Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online

In this article, we profile the top 30 accelerated MBA programs online of 2021.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of business and financial operations occupations is expected to grow five percent through 2029. For individuals considering going back to school to earn an advanced business degree, online accelerated MBA programs are available from top-ranked and accredited institutions. Accelerated programs take less than two years to complete, and in some cases, take only one year! To assist with your search for the top accelerated MBA programs, we conducted research to find the best fast-track MBA programs.

Featured Programs

30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online Methodology

We looked at over 150 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered accelerated MBA programs online. We narrowed our selection of schools by applying the following criteria: degree completion time of less than two years (or fast-track classes that run less than the traditional 16-week duration); graduate tuition and fees less than $36,000 per year; and national, regional, and/or program rankings with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the schools according to raw affordability.

Below are the resulting selections for the top 30 accelerated MBA programs of 2021.

#30 – Baylor University

Online MBA

Waco, Texas

Website

Baylor University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
Baylor University’s accelerated MBA programs take 12-16 months to complete!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $35,514

Baylor University’s accelerated MBA programs offer quick-paced and accredited degrees that take approximately 12-16 months to complete. The program, designed for working individuals, can accelerate their education process, and those individuals can begin working in an advanced business role in just one year. All business classes are delivered online and cover topics like business law, ethical leadership, fundamentals of applied finance, manufacturing for higher performance, negotiations, and strategic management for business policy. Admission to the MBA online program requires an earned bachelor’s degree and three letters of recommendation, among other criteria. Baylor ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #76 in best national universities and #47 in best online MBA programs.

#29 – University of Delaware

Online MBA

Newark, Delaware

Website

University of Delaware - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
The accelerated online MBA at University of Delaware takes only 16 months.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,956

University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics offers an accelerated MBA program, ideal for working professionals. Online classes are designed to move at a quick pace, and most students earn their degree in less than two years. Depending on how fast you want to move through the classes, earning a degree in 16 months is possible. Also, the online MBA program offers concentrations that allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. Available concentrations include business analytics, finance, healthcare management, international business, and strategic leadership. Students also have the choice of earning two or more concentrations, adding to the value of their MBA. In addition to being fully accredited, University of Delaware ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 97th best national university. Also, the online MBA programs at UD rank #47 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#28 – Andrews University

Online MBA

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Website

Andrews University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
IACBE-accredited and accelerated! The online MBA at Andrews University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,164

The accelerated MBA program at Andrews University may be completed entirely online and in one year. Full-time students earn their degree quickly. Classes move at a rigorous pace and cover a wide range of business concepts with Christian ethical principles that adhere to the Andrews University mission. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles that require clear and critical thinking as well as effective communication in business. What sets the Andrews MBA apart from others is the IACBE accreditation and distinction and affordable tuition price. The fully interactive online MBA is offered at 50% reduced tuition. Also, Andrews University ranks among the top national universities and #191 out of 1,200 online MBA programs.

#27 – Norwich University

Online MBA

Northfield, Vermont

Website

Norwich University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
An accelerated online MBA that takes 18 months to finish – Norwich University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,554

One of the top accelerated MBA programs online is offered by Norwich University. For 200 years, Norwich has graduated business leaders. The online MBA program is a flexible degree that moves at a rigorous pace. Available concentrations allow students to focus their studies on an area of interest. These concentrations include construction management, finance, organizational leadership, project management, technology management, and supply chain management. Aside from only one week required on campus, the program may be completed entirely online and in just 18 months. Norwich is fully accredited and ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the North.

#26 – University of Mary

Online MBA

Bismarck, North Dakota

Website

University of Mary - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
16 months! University of Mary’s accelerated MBA programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,694

University of Mary offers an accelerated MBA program designed to allow students to earn their degree in less than two years. The 16-month online MBA offers fast-paced classes that start every five weeks. There are also seven available concentrations designed to help students tailor their degree to align with career goals. These concentrations include business operations, Catholic philanthropy, healthcare, human resource management, project management, public administration, and virtuous leadership. You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school to apply for admission. University of Mary is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Mary #298-#389 in best national universities and #353 in top performers on social mobility.

#25 – California Baptist University

Online MBA

Riverside, California

Website

California Baptist University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
California Baptist University offers an ACBSP-accredited online MBA.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,560

Accelerated MBA programs offering affordability and flexibility include the 12-month online MBA at California Baptist University. This ACBSP-accredited program is designed for working professionals looking to advance their skills and career trajectory in business and leadership. Courses cover various business topics like foundations of management, global business management, marketing management, and quantitative business modeling. For admission, successful applicants hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, offer two recommendations, have a strong undergraduate GPA, and have completed professional work experience. In addition to being ACBSP-accredited, CBU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, CBU’s current rankings include #40 in best regional universities in the West and #146 in best online MBA programs.

#24 – Webster University

Online MBA

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website

Webster University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
10 areas of emphasis available in Webster’s online MBA program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,500

The accelerated online MBA at Webster University is a flexible, ACBSP-accredited program designed for working and busy students. Students may specialize their degree with 10 available areas of emphasis. Some of the specialization areas include corporate communications, corporate finance, cybersecurity, health administration, IT management, or international business. Online courses cover unique business topics like adding value through human capital, cases in value creation, and providing value to customers. Webster ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 15th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online MBA programs rank #245-#321 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#23 – University of Arizona

Online MBA

Tucson, Arizona

Website

University of Arizona - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
Earn an online MBA from University of Arizona in just 14 months!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,271

With six start dates each year, University of Arizona offers accelerated MBA programs online that are conveniently designed for working professionals. Students may earn their online MBA in as short a time as 14 months, depending on pace and transfer credits. In addition to the accelerated pace, the program also offers six concentrations. These concentrations allow students to emphasize areas of interest and align their degree to meet career goals. The concentrations include entrepreneurship, finance, health care management, management and organizations, privacy and security, and marketing. Successful admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree, three professional letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GMAT or GRE scores. University of Arizona is fully accredited and has received top rankings from U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #97 in best national universities, #121 in best value schools, and #10 in online MBA programs.

#22 – Old Dominion University

Online MBA

Norfolk, Virginia

Website

Old Dominion University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
12-month MBA programs online! Old Dominion University!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,128

For individuals seeking 12-month MBA programs online, Old Dominion University offers MBA programs designed for working professionals. The online MBA runs course sessions that last eight weeks. Students work at their own pace and can finish the degree in months rather than years. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on the ODU campus. Admission candidates must show an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and competitive GRE or GMAT test scores. ODU is fully accredited and has received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, ODU ranks #258 in best national universities and #126 in top public schools. The online MBA programs rank #47 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#21 – Colorado State University

Online MBA

Fort Collins, Colorado

Website

Colorado State University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
Ranked and accredited! CSU’s online MBA.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,871

Colorado State University offers accelerated MBA programs designed for working and busy students. The online MBA at CSU is globally ranked and fully accredited. The program moves at an accelerated pace and is designed to be completed in just 21 months. With multiple start dates and flexible formatting, the program is one of the most conveniently designed on our list. Online courses cover business topics like digital marketing, fundamentals of firm valuation, fundamentals of real estate finance, international business, and strategic selling for business customers. In addition to offering full accreditation, CSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. CSU’s current rankings include #153 in best national universities, #168 in best value schools, and #62 in best online MBA programs.

#20 – University of Florida

Online MBA

Gainesville, Florida

Website

University of Florida - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
The 12-month MBA program at UF is one of the quickest online MBA programs on our list.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737

The Warrington College of Business at University of Florida offers an accelerated MBA that is ideally designed for working professionals. The 12-month MBA program offers an accelerated track for individuals who have an undergraduate degree in business and have graduated within the last seven years. There is also a two-year program offering greater flexibility, but a longer completion time. Courses cover topics like corporate finance, global strategic management, operations management, and professional writing. Several focus areas are also available. These concentrations allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest and to meet career goals. Some of the focus areas include finance, global business, and marketing. In addition to UF’s strong academic programs and accreditation, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report. UF ranks #30 in best national universities and #4 (out of 1,200) in best online MBA programs.

#19 – Arizona State University

Online MBA

Tempe, Arizona

Website

Arizona State University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
ASU’s accelerated online MBA is ranked and accredited.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,608

The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University offers an accelerated online MBA program that is both highly ranked with U.S. News and World Report and fully accredited by the AACSB. Students take one class at a time while enrolled in the MBA online program. These courses run five weeks in length and move at an accelerated pace. Courses cover advanced business topics like ethical issues for managers, financial performance reporting, operations and supply management, and statistics for managers. ASU’s rankings with U.S. News and World Report include #103 in best national universities. Also, the online MBA programs at ASU rank #10 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by the publication.

#18 – University of North Carolina

Online MBA

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Website

University of North Carolina - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
UNC’s online MBA is ranked #1 in the country!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,522

University of North Carolina’s business programs might appeal to those seeking 12-month MBA programs online. The online MBA is highly customizable, offering 25 electives and five concentrations. These concentrations allow students to tailor their MBA to better align with career goals and interests. Concentrations include data analytics and decision making, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and strategy and consulting. While courses are delivered online, students do complete two in-person immersive experiences held in cities around the world and on the Chapel Hill campus. UNC ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 28th best national university in the country. Also, the online MBA programs at UNC rank #1 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#17 – Shippensburg University

Online MBA

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

Website

Shippensburg University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
100% online MBA! Shippensburg University!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,970

Shippensburg University (Ship) offers an accelerated MBA online program that mirrors the AACSB-accredited on-campus degree. The 30-credit program consists of eight required courses and two electives. Courses are delivered in a 100% online format and move at an accelerated pace. Each course runs eight weeks in length. These courses cover topics like business operations and analysis, essentials of accounting and finance, fundamentals of financial accounting, and operations management. Shippensburg University ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online MBA programs at Ship rank #161 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#16 – North Carolina State University

Online MBA

Raleigh, North Carolina

Website

North Carolina State University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
21 months for the accelerated online MBA at NC State!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,673

One of the few professional MBA programs available online is offered at North Carolina State University. As one of the top accelerated MBA programs online available for working professionals, the NC State MBA is fully accredited and ranked with major publications. The accelerated track allows students to finish their degree in just 21 months. The program is fully online, except for two required three-day residencies on the main campus in Raleigh. In addition to being accredited, NC State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 80th best national university and 65th best value school. Also, the online MBA programs rank #15 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#15 – Northwest Nazarene University

Online MBA

Nampa, Idaho

Website

Northwest Nazarene University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
16 months to earn the online MBA accelerated degree at NNU.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,749

Northwest Nazarene University’s accelerated online MBA program is designed for working adults who want to commit to an intensive business program that moves at a rigorous pace. Accredited by the ACBSP, the MBA program offers eight-week sessions and allows students to earn their degree in as little as 16 months. Two optional concentrations offered allow students to hone their skills and knowledge in areas like accounting and healthcare. But the core MBA classes lay the foundational groundwork of knowledge. These courses include leadership development, management law, managerial and cost accounting, and strategic marketing. In addition to the ACBSP accreditation, NNU offers rankings with U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best regional university in the West.

#14 – University of Saint Francis

Online MBA

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Website

University of Saint Francis - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
The accelerated MBA program at University of Saint Francis takes 12-18 months.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,440

At the University of St. Francis, students may enroll in the accelerated MBA program, which may be completed in 12-18 months. Up to nine semester hours of credit may be transferred to save on completion time. Also, the program offers a one-year option for those interested in a fast track online MBA. Several concentration options are also available, and are designed to allow students to tailor their MBA to align with career goals and interests. These concentrations include business process management, environmental health, healthcare management, healthcare operations, higher education administration, or marketing, to name a few. The University of St. Francis is fully accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, St. Francis ranks #65 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #41 in best value schools.

#13 – University of South Florida

Online MBA

Tampa, Florida

Website

University of South Florida - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
Ranked and accelerated online MBA at University of South Florida.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428

University of South Florida’s accelerated MBA programs help students develop analytical skills and business acumen. Upon graduation, students will be trained for today’s industry challenges and tomorrow’s workplace. Offering online instruction that moves at a rigorous pace, the program is not a one-size-fits-all degree. In fact, several concentration areas allow students to tailor their degree to fit with career aspirations. These concentrations include compliance, cybersecurity, data analytics, and healthcare analytics. USF also ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 103rd best national university and 71st best value school. The online MBA programs at USF rank #95 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#12 – University of Tennessee

Online MBA

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Website

University of Tennessee - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
100% online instruction! Students at University of Tennessee may earn their MBA in less than two years.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,270

University of Tennessee offers an online accelerated MBA designed for working professionals who want to advance their business and leadership careers. Through 100% online instruction, students may earn their MBA in less than two years. The program fully accredited and offers classes taught by full-time faculty, not adjuncts. Courses for the general MBA cover topics in ethics, finance, innovation, and leadership. Also, four concentration areas in business analytics, healthcare administration, finance, and HR allow students to tailor their degree to fit with career goals. UT Chattanooga ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 298th-389th best national university. Also, the online MBA programs rank #62.

#11 – University of Houston

Online MBA

Houston, Texas

Website

University of Houston - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
University of Houston’s accelerated MBA programs online take 14 months to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,334

University of Houston, one of the top schools for accelerated MBA programs online, is fully accredited and affordable. The standard sixteen-week courses have been replaced with an eight-week format, allowing students to move at an accelerated pace and earn their MBA in less than two years. In fact, by taking two courses per eight-week session, students finish their MBA requirements in 14 months. You can also choose one of several concentrations to add value to your degree in areas like environmental management, finance, HR management, and sustainability. In addition to offering flexible, accredited business programs, UH ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #176 in best national universities and #106 in best value schools.

#10 – Longwood University

Online MBA

Farmville, Virginia

Website

Longwood University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
Finish is 10 months! The online accelerated MBA at Longwood University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,982

Longwood University’s accelerated MBA can be completed entirely online and in just 10 months, making it one of the fastest programs on our list. Two tracks are available for students earning their MBA: the general MBA and the MBA in real estate. Both programs consist of 31 credits and take as little as 10 months to complete. Core courses for both programs cover topics like financial management, information technology, managerial accounting, strategic management and business policy, and strategic marketing. Longwood is fully accredited and the MBA programs have received AACSB accreditation. Also, Longwood ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 16th best regional university in the South.

#9 – Emporia State University

Online MBA

Emporia, Kansas

Website

Emporia State University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
A 12-month online MBA! Emporia State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,577

Emporia State University’s accelerated online MBA programs are AACSB-accredited and offer rigorous online study for working professionals. By taking seven-week courses, students may graduate with their online MBA in just 12 months. But to be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.65. Other qualifications, including official transcripts and test scores, are also required. Core courses you will likely take for the Emporia MBA include advanced financial management and marketing management. The AACSB-accredited program has also received a ranking from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online MBA programs rank #245-#321 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#8 – Troy University

Online MBA

Troy, Alabama

Website

Troy University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
Ranked and accredited! Troy University’s accelerated MBA online program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,506

Individuals seeking 12-month MBA programs online will be pleased to find Troy University’s accelerated MBA meets their needs. The online MBA at Troy consists of 31 credits and can be completed in just one year. Online courses taught by Troy professors move at a rigorous pace and shorten the completion time for the degree. Several concentration options also allow students to tailor their MBA to better fit with particular career goals. The concentrations include international finance, international information systems and data analytics, and international management. Troy ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 51st best regional university in the South and the online MBA programs rank #95.

#7 – Texas Tech University

Online MBA

Lubbock, Texas

Website

Texas Tech University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
100% online learning! Texas Tech’s online accelerated MBA program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,181

Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business offers an accelerated MBA online program that moves at a rigorous pace. With 100% online learning and shortened class times, students may earn their degree in less than two years. May of the classes run seven to eight weeks in the fall and spring, and five weeks during the summer. Also, for those interested in IT, a concentration in information technology may be added to the MBA. TTU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 217th best national university. And the online MBA programs have also received rankings. In fact, the online MBA program ranks #131 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#6 – University of North Texas

Online MBA

Denton, Texas

Website

University of North Texas - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
University of North Texas offers accelerated online MBA programs that take 14 months to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,788

University of North Texas offers accelerated online MBA programs designed to complete in 14 months. In addition to the accelerated pace of the program, students have the opportunity to earn a specialization in an area of interest. These specializations include marketing, marketing analytics, organizational behavior and human resource management, sport entertainment management, strategic management, supply chain analytics, and supply chain management. Five available start dates and flexible class schedules allow students to balance their education and outside obligations. Also, the program is accredited with AACSB and ranked with U.S. News. In fact, UNT ranks #249 in best national universities and #121 in top public school. The online MBA programs rank #31 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#5 – East Carolina University

Online MBA

Greenville, North Carolina

Website

East Carolina University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
ECU’s online MBA is accelerated and affordable.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,535

East Carolina University offers accelerated online MBA programs designed for busy and working students. Through ECU’s College of Business, students may pursue an AACSB-accredited online accelerated MBA that is both customizable and flexible. With no cohorts and no dictated pace, students create a schedule that works for them. Courses cover general and advanced business topics like comparative management, financial management, governmental regulation of business, and quantitative methods. In addition to being AACSB-accredited, ECU’s online MBA programs rank #102 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report. School rankings include #217 in best national universities and #109 in top public institutions.

#4 – University of North Alabama

Online MBA

Florence, Alabama

Website

University of North Alabama - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
Affordable and ranked! The accelerated MBA programs online at University of North Alabama!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,200

The University of North Alabama offers accelerated MBA programs that are affordable and accredited. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Two degree completion options are available. Students may elect to complete a regular MBA with the opportunity to specialize in a particular concentration or earn an executive MBA. The executive MBA if for individuals with significant business experience. Classes move at an accelerated pace and allow students to earn their degree in less than two years. UNA is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News rankings include #40 in best regional universities in the South and #40 in best value schools. The online MBA programs rank #200 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#3 – Texas A & M University

Online MBA

Corpus Christi, Texas

Website

Texas A & M University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
12-20 months to complete the accelerated MBA online program at Texas A&M.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,820

Texas A&M University’s accelerated MBA online program consists of 30 credits and takes approximately 12-20 months to complete. The program is designed to allow students to realize their full capabilities as business leaders. A total of ten courses are required for individuals who have completed a BBA degree. If you hold an undergraduate degree in another discipline, an additional four courses may be required. Core classes, delivered online, cover topics like managerial economics, managerial finance, marketing management, and organizational behavior and theory. In addition to being AACSB-accredited, Texas A&M ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#2 – Fitchburg State University

Online MBA

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Website

Fitchburg State University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
A top pick for accelerated online MBA programs – Fitchburg State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,742

Fitchburg State University is a top pick for accelerated online MBA programs. The online accelerated MBA offers a specialization in management for those interested in pursuing leadership roles within business. A total of ten courses are required (30 credit hours), including 18 hours of advanced core requirements, 9 concentration courses, and a three-hour elective course. Successful applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and provide professional work experience as part of the admission process. However, no GMAT test scores are required for the online MBA program. In addition to offering fully accredited MBA degrees, Fitchburg holds rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online MBA programs rank #245-#321 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#1 – Fayetteville State University

Online MBA

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Website

Fayetteville State University - Top 30 Accelerated MBA Programs Online
#1 most affordable accelerated MBA program online – Fayetteville State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,730

Fayetteville State University is our most affordable accelerated MBA program. For less than $6,000 per year, students may earn an online MBA optimally designed for busy professionals. The AACSB-accredited MBA also offers several concentrations so that students may tailor their degree to align with specific career goals and interests. These concentrations include business intelligence, finance, healthcare management, international business, marketing, and supply chain management, to name a few. Fayetteville State is not only the most affordable school on our list, but also has achieved rankings with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #89 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online MBA programs rank #88 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can you earn with an accelerated MBA degree?

According to PayScale, a global compensation research organization, the average salary for individuals with an MBA is $88,494 per year. Project managers earn $85,000 on average, while chief financial officers earn $151,000 on average. As expected, salary varies depending on job title and industry, and overall compensation increases with experience and education.

So, how much money can you earn with an accelerated MBA? Let’s look at the median annual wages for business occupations reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Accountants and auditors, as reported by BLS, earned a median pay of $71,550. Budget analysts earned $76,540 on average. Higher paying occupations include financial analysts ($81,590 median pay), financial examiners ($81,090 median pay), management analysts ($85,260 median pay), and personal financial advisors ($87,850 median pay).

The annual salary for business occupations increases with education. Individuals with a bachelor’s in business administration or BBA earn less, on average, than individuals with an MBA. Also, salary is commensurate with years of experience. According to PayScale, individuals with less than one year of industry experience earn much less than seasoned business professionals with 10-19 years of experience. In fact, seasoned business professionals earn almost $50,000 more per year than entry-level colleagues.

What is the career outlook for individuals with an accelerated MBA degree?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for business and financial occupations is projected to be favorable through the year 2029. Specifically, employment in business and financial operations occupations should see an increase of five percent over the next several years. While not a huge increase, the growth is slightly faster than the average for all occupations.

Anticipated growth in the employment for business occupations is due to a variety of factors. Globalization, a steady and slightly growing economy, and a complex tax environment for accountants and auditors should lead to a demand for other business occupations.

Industry-specific jobs also show a favorable employment outlook. In fact, BLS reports that the employment of training and development specialists is projected to grow 9 percent over the next several years and market research analysts should see a projected growth in employment of 18 percent. Earning an accelerated MBA degree is the first step in staying ahead of competition for these types of jobs. With competition, especially for higher paying business occupations, earning an MBA will help establish your qualifications and set you apart from competition. Earning an accelerated MBA will help you get your degree quicker than a traditional MBA.

What are the admission requirements for an online accelerated MBA program?

The admission requirements for an online accelerated MBA degree varies by institution and program. However, many accelerated MBA programs on our list have similar criteria. Some schools require an undergraduate degree in business (BBA), while others welcome applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Below are the most common admission requirements for online accelerated MBA programs.

Your GPA matters when applying to accelerated MBA online programs. Many schools on our list have minimum undergraduate GPA requirements. Top-tier schools and programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, while others ask a minimum 2.75 GPA. If your GPA falls short, you may receive provisional status at the discretion of the program if you have work experience or some other unique background that sets you apart from other candidates.

In addition to the undergraduate GPA and bachelor’s degree, graduate test scores may be required for admission to an accelerated MBA program. While GRE scores are not typically asked for in accelerated MBA programs online, GMAT scores are a common request. In some cases, the program may only ask for GMAT scores if the applicant has less than five years of work experience. However, top-ranked programs typically require competitive GMAT scores for admission.

How fast can I earn an accelerated MBA degree?

Once you’ve decided to earn a graduate degree in business, you’ll want to determine the time it takes to receive your degree. One way to shorten the time required for an MBA is to enroll in an accelerated MBA program online. Accelerated MBA programs shorten the time it takes to earn an MBA. It is possible to complete degree requirements for an MBA in 12 to 18 months. In fact, several programs on our list offer an online MBA completion time of just one year.

The benefits of an accelerated online MBA program include convenient online instruction, short course lengths, and the option of taking classes during the summer to shorten the degree completion time. Traditional MBA programs take two years or more to finish and require semester-long (16 weeks) courses. Most accelerated MBA classes run five to eight weeks in length. While you will likely take less classes at a time in an accelerated MBA program, you will finish your degree in less time.

Accelerated online MBA programs are ideal for individuals who do not want to spend the typical two to three years it takes to earn an advanced business degree. The online option allows students to finish their coursework early so they may enter the workforce faster.

What concentrations are available in accelerated MBA programs?

An MBA is one of the most versatile degrees. Graduates enter business equipped to make pertinent financial decisions, lead projects and team members, and work in diverse areas of business such as finance, management, or marketing. Many online accelerated MBA programs on our list offer specializations or concentrations that allow students to tailor their degree to meet unique career goals. Earning a concentration alongside an accelerated MBA can separate you from your competitors and help you stand out in a crowd of applicants. A specialization shows you not only have a strong business foundation, but have expertise in a particular area of interest.

From our list of accelerated MBA programs, we collected popular concentrations in business. Accounting, finance, healthcare management, human resource management, marketing, and strategic management were among the top concentrations offered. And even in accelerated programs, adding a concentration does not require additional time for degree completion. In fact, the concentration is offered alongside the MBA.

PayScale lists some of the highest-paying MBA concentrations. These include entrepreneurship, management, and strategy. Finance and economics were listed just below the top three highest earning potentials in business.

Before choosing your MBA concentration, be sure to assess your career goals and educational needs. Certain concentrations are designed to prepare individuals for certification in a specific field like accounting or finance. Others offer a broader scope.

CVO Staff
October 2020

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This concludes our list of top 30 accelerated MBA programs online of 2021.