$65,158
Average Tuition
$105,698
Average Salary
564
Average GMAT Requirements
115%
Average ROI
Executive Summary: 100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs for 2025
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.
The schools featured in the top 100 most respected online MBA programs share many key characteristics that contribute to their excellent reputations and outstanding career outcomes:
- Academic Excellence: Each program is backed by a world-renowned business school with a long-standing commitment to academic quality. Their rigorous curricula cover core business topics and offer specialized electives, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of modern business practices.
- Exceptional Faculty: These programs boast highly accomplished faculty members who bring a wealth of industry experience and research expertise to the virtual classroom. They are dedicated to providing students with engaging, interactive learning experiences that foster critical thinking and practical skills.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: The top online MBA programs invest in state-of-the-art learning platforms and digital tools that enable seamless collaboration, discussion, and networking for online students. These technologies create an immersive online environment that closely mirrors the traditional classroom experience.
- Immersive Residencies: Many of these programs incorporate in-person residencies that allow students to network with peers, engage in hands-on learning activities, and gain exposure to real-world business challenges. These immersive experiences for online MBA students complement the online curriculum and help students build lasting professional connections.
- Strong Career Outcomes: Graduates of the top 10 most respected online MBA programs enjoy impressive career outcomes, with high average starting salaries and significant ROI. These programs have strong relationships with employers and offer dedicated career services that help students navigate job searches and advance their careers.
- Alumni Networks: Each school has a powerful alumni network that spans industries and geographies. These networks provide students with valuable opportunities for mentorship, internships, and career advancement long after graduation.
- Accreditation and Rankings: The top online MBA programs are fully accredited by recognized bodies such as AACSB, ensuring that they meet rigorous standards for business education. They also consistently rank highly in publications like U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times, and The Economist, reflecting their strong reputations among employers and academics.
By combining these elements, the 100 top-ranked online MBA programs offer a truly comprehensive and transformative educational experience. They enable MBA students to gain the knowledge, skills, and access to alumni networks needed to succeed in today’s competitive and dynamic business landscape, all while offering the flexibility and convenience of distance learning.
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%.
100 Most Respected Online MBA Degree Programs Table
- Average Tuition: $65,158
- Average Graduate Salary: $105,698
- Average Graduate ROI: 115%
Our comprehensive list of the 100 most respected online MBA programs offers prospective MBA students a diverse range of options to suit various career goals, learning styles, and budgets. These fully online programs, provided by reputable institutions nationwide, deliver high-quality education that equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various business roles.
Key features of the programs on this list include:
- Flexibility and convenience: Online learning formats allow students to balance their education with work and personal commitments
- Comprehensive curricula: Programs cover core business topics and offer specialization opportunities
- Experienced faculty: Professors bring real-world insights and research expertise to the virtual classroom
- Networking opportunities: Students can connect through online collaboration, in-person residencies, and alumni events
- Career support services: Dedicated resources help graduates navigate job searches and advance their careers
With an average tuition of $65,158, an average graduate salary of $105,698, and an average ROI ranging from 34% to 385%, these respected online MBA programs provide a solid return on investment and prepare graduates for long-term career success.
Filter the following table by Rank, College Name, ROI, Tuition, Graduate Salary to find the criteria most important to you for the 100 most respected online MBA programs. You can also use the search bar to find a state or schools in this table. Click on any school to see their detailed profile.
| Rank | University | ROI | In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | State | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Texas at Dallas | 243.00% | $45,000 | $123,163 | TX | Yes |
| 2 | Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis | 124.00% | $29,573 | $136,352 | IN | Yes |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | 114.00% | $55,575 | $118,983 | WI | Yes |
| 4 | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 33.00% | $100,218 | $133,517 | NC | Yes |
| 5 | Michigan State University | 246.00% | $34,564 | $119,539 | MI | Yes |
| 6 | The University of Georgia | 294.00% | $30,606 | $120,510 | GA | Yes |
| 7 | University of Massachusetts Boston | 537.00% | $19,499 | $124,277 | MA | Yes |
| 8 | Southern Methodist University | 27.00% | $96,788 | $122,609 | TX | Yes |
| 9 | University of Southern California | -3.00% | $154,339 | $150,314 | CA | Yes |
| 10 | Georgetown University | 11.00% | $124,814 | $138,552 | DC | Yes |
| 11 | University of St. Thomas-Minnesota | 67.00% | $61,596 | $102,900 | MN | Yes |
| 12 | University of Maryland | 22.00% | $98,865 | $121,103 | MD | Yes |
| 13 | University of Florida | 343.00% | $26,473 | $117,197 | FL | Yes |
| 14 | Carnegie Mellon University | - | $147,456 | $148,067 | PA | Yes |
| 15 | University of Minnesota | 36.00% | $89,402 | $121,882 | MN | Yes |
| 16 | The Pennsylvania State University | 87.00% | $61,236 | $114,483 | PA | Yes |
| 17 | University of Illinois at Chicago | 179.00% | $60,264 | $167,977 | IL | Yes |
| 18 | American University | 8.00% | $98,282 | $105,666 | DC | Yes |
| 19 | Boston University | -3.00% | $124,248 | $120,884 | MA | Yes |
| 20 | Fordham University | 28.00% | $99,497 | $127,511 | NY | Yes |
| 21 | University of Hartford | 213.00% | $30,168 | $94,500 | CT | Yes |
| 22 | The University of Michigan | 12.00% | $137,056 | $153,465 | MI | Yes |
| 23 | Rice University | 2.00% | $139,081 | $142,212 | TX | Yes |
| 24 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | 49.00% | $66,576 | $99,501 | NJ | Yes |
| 25 | University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 161.00% | $38,875 | $101,400 | TN | Yes |
| 26 | Northeastern University | -2.00% | $102,582 | $100,063 | MA | Yes |
| 27 | Washington University in St. Louis | -12.00% | $134,020 | $117,687 | MO | Yes |
| 28 | Duke University | -3.00% | $157,546 | $152,297 | NC | Yes |
| 29 | Arizona State University | 106.00% | $60,393 | $124,664 | AZ | Yes |
| 30 | University of California, Davis | 14.00% | $95,438 | $109,075 | CA | Yes |
| 31 | University of Utah | 77.00% | $65,700 | $116,348 | UT | Yes |
| 32 | North Carolina A&T State University | 996.00% | $9,790 | $107,327 | NC | Yes |
| 33 | University of Rochester | 23.00% | $108,038 | $132,671 | NY | Yes |
| 34 | Baruch College-The City University of New York | 218.00% | $37,338 | $118,633 | NY | Yes |
| 35 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | 231.00% | $33,622 | $111,227 | MA | Yes |
| 36 | Santa Clara University | 45.00% | $83,860 | $122,000 | CA | Yes |
| 37 | Temple University | 60.00% | $60,000 | $95,989 | PA | Yes |
| 38 | University of Cincinnati | 263.00% | $23,996 | $87,013 | OH | Yes |
| 39 | University of Delaware | 105.00% | $39,954 | $82,000 | DE | Yes |
| 40 | Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey-Newark/New Brunswick | 95.00% | $58,442 | $113,800 | NJ | Yes |
| 41 | Babson College | 21.00% | $89,550 | $108,703 | MA | Yes |
| 42 | Georgia State University | 156.00% | $36,522 | $93,600 | GA | Yes |
| 43 | The Ohio State University | 1.00% | $106,123 | $106,779 | OH | Yes |
| 44 | University of Colorado at Boulder | 67.00% | $55,997 | $93,401 | CO | Yes |
| 45 | The University of Arizona | 96.00% | $54,785 | $107,345 | AZ | Yes |
| 46 | Indiana State University | 332.00% | $19,000 | $82,000 | IN | Yes |
| 47 | The University of Memphis | 216.00% | $23,688 | $74,800 | TN | Yes |
| 48 | Villanova University | 95.00% | $60,000 | $116,800 | PA | Yes |
| 49 | The Pennsylvania State University Great Valley | 200.00% | $42,316 | $127,000 | PA | Yes |
| 50 | Texas Christian University | -7.00% | $115,380 | $107,543 | TX | Yes |
| 51 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 192.00% | $33,772 | $98,500 | IL | Yes |
| 52 | Stevens Institute of Technology | 4.00% | $81,880 | $85,398 | NJ | Yes |
| 53 | Hofstra University | 87.00% | $58,960 | $110,500 | NY | Yes |
| 54 | George Mason University | 192.00% | $37,737 | $110,100 | VA | Yes |
| 55 | University of Miami | 19.00% | $92,290 | $109,555 | FL | Yes |
| 56 | Middle Tennessee State University | 233.00% | $26,712 | $89,000 | TN | Yes |
| 57 | Xavier University | 158.00% | $34,200 | $88,100 | OH | Yes |
| 58 | Queens University of Charlotte | 110.00% | $41,940 | $88,100 | NC | Yes |
| 59 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | 331.00% | $21,784 | $93,820 | NV | Yes |
| 60 | University of Houston | 83.00% | $47,000 | $85,878 | TX | Yes |
| 61 | Baylor University | -8.00% | $85,692 | $79,176 | TX | Yes |
| 62 | Johns Hopkins Carey Business School | -4.00% | $133,000 | $127,044 | MD | Yes |
| 63 | Purdue University | 110.00% | $44,816 | $94,000 | IN | Yes |
| 64 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 185.00% | $32,400 | $92,300 | NE | Yes |
| 65 | Oregon State University | 46.00% | $52,090 | $75,900 | OR | Yes |
| 66 | Miami University | -32.00% | $136,342 | $92,700 | OH | Yes |
| 67 | The University of Michigan-Dearborn | 83.00% | $50,997 | $93,200 | MI | Yes |
| 68 | The Citadel | 435.00% | $21,830 | $116,700 | SC | Yes |
| 69 | University of Oklahoma | 170.00% | $3,330,624 | $56,949 | OK | Yes |
| 70 | College of William and Mary | 167.00% | $42,000 | $112,000 | VA | Yes |
| 71 | University of San Diego | 46.00% | $69,610 | $101,333 | CA | Yes |
| 72 | University of San Francisco | 4.00% | $79,200 | $82,500 | CA | Yes |
| 73 | Clemson University | 83.00% | $43,088 | $78,767 | SC | Yes |
| 74 | Syracuse University | -18.00% | $104,130 | $85,731 | NY | Yes |
| 75 | The University of Alabama | 161.00% | $28,377 | $74,060 | AL | Yes |
| 76 | Murray State University | 449.00% | $16,455 | $90,419 | KY | Yes |
| 77 | Iowa State University | 152.00% | $29,966 | $75,552 | IA | Yes |
| 78 | Tennessee State University | 1,033.00% | $9,452 | $107,108 | TN | Yes |
| 79 | Saint Mary's College of California | 189.00% | $40,608 | $117,200 | CA | Yes |
| 80 | The University of Texas at Arlington | 250.00% | $22,504 | $78,800 | TX | Yes |
| 81 | Suffolk University | 35.00% | $59,391 | $80,455 | MA | Yes |
| 82 | Colorado State University | 122.00% | $42,480 | $94,300 | CO | Yes |
| 83 | The University of Tulsa | 62.00% | $51,516 | $83,700 | OK | Yes |
| 84 | University of Dallas | 186.00% | $30,778 | $88,000 | TX | Yes |
| 85 | Seaver College | -14.00% | $104,333 | $89,258 | CA | Yes |
| 86 | Tulane University | -16.00% | $116,040 | $97,241 | LA | Yes |
| 87 | Drexel University | 47.00% | $59,241 | $87,061 | PA | Yes |
| 88 | University of Denver | 2.00% | $96,000 | $98,276 | CO | Yes |
| 89 | San Jose State University | 131.00% | $39,270 | $90,800 | CA | Yes |
| 90 | Portland State University | 54.00% | $50,984 | $78,264 | OR | Yes |
| 91 | University of Baltimore | 120.00% | $35,128 | $77,400 | MD | Yes |
| 92 | Ball State University | 260.00% | $21,197 | $76,400 | IN | Yes |
| 93 | Dominican University | 253.00% | $32,004 | $113,000 | IL | Yes |
| 94 | University of Dayton | 227.00% | $33,600 | $109,932 | OH | Yes |
| 95 | Clarkson University | 19.00% | $59,032 | $70,017 | NY | Yes |
| 96 | Oklahoma City University | 198.00% | $27,175 | $81,000 | OK | Yes |
| 97 | Fairfield University | 56.00% | $41,580 | $64,800 | CT | Yes |
| 98 | Yeshiva University | 114.00% | $52,794 | $113,214 | NY | Yes |
| 99 | Seton Hall University | 36.00% | $57,225 | $78,081 | NJ | Yes |
| 100 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 104.00% | $48,300 | $98,523 | MA | Yes |
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.
While a high average starting salary is undoubtedly attractive, the savvy b-student, however, will consider other factors like tuition costs, financial aid, and the overall return on investment when choosing from the most respected online MBA in programs.
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
- The University of Michigan - $153,465.00
- Duke University - $152,297.00
- University of Southern California - $150,314.00
- Carnegie Mellon University - $148,067.00
- Rice University - $142,212.00
- Georgetown University - $138,552.00
- Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis - $136,352.00
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - $133,517.00
- University of Rochester - $132,671.00
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).
The ROI of an online MBA program is often more favorable than traditional programs, as students can continue working while studying. According to a 2017 US News survey, the average salary for students three months after graduating from an online MBA program was $96,974, a 22% increase from the average entering salary. The highest average salary increases for online programs hover around 60%. With the right program choice and financial planning, an online MBA can be a worthwhile investment in your future, leading to increased earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Average Tuition for the Most Respected Online MBA Programs
- Average: $65,158 from 100 most respected online MBA Programs
- Lowest Online MBA: $12,350 from Purdue University Northwest
- Highest Online: $157,546 from Duke University
10 Most Respected Online MBA Programs with the Lowest Tuition Costs
- Purdue University Northwest – $12,350
- Purdue University Calumet – $12,350
- North Carolina A&T State University – $13,938
- Murray State University – $16,455
- University of Southern Mississippi – $17,131
- Indiana State University – $19,000
- University of Massachusetts Boston – $19,499
- West Texas A&M University – $20,725
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas – $21,784
- The Citadel – $21,830
10 Most Respected Online MBA Programs with the Highest Tuition Costs
- University of Oklahoma - $3,330,624.00
- Duke University - $157,546.00
- University of Southern California - $154,339.00
- Carnegie Mellon University - $147,456.00
- Rice University - $139,081.00
- The University of Michigan - $137,056.00
- Miami University - $136,342.00
- Washington University in St. Louis - $134,020.00
- Johns Hopkins Carey Business School - $133,000.00
- Georgetown University - $124,814.00
What is the ROI for the 100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs?
Return on investment (ROI) is an essential factor when considering which of the 100 most respected MBA program(s) to consider. To calculate ROI, consider both the tuition for the MBA program and the average salary a graduate earns. The average tuition cost for the 100 most respected online MBA programs in is approximately $65,158, while the average starting salary for MBA graduates is around $105,698. To calculate ROI, subtract the tuition from the salary and divide by the tuition cost. This will give you a rough estimate of how much value you will get out of graduating from one of 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 about 115% ROI average from the 100 most respected online MBA programs. However, ROI percentages can vary significantly, with the highest ROI of 385% from North Carolina A&T State University and the lowest ROI of 34% from Miami University
ROI for the Most Respected Online MBA Programs
- Average: 115% from 100 for the most respected online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: 34% from Miami University
- Highest online: 385% from North Carolina A&T State University
10 Most Respected Online MBA Programs with the Highest Graduate ROI
- North Carolina A&T State University – 385.02%
- Purdue University Northwest -352.63%
- Purdue University Calumet – 352.63%
- Texas State University – 331.69%
- University of Massachusetts Boston – 318.68%
- Murray State University – 274.75%
- The Citadel – 267.29%
- Indiana State University – 263.16%
- The University of Iowa – 240.52%
- University of Florida – 221.35%
No GMAT Required – 100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs
What are the 100 most respected online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT exam? More and more prestigious and respected MBA programs do not require the GMAT exam. This is not a waiver, but a policy by the University.
You will no doubt be surprised by the programs in our list of the most respected online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT exam.
Overall the average tuition for these programs is $46,405 with an average graduate salary of $89,007 and an average graduate ROI of 131%.
- Average Tuition: $46,405
- Average Graduate Salary: $89,007
- Average Graduate ROI: 131%
Filter the following table by Rank, College Name, ROI, Tuition, Graduate Salary to find the criteria most important to you for the 100 most respected online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT test for admissions.
Business School Data Sources from
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How We Rank the Most Respected Online MBA Programs
MBAGuide’s ranking methodology for the “100 Most Respected Online MBA Programs” combines quantitative data (80% of the overall score) and qualitative assessments (20% of the overall score) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of online MBA programs. The methodology considers factors such as student/faculty ratio, tuition and fees, total enrollment, total concentrations, 3rd party rankings, average GMAT score, average salary after graduation, AACSB accreditation, and editorial input to assess each program’s strengths and overall value to prospective students.
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Rebecca Smith-Allen holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, recognized as an Amos Tuck Scholar.Previously earned a B.A. in Economics from Wellesley College, graduating magna cum laude and elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Spent seven years as a management consultant, including five years at McKinsey, working as an Associate and Engagement Manager. Has around five years of experience as a freelance writer and content manager, specializing in the consulting industry—and co-authored a book for middle‑school readers. Located at rebeccasmithallen.com, detailing her services in content writing for consulting firms and featuring her background and testimonials.
