Choosing an online MBA provider is a personal and professional decision that depends on various factors and preferences.
Online MBA programs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer flexibility, convenience, and affordability for working professionals who want to advance their careers. However, not all online MBA programs are created equal. There are many factors to consider when choosing an online MBA provider, such as accreditation, reputation, curriculum, faculty, cost, and outcomes. In this article, we will compare some of the top online MBA programs in the United States based on various criteria and rankings.
Accreditation
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online MBA provider is accreditation. Accreditation is a process of quality assurance that ensures that a program meets certain standards of excellence and rigor. There are two types of accreditation for business schools: regional and specialized. Regional accreditation is granted by one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and covers the entire institution. Specialized accreditation is granted by professional associations that focus on specific disciplines or fields, such as business. The most widely recognized specialized accrediting agency for business schools is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
According to Fortune, all of the top 10 online MBA programs in 2023 are accredited by both regional and specialized agencies, which indicates that they have undergone rigorous evaluation and peer review. However, some online MBA programs may have only regional accreditation or no accreditation at all, which may affect their credibility and recognition in the market.
Reputation
Another factor to consider when choosing an online MBA provider is reputation. Reputation can be measured by various indicators, such as rankings, alumni network, employer recognition, and student satisfaction. Rankings are based on various criteria and methodologies that may vary from one source to another, so it is important to look at multiple sources and compare them carefully. Alumni network refers to the size and quality of the graduates who have completed the program and can provide support, mentorship, and opportunities for current and future students. Employer recognition refers to how well the program is known and respected by potential employers and recruiters in the industry. Student satisfaction refers to how happy and satisfied the students are with their learning experience, faculty, peers, and outcomes.
Top Online MBA Programs in the United States
Here are some of the top online MBA programs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report:
- Indiana University – Bloomington (Kelley School of Business)
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler Business School)
- University of Southern California (Marshall School of Business)
- University of Florida (Hough Graduate School of Business)
- Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper School of Business)
- University of Washington (Foster School of Business)
- Arizona State University – Carey School of Business
- University of Kansas (School of Business)
- Rochester Institute of Technology (Saunders College of Business)
- University of Arizona (Eller College of Management)
- University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium
- Rice University (Jones Graduate School of Business)
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online MBA Program
When choosing an online MBA program, there are several factors to consider:
- Academic reputation: It is important to choose a program that is accredited by a reputable business school association, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This ensures that the program meets high standards of academic quality.
- Program affordability: Online MBA programs can vary in price, so it is important to factor in the cost of tuition and fees when making your decision. Some programs offer scholarships and financial aid to help students afford their education.
- Student satisfaction: It is helpful to read reviews from current and former students to get a sense of their satisfaction with the program. This can give you insights into the quality of the instruction, the level of support offered to students, and the overall value of the program.
Curriculum
Another factor to consider when choosing an online MBA provider is curriculum. Curriculum refers to the content and structure of the courses and electives that make up the program. Some online MBA programs may offer a generalist curriculum that covers the core areas of business administration, such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and leadership. Other online MBA programs may offer a specialized curriculum that allows students to choose from various concentrations or tracks that focus on specific domains or industries, such as business analytics, digital tech management, entrepreneurship and corporate innovation, finance, marketing, strategy and leadership, supply chain and operations. Some online MBA programs may also offer dual degrees or certificates that combine business with other disciplines or fields, such as engineering, law, health care, or education.
According to The Princeton Review, some of the online MBA programs that offer the most diverse curriculum options are:
- Indiana University–Bloomington (Kelley): offers 7 concentrations, 12 dual degrees, and 6 certificates.
- Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper): offers 4 tracks and 6 certificates.
- University of Southern California (Marshall): offers 5 concentrations and 2 certificates.
- Rochester Institute of Technology (Saunders): offers 9 concentrations and 3 certificates.
Faculty
Another factor to consider when choosing an online MBA provider is faculty. Faculty refers to the instructors who teach the courses and interact with the students in the program. Some online MBA programs may have dedicated faculty who teach exclusively online or hybrid faculty who teach both online and on-campus courses. Some online MBA programs may also have adjunct faculty who are hired on a temporary or part-time basis or guest faculty who are invited from other institutions or organizations. The quality and qualifications of the faculty can affect the quality and effectiveness of the instruction and feedback that students receive in their courses.
According to Fortune, some of the online MBA programs that have the highest percentage of full-time faculty are:
- Indiana University–Bloomington (Kelley): 97%
- University of Florida (Hough): 96%
- University of Southern California (Marshall): 95%
- University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler): 94%
Cost
Another factor to consider when choosing an online MBA provider is cost. Cost refers to the amount of money that students have to pay to enroll and complete the program. Cost can vary depending on various factors, such as the number of credits required, the tuition rate per credit, the fees and expenses, the financial aid and scholarships available, and the return on investment. Some online MBA programs may charge the same tuition rate for all students regardless of their residency status, while others may charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Some online MBA programs may also offer discounts or waivers for certain groups of students, such as military personnel, veterans, or alumni.
According to Fortune, some of the online MBA programs that have the lowest cost per credit are:
- University of North Dakota: $444.44
- Louisiana State University–Shreveport: $500
- West Texas A&M University: $508.33
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln: $600
Outcomes
Another factor to consider when choosing an online MBA provider is outcomes. Outcomes refer to the results and benefits that students gain from completing the program. Outcomes can include academic performance, career advancement, salary increase, job satisfaction, network expansion, and personal growth. Some online MBA programs may provide data and statistics on their outcomes, such as graduation rate, retention rate, placement rate, average salary, and average salary increase. Some online MBA programs may also collect feedback and testimonials from their alumni and employers who have hired their graduates.
According to Forbes, some of the online MBA programs that have the best outcomes are:
- Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper): has a 100% graduation rate, a 100% placement rate within three months of graduation, an average salary of $169,000, and an average salary increase of 48%.
- Indiana University–Bloomington (Kelley): has a 94% graduation rate, a 98% placement rate within three months of graduation, an average salary of $122,000, and an average salary increase of 29%.
- University of Florida (Hough): has a 92% graduation rate, a 95% placement rate within three months of graduation, an average salary of $121,000, and an average salary increase of 39%.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which is the best online MBA provider in the United States. However, by comparing some of the top online MBA programs based on criteria such as accreditation, reputation, curriculum, faculty, cost, and outcomes, prospective students can make an informed and confident choice that suits their goals and needs.
Also Read: Which is the Best Online MBA Provider in USA?
