Online Colleges For MBA In The Usa?
Earning an online MBA can fetch a high salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master's degree holders earn a median weekly income of $1,545. By comparison, those with only a bachelor's degree earn a median weekly income of $1,305.
Often, employers require at least an MBA for top-paying leadership positions. An MBA degree also gives graduates the option to later earn a doctorate.
Students can achieve academic goals without sacrificing their current work availability. Asynchronous online programs let students complete tasks outside of traditional business hours.
Accreditation is important. See our guide here
arrow-circle-right icon
How much does an online MBA cost?
Many factors affect the cost for students pursuing an online MBA program. Public universities often charge less than private institutions. The NCES found that graduate learners at public colleges paid an average of $12,410 for tuition and fees in 2019-2020. During that same time frame, private school graduate students paid $26,597.
Many schools charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state tuition. However, some online programs charge the same amount, regardless of the student's residence. Contact the school's admissions department directly to find out the exact cost.
In the next section, we break down the typical fees in a college budget.
Additional Online Student Fee
To be successful in an online MBA program, learners need a fast, reliable internet connection and a laptop. Some programs require specific software. Additionally, many online programs charge a virtual classroom platform fee.
Undergraduate students will also have to pay for the books. Learners save money by buying used books, renting books or opting for digital editions. Some schools charge a graduation fee for supplies such as caps, gowns and diploma covers.
Learners should consider earning optional certifications to improve their resumes. These certificates often charge a fee. For example, the cost to become a Certified Financial Risk Manager is $950.
How much do MBA majors earn?
MBA degree holders earn different salaries depending on years of experience, location, employer and position. Payscale provides average income information for these individuals. As of December 2021, professionals with an MBA earn an average of $91,000.
According to the BLS, the median income for all business and financial occupations is $72,250. The organization forecasts employment in these sectors to grow by 8% in 2020-2030, which is as fast as the average projected growth rate for all U.S. occupations. In a later section, we discuss the salary potential of various careers.
Courses in an Online MBA Program
During the online MBA program, learners develop hard and soft skills. They learn accounting basics, such as how to balance a budget. Classes help enrollees practice strategic thinking and interpersonal communication. Exact class offerings vary by program and concentration. Common MBA concentrations include marketing, finance, economics and strategic management.
Online MBA programs typically require 36 credits. Full-time students typically complete four, three-credit classes each semester. In this section, we identify three common classes that students take when pursuing an MBA program online.
minus icon strategic planning
Learners discover how to use company data to create plans that reach specific goals. Students practice allocating resources and delegating tasks. Coursework covers different methods of planning. The class examines how strategic plans differ between company departments.
minus icon business law and ethics
The class covers modern laws that affect the business sector. Learners examine the decisions of the Supreme Court that led to these laws. Students read case studies about ethical business dilemmas and discuss its implications. The class also identifies alternative dispute resolution and ethical evaluation frameworks.
minus icon capstone or thesis
Most online MBA degrees require a capstone or thesis. The purpose of a thesis is to fill the industry knowledge gap through a research paper. The purpose of a capstone is to solve a practical business problem through a practical project or short research paper. Capstones typically require a teamwork component. Students complete a thesis individually.
Featured Online MBA Accountant Programs
Find a program through an accredited, online school that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs.
Career and Salary Outlook for MBA Majors
Since MBA covers many subjects, the degree prepares students to work in multiple positions. When researching online MBA programs, students should focus on those that focus on their desired business specialty. For this reason, learners should have a general idea about their career goals.
In this section, we highlight three high-paying jobs that MBA degree holders often pursue. In the table, we list the median annual salary and projected growth rate for each.
superior officer
These professionals help businesses accomplish goals through strategy. They oversee big-picture decisions. Different top executives focus on different business areas. Chief executive officers focus on the overall direction of the company. Operations managers plan the use of financial and human resources.
financial Analyst
Financial analysts make recommendations for investments. They study the current economic trends and present their findings through reports. Using historical company financial data, they evaluate the investment value of the organization. Some financial analysts work as portfolio managers, hedge fund managers or securities analysts.
financial examiner
The people in this role ensure that the banks comply with the laws. They also oversee other financial institutions. These employees check balance sheets, income statements and expense accounts. Financial examiners focus on either risk assessment or consumer compliance. These professionals should keep up to date on new laws and policies affecting these businesses.
| CAREER | MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY | PROJECTED GROWTH RATE (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Executive | $107,680 | 8% |
| Financial Analyst | $83,660 | 6% |
| Financial Examiner | $81,430 | 18% |
Best Online MBA Programs 2022
- Franklin UniversityLOCATION
Columbus, OH
GRADUATION RATE28%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Human resources; marketing; organizational psychology
Accredited By: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesFranklin offers an online MBA for working professionals. The 36-credit curriculum encompasses various aspects of business operations. Enrollees specialize in one of three concentrations: marketing, human resources, or organizational psychology.
Students complete the MBA online in 12 months on average. All online students pay a flat affordable tuition rate. One of the nation's best online MBA programs, Franklin admissions requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prospective students do not need to provide GRE/GMAT scores.
Available Scholarships: Government Finance Officers Association Scholarships
- Brenau UniversityLOCATION
Gainesville, GA
GRADUATION RATE46%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Accounting; business analytics; communication management; healthcare management; finance; mediation and conflict resolution; nonprofit leadership; marketing; management; and human resources managementAccredited By: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesEstablished as a women's college, Brenau now enrolls both women and men in its online MBA program. The 36-credit degree develops management skills essential for daily business operations. All students take core courses, such as financial management and budgeting for managers.
The program offers traditional concentrations, such as marketing and finance. The unique MBA in mediation and conflict resolution teaches advanced techniques and facilitation skills. Students can transfer up to nine credits into the MBA program. Admission to this online MBA degree requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Available Scholarships: Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi MBA Scholarship
- Campbellsville UniversityLOCATION
Campbellsville, KY
GRADUATION RATE36%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Concentrations Available: Accounting; church management; computer science; entrepreneurial leadership; financial planning; healthcare management; human resources management; information technology; international business; marketing
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesLocated in Kentucky, CU offers an online MBA that integrates advanced business training and Christian values. The 36-credit curriculum includes 10 concentration options. All MBA students complete a common core, with coursework in marketing and managerial finance.The concentrations include accounting, HR management, and international business. The church management concentration develops church leaders with business acumen. Students finish the degree faster by transferring up to 12 credits toward their degree. Admission to the online MBA requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Available Scholarships: AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award
- Marquette UniversityLOCATION
Milwaukee, WI
GRADUATION RATE82%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Accredited By: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesMarquette administers an MBA from a renowned business school. The online MBA degree emphasizes workplace readiness and requires no in-person requirements. Students complete 31.5-42 credits, depending on their undergraduate major. In addition to core business skills, such as finance and marketing, students learn how to lead people and create change.
Enrollees use elective credits to master skills, such as FinTech and project management. An elective course develops competencies in the design and management of database systems. Students pay a flat rate tuition regardless of residency status. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with GRE and GMAT waivers available.
Available Scholarships: Marquette Graduate School Tuition Scholarship
- Liberty UniversityLOCATION
Lynchburg, VA
GRADUATION RATE47%
Fast Facts
School Type: Private
Concentrations Available: Accounting; American legal studies; criminal justice administration; economics; executive coaching; finance; healthcare management; human resources; international business; leadership; marketing; nonprofit leadership and management; project management; public administration; public relations; real estate development; Six Sigma; strategic management; strategic media and digital content; supply chain management and logistics; tourism managementAccredited By: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? YesLU developed an online MBA with 20 specializations. The 45-credit curriculum develops advanced leadership and managerial skills. Students build the acumen necessary for successful day-to-day business operations. The specializations provide focused training in domains such as accounting, finance, and human resources.
A notable Six Sigma concentration teaches a methodology to improve business processes and reduce waste. Students pay a flat rate tuition for one of the nation's best online MBA programs. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and undergraduate business prerequisites.
Available Scholarships: Liberty University Online Scholarships
- University of Northwestern-St PaulLOCATION
Saint Paul, MN
- Seton Hall UniversityLOCATION
South Orange, NJ
- Ashland UniversityLOCATION
Ashland, OH
- Southern Utah UniversityLOCATION
Cedar City, UT
TUITION$14879
- Lewis UniversityLOCATION
Romeoville, IL