Over the last few years, the number
of online MBA programs in America have exploded. Though there are
several online MBA rankings (and a few major publications who list
options), many of them still don’t tackle one of the largest concerns of
potential students.
Featured MBA Programs
Namely, are online student outcomes
as good as those from traditional schools? For this reason we’ve decided
to come up with our own MBA rankings at Best College Reviews that are
largely centered on student outcomes. A second question we wanted to
address in our rankings was the question of whether or not online MBAs
limit students abilities to specialize. In short, we’re ranking the most
flexible programs, with the largest number of program specializations,
and the best student outcomes. Our methodology for ranking the best
online MBAs can be found at the end of our ranking.
1. Indiana University – Bloomington (Kelley)
Indiana University’s Kelley school
of business was the first top-20 business school in the nation to offer
graduate business programs online. With the second highest average GMAT
score on our list (636), admissions are competitive. The ability to take
between two and five years to graduate, and choose from among 6
specializations lends flexibility to the Kelley Direct Online program
that is unmatched in top tier business programs. As far as outcomes, the
average Kelley graduate sees their salary rise between 33 and 66%, and
all students – whether traditional or online – have access to Kelley’s
world class career services. Over $104,000 is the average starting
salary for graduates from Kelley Online.
2. University of Texas – Dallas
The University of Texas–Dallas
Naveen Jindal School of Management’s online program was founded in
1999-2000 and offers two tracks: the global leadership executive MBA,
and the project management track. A healthcare management for physicians
specialization is also available for qualifying students. The Global
Leadership Executive MBA involves three on-campus retreats, one
international retreat, and a 10-day international study tour. As far as
outcomes, UT Dallas ranks highly, with an average MBA graduate starting
salary of $81,037. UT Dallas ranks #9 in our rankings for living alumni,
with 7082.
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s W.P.
Carey School of Business is a top ranked business school that entered
the online space slightly after Indiana University–Bloomington. With
almost 15 years experience, Carey School of Business excels in outcomes,
ranking third for average salary at graduation which comes in at
$98,093. They also rank third for living alumni, of which they have over
17,000. Classes are taught by the same faculty that teach the full-time
and part-time traditional MBA program. A one-course-at-a-time
curriculum is offered to online cohorts, and the choice of up to four
specializations. Students may also couple an online MBA with another
degree to accelerate their education and save money.
4. Thunderbird School of Global Management
The Thunderbird School of Global
Management deserves its name, as the #1 ranked school of international
business from a number of ranking organizations. Their Global MBA
program is blended, requiring some on-campus meet-ups, and lasts for 19
months. It’s also filled with international perspectives, with over half
of the class composed of non-US students. Thunderbird ranks highly in
outcomes for our ranking, coming in at #1 for living alumni, with over
38,000, and #4 for salary, at $83,200. Admission standards are
relatively rigorous with an average GMAT score of 585, and a 62%
acceptance rate to the program. An average of 2 years work experience is
recommended, but the average student has a good bit more, coming in at
34 years old.
5. Syracuse University
Syracuse University WhitmanSchool of
Management’s online MBA was founded in the 2001-2002 school year.
Theprogram offers a wide variety of specializations, including
accounting,entrepreneurship, finance, marketing management, and supply
chain management.Outcomes from Whitman School of Management are good,
comming in at #5 forliving alumni (9,209), and #4 for starting salary
($90,000 from the full timetwo-year program, with an average $10,000
signing bonus). The average GMAT forentrants is also ranked #4 at 600.
The student-faculty rate for Whitman MBAcourses is 11 to 1.