Online MBA in Analytics: Find the Best, Fastest, and Most Affordable Online Analytics MBA Programs

On the hunt for an accredited online MBA in analytics? Use our detailed rankings to find the fastest, cheapest, and best programs in the country. We’ve profiled 25+ schools in each category. Unsure about distance learning for a business degree? Browse through our advice sections to learn how to choose the right MBA for your career path. Or skip ahead to our listings to compare every data-focused online MBA program in the country.

Best Online MBA in Analytics: Overview

2024 Best Online MBA Highlights

Our 2024 rankings of the 25 best online MBA programs in analytics were full of surprises. In addition to top guns like CMU Tepper and IU Kelley, we discovered a number of hard-working schools that are quietly making a name for themselves in analytics and distance learning. Here are a few insights from the list:

• In-Person Experiences Ramp Up: Schools of Business are increasingly adding industry-focused networking opportunities to their campus immersions. We’re also starting to see global trips & experiences becoming more popular as pandemic restrictions are being relaxed.
  
• Concentrations Can Be Customizable: In our summary points, we’ve given you a flavor of the analytics concentration. Follow the curriculum links in our rankings to get a full list of electives on offer. In many cases, you’ll be able to incorporate analytics courses from areas like finance or marketing to suit your goals.
• Industry Partners + Research Expertise = Opportunity: If you’re keen on a data-focused MBA, be sure to connect with analytics research institutes in the business school. We say this because many of the tech-focused companies who provide projects for the institutes or serve on their advisory boards also—unsurprisingly—hire a lot of the school’s MBA graduates.
• Dual Degree Options Are Everywhere: And we do mean everywhere. Almost every school in our top 10 also offers an Online MSBA, MSIS, or analytics master’s degree that you can earn alongside the MBA. Whether you want to go the extra mile will depend on your current level of technical ability—we talk more about the choice in our Guide to the MBA in Analytics.
• Capstone Projects Aren’t a Given: In an online MBA, you’re not always going to have the opportunity to work on a final consulting project or analytics-based capstone. So you’ll need to decide how important that element is for your résumé. Internship experiences are also rare.

Finally, a number of the same schools appear in our Best Online MSBA rankings. Anyone on the fence about their master’s degree should check both lists. If you don’t have a strong technical base, you could start with the MSBA and then have the option to earn an MBA later in your career.

Best Rankings Methodology

Our best rankings algorithm is usually based on a number of standard data points, including program focus, program outcomes, tuition rates, and student completion rates—see our methodology in the Best Online MSBA rankings for a detailed rundown of these factors.

But online MBA programs in analytics are a special case. In the world of business degrees, the reputation of the school takes on an outsized importance. MBAs are as much about networking, name recognition, and industry “ins” as they are about coursework. So here’s how we tweaked our methodology to reflect those issues:

• School Reputation: In addition to factoring in U.S. News & World Report rankings for business schools, online MBA programs & business analytics degrees, we also gave additional points to analytics programs with top Business School rankings from Forbes, Fortune and/or Bloomberg.
• Average Earnings: We included the average median salary of graduates for each MBA and gave an earnings “boost” to any program that exceed $125k. So even if the MBA is initially expensive, you should be able to make back your investment quickly.

Use our summaries to get a handle on the online program and go from there. Because the top MBAs are so competitive, it’s best to have a lengthy shortlist of options.

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Rank	University	Program Name
11	Drexel University	Online MBA in Business Analytics
12	Rutgers University-Camden	Online MBA in Accounting Analytics or Business Analytics
13	University of Connecticut	Online MBA in Business Analytics
14	Florida International University	Online MBA in Business Analytics
15	Golden Gate University	Online MBA in Business Analytics
16	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	iMBA in Business Analytics
17	Santa Clara University	Online MBA in Data Science and Business Analytics
18	University of Dallas	Online MBA in Business Analytics or Healthcare Analytics
19	University of Delaware	Online MBA in Business Analytics
20	Temple University	Online MBA in Business Analytics
21	Colorado State University	Online MBA in Marketing Data Analytics
22	University of Massachusetts-Lowell	Online MBA in Business Analytics
23	St. John's University	Online MBA in Business Analytics
24	Fairfield University	Online MBA in Analytics
25	University of North Dakota	Online MBA in Business Analytics

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Cheapest Online MBA in Analytics: Overview

How Much Does an Online MBA Analytics (Really) Cost?

Online MBA programs in analytics from the best business schools usually cost in excess of $80,000. Schools that appear in our rankings of the 28 most affordable online MBA programs in analytics have prices that range from $12,000 to $25,000. Here are a few things to consider when assessing a cheap online MBA:

• Reputation: None of the schools in our affordable listings can compete with the top 100 business schools for reputation. That matters when it comes to industry connections and starting salary offers. So you’ll have to make some choices about your career goals. However, if you’re after a specific job (e.g. energy analytics consultant in Texas), a low-cost online MBA from that region might make a lot of sense.
• Format: You’re going to see a lot of online MBA programs in analytics with similar degree structures & prices. They’ll offer you cheap per credit rates with no extra fees, multiple start dates, and comparable online delivery systems. Use our program summaries to decide a) if the analytics concentration matches your skill sets; and b) if the College of Business can truly connect you to employers.
• Speed: Affordable online MBAs in analytics are much faster than programs in our best rankings. Most of them can be completed in 10-12 months. What you gain in time, you lose in networking opportunities. You’re unlikely to experience the same personal, team-focused approach (e.g. live weekly meetings) or have access to virtual industry events.

An MBA is a niche degree in the world of analytics, so it’s important to be sure of your direction before you apply. If you have any questions, we’ve put together a comprehensive Guide to the MBA in Analytics to help you out.

Affordable Rankings Methodology

For our list of the 28 cheapest online MBA degrees in analytics, we manually researched tuition prices for 100+ online MBA programs and ranked them accordingly. You’ll find tuition numbers quoted at the start of each program summary.

• Tuition & Fees: We’ve quoted the cost of tuition for the courses + any mandatory per credit fees (e.g. distance learning fee). But it’s important to note that you may still have to pay for one-off costs (e.g. graduation, software, etc.) and per semester fees.
• In-State vs. Out-of-State: Occasionally, public universities had separate online prices for in-state and out-of-state residents. To make sure the playing field was even, we always used the out-of-state, full-time tuition rate for our calculations.
• Program Inclusion: This list includes online MBA programs that have a dedicated concentration or specialization in analytics. However, if you’re seeking a truly technical degree, we recommend you look at our rankings of the Most Affordable Online Master’s in Business Analytics.
• Accreditation: All of the universities in our rankings hold regional accreditation (e.g. MSCHE). But not all of them hold AACSB accreditation. AACSB is the gold standard for business schools, but only 1/3 of the schools in the U.S. have it. We’ve left it up to you to decide if it’s necessary for a low-price online MBA.

Use our rankings as a launchpad for your research. After you’ve skimmed through all of the affordable & best online options and asked about their MBA employment outcomes, you might decide that you’re willing to pay a little extra for the right degree.

Rank	University	Program Name	Total Price for Online Students
11	Radford University	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$16,380.00
12	Murray State University	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$16,935.00
13	Herzing University-Atlanta	Online MBA in Data Analytics	$18,282.00
14	Southern New Hampshire University	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$19,110.00
15	Champlain College	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$19,635.00
16	University of North Dakota	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$19,793.00
17	University of North Alabama	Online MBA in Data Analytics	$19,890.00
18	University of Massachusetts-Boston	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$20,700.00
19	Utica University	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$21,000.00
20	University of Wisconsin-River Falls	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$22,680.00
21	Fayetteville State University	Online MBA in Business Intelligence & Data Analytics	$22,827.00
22	Fontbonne University	Online MBA in Applied Business Analytics	$23,760.00
23	Calvin University	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$23,760.00
24	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	iMBA in Business Analytics	$23,904.00
25	Capitol Technology University	Online MBA in Business Analytics and Data Science	$24,084.00
26	University of Northern Colorado	Online MBA in Accounting Analytics	$24,102.00
27	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Online MBA in Data Analytics	$24,408.00
28	Newman University	Online MBA in Business Analytics	$24,732.00

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Fastest Online MBA in Analytics: Overview

How Fast is an Online MBA in Analytics?

If you’re willing to commit to full-time study, 10 months is the bare minimum for an Online MBA in Analytics. However, you’ll notice that most options in our fastest online MBA in analytics rankings round up their estimates to 12 months. For example:

• A 30-credit MBA with an accelerated scheduled might involve taking 2 courses every 7 weeks.
• This would equate to 4 courses per 14-week semester in the fall & spring and 2 courses in the summer (4 + 4 + 2 = 10 courses).

It’s a lot of study to jam into your schedule, especially if you’re already working in a full-time job. If you’re being sponsored, you could ask your employer for a part-time schedule while you tackle the degree. Or you could consider taking a year off.

Our best advice is to talk to recent alumni. They’ll give you insider tips & tricks about scheduling coursework and planning for assignments.

Fastest Rankings Methodology

We kept it simple for our fastest online MBA in analytics rankings:

• Minimum Program Length: Schools were ranked on the fastest time to completion with a full-time plan of study.
• Accreditation: All of the schools in our list had to be regionally accredited, but we didn’t place any restrictions on the business school accreditation.
• Start Dates: Many of these online MBA programs will have multiple start dates throughout the year. If they don’t, you may need to wait until a semester starts before you can begin.

Fast does not necessarily equate to quality or affordability. So you will need to do your homework on their MBA employment outcomes, industry relationships, and student reviews. When in doubt, consult our Guide to the MBA in Analytics.

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How Does an Online MBA in Analytics Work?

Online MBA Structure

Online MBA programs in analytics are designed for working professionals—you can still keep your job. In many cases, Schools of Business have simply adapted their existing full-time, on-campus MBA degrees to fit a more flexible distance format.

• Start Dates: Fast & affordable online MBA in analytics programs usually offer multiple start dates throughout the year. More prestigious programs may stick to traditional semester starts (e.g. fall & spring). This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, so check the MBA program links in our listings for details on when to apply.
• Plan of Study: You’ll often be able to choose between a full-time plan of study (e.g. 3 courses per semester) or a longer part-time plan of study (e.g. 1-2 courses per semester). Top-tier online MBAs may expect you to take part in a traditional, cohort-based program on a fixed schedule (e.g. 2 years).
• Accelerated vs. Traditional: Some universities offer accelerated, 1-year programs to students who can’t commit to a traditional 2-year plan of study. Check the admissions requirements—you may need extra work experience or an undergraduate degree in a technical or business field to apply.

Delivery Method

Most universities use popular software programs like Blackboard and Canvas to organize their virtual learning experiences. However, fancy Schools of Business may have the money to develop their own unique delivery platform. If you’re not familiar with online learning, ask for a course demonstration. You may even be able to sit in on an actual class.

You’ll also need to know how coursework will be delivered. Online MBAs are usually a mixture of two formats:

• Asynchronous: Otherwise known as “learn on your own time.” Some online MBAs are 100% asynchronous. You can go through readings, view videos, and complete assignments whenever you have a moment. Any participation in class discussions could be recorded on threads. And if you do have to meet with a group, you’ll set up your own meetings to suit everyone’s schedule.
• Synchronous: Otherwise known as “live learning.” Many online MBAs contain synchronous elements. For instance, you might be expected to log-in at a specific time every week and participate in a live online lecture & discussion. Or you could be asked to give a presentation to the class & receive live feedback. Or you might be challenged to collaborate on a case study with a breakout group.

If you are interested in an online MBA with synchronous elements, remember time zones! You could be required to attend an “evening” class that actually takes place in the late afternoon in your area.

Online Elements

Within the Online MBA in Analytics, you’ll be exposed to all kinds of virtual teaching & learning experiences. Examples include:

• Video Lectures
• Required Readings
• One-on-One Office Hours
• Hands-On Technical Exercises
• Case Studies
• Business Presentations
• Group Assignments
• Class Discussions
• Online Quizzes & Exams

Be sure to ask the program coordinator for details. On the business side of the MBA, you’ll want plenty of practice in collaboration, presentation, and real-world case studies. On the analytics side, you’ll need to have training in technical skills (e.g. coding, creating visualizations with Tableau, developing predictive models, etc.) and be able to test your mastery of them.

In-Person Elements

It’s no accident that the top schools in our rankings of the 25 best online MBA programs in analytics contain mandatory—or optional—visits to campus. Thoughtful in-person elements can turn a middling online MBA experience into an outstanding one.

Because the MBA is focused on leadership & management, online MBA programs in analytics may include campus elements such as:

• Orientations
• Case Competitions
• Hackathons
• Analytics Summits
• Roundtable Discussions
• Career Coaching
• Professional Development Workshops
• Industry Immersions
• Networking Events

Major Schools of Business will organize global field trips where you can connect with the school’s international partners and see how analytics work is being conducted overseas. You may also have the option to get “down on the ground” when you’re working on your industry-focused capstone project or taking part in an internship.

Online MBA in Analytics: Pros & Cons

Pros of an Online MBA in Analytics

• Flexibility: You’ll be able to earn an accredited MBA in analytics on your own time. And you won’t have to give up your job or your travel plans to do it (though you may have to consider part-time work at some point in your studies).
• Costs: You’ll save on commuting costs, time off work, and fees for campus facilities. Some online degrees will also be cheaper than their on-campus counterparts.
• Diversity: Online MBA students tend to come from a wide range of backgrounds. They often have unusual undergraduate degrees and fascinating work experiences.
• Connections: You’ll be forging ties with online MBA students from all over the country and the world. Some of them may have valuable insights about job opportunities & markets.
• Control: You may dread the thought of sitting in a class waiting for everyone else to catch up to a concept. Or you may love working on technical projects in your own time. Just bear in mind that MBA graduates are expected to have excellent people management skills.

Cons of an Online MBA in Analytics

• Missed Opportunities: Campus-based MBA programs in analytics give you immediate access to lecturers & students, research institutes & analytics labs, activities at student clubs, career services, and industry events that are organized by the School of Business. You can do some of this kind of networking online, but it requires a lot of extra effort.
• Workplace Stigma: Many hiring committees & recruiters are still wary of online MBA programs. You may have to go the extra mile to prove that your degree is the equivalent of a traditional on-campus experience.
• Extra Need for Discipline: Online MBA degrees in analytics are challenging. You’ll have a mountain of readings & technical assignments to get through and you’ll be expected to actively participate in discussions and group projects.
• Isolation: Unless your online MBA is stuffed with synchronous elements and campus experiences, you may miss the daily interactions & conversations that occur in a traditional classroom. Message boards and chat threads don’t always cut it.
• Technology Challenges: Think of internet fritzes, power cuts, software incompatibility, and 101 other annoying issues that crop up with remote learning. You may also have to invest in updated hardware & software to tackle technical coursework.

Tips for Choosing an Online MBA in Analytics

How to Make Sure Your Degree Pays Off

Still not sure if distance learning is the right path for you? Ultimately, your decision may rest on a series of factors, including degree cost, scholarship opportunities, admissions requirements, speed, and flexibility. In the end, it may be impossible for you to attend an on-campus program. And that’s okay.

However, if you do decide to pursue an online MBA in analytics, think very carefully about your choice of school. In its 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, GMAC reported: “Only 27% of U.S. employers say they value online and in-person degrees equally at their organization, down even from 29% last year.” You need to know that employers will trust your qualification.

Here are a few more of our top tips for choosing an online MBA in analytics:

1. Skim through our comprehensive Guide to the MBA in Analytics, which includes real-world advice on career planning and selecting the right concentration & school.
2. Ask the MBA program coordinator for employment reports on the online degree, including statistics on post-graduation salaries and recent examples of employers. Sometimes schools only report data for the on-campus program.
3. Talk to current students and recent alumni about their online learning experiences. They may have valuable tips on admissions interviews, course scheduling, and networking opportunities.
4. Dig into the curriculum & course descriptions in the university catalog to find out if the analytics credits are going to be a) too easy; or b) too difficult for your current skill level. Can you select other electives? Can you customize the MBA to suit your aims?
5. Consider the whole picture. Does the School of Business have strong ties to your favored companies? Can you collaborate with an analytics research institute on industry-sponsored projects? Are you ready to put time into networking as well as assignments? This is where your investment is going to pay off.

Online vs. Hybrid MBA in Analytics

Remember, too, that there is a third way! Anyone who lives near a reputable School of Business with a solid MBA program should ask about hybrid learning options.

• Format: Hybrid MBA in analytics contain a blend of online & on-campus classes that are designed for working professionals.
• Scheduling: In-person courses are usually scheduled in the evenings or weekends so that people can visit the campus outside of work hours.
• Availability: Executive MBA programs for business leaders with 5-7+ years of experience are frequently hybrid. Some of the programs in our best online rankings are also offered in a blended format.
• Benefits: Hybrid may give you the best of both worlds—networking & interaction, as well as flexibility & time-saving. Local students may also qualify for in-state tuition rates at public universities or corporate partnership discounts at private ones.

The trick is making sure that the School of Business has enough clout in the marketplace to merit all those trips to campus. For example, a hybrid MBA in analytics from a Massachusetts university may be perfect if you want to earn a sponsored degree from your Boston healthcare company in order to qualify for a data-focused leadership position within the same organization.

Online MBA in Analytics Scholarships & Funding

Institutional Funding for Online MBA

You’ve researched schools in our listings, assessed industry connections, and found data on salary earnings for your ideal online MBA in analytics. The final question is—can you afford it? The answer is probably, although you may need to budget for a few years of student debt after your graduate.

The good news is that many Schools of Business now offer scholarships specifically for online MBA students. These may be based on merit, need, or category (e.g. women, military, etc.). Here are just a few examples of what’s out there:

• Kelley Direct scholarships & fellowships for IU’s Online MBA in Business Analytics
• Merit-based scholarships for Santa Clara’s Online MBA in Data Science and Business Analytics
• Alumni & community leadership scholarships for Boise State’s Online MBA in Business Analytics

Schools of Business may also offer partnership discounts with certain companies, military & veteran benefits, tuition reductions for in-state students, general scholarships, and more.

You’ll need to know what financial aid options are only available to on-campus students (e.g. assistantships) and which funds are open to online students. If you’re in any doubt, ask the MBA program coordinator.

External MBA Scholarships

Once you’ve got a handle on how the university is doling out aid, you can look into external opportunities. We’ve listed a number of potential avenues for MBA scholarships, but it’s important to check that online degrees will qualify. You may have to consider hybrid or on-campus options for some funds.

Black

• National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Scholarships
• National Black MBA Association (NMBAA) Scholarships

General

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation (AKAEAF) Scholarships
• Mary Elizabeth Lockwood Beneventi MBA Scholarship
• QS World Merit Scholarships

Government

• Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Scholarships

Latinx

• Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) Scholarships
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
• Prospanica Scholarships

LGBTQ+

• Pride Foundation Scholarships
• ROMBA LGBTQ+ Fellowship

Military

• Military MBA Scholarship

Transit

• American Public Transit Foundation (APTF) Scholarships

Women

• American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships & Grants
• Forté MBA Fellowships