U.S. News 2023 Online MBA Ranking – Indiana & UNC Tie for #1
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2023 Best Online Programs rankings, including online MBA programs.
At the top of the list, two schools tied for first in online MBA programs: Indiana University–Bloomington and University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. The University of Southern California, which tied for first last year, now lands in third. The University of Florida moved one spot up to fourth place this year. The University of Washington and Carnegie Mellon University both occupy fifth place.
“We see a lot of the usual suspects dominating the online MBA program ranking,” says Clear Admit Co-founder, Graham Richmond. “It’s also noteworthy that five out of the top six programs on this list are offered by highly prestigious institutions with top-25 full-time MBAs in their portfolio: Indiana / Kelley, Carnegie Mellon / Tepper, UNC / Kenan Flagler, USC / Marshall, and the University of Washington / Foster. This is no coincidence, as these institutions have amazing faculty, strong alumni networks, and a great deal of know-how when it comes to delivering online education, which was only accelerated by adapting to the pandemic.”
The top 26 schools in this year’s edition (with last year’s rankings included for reference) are as follows:
| School | 2023 Rank | 2022 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana University–Bloomington | 1 (tie) | 1 (tie) |
| University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill | 1 (tie) | 1 (tie) |
| University of Southern California | 3 | 1 (tie) |
| University of Florida | 4 | 5 (tie) |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 5 (tie) | 4 |
| University of Washington | 5 (tie) | 5 (tie) |
| Arizona State University | 7 (tie) | 7 (tie) |
| University of Kansas | 7 (tie) | 16 (tie) |
| University of Arizona | 9 (tie) | 7 (tie) |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 9 (tie) | 9 (tie) |
| University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium | 9 (tie) | 9 (tie) |
| University of Maryland–College Park | 12 (tie) | 12 (tie) |
| University of Massachusetts–Amherst | 12 (tie) | 12 (tie) |
| Rice University | 12 (tie) | 20 (tie) |
| University of Utah | 12 (tie) | 16 (tie) |
| Kansas State University | 12 (tie) | 24 (tie) |
| University of Texas–Dallas | 17 | 9 (tie) |
| University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | 18 | n/a |
| Pennsylvania State University–World Campus | 19 (tie) | 15 |
| Villanova University | 19 (tie) | 16 (tie) |
| Ball State University | 19 (tie) | 20 (tie) |
| Auburn University | 19 (tie) | 31 (tie) |
| Hofstra University | 19 (tie) | 28 (tie) |
| University of Nebraska–Lincoln | 19 (tie) | 31 (tie) |
| University of South Florida | 19 (tie) | 31 (tie) |
| James Madison University | 19 (tie) | 24 (tie) |
Regarding the rankings, Richmond adds, “UNC and Indiana continue to rule the roost when it comes to online MBA offerings. This is no surprise as both programs are pioneers in the online MBA space. USC Marshall slips back a step into third place after having been tied with Indiana Kelley and UNC Kenan-Flagler. It is puzzling to see U. Michigan/Ross checking in only at number 18 on the list (given the caliber of their in-person MBA), but it seems they didn’t take part in last year’s ranking, so perhaps it will take time for them to move up.”
As with last year, U.S. News ranked online MBA programs using five categories:
- Engagement (30%): Promotion of participation in courses among students and instructors. Instructors lead an engaging atmosphere, are accessible and responsive.
- Expert Opinion (25%): High-ranking academic officials and employers weigh in through surveys to account for quality beyond statistics.
- Faculty Credentials and Training (15%): Instructors possess academic credentials that mirror those for campus-based programs.
- Student Excellence (15%): The students themselves are accomplished and ambitious. Judicious rewarding of degrees.
- Services and Technologies (15%): Diverse online learning technologies support flexibility for students to take classes from a distance. Learning assistance, career guidance and financial aid resources are offered outside of classes.
See here for more on the methodology behind the ranking.
“For the time being, we have yet to see an online MBA offering (non-EMBA) from a top-10 MBA program, which is allowing the top-20 programs to dominate the ranks here at present,” Richmond says.
Visit U.S. News for the full list of their ranking of online MBA programs.
This was originally published on Clear Admit
US News 2021 Online MBA Rankings
See which online MBA programs rank the highest in 2021.
Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business edges Indiana’s Kelley School of Business to take the top spot on the U.S. News & World Report‘s 2021 “Best Online MBA Programs” list of online MBA rankings.
This year, Carnegie Mellon ties with the University of North Carolina’s Keenan-Flagler for the best online MBA program. While Kelley School of Business came in third in the ranking, it remains the top program for veterans.
The top five universities have not changed in two years, but they have shifted positions. Since USC Marshall School of Business moved up one place, it bumped the University of Florida’s Hough Graduate School of Business to fifth. ASU Carey, one of five schools that tied for 10th last year, moved into sixth. Because of this, Penn State’s Smeal College of Business and the University of Texas at Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management were pushed to seventh.
None of the schools that have appeared in the top 10 ranking for the last two years have dropped off, but new schools are making a showing. Since there are more schools on the list this year, there was room for new arrivals.
Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University leaped from 123rd place to ninth this year. Lehigh University ranked 10th along with six other schools, moving up from 18th place last year.
The University of Mississippi dropped to 10th from sixth place last year. The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management and University of Maryland College Park’s Smith School remained in the same relative positions. University of Washington’s Foster School and University of Wisconsin’s MBA Consortium also stayed in similar spots.
Top 10 Online MBA Programs
The school with the top 10 online MBA programs as ranked by the US News & World Report are as follows:
1. (Tied) Carnegie Mellon University
1. (Tied) University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill
3. Indiana University — Bloomington
4. University of Southern California (USC)
5. University of Florida
6. Arizona State University
7. (Tied) Pennsylvania State University — World Campus
7. (Tied) University of Dallas — Texas
9. Rice University
10. (Tied) Lehigh University
10. (Tied) University of Arizona
10. (Tied) University of Maryland — College Park
10. (Tied) University of Mississippi
10. (Tied) University of Washington
10. (Tied) University of Washington MBA Consortium
US News ranks online MBA programs by weighing five metrics. These metrics include engagement (30%), expert opinions (25%), faculty credentials and training (15%), student excellence (15%), and student services and technologies (15%). US News rankings combine statistical data and peer assessment surveys.
Transitioning to Online Courses
Even though there were slight changes to qualifications for US News rankings, this did not significantly affect the number of eligible schools.
This year, US News updated the definition of an online program because of changes that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. The new definition states, “the vast majority of required coursework for program completion is able to be completed by via distance education courses.” It uses the term “majority” instead of all.
Only programs founded before the 2019-2020 academic year were considered. This is because US News wanted assess recent graduates for the ranking.
According to data from the College Crisis Initiative at Davidson College, more than 60 percent of 1,442 US institutions held classes remotely instead of in-person because of COVID-19. All of the programs evaluated are designed to be taken online; so programs that are temporarily virtual or hybrid due to the pandemic are not considered in these rankings.
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.
School vs. School: Pittsburgh Katz vs. Penn State Smeal
When it comes to business education, the Keystone State is no doubt best known for the perennially top-ranked Wharton School. But the creme de la creme comes with a hefty price tag. So, what about those who desire a great business school education without breaking the bank?
Continue reading…Finding the Most Affordable Pennsylvania Business Schools
You don’t just head to Pennsylvania for the rolling hills or cheesesteaks. No, you can head there to grow your business schools by taking on an MBA program. The state has easy access to many financial hubs: New York City and Washington, D.C., among them. It’s also got plenty of affordable MBA options for those trying to start their business career.
Continue reading…MBA Updates – New B-School Offerings Arrive as Some Programs are Put on Hiatus
Business schools are regularly updating their program options. You might not even realize it, but MBA programs are being added, removed, and modified to make way for the new and to get rid of the old.
Moving forward, we at MetroMBA will help you keep track of the latest MBA changes around the world. We’ll update this document continually as we learn the latest news and share it with you.
So, keep checking back to see what’s going on in the business school world.
St. Paul Opus College of Business Suspends Full-Time MBA
The University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business in Minnesota is the latest in an ever-growing line of U.S. business schools transitioning away from full-time MBA offerings.
According to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, “only 28 students are currently enrolled the program, which was designed to hold roughly 200, according to university officials. Less than 20 staffers out of the Opus College’s 70 employees will be impacted by the move. School officials said digital capabilities and demographic shifts are the reasons behind the decision.”
With over 1,000 current graduate students enrolled in Opus College, the priority is shifting towards three things, according to Associate Dean Michael Garrison: “specialized programs, accelerated programs, and flexibility.”
Along with the announcement of the end of its full-time MBA, the school is also discontinuing its Masters of Science in Accountancy program. However, analytics courses will continue to be a part of the school’s business offerings.
Johns Hopkins Refines MBA Program
According to a recent profile in the Wall Street Journal, the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School will be revamping its full-time MBA program, starting fall of 2020. Students in the program will begin healthcare-intensive coursework immediately, utilizing the university’s renown healthcare education system to their advantage. Previously, full-time MBA students at Johns Hopkins had optional courses that could be centered around healthcare, available during the second year of the curriculum.
“The new curriculum will include a consulting project where students partner with a company, such as a hospital chain or pharmaceutical maker, to analyze data that can help solve a problem for them. The program also will require students to take a course on artificial intelligence, and M.B.A. candidates will need to learn statistical programs in bootcamp-type courses when they first arrive on campus,” WSJ journalist Patrick Thomas writes.
For more on the upcoming changes, read here.
Purdue Krannert Announces New Online MBA
In January 2020, the Purdue University Krannert School of Management in West Lafayette, Indiana will introduce an all-new two-year Online MBA program.
According to Inside Indiana Business, “Classes will run in seven-week segments and the program will enroll students based on rolling admissions, so students can join periodically during the school year.”
The Purdue University Krannert School of Management.
In a release from Krannert, Dean David Hummels says:
“We believe the Purdue Online MBA is a perfect fit with the strengths of Purdue University. The program has a focus on technology and innovation that will be ideal for students with a STEM background or any student seeking career-changing opportunities with high-tech companies.”
More details on the program are expected to be released in the near future.
Boston University to Introduce Online MBA in 2020
In partnership with edX, an online education platform, the Questrom School of Business at Boston University will formally introduce its own Online MBA program in fall 2020. It will be the first official Online MBA offered by edX, which is currently offering 10 specialized master’s programs.
Applications will officially open on August 16, 2019, with annual tuition currently set at $24,000. The price difference is stark in contrast with the school’s full-time MBA, currently set at $55,480 per year.
“We’ve recognized the transformative potential of edX for some time,” says President Robert A. Brown. “With the online MBA, we’re seizing the initiative to offer a major degree for which we believe there is global demand. Higher education must evolve in a fast-changing world. We aim to lead in this evolution.”
Learn more about the new BU Online MBA here.
Gies Removes Full and Part-Time MBA Programs on Campus
The University of Illinois Gies College of Business recently announced that its full and part-time MBA programs will no longer be taught on campus. The top-50 ranked MBA program, according to U.S. News & World Report, is one of the largest (and most lauded) programs to shut down in recent years, with reported efforts to increase funding for its popular iMBA online program.
The popularity of the Gies’ online MBA—the iMBA—has allowed the University of Illinois business school to discontinue its full and part-time MBA on-campus options.
Just three years after the iMBA program was introduced, enrollment ballooned from 114 to 1,955 students, making the transition all the more financially feasible for the university. Students currently enrolled in the full and part-time MBA programs will be able to finish their degree on campus, but the school will be discontinuing after the graduation of the current class.
Michigan Ross Introduces New Online MBA
At the end of 2018, The University of Michigan Ross School of Business introduced a new Online MBA program, offering maximum flexibility with the same curriculum offered to full-time MBA students. The program includes live class sessions (live online events for case discussions, group work, and presentations), self-guided study (short, instructional videos identifying and explaining key concepts), and leadership development training available on the Ross campus (three on-campus residencies).
This new format requires students to complete 57 credit hours:
- 27 credits of core work
- 18 credits of electives
- Nine credits consisting of three in-person residencies
- Three credits for an action-based learning project (MAP)
The curriculum is self-paced but designed to be completed in three years.
To learn more about this new program offering, head to the Michigan Ross Online MBA site here. Also, check out our recent ‘5 Questions‘ installment with Ross’ Associate Admissions Director of Part-Time MBA Programs, Anne Schoen.
Henley Business School Cancels Full-Time MBA
For the 2019-20 academic year, the Henley Business School canceled its full-time MBA program, diverting applications to other masters degree programs. The Henley website described the move as a “pause,” but it’s the first time a big UK business school has stopped taking applications for its flagship business school program.
The Henley Business School recently announced its full-time MBA will be on hiatus.
The move isn’t that much of a surprise. Last year, Henley only brought in 26 MBA students down from 40 students the previous year. In contrast, demand for Henley’s part-time executive MBA courses rose 37 percent this academic year with about 700 students enrolled.
For more insight into Henley’s decision head on over to the Financial Times article.
SDA Bocconi and Toronto Rotman Launch new Global Executive MBA
Italy’s SDA Bocconi partnered with the Toronto Rotman School of Management at the end of last year to launch a new Global Executive MBA program. This dual-degree EMBA program is 18 months in length with modules delivered across seven cities around the world. Students will attend courses in:
- Milan
- Toronto
- Mumbai
- San Francisco
- Copenhagen
- Shanghai
- Sao Paolo
Graduates will receive both an MBA from the Rotman School of Management and a Global Executive MBA from SDA Bocconi.
The curriculum, which includes 24 courses plus electives, takes 18 months to complete, 75 learning days, and 63 out-of-office days. Classes begin October 4, 2019, in Toronto. To learn more about the new GEMBA head on over to the website here.
Mexico’s EGADE Business School Launches Online MBA
In the fall of 2019, Mexico’s EGADE Business School—in partnership with 2U—will launch its new Online MBA program. Classes will be taught in English live every week through an online platform. Then, students will have the option to attend in-person immersion experiences at EGADE locations throughout the Americas. This is 2U’s first full-degree program in Latin America.
Mexico’s EGADE Business School recently joined the growing array of business schools offering an Online MBA option.
To learn more about the new Online MBA program, you can read the press release here.
Louisiana State University Announces One-Year MBA Program
Early in 2019, Louisiana State University’s Ourso College of Business announces the launch of its new One-Year MBA program. The program is aimed at undergraduate business students who want to continue their education after graduation. While no work experience is required to apply, the school states a preference for two years of experience and an essential understanding of business concepts.
The One-Year MBA program will begin in June 2019 with a pre-MBA session to set the foundation. After that, students complete 36 credit hours in a cohort-based setting to graduate. Each semester has two, eight-week modules and up to three courses at a time.
To learn more about this degree that can be completed in as little as 11 months, head over to the program page here.
University of Iowa Tippie College of Business Ends Full-Time MBA Program
The incoming class of 2019 will be the last full-time MBA cohort for the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. The decision to end the full-time MBA was made to allow the school to focus on its Professional MBA, Executive MBA, and portfolio of specialized master’s programs. The closing is thanks to shifts in demand with 91 percent of all MBA enrollment going to the Professional and Executive MBA programs.
“Adapting to the market is key for growth in any organization, and we’re seeing clear shifts in what students and businesses need,” said Sarah Gardial, dean of the Tippie College of Business. “Both are expressing preferences for non-career-disrupting options for the MBA, while others are increasingly drawn to the focused education provided by master’s programs in specific subjects.”
Along with the closing of the full-time MBA, Tippie announced a new master’s program in finance. To learn more about these changes, read the press release here
