Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (2024)

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (2)

Heidi BorstHealth Expert Writer

Heidi Borst is a freelance journalist, healthcare content writer and certified nutrition coach with a love of all things health and wellness. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, MSN, Yahoo and more. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Borst is a lifelong runner and general fitness enthusiast who is passionate about the physical and mental benefits of sleep and self-care.

Heidi Borst

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (4)

Heidi BorstHealth Expert Writer

Heidi Borst is a freelance journalist, healthcare content writer and certified nutrition coach with a love of all things health and wellness. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, MSN, Yahoo and more. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Borst is a lifelong runner and general fitness enthusiast who is passionate about the physical and mental benefits of sleep and self-care.

Health Expert Writer

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (7)

Veronica BeagleManaging Editor

Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.

  • Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (9)

Reviewed

Veronica Beagle

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (10)

Veronica BeagleManaging Editor

Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.

  • Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (12)

Managing Editor

Reviewed

Published: Jun 11, 2024, 12:03pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Whether you’re looking to advance your role or switch industries altogether, an M.B.A. can be a game-changer for your career. If you don’t have the time to pursue a traditional M.B.A., good news: Accelerated programs are available.

Online learning works well for busy professionals, allowing them to balance their studies with work, family and other obligations. Thanks to the flexible format of an accelerated online M.B.A., you can earn your degree without a career pause, often in less than a year. But with so many online M.B.A.s available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

We’ve ranked the top 10 accelerated M.B.A. programs online, complete with tips for finding the perfect fit. Read on to learn more.

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Key Takeaways

  • You can complete an accelerated online M.B.A. in as little as one year.
  • Over 53% of graduate students took at least one distance education course in 2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
  • M.B.A. concentrations vary widely, from AI management to healthcare administration.
  • Prioritize programmatically accredited M.B.A.s to ensure you receive a quality education.

Best Online Accelerated M.B.A. Degree Options

  1. University of Florida
  2. Touro University Worldwide
  3. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
  4. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
  5. Gwynedd Mercy University
  6. Spring Arbor University
  7. Trine University
  8. Olivet Nazarene University
  9. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Featured Online Schools

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

1

University of Florida

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (13)

Program Tuition Rate

$1,500/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

50%

Overall Graduation Rate

90%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (14)

$1,500/credit (in-state)

50%

90%

Editor's Take

The University of Florida‘s Warrington College of Business is located in Gainesville and offers a 32-credit accelerated M.B.A. Students can complete the AACSB-accredited program in 16 months. It is designed for individuals who have earned their business undergraduate degree within the last seven years. Two years of post-baccalaureate professional experience is required for enrollment.

The average GPA of accepted students is 3.3, and the average GMAT score is 600. Applicants should exhibit substantial career advancement and potential, such as experience in managerial or international roles.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: $30
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Entrepreneurship and venture finance, global strategic management
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, on-campus orientation required

2

Touro University Worldwide

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (15)

Program Tuition Rate

$500/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

100%

Overall Graduation Rate

56%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (16)

$500/credit (in-state)

100%

56%

Editor's Take

Founded in 1971 in New York City, Touro University Worldwide is the largest nonprofit higher education institution under Jewish auspices in America. Its online Master of Business Administration is geared toward full-time professionals. Coursework includes 27 core and nine elective credits. There is no application fee, and GRE or GMAT scores are not required.

The ACBSP-accredited program has six start dates and 11 concentrations, including artificial intelligence (AI) management, cybersecurity management and nonprofit management. The curriculum emphasizes business skills like communication, cross-cultural management, business ethics and strategic planning. Students can earn their M.B.A. in one year of full-time study or one and a half years of part-time study.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: None
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 36
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Professional communications, managing organizational behavior
  • Concentrations Available: AI management, cybersecurity management, finance, global management, health administration management, human resources management, IT management, marketing, nonprofit management, physicians and healthcare executives
  • In-Person Requirements: No

3

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (17)

Program Tuition Rate

$310/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

93%

Overall Graduation Rate

41%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (18)

$310/credit (in-state)

93%

41%

Editor's Take

Eastern New Mexico University‘s main campus is located in Portales, New Mexico. The school offers a 100% online, ACBSP-accredited M.B.A. program for working professionals. Students can start during any semester and earn their degree in as little as 12 months.

Program admission requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 450. The program combines undergraduate standard professional courses and core courses with skill competency. While the general online M.B.A. consists of 30 credits, students specializing in accounting or finance must complete nine additional credits.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial economics, leading human resources
  • Concentrations Available: Accounting, finance
  • In-Person Requirements: No

4

Texas A&M International University

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (19)

Program Tuition Rate

$367/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

85%

Overall Graduation Rate

49%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (20)

$367/credit (in-state)

85%

49%

Editor's Take

Located near Mexico in Laredo, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is home to a multicultural student community. The A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business offers five online M.B.A. programs. They include criminal justice, healthcare administration, international banking and finance, international business, international trade and logistics, and management.

Coursework is delivered in a 100% online format designed with working professionals in mind. Each concentration consists of 21 core and nine program-specific credits. There are six start dates per year, and students can complete their M.B.A. in as little as 12 months.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: $35
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Business research methods, managerial economics
  • Concentrations Available: Criminal justice, healthcare administration, international banking and finance
  • In-Person Requirements: No

5

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (21)

Program Tuition Rate

$1,432/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

37%

Overall Graduation Rate

85%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (22)

$1,432/credit (in-state)

37%

85%

Editor's Take

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina State Univiersity’s Poole College of Management offers a flexible online M.B.A. program geared toward working professionals. Students can create a plan of study that aligns with their work and family obligations, completing the program in as little as 21 months if they choose the accelerated track. Learners must complete the program within six years and maintain continuous enrollment requirements.

Taught by award-winning faculty from the Jenkins Graduate School of Management, the AACSB-accredited program requires two years of post-graduate employment. Students must complete two three-day leadership residencies on NC State’s main campus. Core courses include finance and markets, analyzing the value chain and managing the organization.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 40 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time, full-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Financial management of corporations, marketing management and strategy
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, two three-day residencies

6

Gwynedd Mercy University

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (23)

Program Tuition Rate

$750/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

95%

Overall Graduation Rate

57%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (24)

$750/credit (in-state)

95%

57%

Editor's Take

A private Catholic institution near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gwynedd Mercy University was founded in 1948 by the Sisters of Mercy of Merion. The school offers two online, accelerated M.B.A. programs: healthcare administration and strategic management. Each 30-credit program shares seven foundational courses and has three program-specific courses.

The M.B.A. in healthcare administration is geared toward hospital, pharmaceutical and leadership professionals. The M.B.A. in strategic management prepares professionals for executive-track careers. Three stackable M.B.A. certificates (strategic management, healthcare administration and leadership) can be applied toward the M.B.A. degree.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: N/A
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic management, marketing planning
  • Concentrations Available: Healthcare administration, strategic management and leadership
  • In-Person Requirements: No

7

Spring Arbor University

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (25)

Program Tuition Rate

$766/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

93%

Overall Graduation Rate

60%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (26)

$766/credit (in-state)

93%

60%

Editor's Take

Founded in 1873, Spring Arbor University is a private Christian school in Michigan. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the school. Spring Arbor’s online M.B.A. program offers seven concentration areas, each comprising 20 core and 12 elective credits. Concentrations include management, organizational consulting, cybersecurity and data.

To enroll, students must have a bachelor’s degree with an overall 3.0 GPA. They can complete the accelerated program in 12 months or the part-time program in 16 months. While there are no in-person program requirements, students can participate in an International Business Summit trip to New York City for networking opportunities.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $30
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership in business, statistics for business managers
  • Concentrations Available: Healthcare administration, human resource development, executive leadership, management
  • In-Person Requirements: No

8

Trine University

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (27)

Program Tuition Rate

$575/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

97%

Overall Graduation Rate

N/A

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (28)

$575/credit (in-state)

97%

N/A

Editor's Take

Trine University is a private institution located in Angola, Indiana. Its online M.B.A. serves working professionals looking to advance their business skillset and marketability. Three areas of specialization are available: human resource management, management and marketing. Students can also design a specialization.

Courses are asynchronous so students can manage their schedules. The coursework comprises 21 core credits covering business strategy, market development, management and decision-making. Students also complete nine specialization-specific credits. Graduates are equipped to further their careers or continue their education to earn a Ph.D.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: N/A
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Executive communication, corporate finance
  • Concentrations Available: Accounting, analytics, finance, management, human resource management, marketing
  • In-Person Requirements: No

9

Olivet Nazarene University

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (29)

Program Tuition Rate

$415/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

98%

Overall Graduation Rate

44%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (30)

$415/credit (in-state)

98%

44%

Editor's Take

Olivet Nazarene University is an HLC-accredited, private Christian institution in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It offers a flexible online M.B.A. program for working professionals and parents. Specializations, available as add-on certificates, include leadership, healthcare leadership, corporate communications, intercultural competence and nonprofit management.

Students can earn their M.B.A. in 12, 18 or 24 months. The coursework consists of 27 core and nine elective credits. The curriculum covers communication in the digital workplace, ethics and crisis management, planning and control of business organizations, evaluation and decision-making, financial analysis, capital structure and leadership strategies. Courses start every eight weeks.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time, full-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Professional communication, managerial accounting
  • Concentrations Available: Leadership, healthcare leadership, corporate communications, intercultural competence, nonprofit management
  • In-Person Requirements: No

10

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (31)

Program Tuition Rate

$463/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

100%

Overall Graduation Rate

70%

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (32)

$463/credit (in-state)

100%

70%

Editor's Take

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a private Catholic institution founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy. It offers a leadership-focused, online M.B.A. for recent graduates and beginning or senior-level professionals. The program is flexible and entirely online, with five start dates each year.

The coursework includes 27 core credits, six elective credits and three capstone credits. The curriculum covers fundamental business topics and leadership skills, focusing on communication and problem-solving skills. Business electives include human resources, accounting, health sector, quality, marketing and leadership. Full-time students can complete the program in 15 months.

What To Know

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: N/A
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership and lifelong learning, systems thinking
  • Concentrations Available: Human resources, accounting, health sector, quality, marketing, leadership
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Degree Finder

Should You Enroll in an Online Accelerated M.B.A. Program?

Pro Tip

Are you a busy professional with multiple commitments? Asynchronous online M.B.A. programs offer access to course materials at your convenience, making it easier to fit your studies into your schedule.

Online college is a popular option for many learners. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 53.5% of graduate students took at least some distance education courses in 2022. But while online degree programs are popular, this learning format may not suit everyone.

Consider the following factors before deciding whether online college is right for you:

Accreditation

Is your online M.B.A. program accredited? Accreditation, granted by independent organizations, signifies that an educational institution or specific program has met stringent criteria to deliver high-quality education. This accreditation serves as a testament to the excellence and credibility of a program, regardless of the mode of delivery (traditional or online). We’ll dive into accreditation in more detail later.

Schedule

Are you a busy professional with work and family commitments? Many online M.B.A. programs offer access to course materials at your convenience, including lectures, discussion forums, quizzes and exams. However, a traditional M.B.A. may be a viable option if you have freedom with your schedule and can devote more time to your degree.

Learning Style

An online M.B.A. program offers a flexible learning environment that allows you to work at your own pace, on your schedule. That way, you can fit your coursework around other obligations. Time management skills, motivation and self-discipline are crucial to success in an online program, so a traditional M.B.A. degree may be a better choice if you struggle with these elements.

Budget

Because there are no transportation, housing or campus fees, Online M.B.A.s often cost less than traditional M.B.A.s. Even so, tuition can vary widely by program. Before you enroll, carefully research the costs to determine the right program for your budget and financial goals

Accreditation for Online Accelerated M.B.A.

Before enrolling in an online M.B.A. program, ensure the college is accredited. Accreditation provides quality assurance for your university and M.B.A. program.

Institutional Accreditation

Institutional accreditation results from a thorough assessment of an educational institution’s academic programs, curriculum design, student resources and faculty qualifications. Institutional accreditation ensures an institution meets high-caliber education standards. It’s also required for federal student aid eligibility, credit transfers, and many jobs and professional credentials.

Institutional accreditation is overseen by nonprofit accrediting bodies, which must receive approval from the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). To find accredited schools, check CHEA’s online institution directories.

Programmatic Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific departments and degree programs. This subject-specific accreditation process validates that curriculum content, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes and resources meet or exceed industry standards.

Here are a few of the agencies that accredit M.B.A. programs the U.S.:

Note that AACSB is not approved by CHEA, but the business industry still recognizes this organization as a reputable accreditor.

How To Find the Right Online Accelerated M.B.A. for You

Pro Tip

A part-time program that allows you flexibility may be better than an accelerated program if you’re juggling multiple responsibilities.

If decision-making has you feeling stuck, let’s kickstart the process of choosing an online M.B.A. program that suits your needs.

Consider Your Future Goals

What are your long-term professional aspirations? Are you interested in a role in healthcare administration, or do you wish to pursue a career in cybersecurity? Different M.B.A. programs offer various focus areas, so pick a program with relevant courses.

If you’re relatively new to the workforce, you may consider an M.B.A. program geared toward entry-level students rather than one requiring work experience, such as an executive M.B.A. A part-time program that allows you flexibility may be better than an accelerated program if you’re juggling multiple responsibilities.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition for the online M.B.A.s included this guide averages $708 per credit. The programs we listed require 30 to 40 credits, placing the total tuition cost of a top-ranked, accelerated M.B.A. online between $21,240 and $28,380.

The average graduate program at a public university costs $12,596 in tuition and fees yearly, whereas private school grad programs cost about $28,017, according to 2021–22 data reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. At that rate, the cost of completing a two-year M.B.A. program would total approximately $25,000 at a public college or $56,000 at a private university. Comparatively, the programs ranked in our guide are generally less expensive.

You must submit the FAFSA® to determine your eligibility for federal student aid options, such as scholarships, grants and loans. For additional financing options, check with your school to see if it offers scholarships or work-study programs. Your employer may also provide tuition assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Accelerated M.B.A. Programs

How fast can I get an M.B.A. online?

You can earn an online M.B.A. in 12 months or less if you choose an accelerated program.

Is an online M.B.A. taken seriously?

Yes. Online M.B.A.s from accredited colleges and universities like the ones listed in this guide are just as credible as traditional M.B.A.s.

Is an executive M.B.A. the same as an M.B.A.?

Not exactly. Both degrees provide a solid foundation in business principles, but they have a few key differences. A traditional M.B.A. is appropriate for recent graduates or working professionals. On the other hand, an E.M.B.A. is specifically geared toward professionals in leadership roles with around 10 to 15 years of experience.

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024 (2024)

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