Top 15 Online MBA Programs in Florida

Commonly known as the Sunshine State, Florida is the 4^th most-populated state in the U.S. and has more coastline than any other state in the contiguous United States. Established as the 27^th state in 1845, Florida was named by Ponce de Leon on Easter 1513 with a name that means “flowery.” Famous for being the birthplace of such popular musicians as Jim Morrison, Pat Boone, and Tom Petty, Florida also features some of the nation’s best 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 online students.

Many of the state’s best business schools which feature top online MBAs require three to five years of professional experience and an undergraduate degree awarded by an accredited college or university as prerequisites for admission. Some schools will waive all GMAT or GRE requirements leaning more heavily on the strength of letters of recommendations, essays, and interview results. Students looking for a convenient 100% online MBA program in Florida will have many to choose from while those desiring short on-campus residencies for better networking can also find those in the state’s best business schools.

Knowing that business professionals looking for a high-quality online MBA are keen on researching a program’s list of attributes, we have compiled the top fifteen online MBA programs in Florida. While these programs range in total tuition cost between being classified as very affordable to expensive, each one 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 Florida’s best online MBAs help guide you in the important decision of finding a degree that is the right fit for you.

#1 University of Florida Warrington College of Business – Gainesville, Florida

Photo creditThe Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida features the state’s best online hybrid MBA programs with an Entrepreneurship, International, Finance, or Marketing concentration. This program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. U.S. News reports that graduate students from the College of Business have an average base salary of an attractive $98,331, reflecting the potential for a healthy return on the investment of education associated with this program. The Warrington College of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The business school has designed this program with flexibility and convenience in mind allowing students to choose between a 100% online two-year program, a two-year hybrid timeline, or one-year hybrid option which costs $10,000 less in total tuition. Core courses within this program include Professional Writing, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Economics of Business Decisions, Financial Management, Organizational Behavior, Operations Management, Problems and methods in Marketing Management, Economics Organizations and Markets, and International Finance. While U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 6^th best online MBA in the nation, the Princeton Review and Financial Times have also recognized the Warrington College of Business as offering the 5^th best in the U.S. Quacquarelli Symonds has recognized the business school as featuring the 4^th best online MBA on the planet.

Home of the Gators who wear the school colors of orange and blue, the athletic department at the University of Florida supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as powerhouse members of the Southeastern Conference. The university is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Gainesville, Florida. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 52,367 students currently enrolled there. UF was founded in 1853 as the East Florida Seminary in Ocala, Florida. The school would later become the Florida Agricultural College in 1884 as a result of the Morrill Act before landing on the University of Florida in 1909. Florida receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and features “The welfare of the state depends on the morals of its citizens” as its official school motto.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 100.00

#2 Florida International University College of Business – Miami, Florida

Photo creditFlorida International University offers one of Florida’s best online MBA programs with a Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, International Business, Marketing Channel Strategy, Strategic Negotiations, Business Analytics, or Healthcare emphasis at the College of Business. 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 of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB is the gold standard for accrediting bodies in higher education. This degree has been designed to help students “effectively evaluate the financial position of organizations by analyzing balance sheets, cash flow statements and budgets, develop and lead teams, promote collaboration and build teams, and identify ethical problems and choose appropriate resolutions, analyze complex business issues and recommend sound solutions in local and global governments.” While the business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 54^th best online MBA in the nation and by the Financial Times as offering the 16^th best online MBA in the U.S., Quacquarelli Symonds has awarded the College of Business with the 21^st best online MBA on the planet.

Established in 1965, Florida International University is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Miami. Operating under the school motto of “Hope, Knowledge, Opportunity,” the university was built on the abandoned property which used to house the Tamiami Airport. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral and levels to the student body of 55,003 currently enrolled. Home of the Panthers and the mascot Roary the Panther, the athletic department at FIU supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Conference USA. The school’s official colors are blue and gold.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 83.64

#3 Florida State University College of Business – Tallahassee, Florida

Photo creditOne of Florida’s best online MBA programs with concentrations in a general track, Real Estate, Management Information Systems, or Risk Management and Insurance is delivered by the College of Business at Florida State University. This 39-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. U.S. News reports that graduate students from the College of Business have an average base salary of a healthy $60,933, reflecting the potential for a solid return on the investment of education associated with this program. The business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 16^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. Criteria for acceptance into the online MBA program includes the completion of an applicant statement and submission of GMAT score, current resume, letters of recommendation, and $30 application fee. Courses within this program include Financial Accounting Theory and Standard Setting, Advanced Management Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, The Legal & Ethical Environment of Business, Economic Policy for Managers, Problems in Financial Management, and Information & Technology Management.

Florida State University was originally founded as the Florida Institute and got its start in 1851 as a boy’s school. Within 40 years, the school would absorb the Tallahassee Female Academy and become the coeducational West Florida Seminary. FSU was chartered as a state university in 1885 but it would not be known as FSU until 1947. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university exists today as a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus in Tallahassee, Florida. Delivering degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, FSU oversees a student body of 41,173. Home of the Seminoles, the official school colors of Florida State University are garnet and gold. The athletic department at FSU consists of men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 72.93

#4 University of South Florida Muma College of Business – Tampa, Florida

Photo creditThe Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida features one of the best online MBA programs in Florida, with a Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Compliance, or Risk and Anti-Money Laundering focus. This 32-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. U.S. News reports that graduate students from the Muma College of Business have an average base salary of a healthy $42,000, reflecting the potential for a solid return on the investment of education associated with this program. The Muma College of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The business school has designed this program in order to equip the business leader with the tools they need for a long and successful career in business leadership. Divided between 17 core credits and 15 elective credits, students can also choose a three-credit hour practicum option which “requires investigation of business issues. The project typically occurs in the student’s place of employment and is jointly supervised by a faculty member and a manager in the company.” Core courses within this program include Operations Management and Quality Enhancement, Leadership/Management Concepts, Social, Ethical, Legal Systems, Communication Skills for Managers, Financial Analysis, Strategic Business Analysis, and Data Analytics for Business.

Home of the Bulls who wear the school colors of green and gold, the athletic department at the University of South Florida supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the American Conference. The University of South Florida is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Tampa, Florida. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 42,861 students currently enrolled there. USF was established in 1956 as the state’s first independent university to be conceived and built during the 20^th century. The school receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and features “Truth and Wisdom” as its official school motto.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 67.99

#5 Jacksonville University Davis College of Business – Jacksonville, Florida

Photo creditJacksonville University’s Davis College of Business features one of Florida’s best online MBA programs. This 36-credit hour degree is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. U.S. News reports that graduate students from the College of Business have an average base salary of as a healthy $51,071, reflecting the potential for a solid return on the investment of education associated with this program. The Davis College of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This degree “delivers exceptional value rooted in tradition and integrity with online flexibility and diverse concentrations. Students can build on their business knowledge and experience, while developing leadership skills, to show that they mean business.” Core courses within this program include Accounting for managerial Control, Competing Through Innovation & Information Technology, Quantitative Methods for Decision-Making, Managing Production and Service Operations, Economics of High Performance, and Optimizing Financial Performance.

Established in 1934, Jacksonville University is a four-year, private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Jacksonville, Florida. Operating under the school motto of Fiat Lux (“Let There Be Light”), the university was originally founded as William J. Porter University by the man of the same name and was established as a private two-year college. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral and levels to the student body of 4,080 currently enrolled there. Home of the Dolphins, the athletic department at Jacksonville supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The school’s official colors are forest green and white.

Affordability Score: Above Average 
OMBAT Ranking Score: 62.93

#6 University of Miami School of Business Administration – Coral Gables, Florida

Photo creditThe School of Business Administration at the University of Miami delivers one of Florida’s best online MBA programs with Corporate Finance, Financial Decision Making, and Accounting Practice concentrations. This 42-credit hour program is classified as expensive in affordability with a total tuition price between $50,000 and $99,999. U.S. News reports that graduate students from the School of Business Administration have an average base salary of a healthy $71,210, reflecting the potential for a solid return on the investment of education associated with this program. The School of Business Administration receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The business school has designed this program “for those students looking to complete a first-class MBA education without enrolling in a full-time, on-campus program. The program takes the best of the University of Miami’s on-campus curriculum and adapts it in an online format. All courses are taught by the same high-caliber faculty members that also teach on-campus.” Students within this program typically graduate between 24 and 28 months. Other benefits to this degree include a GMAT waiver and scholarships available. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 76^th best online MBA in the nation.

Home of the Hurricanes who wear the school colors of orange, green, and white, the athletic department at the University of Miami supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as powerhouse members of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Miami is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Coral Gables, Florida. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 16,744 students currently enrolled there. The U was founded in 1925 as a white, coed university. The school fell on hard times in 1929 as some students went door to door collecting funds to keep it open. In 1961, UM became integrated and admitted its first black students. The University of Miami receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and features “Great is the truth” as its official school motto.

Affordability Score: Expensive
OMBAT Ranking Score: 61.05

#7 University of South Florida St. Petersburg Kate Tiedemann College of Business – St. Petersburg, Florida

Photo creditThe University of South Florida St. Petersburg offers one of Florida’s best online MBA programs with a specialization in Corporate Social Responsibility, Finance, Forensic Accounting, International Business, Management, Information Systems Management, or Marketing Strategy at the Kate Tiedemann College of Business. This 36-credit hour program is classified as very affordable with a total tuition price below $14,999. The Kate Tiedemann College of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB is the gold standard for accrediting bodies in higher education. This degree has been designed to give students incredible flexibility by taking three-to-eight credits per term for a part-time experience or a full-time schedule at nine or more credits per term. Students enrolled in this online MBA program also have the opportunity to take all coursework online to maximize convenience, take courses in the classroom to give them an advantage of faster-pace and networking potential, or to choose a hybrid approach and combine the two. The business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 30^th best online MBA in the nation.

Established in 1965, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Operating under the school motto of “Truth and Wisdom,” the university was originally founded as a satellite campus of the University of South Florida. In 2006, the university was awarded its stand-alone accreditation and separated from USF. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate, levels to the student body of 4,702 currently enrolled. Home of the Bulls and featuring the mascot of Rocky the Bull, the athletic department at USFSP supports nine men’s and women’s varsity sports teams. The school’s official colors are green and gold.

Affordability Score: Very Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 60.32

#8 Florida Atlantic University College of Business – Boca Raton, Florida

Photo creditOne of Florida’s best online MBA programs with concentrations in International Business, Sport Management, Hospitality & Tourism Management is delivered by the School of Business at Florida Atlantic University. This 43-credit hour program is classified as affordable with a total tuition price between $15,000 and $19,999. The business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 42^nd best online MBA in the nation. The School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This program has been designed to “provide an environment where a concentrated effort between professor and student results in the mastery of all of the components of a graduate-level, business administration curriculum – in an online environment. Upon completion of the Online MBA program, you will have earned the Master’s of Business Administration degree together with an International Business specialization.” Core courses within this program include Financial Accounting Concepts, Corporate Financial Management, Communication Skills for Business Professionals, Leadership and Executive Forum, Global Environment of Management, Advanced Analysis of Accounting Data, Marketing Management in a Global Environment, Advanced Financial Management, and Operations Management.

Florida Atlantic University was established in 1961 in response to the increasing need for higher education in South Florida at the time. The school’s campus was built on Boca Raton Army Airfield and encompassed over 5,000 acres of nearby land. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university exists today as a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus in Boca Raton, Florida. Delivering degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, FAU oversees a student body of 30,541. Home of the Owls and featuring the mascot Owlsley the Owl, the official school colors of the university are FAU Blue and FAU Red. The athletic department at Florida Atlantic consists of 19 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of Conference-USA.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 59.70

#9 Southeastern University School of Business – Lakeland, Florida

Photo creditThe School of Business at Southeastern University features one of the best online MBA programs in Florida, with a concentration in Executive Leadership, Missional Leadership, Criminal Justice, and Sport Management. This 39-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This degree is “dedicated to Christ-centered leadership and business ethics. This program aims to prepare its graduates to pursue careers as managers who can supervise business functions such as accounting, finance, information systems and marketing. An intended outcome of this program is to impart biblically informed values to students who will then apply those principles in their leadership.” Structured to be completed in 12 to 24 months, students can choose a 100% online format or take flex courses in the classroom as well. The core courses within this program include Marketing Management, Organizational Behavior, Ethics Stewardship and Legal Environment of Business, Information Technology Leadership, Global Business Management, Problem Solving and Decision Making, and Accounting and Finance. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 205^th best online MBA in the nation.

Home of the Fire who wear the school colors of black and red, the athletic department at Southeastern University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as members of the Sun Conference. Southeastern University is a Christian four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Lakeland, Florida. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 5,804 students currently enrolled there. Southeastern was established in 1935 as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute. The school was spearheaded by J.C. Thames who was the Assemblies of God Alabama District Superintendent at the time. The school would later change its name after receiving university status in 2005. Southeastern University receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 56.95

#10 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide College of Business – Daytona Beach, Florida

Photo creditEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide’s College of Business features one of Florida’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in Accounting, Finance, Leadership, Information Technology, Marketing, International Business, or Public Administration. This 33-credit hour degree is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 108^th best online MBA in the nation. The College of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. “The curriculum has been developed and continues to evolve with close attention paid to the demands of the industry. Most of the courses contain a research component that will provide experience and an insider’s examination of global business practices.” Core courses within this program include Strategic Marketing Management in Aviation, Managerial Accounting for Decision Making, Managerial Finance, Business Research Methods, Advanced Aviation Economics, International Business Administration, and Business Capstone Course. 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 1926 as Embry-Riddle Flying School, today’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Operating under the school motto of “Real Education. Above All,” the university was originally founded by Talton Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 14,221 currently enrolled there. Home of the Eagles and mascot Ernie the Eagle, the athletic department at ERAU supports 17 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level. The school’s official colors are blue and gold.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 56.77

#11 Lynn University College of Business and Management – Boca Raton, Florida

Photo creditThe College of Business and Management at Lynn University delivers one of Florida’s best online MBA programs with an Aviation Management, Entrepreneurial Management, Financial Valuation and Investment Management, Hospitality Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, Marketing, Media Management, or Sports Management emphasis. This 37-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The College of Business and Management receives its solid business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. The business school has designed this program to help the working professional seek a higher education for a successful career in business. “The help of credentialed, industry-expert faculty, unparalleled technological and student support, small class sizes, career counseling and an active, and an accomplished alumni network” are just some of the features this program provides. With nine specializations to choose from, a 100% online format, and no GMAT requirement for applicants, this program is one worth considering. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 189^th best online MBA in the nation.

Home of the Fighting Knights who wear the school colors of blue and white, the athletic department at Lynn University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Sunshine State Conference. Lynn is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Boca Raton, Florida. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 2,842 students currently enrolled there. The university was founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in 1962 as a women’s two-year college named Marymount College. Lynn University receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 54.98

#12 Florida Southern College Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise – Lakeland, Florida

Photo creditFlorida Southern College offers one of Florida’s best online MBA programs with a certificate in Healthcare Management, Supply Chain Management, or CPA Licensure at the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise. This 44-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB is the gold standard for accrediting bodies in higher education. The two delivery options for this program include a Saturday-hybrid format where “classes meet on campus two Saturdays per month, with the remaining coursework completed online, ideal for working professionals who still want face-to-face interactions and networking opportunities” or the online delivery which includes a two-day introductory orientation at the beginning of the program with other campus visits the last Saturday of each semester for presentations and finals. Students can complete all requirements for this degree in as few as 16 months and are paired with an experienced executive in the business school’s Executive Mentor program.

Established in 1883, Florida Southern College is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Lakeland, Florida. Widely known as the state’s oldest four-year private college, FSC was originally planted in Orlando. The campus moved from Clearwater Beach to Lakeland in 1922 and 13 years later was renamed. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 2,977 currently enrolled. Home of the Moccasins and featuring the mascot of the Water Moccasin, the athletic department at FSC supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Sunshine State Conference. The school’s official colors are scarlet and white.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 54.49

#13 Florida Institute of Technology Nathan M. Bisk College of Business – Melbourne, Florida

Photo creditOne of Florida’s best online MBA programs with concentrations in Accounting, Accounting & Finance, Cybersecurity (not accredited by IACBE), Finance, Healthcare Management, Information Technology Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Project Management, or a General focus is delivered by the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business at the Florida Institute of Technology. This 36-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 108^th best online MBA in the nation. This degree has been designed to provide “students with a strong core in business topics such as managerial economics, financial management and organizational behavior. Students will create a business plan that ranges from conducting a case study to balancing a budget. They also will learn how to initiate and manage organizational change and use statistical and economic data to assess risk.” Candidates interested in this program are encouraged to complete an online application (with no application fee required) and complete and submit a transcript request form into the admissions office in order to begin the acceptance process. This program does not have a GRE/GMAT requirement.

Originally founded as the Brevard Engineering College to Support NASA in 1958, today’s Florida Institute of Technology operates under the school motto of Ad Astra Per Scientiam (To the Stars Through Science). Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university exists today as a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus in Melbourne, Florida. Delivering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, Florida Tech oversees a student body of 6,451. Home of the Panthers, the official school colors are crimson and gray. The athletic department at FIT consists of men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Sunshine State Conference.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 53.59

#14 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University School of Business and Industry – Tallahassee, Florida

Photo creditThe School of Business and Industry at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University features one of the best online MBA programs in Florida. This 44-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The School of Business and Industry receives its stellar business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. In addition to an excellent curriculum, this program provides each of its students with “all textbooks and course materials, delivered in e-book format, a laptop for each student during the first semester, an impressive competitive advantage with participation in graduate case competitions, and a short-term international residency that includes interaction with executives from multinational corporations in places such as Brazil, China and Chile.” Program requirements for this degree include an undergraduate degree earned from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA, a GMAT score of at least 600, and at least five years of professional experience with at least two years being at the managerial level. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 205^th best online MBA in the nation.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in state capital city of Tallahassee, Florida. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 9,619 students currently enrolled there. FAMU was established in 1887 and began as the State Normal College for Colored Students. It became an official institution of higher learning in 1905 under the Buckman Act. The school achieved its university status in 1953. Florida A&M University receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Operating under the motto of “Excellence With Caring,” the school is home to the Rattlers and Lady Rattlers.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 52.85

#15 Nova Southeastern University H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Photo creditNova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship features one of Florida’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in General, Intelligence/Analytics, Finance, Human Resources, International Business, Management, Marketing, Process Improvement, or Supply Chain Management. This 39-credit hour degree is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. This degree has been designed with flexibility and convenience in mind offering courses online or on-campus during weeknights. Students seeking an accelerated experience can graduate in just 21 months and the program features five start times each year. Applicants for this program are encouraged to submit proof of an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Qualified applicants may waive the GMAT/GRE requirement during the acceptance process. Core courses within this program include Orientation for Success, Managing Organizational Behavior in a Dynamic and Complex World, Marketing Decisions for Managers, Financial Management, Accounting for Decision Makers, and Information Systems Strategy and Data Management. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 205^th best online MBA in the nation. The business school receives its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

Established in 1964 as Nova University of Advanced Technology, today’s Nova Southeastern University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Operating under the school motto of “Engage, Inspire, Achieve,” the university was originally founded as a graduate school of physical and social sciences. The current campus in Davie was once part of a World War II naval training airfield. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 21,625 currently enrolled there. Home of the Sharks, the athletic department at NSU supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Sunshine State Conference. The school’s official colors are navy blue and gray.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 52.84

Methodology

To find the top Online MBA programs in Florida, a list of 470 hybrid and fully-online MBA programs was obtained, and each program was evaluated first for a location in the state of Florida, and then ranked on the following factors:

Estimated Tuition Cost (25%): Each program is partially ranked based on the estimated total base tuition cost. All tuition data was gathered from the most recent information given on each program or school website. This data was calculated for the entirety of the degree, but does not included fees, books, or room and board; with the exception of programs that use all-inclusive figures. For colleges that offer a lower in-state tuition rate, the in-state pricing is used in order to show the best possible Return on Investment. The final ranking score is based 25% on this calculated 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 education, helping prospective students identify which school has gone to extensive measures to reach high national and global standards in its research and delivered education. Each online MBA program in this ranking has been evaluated on whether it holds a regional accreditation from one of six institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Every program was also evaluated on if it holds and additional business accreditation. A business school accreditation can have a strong affect an MBA’s brand and prestige, which can thus affect a student’s competitive advantage in the job market. Each school is ranked on if the online MBA program is accredited from one of the top business accrediting institutions: IACBE, ACBSP, or AACSB. AACSB is widely regarded as the highest level of business accreditation, and thus schools that hold this accreditation are given the highest marks. The final ranking score is base 25% on this calculated figure.

Average Base Salary (25%): The salary data is highlighted in this top online MBA ranking because it is important for prospective students to explore the affect a 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 was calculated at zero because of no available third-party data. The final ranking score is base 25% on this calculated figure.

Prestige (25%): The prestige for each program is calculated by evaluating rankings 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 distance MBA was evaluated on how many rankings included their program. The final ranking score is base 25% on this calculated figure.

All of the data was weighted equally, averaged, and then calculated on a 100-point scale. The score from this data 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 program in Florida.