Top 15 Online MBA Programs in Michigan

While bordering four of the Great Lakes and featuring over 11,000 inland lakes, its no wonder that the state of Michigan truly lives up to its nickname as The Great Lakes State. The word Michigan is derived from the Ojibwa Indian terms Mishi-gama, translation: big water. Over ten million residents call Michigan home and even though Lansing is the state capital, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the state. Do you enjoy the air conditioner in your car on long summer drives? You can thank the people at Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit for that feature, as the first air-conditioned car to roll off the line was a Packard in 1939. Famous for its automotive industry, Detroit is commonly known as Motor City. With its vibrant water culture and sporting industry, Michigan has a lot to offer the modern-day sportsman as fishing, boating, and hunting are all popular activities there.

Michigan also features some of the nation’s top online Master’s of Business Administration programs. Many of the state’s most highly-respected universities feature business schools which have designed top-ranking online degrees in leadership and business for students. These programs run the gamut in affordability. Some feature affordable tuition rates and some are classified as above average. Students seeking the best value in an online MBA must not only look at total tuition fees but must also take into account the reputation certain business schools and their programs carry. Many of the state’s average degrees carry with them the potential for higher ROIs as employers are aware of these programs’ excellent curriculum and ability to train well-equipped business professionals.

Based on the current demand for high-quality online MBA programs, we have compiled the top fifteen online Master’s of Business Administration programs offered in the state of Michigan. Most of these programs are backed by their business school’s being accredited by such organizations as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Let this ranking of Michigan’s best distance-learning programs help guide you in the important decision of finding the perfect online MBA.

For more information about other online MBA programs, check out our article on the top MBA specializations and explore our other Online MBA Rankings.

Note: A detailed explanation of the methodology we used to determine the best online MBA programs in Michigan can be found at the end of the ranking.

#1 Central Michigan University College of Business Administration – Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Photo creditThe College of Business Administration at Central Michigan University features the state of Michigan’s best online Master’s of Business Administration with specializations in ERP Emphasis using SAP Software, Human Resource Management, Logistics Management, Marketing, and Value-Driven Organization. This program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The business school receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Featuring three start times each year, degree requirements for this program include Managing Information Systems in a Global Economy, Managerial Accounting: A Management Perspective, Managing and Leading Individuals and Groups in Organizations, Data Analysis for Managers, Marketing-Based Management, Global Business and Sustainability, and Financial Analysis and Risk Management. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 54^th best online MBA in the nation. Applicants are encouraged to have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 in order to be considered for acceptance.

Home of the Chippewas who wear the school colors of maroon and gold, the athletic department at Central Michigan University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Mid-American Conference. The university is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Delivering over 200 academic programs, CMU offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 25,986 students currently enrolled there. Founded in 1892, the school’s official motto is Sapientia, Virtus, Amicitia (Wisdom, Virtue, Friendship). Central Michigan University receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 100.00

#2 Andrews University School of Business Administration – Berrien Springs, Michigan

Photo creditAndrews University offers one of Michigan’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs at the School of Business Administration. This 33-credit hour program is classified as affordable with a total tuition price between $15,000 and $19,999. The business school receives its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. This degree has been designed “to prepare students from many cultural backgrounds for responsible positions in domestic and international business, in government, and in non-profit organizations. The program emphasizes the integration of business principles with Christian principles and philosophy to prepare students for leadership roles which require clear and critical thinking, wise judgment, effective communication, integrity in all actions, and recognition of opportunities for service.” The business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 189^th best online MBA in the nation. Academic requirements for this degree include an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.60.

Established in 1874, Andrews University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral and levels to the student body of 3,317 currently enrolled. Home of the Cardinals, the athletic department at Andrews supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete within the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. Featuring Corpus, Mens, Spiritus (Body, Mind, Spirit) as its official motto, the school’s official colors are gold and blue.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 99.45

#3 University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Business – Dearborn, Michigan

Photo creditAn online Master’s of Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, International Business, Information Systems Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management is delivered by the College of Business at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Qualifying students with the proper academic background may waive up to 12 credit hours of foundational coursework and complete this degree as a 36-credit hour degree. This 100% online program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 68^th best online MBA in the nation. The College of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Upon completing this degree students will be equipped to “demonstrate knowledge of disciplinary concepts, terminology, models, and perspectives, identify business problems and apply appropriate solutions, integrate knowledge across disciplinary areas, and apply knowledge in a global environment.” Courses within this program include Developing and Interpreting Financial Information, Economics Analysis: Firm and Consumer, Corporate Social Responsibility, Applied Statistical Modeling, Financial Fundamentals and Value Creation, Computer and Information Systems, and Operations Management.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn was originally founded as the Dearborn Center of the University of Michigan in 1959. The catalyst to the school being established was the need for properly trained engineers and junior administrators who could work for the Ford Motor Company. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university exists today as a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus in Dearborn, Michigan. Delivering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, UM-Dearborn oversees a student body of 9,131. Home of the Wolverines, the official school colors of the school are maize and blue. The athletic department at the school consists of men’s and women’s varsity sports teams, which compete as members of the NAIA within the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 94.99

#4 Ferris State University College of Business – Big Rapids, Michigan

Photo creditThe College of Business at Ferris State University features one of Michigan’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs with Business Intelligence, Design and Innovation Management, Incident Response, Lean Systems and Leadership, Performance Metrics, project management, and Supply Chain Management & Lean Logistics concentrations. This 48-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The College of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The business school advertises several benefits to this degree including its being a “fully online program, industry seasoned and academically accomplished faculty, electives and areas of interest that provide attractive leadership and problem-solving skills, (and that) Ferris State is a globally recognized and attractive name in education. Your degree will have a lot of value to a large, global audience.” Core requirements within this program include Accounting for Managers, Corporate Finance, Managers and the Legal Environment, Leadership & Organizational Change, Research Methodologies, Global Business Management, Information Systems Strategy, Managerial Economics, Lean Enterprise & Innovation. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the College of Business as offering the 83^rd best online MBA in the nation.

Home of the Bulldogs who wear the school colors of crimson and gold, the athletic department at Ferris State University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Ferris State is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Big Rapids, Michigan. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 14,187 students currently enrolled there. Established in 1884 as Big Rapids Industrial School, the original purpose of the school was to equip students with marketable skills that would serve them throughout their careers. The school receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and features Brutus the Bulldog as its official school mascot.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 94.85

#5 Lawrence Technological University College of Management – Southfield, Michigan

Photo creditLawrence Technological University’s College of Management features one of the state’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs with focuses in Finance, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Project Management. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 172^nd best online MBA in the nation. This 36-credit hour degree is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The College of Management receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This degree can be completed in as few as two years. Divided between nine core courses and three elective courses, the core courses within this program include Managerial Accounting, Global Business Economics, Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Global Leadership, Strategic Marketing Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Enterprise Information Technology. While there are 15 credits of foundational courses associated with this degree, students with the proper academic experience can waive these credits based on undergraduate business coursework.

Established in 1932, Lawrence Technological University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Southfield, Michigan. The university was originally founded by Russell Lawrence. Throughout the school’s history, there have never been restrictions based on who could attend, students of any color, race, or creed could take courses at LTU as long as they met admissions criteria and possessed a desire to succeed. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 3,309 currently enrolled there. Home of the Blue Devils, the athletic department at Lawrence Tech supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NAIA Division II level as members of the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference. The school’s official colors are blue and white.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 93.63

#6 Northwood University DeVos Graduate School – Midland, Michigan

Photo creditThe DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University delivers an online Master’s of Business Administration degree. This 36-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The DeVos Graduate School receives its stellar business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Learning outcomes for this program include a graduate’s being able to effectively “find and fix problems, identify and capitalize on opportunities, create a vision and inspire others to follow, raise =the performance of subordinates, peers, and superiors.” Online MBA students can expect to graduate in just 24 months utilizing the business school’s flexible format. Courses within this program include Human Behavior in Organizations, Managing & Leading People, Fundamental Concepts & Approaches to Decision Making, Process Improvement for Managers, Financial Reporting, Corporate Financial Decision Making, Global Markets, Policy & Regulation, and Competitive Strategy & Marketing. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 122^nd best online MBA in the nation.

Home of the Timberwolves who wear the school colors of NU dark blue and NU lighter blue, the athletic department at Northwood University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams, which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. NU is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Midland, Michigan. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the 3,545 students currently enrolled there. Opening its doors in 1959 as Northwood Institute, the school’s founders were Arthur E. Turner and R. Gary Stauffer. Northwood University receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and features Woody Timberwolf as its official school mascot.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 92.39

#7 Cornerstone University Professional & Graduate Studies Division – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Photo creditCornerstone University offers an exemplary online Master’s of Business Administration with specializations in Finance, Global Business, Health Care, and Project Management through the Professional & Graduate Studies Division. The school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 150^th best online MBA in the nation. This 38-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. This degree is offered as a 100% online degree or as a blended format with on-campus courses meeting one evening a week from 6-10pm. Students looking for an accelerated experience can complete all coursework for this degree in as few as 20 months. Admission requirements for this program include the completion of an application with $25 fee, the submission of all official transcripts from attended colleges and universities, a minimum of 2.7 undergraduate GPA if one or more years of work experience applies, a 3.0GPA minimum if less than one year of work experience applies, a professional resume, and two letters of recommendation.

Established in 1941, Cornerstone University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Grand rapids, Michigan. The school began as the Baptist Bible Institute and received its accreditation as a degree-granting college in 1972, the same year it changed its name to Grand Rapids Baptist College. In June 2003, the school was divided into Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary to better reflect the identity and purpose of each institution. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 2,447 currently enrolled. Home of the Golden Eagles, the athletic department at Cornerstone supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams competing within the NAIA. The school’s official colors are Navy blue and Vegas gold.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 90.23

#8 Kettering University School of Management – Flint, Michigan

Photo creditOne of Michigan’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs with graduate certificates in Global Leadership, Supply Chain & Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Operations Management, and Healthcare Management is delivered by the School of Management at Kettering University. This 48-credit hour program is classified as above average with a total tuition price between $30 and $49,999. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the School of Management has been recognized by U.S News & World Report at offering the 205^th best online MBA in the nation. The business school does not require applicants to submit GRE/GMAT test scores and students can complete all requirements for this degree in as few as 18 months. This 48-credit hour degree is divided between nine required core courses, three courses in the Certificate of your choice.

Kettering University was established in 1919 as the School of Automotive Trades through the supervision of the Industrial Fellowship. The schools, originator, Albert Sobey, was president of the school until 1950. General Motors would take control of the school in 1926 and rename it the General Motors Institute of Technology. The university was renamed to honor successful American inventor, engineer, and businessman Charles Kettering, in 1998 in an effort to separate its identity from GM and the automotive industry in general. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university exists today as a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus in Flint, Michigan. Delivering degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Kettering oversees a student body of 2,326.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 86.64

#9 Saginaw Valley State University College of Business & Management – University Center, Michigan

Photo creditThe College of Business & Management at Saginaw Valley State University features an excellent online Master’s of Business Administration degree with an Entrepreneurship concentration and a certificate in International Business. This 43-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The College of Business & Management receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Program results include a student’s being competent in the ability to “have a comprehensive view of the firm, able to use appropriate methodologies and tools for analyzing data to support managerial decisions, have the creative and critical thinking skills necessary for decision making and problem solving, effectively communicate ideas and lead a team, and identify the impact of demographic diversity and the influence of ethical, political, social, legal, environmental, and global issues on organizations.” Candidates interested in this degree are encouraged to submit a portfolio including a completed application form, a statement of purpose, GMAT score, and letters of recommendation.

Home of the Cardinals who wear the school colors of blue and red, the athletic department at Saginaw Valley State University supports 15 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Saginaw Valley State is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in University Center, Michigan. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 9,105 students currently enrolled there. SVSU was established in 1963 in a response for the need for a four-year college in the region. Founded as Saginaw Valley State College, the school received it university status in 1987. Featuring “Something More. Something Better.” as its motto, Saginaw Valley State University receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 86.40

#10 Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business – Detroit, Michigan

Photo creditWayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business features one of Michigan’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs with concentrations in Accounting Systems, Auditing, Corporate Governance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Financial Accounting, Global Supply Chain Management, Human Resources, Information Systems Management, Internal Audit, International Business, Management, Marketing, Sport and Entertainment Management, and Taxation. This 36-credit hour degree is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The Mike Ilitch School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. While this degree does include eight foundational courses, qualifying students with the proper academic experience may waive these courses and accelerate their academic experience. Core courses within this program include Managerial Accounting, Corporate Financial Management, Managing Organizational Behavior, Marketing Strategy, Social Perspectives on the Business Enterprise, and Strategic Management. Candidates interested in this program are encouraged to contact the business school’s admissions office for information on how to get the application process started.

Established in 1868 as the Detroit College of Medicine, today’s Wayne State University is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Detroit, Michigan. Operating under the school motto of “Industry, Intelligence, Integrity,” the university receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. Wayne State delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 27,238 currently enrolled there. Home of the Warriors, the athletic department at Wayne State University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The school’s official colors are green and gold.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 85.20

#11 Davenport University Donald W. Maine College of Business – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Photo creditThe Donald W. Maine College of Business at Davenport University delivers one of Michigan’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs with Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Strategic Management specializations and certificates in Finance, Forensic Accounting, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Internal Auditing, Managerial Accounting, Marketing, and Strategic Management. This 30-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. Students can complete all requirements for this degree with no concentration in as few as 12 months by completing two courses each seven-week session. Students desiring a concentration can complete this degree as a 39-credit hour program which begins six times a year and offers flexible scheduling. Outcomes for this degree include a student’s being able to “gain deep understanding of business strategy, anticipate and analyze trends in the business environment, and communicate effectively in person and in writing.” Core courses within this degree include Managerial Accounting, Quantitative Business Analysis, Managerial Economics, Corporate Finance, Ethical and Legal Framework for 21^st Century Business, Leading Organizations, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Marketing Strategies.

Home of the Panthers who wear the school colors of red and black, the athletic department at Davenport University supports 25 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as members of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. Davenport is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the 7,733 students currently enrolled there. The university was established the Grand Rapids Business College in 1866 by returning Union Army Veteran, Conrad G. Swensburg. The school’s namesake is Michael E. Davenport, an instructor at the school credited with bringing it back from the brink of shutting its doors in the early 1900’s. Davenport University receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 84.04

#12 University of Michigan-Flint School of Management – Flint, Michigan

Photo creditThe University of Michigan-Flint offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Finance, Health Care Management, International Business, Supply Chain & Operations Management, Organizational Leadership, and Marketing & Innovation Management at the School of Management. This 100% online program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The School of Management receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The business school has structured this degree with flexibility in mind as students can take courses completely online, through evening courses on campus, and through Weekend Net+ which includes the following advantages: “opportunities to collaborate with other graduate students while on-campus, campus residency sessions that supplement online coursework and allow for face-to-face interactions, and campus sessions planned out two years in advance to allow scheduling ease.” This 45-credit hour program is divided between 12 foundation course credits, 24 core credits, and nine elective/concentration courses.

Established in 1956 as Flint Senior College of the University of Michigan, the University of Michigan-Flint is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Flint, Michigan. Operating under the official school motto of Artes, Scientia, Veritas (Arts, Knowledge, Truth). The school exists as one of the University of Michigan’s satellite campuses; the other one being in Dearborn. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 8,044 currently enrolled there. The school’s official colors are maize and blue, and the football team plays as the Kodiaks. While teams have competed as the Wolverines, the school has also used the Victors as a team nickname in order to avoid confusion with the main campus’ athletic department.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 82.88

#13 Walsh College – Troy, Michigan

Photo creditOne of Michigan’s best online Master’s of Business Administration degrees is delivered by Walsh College. This 42-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The college defines this program as “a rigorous degree that can help you take what you learn in the classroom today into leading the business of tomorrow. The Walsh College MBA will equip you with the advanced skills, expertise, and confidence you need for success. Learn from proven business leaders who blend theory with practical application in a small classroom environment or 100% online.” Consisting of 14 courses, students can compete this degree as fully online, on campus, or as a hybrid with a combination of the two. Courses within this program include Managerial Accounting, Leadership Communication, Global Economics, Financial Management, Information Technology, Designing & Leading Competitive Organizations, Marketing Application and Metrics, and Strategic Management: Audit of an Organization. Walsh receives a specialized accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Established in 1922, Walsh College “blends business theory and real-world experience to deliver educational programs that boost career success.” Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university exists today as a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus in Troy, Michigan. Delivering degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Walsh oversees a student body of 2,423. Recent awards and recognitions enjoyed by the school include the U.S. Green Building Council certifying the Tory campus as a LEED Gold Level member and its being honored in the Collegiate Citation and Administrative Areas/Office categories by the American School & University 2017 Educational Interiors Showcase.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 79.97

#14 Spring Arbor University Gainey School of Business – Spring Arbor, Michigan

Photo creditThe Gainey School of Business at Spring Arbor University features one of Michigan’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs with concentrations in Healthcare Administration, Human Resource Development, Management, Organizational Consulting, and Strategic Leadership. This 36-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. This degree has been designed to provide “financial, professional and personal return on investment with a focus on your faith. Increase your means to provide for your family and begin your transformation as a Christian business leader.” Delivered as a 100% online degree, the business school does not require a GMAT/GRE of its candidates in order to be accepted into the program. All requirements for this degree can be completed in as few as 18 months and features six start times each calendar year. Some courses within this program include Leadership in Business, Marketing for Managers, and Accounting for Managers.

Home of the Cougars, Spring Arbor University is a four-year, private Christian not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Spring Arbor, Michigan. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the 3,341 students currently enrolled there. Spring Arbor was originally established in 1873 as Spring Arbor Seminary by the Free Methodist Church. Years later, the school would become a junior college and then in 2001 Spring Arbor achieved its university status. The university receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. While the school’s official school motto is Fides, Vivens, Discens (Faith, Living, Learning), its sports teams compete at the NAIA level as members of the Crossroads League.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 76.28

#15 Siena Heights University Graduate College – Adrian, Michigan

Photo creditThe Graduate College at Siena Heights University features a high-quality online Master’s of Business Administration. This 36-credit hour degree is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. Benefits of this degree include the option for undergraduate non-business majors to apply for this program which features no prerequisites and all classes are delivered as convenient eight-week courses. This degree is divided between 24 required credit hours, nine professional core credit hours, and three hours of an integrative experience. Required courses for this program include Business Research Methods, Business Strategy and Planning, Ethics in a Global Environment, Financial Statement Analysis, Managerial Economics, Managing Global Business and Cultural Diversity, Marketing Strategy, and Organizational Behavior. Candidates for this program must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university including a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to be qualified for full admission.

Established in 1919 as St. Joseph’s College, today’s Siena Heights University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Adrian, Michigan. Operating under the school motto of “Competent, Purposeful, and Ethical,” the university was originally founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. The name was changed twenty years later to honor Saint Catherine of Siena. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the student body of 2,640 currently enrolled there. Home of the Saints, the athletic program at Siena Heights supports both men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete as members of the NAIA. The school’s official colors are blue and yellow.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 75.93

Methodology

To find the top Online MBA programs in Michigan, a list of 480 online MBA programs was evaluated, and each program was analyzed first for a location in the state of Michigan, and then ranked on the following factors:

Estimated Tuition Cost (25%): Each online MBA program was assessed to find the estimated total base tuition cost. All data was gathered from the most recent financial information provided on each program or school website. The base tuition was calculated for the totality of the program, but does not included fees, books, or room and board; with the exception of MBA programs that use all-inclusive figures. For colleges that offer a lower in-state tuition, the in-state pricing is used. Twenty-five percent of the final ranking score is calculated from this figure.

Based on this base tuition data, each program is given an Affordability Score:

Very Expensive = $100,000+
Expensive = $50,000-$99,999
Above Average = $30,000-$49,999
Average = $20,000-$29,999
Affordable = $15,000-$19,999
Very Affordable = $0-$14,999

Accreditation (25%): Accreditation plays an important role in the education world, for it shows prospective students which school has gone to extensive measures to attain high national and global standards in its research and delivered education. Each online MBA program in this ranking is evaluated on whether the college or university holds a regional accreditation from one of the six institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additionally, business accreditations affect an MBA’s brand and prestige, so each school is evaluated on if the online MBA program is accredited from one of the top business accrediting institutions: ACBSP, IACBE, or AACSB. AACSB is regarded as the highest standard of business accreditation in the world, and thus schools that hold this accreditation are given the highest marks. Twenty-five percent of the final ranking score is calculated from this figure.

Average Base Salary (25%): The salary data is highlighted in this top online MBA ranking because it allows prospective students to explore the potential affects an online MBA degree can have on a professional’s salary. The average base salary is collected from the 2018 Best Business School Ranking by US News and World Report. Programs without a recorded average base salary from US News and World Report were calculated at zero because of no available third-party data. Twenty-five percent of the final ranking score is calculated from this figure.

Prestige (25%): The prestige for each program is calculated by evaluating lists from some of the most prestigious educational rankings systems for online MBA programs: US News and World Report’s Online MBA Ranking, the Princeton Review’s Online MBA Ranking, the Financial Times’ Global Online MBA Ranking, and Quacquarelli Symonds’ Distance Online MBA Ranking. Each online MBA was evaluated on how many rankings included their program. Twenty-five percent of the final ranking score is calculated from this figure.

All of the data was weighted equally, averaged, and then calculated on a 100-point scale. This score is the OMBAT Ranking Score, which provides the ranking order for this list. By evaluating the tuition cost, accreditation, average base salary, and prestige, this ranking helps prospective students find the highest quality online MBA programs in Michigan.