[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]Attending top MBA programs with high admission rates can help boost an applicant’s career, opening up more educational and professional opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a degree from one of the top MBA programs can transform a professional’s career. The advanced training can qualify graduates for management positions — which the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) projects will grow by a rate of 5% from 2019-2029 — and work for some of the biggest and best organizations in the country.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, the application process can be daunting, time-consuming, and expensive. Before applying to just any school, prospective students should do some research to find the top MBA programs with high admission rates. A well-researched application strategy can help improve admission chances.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top 10 Online MBA Programs with High Admission Rates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is an Online MBA?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/mba/mba-specializations/mba-specializations/”]MBA degree[/hen-ui-link] provides leadership skills while helping students build their professional networks and develop business knowledge. These programs typically run for two years and attract experienced business professionals looking to advance their careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The top MBA programs offer practical training that improves their students’ abilities to plan, analyze, and problem-solve in business settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online MBA Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When selecting from the top MBA programs, prospective students have a few elements to consider. Factors like program cost, admission requirements, and program length can all affect a learner’s experience and return on investment. Candidates should always research a program’s MBA specializations, practicums, and networking opportunities before enrolling.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What factor is the most important depends on a student’s goals. If a prospective student wants a name-brand school, they should consider each program’s institutional prestige, faculty reputation, and available facilities. Location is another important factor, and online learning has made distant programs much more accessible. Some of the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/”]best online MBA programs[/hen-ui-link] even offer in-state tuition to out-of-state learners.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]Accreditation for Online MBA Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Regional and programmatic accreditation[/hen-ui-link] are mandatory when choosing an MBA program. Accreditation status can affect a student’s eligibility for financial aid and employment after graduation. Students should only earn business degrees from regionally accredited schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For programmatic [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/mba/”]MBA accreditation[/hen-ui-link], prospective students should look for recognition from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacsb.edu/”]Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business[/hen-ui-link] (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://iacbe.org/”]International Accreditation Council for Business Education[/hen-ui-link] (IACBE). These organizations ensure that MBA programs meet professional educational standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”expect”]What Can I Expect in Pursuing an MBA Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every school offers a unique curriculum, but many top MBA programs have similar courses. Some common topics include data analytics, organizational leadership, managerial finance, and strategic management. Enrollees can also gain more specialized training through a concentration, such as the concentrations listed below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Common Concentrations in an MBA Program[/hen-ui-heading]

• Accounting: In an MBA in accounting, students gain accounting training from a business management perspective. They learn to use advanced accounting methods and techniques to improve business operations through coursework in compensation planning, business law, and stakeholder reporting.
• Entrepreneurship: In an MBA in entrepreneurship, enrollees learn to identify opportunity and risk, build and defend business models, and handle entrepreneurial finances and marketing.
• Finance: [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/finance/”]MBA in finance[/hen-ui-link] programs cover subjects related to business, corporate, and entrepreneurial finance. The training typically includes venture capital, financial consulting, derivative securities, and investing coursework.
• International Business: An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/international-business/”]MBA in international business[/hen-ui-link] teaches students to manage and analyze organizations in a global landscape. Learners study concepts in cross-cultural communications, foreign market development, and international buyer behavior.
• Management Information Systems: An MBA in management information systems teaches students to use information systems to provide business solutions. Learners explore network administration, data mining analytics, and database systems design.
• Project Management: Students earning an MBA in project management learn to manage projects and teams throughout project lifecycles. They acquire soft skills in leadership and improving organizational behavior, along with technical skills in budgeting, reporting, and strategizing.
• Sustainability: In an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/sustainability/”]MBA in sustainability[/hen-ui-link], students learn to connect businesses with environmental initiatives. They explore resource efficiency, clean energy policies, social innovation, and sustainable marketing.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Business Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals with MBAs can pursue some of the [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]best business jobs[/hen-ui-link], including management occupations, across many industries. Their advanced business expertise and leadership skills allow them to gain employment in finance, marketing, analysis, and administration roles. Specializing in a subdiscipline can improve a candidate’s qualifications and set them apart from the competition.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following information highlights some career possibilities MBA students can pursue after graduation. While MBA graduates typically qualify for the jobs listed below, some careers may require further training or postgraduate certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base text-center”]$134,180 Median Annual Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base text-center”]15% Projected Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center”]Top Executives[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base text-center”]$107,680 Median Annual Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base text-center”]4% Projected Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center”]Administrative Services and Facilities Managers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base text-center”]$98,890 Median Annual Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base text-center”]6% Projected Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-center”]Management Analysts[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base text-center”]$87,660 Median Annual Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base text-center”]11% Projected Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Interview with an Expert[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Tarla Atwell” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1626891663/TheBestSchools.org/Headshots/Tarla_Atwell.jpg” img-alt=”Tarla Atwell” layout=”horizontal” background=”none” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.tarlaatwell.com/”]Tarla Atwell[/hen-ui-link] graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, with a BA in political science in 2004. She furthered her education with an MBA degree from Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, in 2009. For 15 years, Atwell was the vice president of Draga Laboratories, where she oversaw all financial and legal matters. Atwell again furthered her education with a JD, graduating cum laude from John Marshall Law School in May 2019. She was a law clerk with the Piedmont Judicial Circuit before entering private practice in Jefferson, Georgia, in 2021. She currently practices criminal defense, family law, business, trademark, and copyright law.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Where did you get your MBA?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Shorter College, Rome, Georgia — now known as Shorter University.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]At what point in your career did you get your MBA, and why then?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After I graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, I applied to law schools that offered programs where a law school student could obtain a JD/MBA degree. When I applied to 20 schools and was denied acceptance to all of them, I was forced to take a year off between undergraduate school and graduate school (they now call this “gap year”).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During my “gap year”, I re-focused and realized that I should work on my MBA first, so that’s what I did. I studied and took prep courses for the GRE and GMAT and began to apply to schools that offered MBA programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What do you do for your career now?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I was the VP for Draga Laboratories LLC, a family-owned hair care and cosmetic manufacturer in Atlanta, Georgia, for 15 years. I am currently an attorney in private practice in Jefferson, Georgia.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What advice do you have for someone considering pursuing an MBA?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]My advice is to prepare yourself for the journey. MBA programs are challenging, so I would definitely advise anyone who is considering an MBA program to go ahead and talk to your employer and ask them if you could start shadowing different departments and try to put into practice some of the skills that you are learning in the MBA program. Getting practical experience while working on my MBA was an invaluable experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s most important when selecting an MBA program? Program prestige, location, cost, something else?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first thing I believe is important when selecting an MBA program is finding a program that fits YOU.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I believe it is important for you to consider who your classmates will be. For example, will your classmates be working adults with various experience levels or students who just graduated from college? In my experience, I found most MBA programs that I was applying to were group/cohort-type programs, so definitely finding out the “experience” level of your classmates was of great importance to me. Additionally, finding out if your program meets on weekdays, week nights, or weekends.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The second thing I believe is important is to find a program that is convenient to where you work or where you live. Commuting to school for class or to meet your group to work on assignments is a small thing but has a big impact on your time. In my opinion, attending a prestigious program does not matter, but rather what does matter is your commitment to pursuing a graduate degree. An MBA is an MBA at the end of the day.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, while graduate school is costly, the cost of the program should not keep you from pursuing your MBA. Consider the cost as an investment in YOU.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How many programs did you apply to (and how many times did you apply to the same program)?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I honestly cannot recall how many programs/schools to which I applied. What I can tell you is that I attended three different MBA programs before finding a program that fit ME.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I started at Keller Graduate School’s Decatur campus and after two semesters, I realized that this program wasn’t a fit for me.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I studied and took the GRE and GMAT again hoping to get a better score, which I didn’t, but that didn’t stop me from applying to the Professional MBA program at Mercer University’s Henry County Campus. After two semesters there and the long commute time I endured, I realized that this program wasn’t the right fit for me either.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, I applied to Shorter College’s Atlanta Campus, where classes met one night a week. [It had a] small class size where a majority if not all of the students were experienced, working adults with families. It was a cohort type program and it was 15 minutes away from where I lived. I had finally found the perfect MBA program for ME.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Any advice for prospective MBA students with less-than-stellar GMAT or GRE scores?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I had low GMAT and GRE scores. I also had a low LSAT score, yet that didn’t stop me from pursuing my MBA and eventually my law degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]My advice is to not let a test score define who you are or who you can become. In addition, do not let an admissions counselor or director of admission nor anyone tell you that you won’t do well in school because of your test score. Do not let that negativity manifest in your spirit, but rather allow those comments to go in one ear and immediately out the other ear.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]My advice is to stay calm, keep your head up, keep the faith, and believe in yourself, for you can and you will achieve your goal. I know all too well how a “less than stellar GMAT, GRE, and LSAT” score tried to keep me from pursuing my goals. I never gave up, and neither should you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How has the quality of your MBA program impacted your career trajectory, do you think?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The quality of my MBA program has directly impacted my career trajectory. After graduating with my MBA, it gave me a renewed purpose. My MBA gave me the ability to help make improvements at Draga Laboratories in all areas of the manufacturing business. My MBA helped me with managing my time while working full time and attending law school in the evening. My MBA continues to help me today in running a private practice. My MBA continues to be the most valuable degree that I could have invested in for myself.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Questions About MBA Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Are the Top MBA Schools Known For?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Return on investment is the major metric MBA schools are known for. Attending a top MBA school can provide strong returns for students, as many employers seek graduates from prestigious institutions. These schools usually have exceptional faculties, facilities, and networks, leading to strong employment rates after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is a Top-Tier MBA Program?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A top-tier MBA program provides access to great resources and programming during their studies. These programs often attract high-quality students and faculties, which improves peer-to-peer learning, networking experiences, and employment opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Acceptance Rate for MBA Programs?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average acceptance rate among the top MBA programs was 58.9% in 2020, according to U.S. News & World Report. The 10 most difficult programs to get into had an average admission rate of 19.1%.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What GPA Do You Need for Top MBA Schools?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At least a 3.5 for top-tier MBA programs, although admission requirements vary, and some programs don’t have them at all. Prospective students also typically need a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of two years of work experience, and GMAT scores for admission.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Doug Wintemute” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618859893/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/doug-wintemute.jpg” img-alt=”Doug Wintemute” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Doug Wintemute[/hen-ui-link] is a Toronto-based freelance writer with professional writing interests in higher learning and entertainment. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum laude and earning academic merit, research, and writing awards at both levels. Since 2014, he has contributed content and editorial work for award-winning digital trade publications, global SEO copywriting projects, and hugely popular online brands. He can be contacted through [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougwintemute/”]LinkedIn[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: Maskot | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”7276,7269,1231″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]