Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado

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Key Takeaways

  • There are nine colleges in Colorado that offer MBA programs that can be completed online, on campus, or a hybrid mixture of the two.
  • There are a number of fully online MBA programs for busy professionals that can open career opportunities with the top employers in Colorado.
  • The average cost of the best online MBA program in Colorado are lower than the national average, making the state a great choice for furthering your education.

Colorado's Best Online MBA Programs

Sort by:
  1. University of Denver
  2. University of Colorado Denver
  3. Regis University
  4. University of Northern Colorado
  5. Colorado Technical University
  6. Colorado State University
  7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  8. Colorado Christian University
  9. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  1. University of Denver
  2. Colorado State University
  3. University of Colorado Denver
  4. University of Northern Colorado
  5. Regis University
  6. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  8. Colorado Technical University
  9. Colorado Christian University
  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver 98%
  2. Colorado State University 91%
  3. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
  4. University of Northern Colorado 79%
  5. University of Denver 78%
  6. Regis University 76%
  7. University of Colorado Denver 75%
  1. Colorado Technical University 31 to 1
  2. Colorado State University 17 to 1
  3. University of Colorado Denver 17 to 1
  4. Metropolitan State University of Denver 16 to 1
  5. Colorado Christian University 16 to 1
  6. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
  7. University of Northern Colorado 14 to 1
  8. Regis University 9 to 1
  9. University of Denver 8 to 1
  1. University of Denver $56,439
  2. Regis University $42,220
  3. Colorado Christian University $17,476
  4. Colorado Technical University $12,696
  5. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
  6. Colorado State University $9,903
  7. University of Colorado Denver $8,736
  8. Metropolitan State University of Denver $8,445
  9. University of Northern Colorado $8,180
  1. University of Denver $55,260
  2. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
  3. Regis University $14,261
  4. Colorado Technical University $13,937
  5. Colorado Christian University $13,931
  6. University of Northern Colorado $11,628
  7. Colorado State University $10,834
  8. Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,169
  9. University of Colorado Denver $7,722
  1. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  2. Colorado Christian University
  3. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  4. Colorado State University
  5. Colorado Technical University
  6. University of Northern Colorado
  7. Regis University
  8. University of Colorado Denver
  9. University of Denver
  1. Colorado Christian University
  2. Colorado Technical University
  3. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  4. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  5. Regis University
  6. University of Northern Colorado
  7. University of Colorado Denver
  8. Colorado State University
  9. University of Denver
  1. University of Colorado Denver 75%
  2. Regis University 76%
  3. University of Denver 78%
  4. University of Northern Colorado 79%
  5. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
  6. Colorado State University 91%
  7. Metropolitan State University of Denver 98%
  1. University of Denver 8 to 1
  2. Regis University 9 to 1
  3. University of Northern Colorado 14 to 1
  4. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
  5. Metropolitan State University of Denver 16 to 1
  6. Colorado Christian University 16 to 1
  7. Colorado State University 17 to 1
  8. University of Colorado Denver 17 to 1
  9. Colorado Technical University 31 to 1
  1. University of Northern Colorado $8,180
  2. Metropolitan State University of Denver $8,445
  3. University of Colorado Denver $8,736
  4. Colorado State University $9,903
  5. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
  6. Colorado Technical University $12,696
  7. Colorado Christian University $17,476
  8. Regis University $42,220
  9. University of Denver $56,439
  1. University of Colorado Denver $7,722
  2. Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,169
  3. Colorado State University $10,834
  4. University of Northern Colorado $11,628
  5. Colorado Christian University $13,931
  6. Colorado Technical University $13,937
  7. Regis University $14,261
  8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
  9. University of Denver $55,260

Fans of the outdoors will feel right at home in Colorado. With the Rocky Mountains, Colorado River, and even part of the Great Plains, you’re sure to find adventure in The Centennial State. Students looking to balance outdoor adventure with higher education can choose from over 40 colleges and universities offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees for an average in-state tuition of $10,800.

Among the most popular degree programs found in Colorado are MBAs. Given the state’s strong economic climate and the burgeoning tech and startup industries in places like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, it is not surprising that MBAs are so popular in the state. Some of the most prestigious MBA programs in Colorado are now available online, providing busy working business professionals the opportunity to pursue advanced business education.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Colorado

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Colorado’s 28 public institutes include junior colleges, universities, the United States Air Force Academy, and the Colorado School of Mines, a research university that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Tuition for Colorado’s public schools ranges from $3,000 to $19,000, with many of the colleges and junior colleges starting at $4,000 and the universities at $8,000. Several public colleges in Colorado enroll a large number of online students, including Colorado State University.

Colorado’s private institutions boast smaller class sizes and student populations. This category includes five religiously affiliated campuses. Private colleges in Colorado tend to be more expensive, ranging from $4,000 to $55,000 in tuition. There are several online colleges in Colorado that are categorized as private schools.

The University of Colorado, Boulder, a notable research institute, is ranked as the number one school in the state and has a student population of just over 32,000. Influential Boulder alumni include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Academy Award-winning actor and director Robert Redford.


What are Colorado’s Colleges & Universities?

Colorado’s Best Overall

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Why Pursue an Online MBA in Colorado

In addition to housing some of the best business schools in the United States, Colorado’s higher education system can also be very affordable. The state’s $10,800 average in-state tuition fee is significantly lower than the national average for all states, which is $19,792.

The state’s public education system has some of the lowest tuition rates in the country, but out-of-state students in Colorado often face higher tuition fees. Fortunately, Colorado institutions offer scholarships, financial aid, and residency reclassification to ease the financial burden on out-of-state students, making high-quality education more accessible.

Furthermore, online MBA degree program graduates in Colorado can anticipate a solid return on investment (ROI), with an average annual income of $118,356. While this seems lower than the national average of $137,407, it’s worth emphasizing that salary and compensation packages can vary significantly based on factors like location, position, and specialization.

In some cities within Colorado, business program graduates may earn considerably more. For instance, MBA grads in Centennial, Colorado earn an average of $150,179 annually, while those in Pueblo, Colorado may earn significantly less, highlighting the regional differences in earnings potential within the state.

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

young business professionals working on a laptop in an office
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Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/30

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Denver

    Cost of Degree: $55,563
    Expenses: $19,620
    Starting Salary: $89,235
    Salary after 4 years: $109,286
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Denver houses one of the best business schools in the United States, the Daniels College of Business. Daniels DU offers several online degree programs that provide online students with the same academic rigor and support as its on-campus students.

    Online students gain access to various student support services, including academic advising, online tutoring, and assistance for practical and experiential learning opportunities.

    The Daniels Master of Business Administration (MBA) is offered in a 100% online learning format, with the exception of two in-person immersions. Accredited by the AACSB, this online MBA program requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum, including core and elective courses, in-person immersions, and a real-world capstone project. MBA core courses include Managerial Economics, Business Data and Analytics, and Supply Chain Management.

    The University of Denver is great for students who:

    Are looking for a hands-on, dive-in kind of educational experience. The university offers in-person immersion events to to domestic and global industry leaders.

    The University of Denver might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would be unable to travel for the immersion events. There are two three-day events required during the program.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Marketing
    • Finance
    • Executive Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/24

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Colorado Denver

    Cost of Degree: $8,548
    Expenses: $22,026
    Starting Salary: $111,641
    Salary after 4 years: $137,524
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Colorado Denver is an R1 institution and the state’s sole public urban research university. The CU Denver Business School is one of the oldest and most prominent business schools in the country. CU Denver has more options for business education than any other college university.

    CU Denver offers an AACSB-accredited online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program dedicated to developing holistic business leaders. The online MBA courses explore advanced topics in leadership, economics, management, and business ethics.

    Core and foundational courses of this online MBA program will help students develop competency skills for international business environments. Core courses include Strategic Management, Information Systems Strategy, Financial Management, and Operations Management.

    The University of Colorado Denver is great for students who:

    Are looking for a strong support and networking program after graduation. Graduates get lifetime access to the school’s Business Career Connections team, which gives opportunities to network with industry leaders in the Denver metro area.

    The University of Colorado Denver might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for an accelerated degree program. Most students take at least 2 years to complete this online MBA program.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • General MBA Track
    • Accounting
    • Business Intelligence
    • Commodities
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Information Systems
    • Management
    • Managing for Sustainability
    • Marketing
    • Risk Management and Insurance
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Regis University

    Denver , CO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Regis University

    Cost of Degree: $15,791
    Expenses: $18,134
    Starting Salary: $85,551
    Salary after 4 years: $104,774
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Anderson College of Business and Computing at Regis University offers several AACSB-accredited degree programs, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The program’s curriculum is a unique combination of business, communication, and leadership abilities designed to prepare students for higher-level positions. The program provides its online MBA students with various networking opportunities.

    The MBA curriculum component includes experiential learning, which offers practical assignments for customers in the actual world. Recent graduates have gained real-world experience in numerous fields, including managerial accounting, communication, data science, finance, human resources, marketing strategy, operations management, and business strategy. The Regis MBA is an excellent option for anyone who wants to take a purpose-driven approach to advancing their business career.

    Regis University is great for students who:

    Are looking for experiential learning through a focused curriculum and meaningful, hands-on projects for real-world clients.

    Regis University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a lower cost online MBA degree program.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online

    Concentrations

    • Business and Data Analytics
    • Human Resource Management
    • Finance and Accounting
    • Marketing
    • General Business
    • Project Leadership and Management
    • Health Industry Leadership
    • Strategy and Innovation
  4. young business professional participating in a meeting
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Northern Colorado

    Cost of Degree: $13,866
    Expenses: $17,462
    Starting Salary: $73,852
    Salary after 4 years: $90,974
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Northern Colorado delivers a world-class education that prepares students for leadership roles in today’s dynamic business landscape. With AACSB accreditation, incoming graduate students can be sure their online MBA degrees will be highly valued in the workplace. In addition to online classes, the Monfort College of Business will encourage online students to pursue experiential learning opportunities that allow them to help real businesses solve current issues.

    As one of the best online MBAs in Colorado, this program equips students with skills in ethical leadership, data analytics, and more. The curriculum encompasses various topics, including healthcare and human resources. Students will gain the expertise necessary for corporate management in today’s global marketplace.

    The University of Northern Colorado is great for students who:

    Are looking for an affordable online MBA program that does not require the GMAT for admission.

    The University of Northern Colorado might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a a specific concentration in their MBA program. This online program does not offer any specialty concentrations.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  6. #5

    Colorado Technical University

    Colorado Springs , CO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    50K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Colorado Technical University

    Cost of Degree: $14,597
    Starting Salary: $69,997
    Salary after 4 years: $85,724

    Colorado Technical University is known for its prominence in distance learning and online education, offering a range of programs designed for busy professionals and adult learners. One of its major online programs is its online MBA degree program, accredited by the ACBSP. While the average completion time is 12 months, part-time students have up to five years to complete the MBA online.

    The program’s core courses include Strategic Management, Managerial Economics, and Business Analytics. Students interested in specific topics and disciplines related to business and management are the target audience for this program. Graduates will acquire real-world knowledge and abilities that are in line with industry norms and are relevant to the cutthroat global business climate.

    Colorado Technical University is great for students who:

    Are looking for an online MBA program that can be completed quickly. This online MBA can be completed in as little as 12 months.

    Colorado Technical University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not have an undergraduate degree in business. Those students will need to complete a set of prerequisite courses.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Data Analytics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Marketing
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  7. #6

    Colorado State University

    Fort Collins , CO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Colorado State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,490
    Expenses: $17,575
    Starting Salary: $83,731
    Salary after 4 years: $103,143
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Colorado State University is one of the leaders in online education, offering over 70 majors online leading to degrees. CSU College of Business offers some of the best business degree programs online with low tuition costs, including a Master of Business Administration.

    Accredited by the AACSB, the Colorado State University online MBA program is one of the most sought-after for a successful career in management and leadership positions. The online MBA curriculum strongly emphasizes fundamental business skills, offering advanced coursework like Quantitative Business Analysis, Marketing Management, Financial Principles and Practice, and Managing Human Capital.

    Colorado State University is great for students who:

    Are busy professionals looking for a choice between a fully online MBA program, a real-time remote program, or one that can be completed in-person in the evenings.

    Colorado State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not have at least two years of prior work experience. That is a requirement of this online program.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Cost of Degree: $14,560
    Expenses: $17,860
    Starting Salary: $77,302
    Salary after 4 years: $95,224
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs College of Business is a top-rated business school that offers several programs designed to enhance student’s business leadership skills for various sectors. One of its online programs, the Master of Business Administration, was the first AACSB-accredited MBA offered online.

    The UCCS online MBA provides students with a curriculum integrating social, political, and economic concerns into the fundamental management ideas, analytical skills, and communication abilities required for the business sector. It provides a flexible study that can be used for any major, allowing students with no prior business knowledge to catch up with their peers with undergraduate degrees in business. Core courses of the program include Marketing Strategy, Strategic Management, and Corporate Financial Management.

    The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is great for students who:

    Do not have an undergraduate business degree. This online program accepts students from all educational backgrounds.

    The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs might not be the best fit for students who:

    Had a GPA of less than 3.0 for their undergraduate degree. These students will have extra steps in the admissions process, including a requirement to take the GMAT.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Cybersecurity Management
    • Finance
    • General MBA
    • Health Care Administration
    • Innovation Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Project Management
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Colorado Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $15,083
    Expenses: $12,774
    Starting Salary: $60,855
    Salary after 4 years: $74,528
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    An online Master of Business Administration with a Christian perspective is available at CCU’s School of Business and Technology. With regional accreditation, the program offers a competitive curriculum that strongly emphasizes leadership, decision-making, and critical thinking.

    The goal of the “servant leadership” study is to help students apply the knowledge and compassion of Jesus Christ to their leadership approach. Graduates will have the abilities necessary to succeed in the global economy.

    Students must complete a series of core and foundational courses before pursuing a concentration. Core courses of the program include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Information Security, and Economics.

    Colorado Christian University at Colorado Springs is great for students who:

    Are looking for an online Christian university with an MBA program that does not require the GMAT.

    Colorado Christian University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not looking a Christian university.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Advanced Accounting
    • Cyber Security
    • Enterprise Agility
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/19

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Cost of Degree: $10,523
    Starting Salary: $69,305
    Salary after 4 years: $85,373

    Metropolitan State University of Denver was built to provide accessible education to all types of students, proven by its low tuition costs. MSU Denver offers several accredited online programs, including an AACSB-accredited online MBA degree. This online MBA program, which is tailor-made for working students, providing flexibility for incoming students with and without backgrounds in business.

    Online students follow the same comprehensive materials as the on-campus MBA program. Core MBA courses include Corporate Finance, Business Law and Ethics, Managerial Economics, and Global Enterprise Management.

    Metropolitan State University of Denver at Colorado Springs is great for students who:

    Are busy professionals looking for evening in-person classes or a fully online degree program.

    Metropolitan State University of Denver might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for an accelerated degree program. This online program will take 2-3 years to complete.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Analytics
    • Strategic Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: Colorado (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $12,753
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,557
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $80,502
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
  • Job Growth: 4.86%
  • Number of Jobs: 11,888,900
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes8.04%No data
Chief Executives-8.21%$171,990
Computer and Information Systems Managers15.41%$168,800
Sales Managers4.06%$162,660
Compensation and Benefits Managers1.71%$157,810

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$64,898$105,194$161,081

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#12 Colorado3% higher than average$105,194
#2 New York5% higher than average$116,372
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$104,589
#4 Michigan15% higher than average$90,047
#5 Georgia13% higher than average$90,306
#6 Illinois7% higher than average$96,596

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Chief Executives$171,990
Computer and Information Systems Managers$168,800
Sales Managers$162,660
graduate student listening to an online lecture
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Top MBA Employers in Colorado

Valen Analytics

Valen Analytics specializes in offering insurance companies data analytics solutions. The business uses data-driven insights to support insurance carriers in optimizing their risk portfolios and making well-informed underwriting choices.

Online MBA programs to consider if you are interested in working for Valen Analytics include:

Charles Schwab

A well-known provider of financial services, Charles Schwab is well-established in Colorado. Opportunities for MBA graduates interested in asset management, investments, and finance abound at Charles Schwab.

Online MBA programs to consider if you are interested in working for Charles Schwab include:

  • Online MBA with a concentration in Finance from Colorado Technical University
  • Online MBA with a concentration in Advanced Accounting from Colorado Christian University

DaVita Inc.

DaVita provides a distinctive atmosphere for recent MBA grads who are enthusiastic about healthcare administration and want to make a difference. MBA holders are extremely important to the operations, expansion, and strategic planning of the company.

Online MBA programs to consider if you are interested in working for DaVita include:

DISH Network

DISH Network is a prominent participant in the entertainment and telecommunications sectors, ranking among Fortune 250 companies. Opportunities at DISH for MBA graduates interested in media, technology, and marketing are intriguing.

Online MBA programs to consider if you are interested in working for DISH Network include:

  • Online MBA with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Denver
  • Online MBA with a concentration in Innovation Management from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Arrow Electronics

MBA graduates can apply their business acumen and strategic thinking in various ways at Arrow Electronics, a global producer of goods, services, and solutions for computer products and electronic components.

Online MBA programs to consider if you are interested in working for Arrow Electronics include:

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Colorado

What is an MBA?

MBA degrees are the most popular advanced degree in American higher education. This versatile degree offers a variety of specializations that can help working professionals build leadership skills, expand their network, and enhance their overall business knowledge. MBA degrees are excellent options for anyone needing business fundamentals covered while having the chance to study more in a selected concentration. An MBA in Marketing is different than a MS in Marketing because the MBA degree doesn’t assume previous business education, whereas the MS program likely would.

Do online MBA programs in Colorado require the GMAT?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes – elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT or don’t.

Of the 9 online MBA programs in Colorado, four of the programs do not require the GMAT, including:

  • The University of Denver
  • Colorado State University
  • Colorado Technical University
  • Colorado Christian University

Several of the other online MBA programs in Colorado give students the option to have the GMAT requirement waived if they meet certain criteria.

If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum, you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. Therefore, we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects, and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have – test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There are a growing number of high-quality online MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. If standardized testing isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

What are the admission requirements for online MBAs?

While specific admission materials vary, prestigious online MBAs generally seek applicants with a 2.5-3.0 minimum GPA on their accredited bachelor’s degree. Students who do not meet the program’s GPA requirement can often use high GRE or GMAT scores to compensate for the difference. While students from any undergraduate major are welcome, some schools recommend prerequisites like accounting, microeconomics, or statistics.

Additionally, some MBA programs prefer candidates with at least two years of business experience. However, more prominent ones often seek five years of related work experience. Additionally, applicants must provide supplementary materials such as their resume, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

How long does it take to get an MBA?

Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because MBAs offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between two and four years to complete.

What are the courses like?

MBA courses are available both online and on campus, and many programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.

Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means students watch lectures and read when they can and likely join web forums for class discussions.

While online MBA courses can be “self-paced,” there usually are still mid-term and end-of-term deadlines. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

What can you do with an MBA?

MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBAs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

How can I ensure the quality and value of an online MBA?

Ensuring the quality and value of an online MBA program is essential to making the most of your investment in time and money. To ensure that employers will acknowledge your online MBA, the program should be accredited. Accredited online MBAs are guaranteed to meet and satisfy the standards that employers demand from their applicants.

Regional accreditation is the most prestigious form in US higher education systems. In Colorado, the colleges and universities in our list are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

For business programs, like an online MBA, there are also specialized accrediting bodies such as the:

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs
  • International Accreditation Council for Business Education

These organizations focus specifically on business education and set rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, research, and other key factors that ensure the quality of business education.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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