Earning an MBA can boost your career, help you move into management, switch to a new industry, or start your own business. Traditionally, earning an MBA meant pausing your job, attending in-person classes, and juggling a heavy workload, but that’s no longer the case.
Today, universities around the world offer fully online MBA programs. You can apply, study, and even graduate without setting foot in a classroom, taking exams in person, or compromising your current professional life. These programs give you the flexibility to learn on your schedule while gaining the same skills and knowledge as traditional MBA students.
Among the many online MBA programs available, some stand out as the best in terms of academic quality, faculty expertise, accreditation, affordability, and the strength of their curriculum. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top 10 best online MBA programs for 2025, providing key details such as course structure, duration, specializations, and tuition.
Read on to explore these programs and discover the one that fits your career goals and lifestyle.
Top 10 Online MBA Programs 2025
1. Johns Hopkins University – Carey Business School
It’s no surprise that Johns Hopkins, a globally respected institution, has one of the best online MBA programs. The Carey Business School offers a flexible online MBA designed for professionals who want to advance their careers without putting life on hold. You can complete the degree fully online in two to three years, and you get to choose from asynchronous classes or fully live sessions, depending on your needs.
The program is especially appealing for those interested in healthcare management and innovation, but it also offers specializations including Artificial Intelligence for Business, Business Analytics and Risk Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Leadership, Marketing, and Real Estate.
No GMAT or GRE is required; however, if you have test scores, you can submit them to strengthen your application. As long as you hold a bachelor’s degree, you’re eligible to apply.
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler Business School
The Kenan-Flagler online MBA offers a flexible, STEM-designated program designed to fit your career goals and lifestyle. You can customize your degree with 36 electives, immersive summits, or a concentration in your area of interest. This flexibility allows you to tailor your education to support your career trajectory and industry focus.
The program welcomes students with at least a bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience. While GMAT or GRE scores aren’t required for applicants with five or more years of full-time experience, waivers are available for others who may qualify. With multiple start dates each year, January, April, July, and October, you can begin your MBA journey when it works best for you.
3. University of Florida – Warrington College of Business
The University of Florida offers two flexible online MBA options to suit different backgrounds and career goals. The One-Year Online MBA is tailored for students who have completed a business undergraduate degree within the last seven years, while the Two-Year Online MBA is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in any field plus at least two years of professional experience, or those whose business degree was earned years ago.
The One-Year program requires 32 credits, and the Two-Year program consists of 48 credits across eight terms, with each module lasting 8–10 weeks. Students can start in January, April, or August, making it easy to fit the MBA into their schedule.
Admissions are straightforward: candidates submit a pre-application form, a UF Graduate School application (including résumé, two recommendation letters, and a $30 fee), and supplemental materials like official transcripts. International applicants may also need to provide GMAT/GRE and English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB).
4. Indiana University – Kelley School of Business
Indiana University offers a flexible two-year online MBA program designed to balance work, life, and learning. Students attend an average of two live, 75-minute evening class sessions per week, with the curriculum split evenly between core courses and electives. The program also allows students to choose from seven majors, tailoring the degree to their career goals.
Admission requirements are straightforward and geared toward professionals: applicants submit a personal statement (up to 1,000 words) describing their current role and professional impact, a recommendation from someone who can attest to their accomplishments (a current supervisor is not required), and official transcripts from any completed degrees.
International applicants must also submit English proficiency scores via TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.
5. Arizona State University – W. P. Carey School of Business
Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business was one of the first AACSB-accredited schools to offer a fully online MBA, making it a pioneer in flexible business education. The program is perfect for working professionals who want to move their careers forward without hitting pause on their lives.
Ranked among the top 10 online MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report, W. P. Carey blends academic rigor with real-world business skills. Tuition for the full program is $72,000, the same for residents, nonresidents, and international students, giving you a clear picture of the investment needed to earn this top-ranked degree.
6. University of Washington – Foster School of Business
Foster School of Business offers an online MBA program perfect for professionals who want to advance their careers without putting work or life on hold. Classes are mostly live and held online each week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, allowing students to study flexibly while maintaining their professional responsibilities.
In addition, the program includes short, quarterly on-campus sessions in Seattle, each lasting around 4–5 days, which give students a chance to connect in person and gain hands-on experience. The full program can be completed in just 21 months, making it an efficient choice for those eager to accelerate their career growth.
7. University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business
USC’s Marshall School of Business offers an online MBA designed for ambitious professionals who want to advance their careers without pausing work or personal commitments. The program follows a two-year format and organizes students into cohorts, fostering collaboration with peers from a variety of industries and backgrounds.
Applicants from any academic discipline are welcome. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, a professional résumé, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and an online video interview via Kira. International students must also provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency. The structured yet flexible program ensures you can earn a respected MBA while continuing to work and grow professionally.
8. Texas A&M University – Mays Business School
Texas A&M’s Mays Business School offers a flexible online MBA through its Flex program, designed for professionals who want to advance their careers without pausing work. The Flex MBA can be completed in 16 months, while specialty master’s programs are 24 months. Courses follow an eight-week format, and all programs start in the fall, making it easy to plan around your schedule.
Admission is straightforward: applicants need to submit a résumé and unofficial transcripts. GRE or GMAT scores are typically waived if you have a 3.5 or higher undergraduate GPA, a graduate degree, or can demonstrate statistical knowledge. This makes the program accessible to a wide range of professionals seeking a respected MBA with flexibility.
9. University of Illinois – Gies College of Business
The University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business offers one of the top online MBA programs for 2025. It is designed to give students maximum flexibility while maintaining rigorous academics. The program allows you to build a course sequence that fits your goals, choose from a variety of live lecture times each week, and start in January, March, August, or October.
Students can finish at their own pace, anywhere between 24 and 60 months, and even pay for courses as they go. To apply, candidates must have an undergraduate degree and at least three years of full-time professional experience. Two letters of recommendation and essays are required, and international applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
10. University of Michigan – Ross School of Business
The Ross Online MBA is designed for working professionals seeking flexibility without compromising on quality. The program typically takes 2.5 to 3 years to complete, but students can accelerate to finish in 2 years or extend up to 5 years.
The 57-credit curriculum includes core courses, electives, three in-person residencies, and a six-credit Multidisciplinary Action Project that applies learning to real-world business challenges.
Classes combine synchronous evening sessions with asynchronous work, allowing students to balance study with their professional lives. To apply, candidates submit an online application, transcripts, a professional recommendation, a resume, essays, and test scores (GMAT/GRE, or via a waiver/quantitative readiness course). International applicants must also provide English proficiency scores if needed.
FAQs About Online MBA Programs
1. How do I choose the right online MBA program?
Choosing the right online MBA comes down to your career goals, learning style, and schedule. Consider the program’s specialization options, flexibility, tuition, and accreditation. Think about whether you prefer live classes, asynchronous courses, or a mix of both. Also, check the alumni network and career support—they can be invaluable for your future.
2. Are online MBAs as respected as traditional on-campus programs?
Yes! Many top universities offer online MBAs with the same curriculum, faculty, and accreditation as their on-campus programs. Employers increasingly value the skills you gain, especially when the program is AACSB-accredited or ranked among the top schools.
3. How long does it take to complete an online MBA?
It varies. Some programs can be completed in as little as 16 months, while others offer a more flexible pace of 2–5 years. You can usually choose a full-time or part-time schedule depending on your work and life commitments.
4. Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE for admission?
It depends on the program. Many top online MBA programs now waive the GMAT/GRE requirement for applicants with strong work experience or a high undergraduate GPA. Always check the admissions page of the specific school.
5. Can I balance an online MBA with a full-time job?
Absolutely! Online MBAs are designed for working professionals. Most programs offer evening or weekend live sessions and asynchronous coursework so you can study at your own pace while continuing to work. Some also include short in-person residencies for networking and hands-on experience.