Compare Popular Online Business Administration Programs
A hybrid MBA program is ideal for those in search of the convenience and flexibility of online classes combined with the advantages of occasional in-person sessions for networking, experiential learning, personal interaction, and more. Most MBA programs last for two years, and schools create programs for working professionals. Students can also expect team projects and presentations, workshops, video meetings, lively debates, and community engagement opportunities. People choose an MBA for a variety of reasons, including higher salary, career shifts, promotions, starting a business, reaching C-Suite status, and others.
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Top 25 Best Hybrid Online MBA Programs
Carnegie Mellon University
Score: 90.08
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $48,496
- Out-of-State: $48,496
- Net Price: $33,499
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 16,002
- Undergrad Students: 7,059
- Graduate Students: 8,943
- Grads Salary: $108,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Rice University
Score: 89.59
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $53,712
- Out-of-State: $53,712
- Net Price: $19,902
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 8,672
- Undergrad Students: 4,494
- Graduate Students: 4,178
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Florida
Score: 83.87
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,770
- Out-of-State: $27,335
- Net Price: $11,740
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 55,211
- Undergrad Students: 34,552
- Graduate Students: 20,659
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Score: 83.83
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,552
- Out-of-State: $28,844
- Net Price: $10,614
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 31,705
- Undergrad Students: 20,029
- Graduate Students: 11,676
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Washington
Score: 83.04
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,514
- Out-of-State: $31,392
- Net Price: $10,603
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 52,319
- Undergrad Students: 36,213
- Graduate Students: 16,106
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Maryland
Score: 81.71
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,560
- Out-of-State: $36,100
- Net Price: $16,210
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 40,792
- Undergrad Students: 30,353
- Graduate Students: 10,439
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Lehigh University
Score: 81.65
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,810
- Out-of-State: $27,810
- Net Price: $30,453
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 7,394
- Undergrad Students: 5,624
- Graduate Students: 1,770
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Villanova University
Score: 81.33
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,261
- Out-of-State: $21,261
- Net Price: $34,837
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 10,383
- Undergrad Students: 6,989
- Graduate Students: 3,394
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Score: 80.94
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,459
- Out-of-State: $29,433
- Net Price: $14,852
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 36,700
- Undergrad Students: 26,254
- Graduate Students: 10,446
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Stevens Institute of Technology
Score: 80.05
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,380
- Out-of-State: $41,380
- Net Price: $41,689
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 9,314
- Undergrad Students: 4,070
- Graduate Students: 5,244
- Grads Salary: $101,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Babson College
Score: 79.64
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,600
- Out-of-State: $54,600
- Net Price: $28,400
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 3,989
- Undergrad Students: 2,761
- Graduate Students: 1,228
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
William & Mary
Score: 79.52
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,905
- Out-of-State: $29,352
- Net Price: $25,688
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 9,654
- Undergrad Students: 6,797
- Graduate Students: 2,857
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Northeastern University
Score: 79.3
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,728
- Out-of-State: $27,728
- Net Price: $35,827
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 30,013
- Undergrad Students: 16,302
- Graduate Students: 13,711
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Florida State University
Score: 78.16
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,684
- Out-of-State: $24,116
- Net Price: $14,003
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 44,161
- Undergrad Students: 32,936
- Graduate Students: 11,225
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Score: 77.86
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,534
- Out-of-State: $33,318
- Net Price: $17,762
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 12,332
- Undergrad Students: 9,019
- Graduate Students: 3,313
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Score: 76.81
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,360
- Out-of-State: $60,360
- Net Price: $39,127
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 6,968
- Undergrad Students: 5,902
- Graduate Students: 1,066
- Grads Salary: $97,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Texas A&M University-College Station
Score: 76.8
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,885
- Out-of-State: $19,882
- Net Price: $20,375
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 74,014
- Undergrad Students: 57,512
- Graduate Students: 16,502
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Delaware
Score: 76.53
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,504
- Out-of-State: $18,504
- Net Price: $18,044
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
- Total Enrollment: 24,039
- Undergrad Students: 19,482
- Graduate Students: 4,557
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
Score: 76.17
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,834
- Out-of-State: $43,804
- Net Price: $24,286
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 33,767
- Undergrad Students: 24,420
- Graduate Students: 9,347
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Score: 76.03
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,723
- Out-of-State: $32,434
- Net Price: $22,291
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 32,229
- Undergrad Students: 24,391
- Graduate Students: 7,838
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
The Pennsylvania State University
Score: 75.22
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,956
- Out-of-State: $43,266
- Net Price: $26,747
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 50,028
- Undergrad Students: 41,745
- Graduate Students: 8,283
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Score: 75.05
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,980
- Out-of-State: $28,980
- Net Price: $46,876
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 7,308
- Undergrad Students: 5,246
- Graduate Students: 2,062
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Indiana University-Bloomington
Score: 74.68
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,133
- Out-of-State: $31,932
- Net Price: $16,234
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 47,005
- Undergrad Students: 35,660
- Graduate Students: 11,345
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of South Florida
Score: 74.67
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,350
- Out-of-State: $19,048
- Net Price: $11,004
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 49,600
- Undergrad Students: 38,047
- Graduate Students: 11,553
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Santa Clara University
Score: 74.66
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,873
- Out-of-State: $25,873
- Net Price: $50,551
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 9,178
- Undergrad Students: 6,115
- Graduate Students: 3,063
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
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Goals of an MBA Degree
The overall goals of an MBA degree program are generally the same for each college and university. Programs aim to provide concentrations and specializations so that students are eligible for promotions and career changes upon graduation. MBA programs also strive to ensure that students develop critical leadership skills that are essential in management and executive positions. The types of courses available should include a range of interdisciplinary learning so that graduates have a solid understanding of a business as a whole. And an MBA program should offer a variety of course formats, such as in-person, online and hybrid offerings.
Why Get an MBA Degree?
People have varying reasons for pursuing an MBA degree. In some cases, people will choose an MBA to change careers. Today, traditional careers are sometimes becoming extinct or less necessary because of technological advances, automation, streamlining businesses, and more. Jobs that were incredibly common 20 years ago may no longer exist or have just a few positions for thousands of applicants. An MBA allows someone to specialize in a new area of business without having to complete another bachelor’s degree.
MBAs, particularly hybrid programs, offer invaluable networking and experiential learning opportunities. Students who spend time with a class of their peers in business will have a wealth of connections one would not have access to without working with others in the classroom and online. Hybrid programs also offer hands-on experience through projects with actual businesses and work experience offerings. The college or university may also host alumni networking events and career fairs with potential employers. Some teams may even decide to start a business together once their degrees are completed.
One of the most common reasons people pursue an MBA is for career advancement. This type of career advancement comes in a variety of forms including promotions, pay increases, and new career opportunities. Regardless of the underlying reasons an individual chooses to complete an MBA, this degree type will enhance career opportunities and increase one’s earning potential.
Yet another reason to get an MBA degree is to outshine the competition. The job market today is global. Gone are the days of only competing against people within your geographic region. Individuals now compete with the best talent from all over the country and the world. An MBA can set applicants ahead of those who do not have one.
Jobs for MBA Graduates
- Analytics Manager:
Data is power in today’s business world. Analytics managers will create strategies for collecting and analyzing data as well as provide solutions for conducting research. - Marketing Manager:
Marketing managers are responsible for developing a strategic marketing plan that encompasses all industry-relevant marketing initiatives including social media, content, videos, branding, and more. - Medical and Health Services Manager:
A medical and health services manager is in control of regulation compliance, standard of care, records protection, quality control, and cost reductions. - Finance Manager:
Finance managers continue to increase in demand to help make businesses more profitable and sustainable. - IT Manager:
An IT manager can specialize in many different areas including sales, systems, databases, networks, the cloud, and more. - Operations Manager:
An operations manager position often requires an MBA as the operations of many businesses today are highly complex, diverse, and global. The overall goal of these managers is to create efficiency without compromising quality.
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MBA Concentrations
While an MBA will provide you with many advantages, an MBA with a concentration is an even greater asset when working toward long-term job security. A concentration or specialization allows you to select a niche within a business or industry so that you are even more in demand than with a general MBA. This type of concentration will provide you with a more substantial competitive advantage within specific industries and business types. It demonstrates to employers that you have expertise in your specialization.
Another benefit is that, when you choose a concentration-focused MBA, you will be working with other people in the program with the same desires and interests as yourself. This will help boost the power of your networking circles and make the MBA process more enjoyable by letting you work with like-minded people. Meeting these people can provide a tremendous boost to your professional career in the long term.
The concentration you select will directly impact your career options in the future. It can help create better job opportunities within your existing field. Concentrations can allow for a career shift to improve the likelihood of job security in the future. And selecting a concentration will influence the type of jobs for which you qualify.
You can choose from a wide array of concentrations, such as:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Corporate Strategy
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Forensic Accounting
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resources
- International Management
- IT
- Logistics
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- Supply Chain Management
What to Look for in a Hybrid/Online MBA?
Each MBA program offers a unique set of features and structures. Even the concentration you choose may change the format and elements of an MBA. Before you select a concentration, it’s important to consider your personal interests. Your career will be far more rewarding and enjoyable if you select something you like to do. The same might be true for choosing a concentration at which you excel. However, keep in mind that the area in which you have a profound strength may not be the area you enjoy most. You have to decide which is right for you.
It’s also a good idea to take into consideration the likelihood that the concentration you choose will remain relevant for the next 20 years. In-demand specializations change quickly these days and an MBA is a terminal degree for most people. Try to consider which concentrations will remain relevant. Another aspect to consider is the flexibility and accessibility of the program. Make sure you can reach the college or university with relative ease if in-person sessions, meetings, or presentations are necessary. Find out if they offer weekend or evening courses if that is easier for you.
Other aspects may also be worth considering including the cost of the program, the accreditation of the school and program, networking opportunities, corporate partnerships, experiential learning options, peer engagement, career center, available concentrations, mentorship programs, and more. At the end of the day, you have to decide which features and offerings are most important to you in an MBA program.
Costs/Rewards of an MBA
Most people find that an MBA’s rewards far outweigh the costs; however, it is a solid idea to review both to determine what is right for you. To begin, most studies show that the average cost of an MBA with a two-year program costs anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000. The cost of each program varies greatly, with the most elite programs costing over $100,000 a year and the less acclaimed programs costing closer to $25,000 a year. And, keep in mind the cost of your time for two years. You will likely continue to work, care for loved ones, manage your personal life, and more while you complete your degree. Many people will have to make sacrifices in their daily life to make time for their MBA courses.
Despite these seemingly significant costs, the rewards are often far greater. It’s estimated that an MBA’s salary increases by over $30,000 a year in many instances. In some cases, one’s salary will even double over time. You will also be rewarded with a better understanding of global markets and become educated in all aspects of the business on top of the concentration of your choice. You will improve your communication, presentation, and time management skills. Most people will significantly expand their professional networks and job opportunities. And you might have employers actively pursue you rather than having to look for new roles on your own.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When should you start an MBA?
The right time to start an MBA is whenever it is right for you. It will disrupt your life in at least a minor way no matter when you choose to take your courses. Luckily, hybrid programs help to make work, life, and an MBA program more manageable. Be sure to look for flexible programs that work with your life schedule, and it is a good idea to sit down and create a five-year plan so that you can manage the time and life decisions that are within your control while you complete the program. - Do I have to take the GMAT or any other entrance exam?
The GMAT, or GRE, is traditionally necessary to gain acceptance into most top programs. However, this is changing. In a growing number of programs, you can substitute your work experience for having to complete a standardized test for admission. Keep in mind that some MBA programs do not require it at all. - Is there an accelerated MBA program?
It is possible to complete an accelerated MBA program in one year or less. These programs typically focus more on a student’s career goals and concentration rather than having students take a large number of business core classes. This type of advanced program is often more demanding than a two-year program; however, some people feel a greater disruption for one year is better than moderate disruption for two years. The decision is ultimately yours. - Can I complete a bachelor’s degree and an MBA at the same time?
Many students are choosing programs that combine both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA. The programs are often called by different names at different colleges and universities, such as a dual MBA degree, 4+1, combined, and more. You can also choose the format of a program including in-person, online, hybrid, nights, or weekends. - How can I lower the cost of an MBA?
MBAs are a significant investment for most people. It’s possible to secure scholarships and grants to help lower the cost of an MBA. Colleges and universities offer scholarships as well as professional organizations. And keep in mind that employers will often help pay for tuition reimbursement as long as you maintain a C average. This average and their willingness to provide this assistance will depend upon the employer.
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