuition for the 2020 – 21 school year is approximately $125,589.06.

#1: Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)

The other #1 online MBA program spot belongs to Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Curriculum for the online MBA program is identical to that of the in-person experience offered on campus. Online courses occur twice a week. The remainder of the time each allows you to work at your own pace. Additionally, Tepper offers Access Weekends, which occur in six different cities around the country over the course of the year. Through Access Weekends, classmates and faculty can network, study, and get hands-on learning experience together. The application process for the Tepper School of Business begins in October and does not finish until April. Applicants can seek engagement throughout the process, though, through virtual fairs, student convos, and online application workshops. The part-time online MBA program tuition costs are $17,500 per semester for eight semesters.

Is Online Learning Right for You?

You may be considering an online degree but aren’t quite sure if it’s right for you. Fortunately, Fastweb has several ways that we can help. We’ve launched an Online Learning Center to help our members get advice and analyze the best online learning resources. What can you find in our Online Learning Center?

1. Comparison Tool Our online learning Comparison Tool lays out the similarities and differences between major platforms so that you can determine the best fit for you. You’ll be able to sort programs by grade level, course format, and platform options (web or app based).
2. Our Recommendations Because we’re experts in the field of getting degree, we’ve done the research and made recommendations on the best online learning platforms. Through this resource, you’ll find eLearning benefits as well as our top digital learning tips for beginners and advanced online learners alike.
3. Directory of Online Learning Platforms Finally, we provide a directory of online learning platforms so that you can search through your options in one place. You can filter options by subject and cost. We also provide you with the option to compare online learning platforms that interest you so you can find the best fit easily.

Online learning isn’t what it used to be. Rather, students that attend online courses and earn a degree are getting nearly the same experience as those attending in-person classes, if not better. With the flexibility and accessibility that online learning provides, it’s no wonder that it’s gaining momentum as a popular higher education option. If you want to begin pursuing your online MBA, you can compare and find the right program right here on Fastweb.