The Top Online MBA Programs
Covid-19 has dramatically impacted MBA programs in 2020 especially the educational delivery for current students. If you are considering an MBA right now, it is important to know that many of the in-person programs have transitioned to either a fully virtual learning environment or a hybrid learning environment. As the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19’s impact on higher education continues, there is no guarantee that these programs will move back to their traditional in-person format. The 2020 Top 5 Online MBA Programs in the U.S. should be considered for applicants.
As you review your MBA options, it is clear that five U.S. online MBA programs stand out above the rest of the uber-competitive market. According to 2020 rankings published by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, those programs are Kelley Direct Online, MBA@UNC, the University of Florida Online MBA, the USC Marshall Online MBA, and the Tepper School of Business Online MBA.
Why Choose a 2020 Top 5 Online MBA Programs in the U.S.
- Online programs excel at delivering a high-quality virtual education: The top online programs are already accustomed to providing virtual learning, career services and resources. If you are considering an in-person program, keep in mind these programs may struggle with the new virtual format. You have to consider that you might not receive the same value from those programs that you would expect for the original online MBA programs.
- Ultimate Flexibility: Fully online programs offer the most flexibility for working individuals and families. Also, if you were to attend an in-person program or even a hybrid format, you may have to change your work/life balance if classes were to ultimately return to in-person classroom learning. Keeping COVID-19 in mind, you also eliminate traveling or being in a classroom setting which may increase your risk of contracting the disease.
- Better prepare for the virtual workplace: It won’t be a surprise if companies provide employees with greater workplace flexibility in the future due to COVID-19. Companies are finding that with the right tools in place, employees can function at the same capacity virtually. An online MBA can help develop your virtual communication, leadership, and team-building skills as you complete your program.
Kelley Direct Online 2020-2021: Application Deadlines and Program Start Dates
Kelley Direct 2020-2021 Online MBA Application Deadlines and Program Start Dates
| Application Round | Application Deadline | Program Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Online MBA Spring ’21 Term | Jan. 15, 2021 | Feb. 22, 2021 |
| Online MBA Fall ’21 Term | July 15, 2021 | Aug. 23, 2021 |
Highlights of the Kelley Direct Online MBA Class Profile
If you are researching programs and deciding on where to apply, it is important to understand where you stack up against the competition. Below are important metrics for the Kelley Direct Online MBA.
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Average GMAT | 640 |
| Average Years of Work Experience | 5.3 years |
| Mean Base Salary Upon Graduation | $122,000 |
| Average GPA | 3.45 |
| Average Years of Professional Experience | 9 years |
| Class Split | 72% male, 28% female, 11% military |
Additional Resources as you Prepare your Application
- To research more information about program cost, financial aid and curriculum, check out the Kelley Online MBA profile here.
Application Requirements
Along with a $75 application fee, applicants to the Kelley School of Business Online MBA program must submit GMAT or GRE scores, although these may be waived under special circumstances. As well, students must submit official school transcripts of academic records, one letter of recommendation, a 500-word personal statement, and a resume. Students may be invited to take part in a 30-minute phone interview with the school admissions team.
International students who were either born in a non-native English speaking country or have not earned an undergraduate or graduate degree at an English-speaking institution may have to provide either TOEFL or IELTS test scores to prove English fluency.
The application process for domestic and international students, including the Kelley Direct Online application deadlines, can be found on their How to Apply page. KDO has a two-part application process. The first part is free and takes 5 minutes to complete. Applicants encourage you to start it ASAP—before taking the GMAT or GRE—as you continue to consider your options. Once you complete part one, you will be paired with a dedicated admissions staff member who will walk you through the rest of the application process and conduct an enrollment interview with qualified applicants.
