Most Respected MBA Programs for 2025
- Starting salaries for new MBA graduates is between $35,850 and $182,272 with an average of $81,243.
- Tuition for in-person, campus MBA programs ranges from $7,048 to $219,688, and averages $43,476.
- Online tuition in for MBAs ranges between $7,458 to $160,130, with an average total tuition cost of $41,221.
- A GMAT score between 265 and 737 with an average of 561 is needed for acceptance into an MBA program.
- ROI for MBA gradates ranges from 30% to 567% with an average of 146%.
- Average student enrollment for MBA Programs varies between 2 and 3,836 with an overall average of 282.
- Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA programs varies between 1:1 and 63:1 with an average of 16:1 students.
- 866 MBA programs are ranked by the following institutions MBAGuide: 505, US News: 94, Forbes: 75, BW: 82, FT: 51 and Economist: 52.
Executive Summary: 100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs for 2024
Our comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the 100 most respected online MBA programs. Key insights for online MBA students include:
- An overview of the top 10 most respected online MBA programs from prestigious schools like Duke, The University of Michigan, USC, UNC, and Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis, with average graduate salaries ranging from $133,517 to $153,465 and ROI from 48% to 171% and online tuition ranging from $12,350 to $157,546.
- MBA students will find hidden online AACSB accredited gems you may not have considered with low tuition and high graduate ROI like Purdue University Northwest with tuition at $12,350 and an average graduate ROI of 352.63% or Texas State University with tuition of $23,365 and an average graduate ROI of 331.69%.
- Our list includes programs from 35 states, with Texas (10), Pennsylvania (8), and Massachusetts (7) offering the most respected online MBA programs while the states Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have one program each. If your state isn’t listed, many programs offer out-of-state students the same tuition as in-state students. If you’re looking for only campus MBA program visit our 100 most respected MBA programs.
- Our data shows that these MBA programs with both high and low tuition costs can provide a strong return on investment and set graduates up for career success.
- No GMAT list of the 100 most respected MBA programs.
Top 10 Most Respected MBA Online Degree Programs – Details
Graduates of these top 10 most respected online MBA programs enjoy impressive career outcomes, with average starting salaries ranging from $133,517 to $153,465 and an average ROI of 48.33% to 171.45%.
What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary for the 100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs?
After you earn you MBA, the average graduate salary range for the most respected online MBA programs is quite wide. At the lower end, University of Southern Mississippi has an average starting salary of $62,300 for its online MBA graduates. On the other hand, University of Illinois at Chicago boasts the highest average starting salary at an impressive $167,977.
The average starting pay across the 100 most respected online MBA programs hovers around $105,698.
This substantial difference in starting salaries is due to a number of factors including reputation and ranking of the business school, the strength of its alumni network, the cost of living in the state and region, and the industries and locations where graduates find employment. Prospective b-students can research career outcomes and salary data of their target online MBA programs to get a clearer picture the earning potential post-graduation.
Average Graduate Salaries for the Most Respected Online MBA Programs
- Average: $105,698 from 100 the Most Respected Online MBA Programs
- Lowest Online: $42,450 from University of Southern Mississippi
- Highest Online: $167,977 from University of Illinois at Chicago
10 Highest Average Graduate Salaries for the Most Respected Online MBAs
- University of Illinois at Chicago – $167,977.00
- University of Virginia-Darden – $157,090.00
- Texas State University – $155,000.00
- The University of Michigan – $153,465.00
- Duke University – $152,297.00
- University of Southern California – $150,314.00
- Emory University – $149,759.00
- Carnegie Mellon University – $148,067.00
- Rice University – $142,212.00
- Georgetown University – $138,552.00
What is the Average Tuition for the Most Respected Online MBA Programs?
Investing in your future with by attending one of the 100 most respected online MBA programs can be a very smart decision. On average, you can expect to pay $65,158 for an online MBA program. However, tuition rates can vary significantly, with the most expensive programs costing up to $157,546 from Duke University the most affordable online MBA program from Purdue University Northwest starting at $12,350.
While tuition is a significant factor, it’s not the only cost to consider when pursuing an MBA degree from one of the most respected business programs. Additional expenses can include textbooks, travel to on-site courses or MBA community gatherings, childcare and more. However, by choosing an online program, you can save on expenses like commuting and housing, making your degree more affordable overall. Before taking on student loans, explore all your options when financing your MBA, such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and employer tuition assistance programs. Weigh the long-term benefits of investing in a more budget-friendly online MBA program against the potential return on investment (ROI).
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
As the publisher of mbaguide.org for over 10 years, Jeff leads the platform’s data-driven ranking methodology, content strategy, and program evaluation. His three decades of experience in digital publishing, marketing, and SaaS give him a deep understanding of how to use data to create transparent, outcome-focused resources. Jeff’s leadership ensures that every ranking and comparison is built on the rigorous, evidence-based process that helps future business leaders make informed decisions.
Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from UCLA.
