In this article we will list the top 10 affordable online executive MBA programs. An online executive MBA is a great fit for people who already are gaining experience in business through their work but are looking to further advance their careers. Students in this major will enroll in the same type of courses that are offered in a traditional MBA program. But because the majority of the students are already experienced professionals, the class can discuss topics on a deeper more practical level. Many executive MBA programs also offer a greater degree of flexibility in scheduling to accommodate their students.
The online executive MBA programs on this list are taken from a list of more than 30 affordable online programs (tuition of less than $12,000 per year according to the most recent graduate in-state tuition published by NCES College Navigator). Those programs are then ranked according to the quality of the program (based on student-teacher ratio and graduation rate) to determine the top programs from the list.
Reviewing the Best Executive MBA Online Programs 2021
10. University of Missouri – Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
Executive MBA Online
At the University of Missouri, business professionals can earn their online executive MBA in just 21 months. This 48-credit-hour program is designed to be completed almost entirely online. Students are required to visit campus just four times a year. Students will complete two courses every eight weeks, and will move through the entire program with a cohort. The online executive MBA program includes an international residency. Overall, 56% of program participants report a promotion while enrolled in the program.
Tuition: $9,264
9. University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Executive MBA Online
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online executive MBA that can be completed almost entirely online. Students are required to take part in an on-site residency component some weekends during the course of their study. The on-site component includes student presentations, group case studies, networking opportunities, and Q&A with distinguished professors. The program consists of 33 credits, as well as applied learning practicum credits to be completed each semester.
Tuition: $5,670
8. University of Nevada
Reno, Nevada
Executive MBA Online
The executive MBA online program at the University of Nevada is one of the only EMBA programs in the country that can be completed entirely online. Additionally, both U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review have listed it as one of the nation’s top online MBA programs. The 2-year cohort program begins each year in the fall. It consists of 12 online courses, which are sequenced to ensure continuity in learning. While completing 3 semesters each year, students move through the curriculum together as a cohort. This builds supportive working relationships.
Tuition: $5,459
7. University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
EMBA Online
The University of Arkansas offers an online executive MBA program. This offering provides the best of both online and in-class learning from a top-ranked and accredited business school. The 38-credit-hour program takes 24 months to complete, and students are required to report to campus one weekend per month. Online study areas include:
- supply chain finance
- business analytics
- innovation and entrepreneurship
- retail
Tuition: $7,752
6. University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
EMBA in Energy Online
The executive MBA online program at the University of Oklahoma is a 15-month program that can be completed primarily online. Students are required to attend 3 week-long residencies throughout the course of the program. This includes an international week in the UK and the Netherlands. The rest of the program consists of 8-week courses, and the curriculum revolves around relevant issues in today’s energy industry.
Tuition: $6,583
5. Faulkner University
Montgomery, Alabama
Executive MBA
In terms of online MBA programs, Faulkner University offers an executive MBA program that can be completed without ever having to set foot on campus. This online program consists of 10 five-week courses to be completed one at a time, allowing program completion in just one year. Faulkner offers starting dates every five weeks. This allows for flexible course planning for program participants. Their cutting-edge online curriculum combines a corporate learning approach with integrated video segments.
Tuition: $10,080
4. University of North Carolina – Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Executive Master of Business Administration Online
The online executive MBA program at UNC Wilmington enhances online coursework with dynamic on-campus and international residencies. This allows ample opportunities for hands-on learning, peer interaction and networking. The 42-credit-hour program can be completed in as little as 12 months. The on-campus requirements include two intensive weekends of face-to-face managerial training and peer-to-peer experience. The online curriculum examines constitutional, legislative and judicial public policy relations within the business environment.
Tuition: $4,719
3. University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
EMBA Online
The University of North Alabama has designed an executive MBA online. The program is designed for individuals with significant business experience desiring to improve both their leadership and management skills. The 34-credit program is offered online or face-to-face. It features professors who have dynamic delivery of practical business skills, knowledge, and strategies. The exciting curriculum includes case studies and solving real world business problems.
Tuition: $6,660
2. Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
MBA – Executive Online
As one of the nation’s best business schools, Purdue University offers the exciting opportunity to earn an executive MBA online and on-campus. In fact, it is one of the top-ranked online MBA programs in the nation. The 48-credit program takes 19 months to complete, and consists of a blended format, bringing students to campus quarterly for 1-2 weeks at a time. The curriculum features a broad range of electives. It also offers career management and executive career coaching as well as an international residency.
Tuition: $9,208
1. Texas Southern University
Houston, Texas
Executive MBA Online
Texas Southern University’s affordable executive MBA program is a two-year online program. It meets the needs of mid-career professionals wanting to pursue an executive MBA online with little disruption to their lives. Students enjoy a flexible course schedule, whether they choose general business or energy finance as their specific study track. The online curriculum includes virtual classrooms, live chats, online lectures, and teleconferencing. The program consists of 36 credit hours. It adequately prepares executive MBA students to lead and manage in the private and energy sector of the business world.
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