An MBA degree can be an important investment in your professional growth and the online MBA schools offer an efficient means of reaching this goal.
With so many choices available to you, it is essential that you select an online MBA program that fits in well with your career aspirations and ideals.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of finding an online MBA school suitable to your individual needs. But first, let’s begin with the factors you should consider when selecting an online MBA school.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Online MBA Schools
1. Accreditation
To select an online MBA school with confidence, be sure that they are accredited by an accrediting body recognized in their field. Accreditation will ensure the program satisfies high educational standards – so make sure your chosen program has accreditation by an established accreditation body.
2. Research the Reputation of the Program
Conduct extensive research on the school and program reputation by consulting rankings, reviews and alumni testimonials for an accurate appraisal of education quality and outcomes. Essentially, choose a program from an esteemed business school.
3. Curriculum and Specializations
Analyze the curriculum and available specializations to see if they correspond with your career goals and interests. Select a program that offers relevant coursework.
4. Faculty Expertise
Assess your faculty members‘ qualifications, industry experience and research contributions. Experienced professors provide students with better learning experiences.
5. Adaptability and Format
Consider the flexibility of the program: Does it provide asynchronous learning so you can study at your own pace, or is its online platform user-friendly?
6. Networking Opportunities
Evaluate the networking opportunities presented by an online MBA school. Interacting with peers, instructors and alumni can strengthen your professional connections and boost your career growth.
Most importantly, prioritize selecting a program within your budget.
Top Online MBA Schools
There are many great online MBA programs to choose from, with these being among the most sought-after:
1. Harvard Business School Online
Harvard is well known for its rigorous curriculum and esteemed faculty, offering online MBA programs tailored to different needs and experience levels. Tuition for Harvard’s two-year MBA costs approximately $76,000 annually but you may be eligible for scholarship opportunities available through Harvard.
2. Wharton Online of the University of Pennsylvania
Wharton offers an intensive online MBA program tailored to provide top-tier business education with maximum flexibility. Regarding tuition cost, two-year EMBA classes commencing in 2023 at Wharton cost $223,500 for their two-year programs.
3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Gies College of Business
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s 100% online MBA program, ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, costs approximately $23,904. However, costs will depend upon which electives students select as part of their curriculum.
4. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
Northwestern University offers an online MBA program ranked #3 by U.S. News & World Report. Kellogg’s online MBA programs combine live virtual classes and interactive coursework for an engaging learning experience. Initial costs associated with enrolling at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management is $150,201 per year or $111,658 over two years (these prices may change at any time).
5. Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
Duke University boasts a top-rated online MBA program ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report and with an estimated cost of up to $75,000. However, other fees may also apply; see here for more details.
6. Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina
UNC’s online MBA programs emphasize teamwork, leadership and practical application of skills. The total tuition at Kenan-Flagler Business School for this program is around $125,589.06.
7. Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon
Tepper offers an innovative online MBA curriculum focused on data analytics and technology-driven business strategies. Tuition for this program at Tepper School of Business ranges between $12,380 and $17,000 depending on when you choose to join.
8. University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School
The University of Pennsylvania offers an online MBA program ranked fourth worldwide by U.S. News & World Report. Wharton MBA 2023 tuition fee currently stands at approximately $87,370 but may change.
9. University of Chicago Booth School of Business
U.S. News & World Report ranks The University of Chicago’s online MBA program #5, while tuition for both domestic and international students for its Full-Time MBA is $76,350 per year at its Booth School of Business.
These Online MBA Schools/programs boast rigorous curricula, experienced faculty members and ample networking opportunities. Furthermore, these institutions are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Read Next: Online Executive MBA: Top EMBA Programs and Their Costs
