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Is An Online MBA Worth It?

Online Master of Business Administration Master's Degree

Once upon a time, the full-time MBA was the gold standard. Today? Not so much. And that’s okay because online master of business administration degree programs are just as relevant, only more nimble and outcomes-focused than ever.

While traditional MBA programs face a host of obstacles (ahem, declining enrollment), online MBA degree completions are flourishing.

The proof is in the numbers. According to labor analytics firm Lightcast, there was a 43.0% increase in completions in online programs from 2012 to 2021 whereas on-campus completions declined 61.5%.

Completion rates for online MBA programs are much higher now, too, comparatively speaking. In fact, Lightcast reports that of all the MBA completions in 2021, 78% were for distance offered programs while only 22% were for non-distance offered programs.

With such interest, momentum and success attributed to online MBAs, perhaps you’re wondering: Is now the right time to earn an online MBA? Keep reading to learn more so you can decide for yourself.

Does an MBA Matter?

What matters most when choosing a master’s program? Compare features, benefits and cost to find the right school for you.

How relevant is an MBA in today's business world? The answer is: Very.

MBAs may, in fact, be more vital to business than ever, regardless of what’s happening with the global economy. The truth is, disruption in business (whether positive or negative) is central to today’s online MBA programs.

Positive disruption leads to innovative ideas and transformative technologies in times of strong and solid economic growth.
Negative disruption forces business leaders to pivot and adapt quickly to remain competitive in times of economic uncertainty or instability.

A quality, online MBA program is one that focuses on helping professionals develop the skills they need to anticipate, navigate and triumph in business, in both good times and in bad.

What Is the Worth of an MBA?

By emphasizing foundational skills like critical thinking, interpersonal and emotional intelligence, and strategic management—and putting these skills to work in the context of real-world challenges—business leaders can prove their value in tackling triumphs and overcoming obstacles.

The worth of an MBA goes far beyond anecdotal, and here’s the data-based proof to back up the value of an MBA:

Higher Salaries

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the average starting salary for MBA graduates is more than twice that of those with only a bachelor’s degree: $115,000 vs. $75,000.

More Job Opportunities

The GMAC also found that an astounding 92% of employment recruiters and 95% of recruiters for consulting firms plan to hire MBA graduates.

Faster Advancement

The GMAC also reported that 54% of recruiters stated that business school graduates have a faster track to upper-level positions in the technology sector. Further, 2 out of 3 recruiters stated that leaders in their organization are more likely to have an MBA education.

Online vs. Traditional MBA: How Do They Compare?

Other than the obvious difference between flexible, online classes and full-time, in-person instruction, here are three key differences between an online and traditional MBA.

1. Program Instructors

Although many MBA curriculums are similar, the biggest difference between online and traditional MBA degree programs is who’s teaching the material. Top online MBA courses are taught by seasoned industry professionals so students benefit from the unique experiences and real-world perspectives of professionals who day-in and day-out put into practice what they know. Traditional MBA programs are typically taught by academic-trained and research-focused professors who may or may not be actively practicing.

2. The Student Experience

Engaging with peers and interacting with instructors is, of course, different online than on campus. But online MBAs are a far cry from a solitary experience. While spontaneous hallway conversations or get-togethers don’t really translate to the virtual world, video conferencing, multimedia content and group projects do. And all of these things combined help to build strong (and often deeper) connections among students and their peers and instructors.

3. Opportunities–Not Requirements

While there’s certainly value in internships, for most online MBA programs, they’re not a requirement. As an added bonus, online MBAs build in plenty of other opportunities, including professional networking with real-world practitioners and MBA peers, along with virtual job fairs, dedicated career services, professional mentoring and one-on-one job shadowing.

What Do Employers Think of an Online MBA?

Clearly, online learning has come into its own (thank you, global pandemic).

So, as long as you earn your MBA from an accredited online university or college, relax.

Employers are more receptive than ever to online MBAs, and many will even respect the dedication it takes for a busy, working professional like you to earn an MBA.

Finally, remember that where you earn your MBA is far more important than how you studied to get it.