The 20 Best Online MBA Programs for 2021 | UoPeople

Looking for the best online MBA programs? Look no further. Here’s a list of the top 20 online MBA programs for 2021.

A Master of Business Administration is one of the most popular and widely available degrees available today, and the option to do it online is becoming more attainable than ever before. A U.S. News report from 2018 ranked the top 270 online MBA programs, which is a significant rise from the 180 programs that were available just a year prior in 2017. Online MBA programs offer many benefits for students and there are tons to choose from. Let’s go over the best online MBA programs for 2021.

What is an MBA?

We all hear the term MBA as people throw it around when talking about their studies or what they want to do, but not everyone knows exactly what an MBA really is. An MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. It’s an internationally-recognized degree in which you develop career skills needed for business and management.

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Although the word business is built within the the term, it doesn’t mean that an MBA is limited only to the business world. People with MBAs also have careers in the public sector, government, non-profits, and even healthcare.

When studying an MBA, you’re most likely going to have a “core” curriculum of subjects, including accounting, economics, marketing, and operations. You’ll also have a selection of elective courses where you can choose subjects that interest you.

Why Choose an Online MBA?

If you’re not sure if you want to study your MBA online, you might want to know the reasons why many people choose to. Here are popular reasons why students prefer to get an MBA online:

Accessible:

The beauty of an online degree is accessing your studies anywhere at any time. Whether you change locations, have to travel, or have to work, an online MBA allows you easy access — all you need is a computer or portable device.

Flexible:

Your schedule, your time. You get to decide the pace in which you study. And if you’re the diligent type, you might be able to fast track and finish your degree sooner. And if you like to take your time, that’s also an option as many schools offer you up to five years to complete your online MBA.

Diverse:

Considering the inherent diversity of MBAs and the study of international business, doing an online MBA allows you to network with students from around the world.

Technology:

Online technology these days makes it very easy to get your syllabus, textbooks, and assignments. You don’t have to worry about losing any papers or books.

Lower Cost:

This doesn’t necessarily mean lower tuition. It means that you have less fees and costs than an on-campus degree, like transportation and living expenses.

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If you’re thinking about whether to do the degree in general, check out our article on everything you need to know about getting an MBA.

Another reason why getting an MBA is worthwhile is the salary potential. The salaries will vary, according to your MBA concentration. For example, according to Monster, a concentration in Strategy could earn you $127,00 a year. Focusing on Technology Management could earn you $113,000 a year, and Finance could get you in the earning range of $103,000 per year, in the USA.

The Best Online MBA Programs in 2021

Now let’s get to the list of the best programs to choose from. We’ll go over the highest ranked online MBA programs, including the most affordable as well as the best for international students. The list is a compilation of existing top-ranked lists, from sources such as Forbes, CollegeChoice, Poets&Quants, and US News. They all base their lists on official data and student surveys.

1. Southern California Marshall School of Business

USC Marshall is an internationally-recognized business school and welcomes students into the ‘Trojan Family’ with strong networking connections.

Courses/Subjects:

The program requires 51 credit hours and will include: Business Environment and Leadership, Fundamentals of Business, Managing Inside the Firm, Managing Outside the Firm, Opportunity Recognition and Development, and The Role of the Manager

Cost and Scholarships:

$62,140 (Year 1); $58,316 (Year 2). Limited number of scholarships available

Application Requirements:

GMAT or GRE test scores and a minimum of two years of full-time professional experience

Accreditation:

WSCUC and AACSB

2. Auburn University Harbert School of Business

The school of business has grown 50% over the last 7 years. They offer multiple MBA programs in which the online option is one of them.

Courses/Subjects:

The curriculum includes 13 classes, made up of 9 core courses and 4 electives. Elective courses can include: predictive modeling, multinational financial management, e-commerce, and real estate finance.

Cost and Scholarships:

$26,406 per year. A number of scholarships available

Application requirements:

Resume, letters of recommendation, and GMAT scores

Accreditation:

AACSB

3. Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business

The Kelley School of Business offers one of the best online MBA programs for students who want a customizable program. The program is ranked No. 2 for the best online MBA programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Courses/Subjects:

The 51-credit program includes 12 electives for students based on their career goals and interests. Core curriculum includes: Business law and ethics, Economics, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Information technology, and Project management

Cost and Scholarships:

$67,830 per year. 5 available scholarships

Application Requirements:

Resume, letters of recommendation, GMAT scores, TOEFL or IELTS scores, and transcripts

Accreditation:

AACSB

4. Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business

The school offers a part-time program considered to be one of the best online MBA programs for working professionals because it can be completed within 32 months. It’s also great for transfer students. MBA students can also test out of core classes with an exemption exam and substitute an elective for that class.

Courses/Subjects:

Multiple tracks are available, including: Management of Innovation and Project Development, Business Analytics, Energy Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Leadership.

Cost and Scholarships:

$49,920 per year. 5 scholarship options

Application Requirements:

GMAT or GRE scores, one essay, unofficial transcripts from universities previously attended, a current professional resume, and one letter of recommendation.

Accreditation:

MSCHE

5. Lehigh University College of Business and Economics

The online MBA program is highly recognized and is ranked #19 by the US News and World Report Best Online MBAs list. Also on a global level, they’re ranked #20 on Quacquarelli Symonds’ Global Distance Online MBA Ranking.

Courses/Subjects:

The online Flex MBA program requires 36 credit hours, including: Introduction to the Organization and its Environment, Managing Financial and Physical Resources, Managing Information, Managing Products and Services, Managing People, Integrative Experience

Cost and Scholarships:

$24,840 per year. 3 available scholarships

Application Requirements:

At least two years of work experience and GMAT or GRE scores.

Accreditation:

MSCHE and AACSB

6. University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School

This online MBA is highly ranked due to the program’s respected MBA brand and unique interactive format.

Courses/Subjects:

It requires 66 credit hours and students can select one of eight concentrations: Corporate Finance, Data Analytics and Decision Making, Entrepreneurship, Global Supply Chain Management, Investment Management, Management Consulting, Marketing, or Sustainable Enterprise.

Cost and Scholarships:

$124,345.32 for the entire program. 7 scholarships available

Application Requirements:

GMAT or GRE test scores, and a minimum of two years of full-time professional experience. Applicants with over seven years of work experience may have the test score waived.

Accreditation:

SACS and AACSB

7. Temple University Fox School of Business

This flexible online MBA program is a world-class degree in a cutting-edge format. Students can graduate in as few as 20 months or take as long as 6 years.

Courses/Subjects:

48 required credits and 3 required courses in Leadership, Accounting, and Statistics.

Cost and Scholarships:

$1,245 per credit hour. 3 scholarships available

Application Requirements:

Official college transcripts, a current resume, GMAT or GRE scores, two required essays, and two letters of recommendation

Accreditation:

AACSB

8. Pennsylvania State University World Campus Smeal College of Business

The Smeal program has received recognition from the top-leading ranking systems in the world. It was also ranked 10th by U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs ranking.

Courses/Subjects:

The program requires 48 credit hours. Concentrations are provided in Accounting, Business Analytics, Business Architecture, Business Sustainability Strategy, Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing Analytics, Negotiation and Influence, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management.

Cost and Scholarships:

$1,185 per credit hour. A few scholarships available based on committee’s decision

Application Requirements:

GMAT or GRE scores, two references, a resume including two years of professional experience, and responses to six short-answer essay questions

Accreditation:

AACSB

9. University of Florida Warrington College of Business

The school is ranked within the top 10 best online MBA programs by Princeton Review, US News and World Report, Financial Times, and Quacquarelli Symonds’ Global Distance Online MBA Ranking. The program is also offered as a hybrid 16-month accelerated program for students with a background in business.

Courses/Subjects:

It requires 48 credit hours. Focus area options include International Studies, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Finance

Cost and Scholarships:

$45,407 per year. 19 available scholarships

Application Requirements:

Transcripts, recommendation letters, GMAT or GRE scores, and a minimum of two years of professional experience

Accreditation:

AACSB

10. University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management

This program has an outstanding reputation in the education community as it is ranked No. 3 for the best online MBA in the world by the Financial Times.

Courses/Subjects:

39 credit hours, with focus areas in Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Healthcare Administration, Business Analytics, and Sport Management.

Cost and Scholarships:

$2,747 per course. 2 scholarships available

Application requirements:

GMAT or GRE scores, transcripts from all universities attended, and a personal essay.

Accreditation:

AACSB and NECHE

11. University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business

This program is acknowledged among some of the most prestigious online MBAs in the country. It is ranked as No. 1 best value in the U.S. by the Financial Times.

Courses/Subjects:

48 required credit hours and students may choose one of six specialization tracks: Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, International Business, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management.

Cost and Scholarships:

$630 per credit hour. 2 scholarships available

Application Requirements:

Professional resume reflecting at least one year of work experience, unofficial and official transcripts with a minimum of 3.0 GPA, GMAT scores of 600 or higher or equivalent GRE scores, three references, a personal statement, and completion of statistics and calculus.

Accreditation:

AACSB

12. Hofstra University Zarb College of Business

The school offers an optional global practicum in which students go on a 12-day cultural immersion trip to several selected countries, and students visit companies and get to speak with various business leaders.

Courses/Subjects:

45 credit hours are required with coursework in foundational business, advanced business, and concentration work in the area of strategic management.

Cost and Scholarships:

$1,375 per credit hour. 34 available scholarships

Application requirements:

Official transcripts, personal statement, GMAT or GRE scores, current professional resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Accreditation:

AACSB

13. University of Texas-Dallas Jindal School of Management

This program has a focus on innovation and offers a highly recognizable brand. It offers a flexible format, allowing students to take up to 72 months to complete the degree.

Courses/Subjects:

The program requires 53 credit hours and has 15 options for concentration, including Accounting, Finance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Strategic Management.

Cost and Scholarships:

$50,570 per year. General and donor scholarships available

Application Requirements:

Official transcripts, a detailed professional resume, GMAT/GRE scores, and one professional letter of recommendation.

Accreditation:

AACSB

14. Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business

This online MBA is one of the best in the country with flexibility, up-to-date curriculum, and overall prestige. It’s listed in the top 10 online MBA programs with US News and World Report, Princeton Review, and Financial Times.

Courses/Subjects:

A 60 credit hour curriculum. Core business classes include: Managerial Accounting, Organizational Theory, Financial Accounting, and Marketing Management.

Cost and Scholarships:

$60,500 per year. 1 scholarship available

Application requirements:

Two recommendations, employment history, GMAT scores, all college transcripts, three essays, and a current resume

Accreditation:

AACSB

15. Arkansas State University College of Business

This online MBA is highly competitive and known for its excellence in education and high standards. U.S. News and World Report list this program as the 12th best online MBA in the country.

Courses/Subjects:

The 33 credit hour program emphasizes leadership, technology, and action-based learning.

Cost and Scholarships:

$610 per credit hour. 7 available scholarships

Application requirements:

GMAT or GRE scores and transcripts from all universities previously attended. Students must also have completed business foundation courses in Accounting, Finance, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Law, Statistics, and Operations Management before enrolling in MBA courses.

Accreditation:

AACSB

16. George Washington University School of Business

The online MBA is listed in the top 10 best online MBAs by Financial Times and Quacquarelli Symonds’ Global Distance Online MBA Ranking.

Courses/Subjects:

The program requires 55.5 credit hours and core courses include: Business Ethics, Data Analysis and Decisions, Financial Accounting, Global Perspectives, Judgment, Uncertainty, and Decisions, Macroeconomics for the Global Economy, Managing Human Capital, Marketing Decisions, Microeconomics for the Global Economy, Nature of Markets, Organizations and Leadership

Cost and Scholarships:

$105,570 for the entire program. 28+ scholarships available

Application Requirements:

A current letter of recommendation, one essay, official transcripts from all universities attended, a professional resume, and GMAT or GRE scores.

Accreditation:

MSCHE and AACSB

17. University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium

This program is listed in the top 20 with US News and World Report and also is No. 34 on Quacquarelli Symonds’ Global Distance Online MBA Ranking.

Courses/Subjects:

30 credit hours, with core business courses in areas such as: Strategies and Developing New Products, Managing Ongoing Operations, and Services, Managing Strategically in a Global Environment and Focusing on the Future.

Cost and Scholarships:

$775 per credit hour. 10 scholarships available

Application requirements:

GMAT scores of 475 or above, a current resume, official college transcripts of a 2.75 GPA or above, and three letters of recommendation.

Accreditation:

AACSB

The Most Affordable Online MBA Programs

There are also the best of the least expensive. You can check out our guide on Where to Find the World’s Cheapest Online MBA. Considering the cost of MBA programs, students are trying to search for cheaper options. See our other article on how the MBA cost In USA Keeps Rising: Top Tips to Study Debt Free.

Here are the affordable online MBA options.

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18. University of the People

University of the People offers an online tuition-free MBA program for students all over the world. With a cost of $2,400 to sit in all the 12 required exams, it is by far one of the cheapest options in the world for an online MBA. It can be completed in as little as six terms, or fifteen months of full-time study.

Courses/Subjects:

General Education, Major, and Electives courses, including: Managerial Accounting, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Organizational Theory and Behavior, and Strategic Decision Making and Management to name a few. The full curriculum can be seen here.

Cost and Scholarships:

Tuition is free. Application and exam fees do apply, however. 9 scholarships available.

Application Requirements:

MBA foundation courses, resume, letter of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency.

Accreditation:

DEAC

19. Georgia Southwestern State University

The online MBA program promotes strong values, ethics, and service, and incorporates the multicultural influences driving today’s market. It’s been rated by the SR Education Group as the #1 most affordable online MBA program for the year 2021.

Courses/Subjects:

30 credit hours with core curriculum: Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Advanced Business, Finance, Quantitative Management, International Business, Managerial Control, Org Theory & Behavior (Leadership), and Strategic Management

Cost and Scholarships:

$3,855 per year. 9 scholarships available

Application requirements:

GMAT or GRE scores, a current resume, official transcripts official test scores, and three letters of recommendation.

Accreditation:

AACSB

20. Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University offers a cheap online MBA and is among the highest ranked programs. U.S. News and World Report ranks the program as the 74th Best Online MBA Program of its kind. The school is also ranked regionally as the 41st Best Regional University in the South.

Courses/Subjects:

36 credit hours are required in which 30 hours are in the core and six hours of electives in a specific concentration. The curriculum requires completing a capstone course in strategic management.

Cost and Scholarships:

$7,000 per year. 20 available scholarships

Application requirements:

GPA of 950 or higher, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts.

Accreditation:

ACBSP