Best Online MBA Degree Programs in Ohio for 2024

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What Can You Do With an MBA in Ohio

Are you interested in advancing your career in Ohio? Whether you’re already working in business, finance, or management, or would like to level up your leadership chops, it might be a good idea to search for business schools with a flexible online MBA program.

MBAs present a greater variety of job prospects than you’d find with just an undergraduate degree. Most MBA opportunities include studies in fields like human resources or human resource management, accounting, administration, and finance. However, even a general MBA will prepare you for a long list of professions and a bigger paycheck.

Still, going back to school can be a big decision, especially if you have a full work calendar, a family, or other responsibilities. Many people feel that advancing their education is out of reach; that it’s too expensive, they’ll have to leave their job, and so on. An online MBA presents an attractive alternative to returning to campus life. Many online degrees in Ohio give students the ability to work and complete classes at their convenience, learning the same content from anywhere in the country, without incurring a higher cost or ever being required to pay a visit to a classroom. An accelerated program even allows you to earn your completed degree in less than the usual 18 months between admission and completion.

If you think this might be an option for you, keep reading to learn more about getting an online MBA in your community in the state of Ohio.

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Top 25 Best MBA Programs in Ohio

Ohio State University

Score: 86.76

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,515
- Out-of-State: $40,245
Net Price: $19,582
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 88%
Total Enrollment: 60,540
Undergrad Students: 46,123
Graduate Students: 14,417
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Case Western Reserve University

Score: 82.9

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,360
- Out-of-State: $52,360
Net Price: $38,279
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 86%
Total Enrollment: 12,201
Undergrad Students: 6,017
Graduate Students: 6,184
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Miami University-Oxford

Score: 80.09

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,932
- Out-of-State: $34,006
Net Price: $23,031
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 81%
Total Enrollment: 19,107
Undergrad Students: 16,864
Graduate Students: 2,243
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

University of Dayton

Score: 78.08

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,990
- Out-of-State: $18,990
Net Price: $30,590
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 81%
Total Enrollment: 11,674
Undergrad Students: 8,416
Graduate Students: 3,258
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

University of Cincinnati

Score: 77.23

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,224
- Out-of-State: $24,996
Net Price: $20,149
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 41,155
Undergrad Students: 29,663
Graduate Students: 11,492
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Score: 75.38

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,960
- Out-of-State: $12,960
Net Price: $25,310
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 3,656
Undergrad Students: 2,785
Graduate Students: 871
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Capital University

Score: 75.27

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,780
- Out-of-State: $12,780
Net Price: $24,439
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 2,617
Undergrad Students: 1,938
Graduate Students: 679
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

The University of Findlay

Score: 75.2

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,106
- Out-of-State: $17,106
Net Price: $24,069
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 4,869
Undergrad Students: 3,795
Graduate Students: 1,074
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Cedarville University

Score: 75.15

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,602
- Out-of-State: $10,602
Net Price: $25,462
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 75%
Total Enrollment: 4,960
Undergrad Students: 4,533
Graduate Students: 427
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Ohio University

Score: 73.96

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,444
- Out-of-State: $17,436
Net Price: $20,207
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 24,145
Undergrad Students: 18,113
Graduate Students: 6,032
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Ursuline College

Score: 73.14

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,981
- Out-of-State: $23,981
Net Price: $14,502
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 950
Undergrad Students: 625
Graduate Students: 325
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 7:1

Xavier University

Score: 73.09

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,366
- Out-of-State: $12,366
Net Price: $31,619
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 6,114
Undergrad Students: 4,852
Graduate Students: 1,262
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

University of Toledo

Score: 73.06

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,354
- Out-of-State: $26,943
Net Price: $17,654
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 15,545
Undergrad Students: 11,965
Graduate Students: 3,580
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Union Institute & University

Score: 72.88

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,795
- Out-of-State: $16,795
Net Price: $28,463
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 787
Undergrad Students: 481
Graduate Students: 306
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 6:1

Lake Erie College

Score: 72.74

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,588
- Out-of-State: $12,588
Net Price: $22,678
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 906
Undergrad Students: 738
Graduate Students: 168
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Youngstown State University

Score: 72.55

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,547
- Out-of-State: $6,727
Net Price: $11,900
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 11,071
Undergrad Students: 8,822
Graduate Students: 2,249
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Bowling Green State University

Score: 72.34

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,418
- Out-of-State: $14,410
Net Price: $20,485
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 16,920
Undergrad Students: 13,853
Graduate Students: 3,067
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Otterbein University

Score: 72.24

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,253
- Out-of-State: $14,253
Net Price: $22,661
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 2,458
Undergrad Students: 2,173
Graduate Students: 285
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Mount Saint Joseph University

Score: 72.15

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,885
- Out-of-State: $13,885
Net Price: $17,506
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 2,027
Undergrad Students: 1,423
Graduate Students: 604
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Baldwin Wallace University

Score: 72.14

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,168
- Out-of-State: $12,168
Net Price: $28,705
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 3,220
Undergrad Students: 2,744
Graduate Students: 476
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

John Carroll University

Score: 72.05

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,725
- Out-of-State: $14,725
Net Price: $30,496
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 2,922
Undergrad Students: 2,417
Graduate Students: 505
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Wright State University

Score: 72.03

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,726
- Out-of-State: $24,714
Net Price: $15,650
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 9,678
Undergrad Students: 6,938
Graduate Students: 2,740
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Ashland University

Score: 71.68

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,776
- Out-of-State: $7,776
Net Price: $20,342
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 4,174
Undergrad Students: 3,083
Graduate Students: 1,091
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Ohio Dominican University

Score: 71.67

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,248
- Out-of-State: $13,248
Net Price: $21,881
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Retention Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 1,276
Undergrad Students: 846
Graduate Students: 430
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Akron

Score: 71.54

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,325
- Out-of-State: $14,085
Net Price: $14,667
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 13,465
Undergrad Students: 11,323
Graduate Students: 2,142
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Why Consider an Online MBA?

There are many reasons someone might choose to pursue an MBA online. MBAs are a massively popular degree option for anyone looking to move their career forward. While not all business professions need you to have this credential, it certainly can boost your future earning potential and give you a leg up while looking for new jobs. In some cases, employers will cap earning potential unless an employee receives an advanced degree. And in some fields, like finance, it may even serve as a point of entry into a more prestigious firm, allowing you to study and master the academic foundational knowledge you need to succeed. MBA earners are seen as leaders in their fields.

Find Your Online MBA Program

However, there’s a lot to consider when you’re researching MBA programs. Where you decide to get an MBA, for example, can shape your professional network and available prospects—and it’s high cost to invest in a program if you choose one that doesn’t align with your professional goals.

As such, you should head into an MBA program knowing exactly what main goal you hope to achieve and you should identify programs and concentrations that will help you reach that goal. Whether your aim is a big promotion at your current employer, to start a business, or secure a job offers from larger company, you should have a plan before signing up for a single class. No reason to skip this step.

Percentage of Students Enrolled By Distance Education

Typical MBA Concentrations

Distance learners looking for an online MBA in Ohio can choose from a range of concentrations, from information technology and strategy to more standard specializations including finance, economics, international business, and entrepreneurship and innovation. Even a traditional MBA student, who only takes classes in core fundamentals, will leave their program in a little over a year with skills that can plug into just about any organization and lead just about any team.

However, given Ohio’s current economic makeup, students who specialize in healthcare or information systems can stand to benefit big-time.

Healthcare
Because Ohio is home to a booming healthcare industry, an MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration is a valuable asset. This program provides a deep dive into the US healthcare system, from finance to law and policy. Here, you’ll prepare for a role on the business side of the health system and can expect to find work on site in a hospital, health organization, or an insurance company.
Information Systems
MBA students seeking another lucrative path may want to consider information systems. This concentration explores the convergence of IT and business. Here, you’ll learn more about maintaining, implementing, and upgrading networks. Students may find work as corporate managers, strategists, or consultants—and it may be a good option for students with a background in IT who want to take the next step in their career and center it on management.
Finance
While some concentrations limit earning potential when compared to a traditional MBA, finance is something of an exception. This concentration is ideal for candidates who wish to pursue professions like financial analyst, finance manager, or CFO and will prepare students for work in just about any industry.
Business Analytics
The business analytics concentration is designed to help students make decisions based on understanding large sets of data. Data science has become a powerful competitive tool, increasingly valuable in a business setting. Those students who choose this specialization are likely to have a wide range of opportunities upon graduation, as this combination of analytical skills and a background in business, finance, and economics stands to be a valuable asset for any organization.
Human Resources
An online MBA with a human resources concentration is a great option for students looking to level up within the HR profession. In this program, students will learn more about employee relations, organizational development, performance management, and more.
Executive MBA
An executive MBA is a program aimed at working professionals with at least five years of management experience. Often confused for a traditional MBA, the executive MBA is best for upper management professionals that need an MBA for a promotion, a salary increase, or a wider range of opportunities.

Accreditation in Ohio

Online MBAs have a considerable range when it comes to quality and reputation. Unfortunately, looking for an online degree complicates the matter, as you’ll likely be inundated with ads for unaccredited, for-profit schools. Your best bet is to look for established institutions, universities, and colleges that have a physical presence, and from there, do your due diligence.

Accredited schools must prove that their degrees and the courses within the curriculum meet a specific set of standards. Organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and others provide accreditation. However, the AACSB is the most reputable of the lot.

The AACSB does not offer accreditation to all of Ohio’s online MBA programs, but a few programs do have the designation. This should make it relatively easy to find a top-quality, online MBA with class sessions that fit your schedule and which aligns with your career plans.

Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

Ohio is best known for its manufacturing industry, but those jobs have been on the decline for several years now. These days, social services and healthcare are the state’s biggest industries. For example, the Cleveland Clinic is one of Ohio’s biggest employers.

Another company with a significant foothold in Ohio is Walmart—and they’re firmly in the retail sector, this may be a decent option for those looking into a corporate management role or in the supply chain niche.

And finally, several major companies have headquarters in Ohio. Among the most prominent names are Proctor & Gamble, Honda, and Goodyear. Chase Bank, too, employs over 5,000 people.

The presence of these heavy-hitter companies means plenty of opportunities in the state, though MBA grads may also do well to take the consultant route or start their own business.

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Top Employers in the State by Number of Employees

Company	Industry	Headquarters City	Number of Employees
Walmart	Retail	Bentonville, Arkansas	50,000
Cleveland Clinic	Healthcare	Cleveland	49,050
Kroger	Retail: Food	Cincinnati	43,850
Ohio State University	Education	Columbus	32,100
Mercy Health	Healthcare	Cincinnati	32,035

Average Degree Salary Ranges Potential

On average, Ohioans with an MBA earn about $74,347 annually. That said, your chosen occupation will impact your salary significantly. Chief executives can make around $200k, while general and operational managers earn about $90k. Financial and marketing managers tend to earn around $110k.

MBA holders, in general, tend to earn more than those with other types of graduate degrees. As such, job prospects are looking good for grads.

Earnings with Associates - $48,405
Earnings with Bachelors - $59,008
Earnings with MBA - $74,166

Careers for Ohio MBA Grads

As mentioned above, an MBA is a degree with options. MBA grads can easily find work in a wide range of industries, though many end up in a position that deals with business management or finance. For more of an idea of the work MBAs do post-graduation, here are a few job descriptions with info that should paint a better picture.

Financial Analyst
Financial analysts look at financial data by collecting and monitoring finances and identifying opportunities to cut costs or increase return on investment (ROI). This person might work for a company or as an independent consultant. In either case, your job is to help an organization come up with a plan for financial success.
Director of Business Development
A business development director is responsible for all strategic operations that fall under the marketing and customer service umbrella. In this role, you’ll be responsible for increasing revenue by generating leads and coming up with strategic plans to gain business by penetrating new markets and finding new ways to drive profits.
Chief Financial Officer
Chief financial officers or CFOs report to the CEO of an organization and oversee all things finance. In this role, you’ll be responsible for mitigating financial risks, forecasting, and reporting data to the C suite. The primary goal of the CFO is to develop an organization’s financial well-being. Here, they’ll keep on top of the latest regulations, identify problem areas and investment opportunities, and develop action plans aimed at boosting an organization’s bottom line.
Brand Manager
A brand manager plans, develops, and directs marketing efforts to boost the value of a specific brand. This person is focused on the big picture and will likely lead a marketing staff while looking at other factors like positioning, image, and profit and loss.

Brand managers typically work under a CMO, so this might be a good fit for a fresh MBA grad with some marketing experience. They’ll function as the point person for executives—and will meet with clients, staff, and leadership to discuss goals and strategy.

The person should possess business savvy, analytical skills, and the ability to multitask.

How to Choose & FAQ's

If you think that an MBA is right for you, it’s important to do your due diligence when reviewing your options in Ohio. Keep in mind that while you’re considering online programs, you may need to be on campus occasionally for events or lectures. For this reason, it might be worthwhile to look at programs that are close to home.

Beyond convenience and of course, all the associated costs, you’ll need to look closely at the curriculum and learn more about what program alumni are doing with their careers.

Most online MBAs consist of roughly 30-60 credit hours, which is a pretty wide range. Programs can range from one to three years depending on whether you opt for a traditional MBA or a concentration.

Does the program work with your schedule?
One of the key reasons that professionals choose online MBA programs over on-campus courses is the flexibility and convenience you’ll get with remote classes. Consider your lifestyle and your working situation. While you’ll be studying remotely, you’re still going to be doing a lot of work. Find out if the program will allow you to take breaks, if needed, or attend part-time.

You’ll also need to consider whether the program ever requires you to show up to an on-campus event or another in-person engagement.

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What resources are available?
Another thing that students should consider is whether they’ll have the same access to university resources as in-person students. While many institutions offer online degrees, in some cases, digital students are seen as less of a priority. Look for programs that offer access to recruitment opportunities and are taught by the same professors as on-campus classes.

A lot of benefits associated with having an MBA is the networking aspect, so students should seek out programs that provide the opportunity to connect with mentors, recruiters, alumni, and other students, remote or not.
Is the program accredited?
Accreditation can make a big difference when the time comes to apply for work. Many institutions offer online programs, but that doesn’t always mean the remote degree holds the same accreditation as the actual university. Always check with accrediting associations and the school itself to make sure your program of choice is accredited.
What job experience do you have?
Some MBA programs admit students straight out of college. However, this isn’t the norm. Many MBA programs prefer that students enter with some work experience under their belt. The reason for this is, while college will teach you things like accounting and business principles, it’s a lot different than putting theory into practice.

MBA programs are interactive, collaborative, and need students to have an understanding of how the real world actually works. In many cases, a program will look for three years’ minimum work experience.

Best Ohio MBA Schools and Programs