Best Online MBA Programs in Florida

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff

Published: Jun 3, 2022
Updated: Feb 19, 2024

Key Takeaways

An online MBA program in Florida can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
There are a number of public universities in Florida that have a tuition of less than $10K per year.
An online MBA degree in Florida is a perfect option for busy working professionals.

University of Florida
University of Miami
Florida State University
Florida International University
Stetson University
Florida A&M University
Nova Southeastern University
Florida Institute of Technology
Saint Leo University
Florida Gulf Coast University

Keiser University 97%
Stetson University 94%
Lynn University 80%
Saint Leo University 80%
Nova Southeastern University 76%
Florida Gulf Coast University 74%
Everglades University 70%
St. Thomas University 65%
Florida Institute of Technology 64%
Florida International University 64%

Southeastern University 27 to 1
Florida International University 24 to 1
Webber International University 24 to 1
Florida Gulf Coast University 20 to 1
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 19 to 1
Lynn University 18 to 1
St. Thomas University 18 to 1
Saint Leo University 18 to 1
Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
Florida State University 17 to 1

University of Miami $57,194
Stetson University $52,320
Florida Institute of Technology $43,670
Lynn University $41,550
Nova Southeastern University $36,300
St. Thomas University $33,760
Webber International University $30,798
Southeastern University $30,148
Saint Leo University $27,050
Keiser University $23,248

University of Miami $41,580
Keiser University $30,032
Webber International University $28,701
AdventHealth University $25,332
Florida Institute of Technology $22,338
Nova Southeastern University $22,062
Everglades University $21,360
Saint Leo University $18,436
Stetson University $17,703
Hodges University $15,750

Hodges University
AdventHealth University
Everglades University
Southeastern University
Florida Gulf Coast University
University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee
St. Thomas University
Webber International University
Saint Leo University
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

AdventHealth University
University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee
Everglades University
Hodges University
Southeastern University
Webber International University
St. Thomas University
Lynn University
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
Keiser University

University of Miami 19%
University of Florida 23%
Florida State University 25%
Florida A&M University 33%
AdventHealth University 34%
Webber International University 49%
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 58%
Southeastern University 61%
Florida International University 64%
Florida Institute of Technology 64%

AdventHealth University 5 to 1
Hodges University 10 to 1
Stetson University 11 to 1
University of Miami 13 to 1
Florida A&M University 14 to 1
Florida Institute of Technology 14 to 1
Keiser University 15 to 1
University of Florida 16 to 1
Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
Florida State University 17 to 1

Florida A&M University $3,152
Florida Gulf Coast University $4,191
University of Florida $4,477
Florida State University $4,640
Florida International University $4,721
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $11,185
Hodges University $15,500
Everglades University $20,000
AdventHealth University $20,340
Keiser University $23,248

Florida Gulf Coast University $6,974
Florida A&M University $8,019
Florida International University $9,119
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University $9,276
Florida State University $9,684
University of Florida $10,770
Southeastern University $12,000
Lynn University $13,500
St. Thomas University $14,400
Hodges University $15,750

Table of Contents

Florida’s economic agenda over the past five years has included a variety of goals in addition to luring visitors to its beaches and sunshine. Florida, the third-largest state in the union, contributes to the US economy’s growth by steadily expanding its own industry.

Although tourism clearly generates the state’s largest revenue, Florida’s economy is also growing due to the steady creation of new businesses across various sectors. Florida has been able to construct an economy that will continue to maintain and spur the formation of new companies because of the state’s massive $1.3 trillion GDP.

You may access many high-paying positions in Florida’s fastest-growing industries with an online MBA. In fact, with exemplary online MBA programs in hospitality, tourism, and other fields, many business schools in Florida assist students in tapping into these competitive sectors.

Advanced degree holders from the top business schools can pursue various positions, including general and operations managers, healthcare administration, accountants and auditors, and project management specialists.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Florida

The state of Florida offers a wealth of options for students seeking both traditional and online degree programs. With more than 40 public and 50 private schools, prospective students can earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from an extremely wide variety of brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Florida.

Colleges in Florida are also uniquely affordable, with the state average tuition of $6,360 falling well under the national average. Among the most popular disciplines in Florida are anthropology, nursing, law, religious studies, and earth sciences. Many of these valuable degrees are available through online courses and fully online degree programs.

Indeed, nearly 40 colleges and universities in Florida offer online degrees. These online degree programs offer flexibility, convenience and accessibility. Make sure to choose an online degree program with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Find college admissions consultants in Florida.

Among the largest colleges in Florida is Miami Dade College. This public college is home to over 165,000 students across eight campuses and 21 outreach centers as well as various excellent online degree programs. Miami Dade College also offers an extremely affordable in-state tuition of $3,000.

Ranked as two of the top schools in Florida, the University of Florida and Florida State University both have large student populations, with just over 45,000 for UF and just under 39,000 for FSU. Both are also affordable, with tuition at $6,000 and $7,000, respectively.

Students seeking a religious school can choose from 21 colleges and universities that are grounded in Judeo-Christian, Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, and Christian principles.

At $50,000, the University of Miami is the most expensive private college in the state and has graduated influential people such as Gene Roddenberry, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Florida also offers its nursing students up to $4,000 in financial aid through their Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

What are Florida’s Colleges & Universities?

Florida’s Best Overall

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

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

Careers for online MBA Graduates in Florida

Florida’s thriving tourism, aerospace, and healthcare sectors make it a special place to pursue an online MBA. And with its long history of being a center of commerce and innovation, Florida is undoubtedly an ideal location for MBA students. Numerous prestigious universities and business schools are located throughout the state, with network access to several Fortune 500 companies.

Here are some of the top career positions for online MBA graduates in Florida:

General and Operations Managers

Florida is home to large companies that require general and operations management expertise. General and operational managers oversee various divisions or locations while planning, directing, or coordinating the operations of public or private sector enterprises. These professionals are responsible for managing daily operations, creating company policies, and planning the use of materials and human resources.

Florida Average Annual Salary for General and Operations Managers: $113,350

Job Outlook in Florida (2020-2030): 21%

Accountants and Auditors

Although an online MBA is optional for a career in accounting or auditing, it can still offer several benefits. Higher-level roles in accounting firms or corporate finance departments may become available with an online MBA with an accounting or finance specialization. Those who desire to become certified public accountants (CPAs) and subsequently advance into managerial positions may find it beneficial.

Florida Average Annual Salary for Accountants and Auditors: $80,200

Job Outlook in Florida (2020-2030): 23%

Project Management Specialists

These specialists oversee every aspect of a project from start to finish. Among the duties of a project management specialist are developing and maintaining project schedules, controlling project budgets, setting up meetings, detecting risks, guiding decision-making, and hiring personnel.

Florida Average Annual Salary for Project Management Specialists: $95,120

Job Outlook in Florida (2020-2030): 16%

Administrative Services Managers

Healthcare is one of the biggest industries in Florida. Administrative Services Managers can find plenty of opportunities in the healthcare sector. An online MBA emphasizing healthcare management can prepare students for management positions in hospitals, healthcare organizations, and other healthcare-related contexts.

These professionals ensure the seamless operation of the healthcare institution. Duties may include managing the clerical staff, maintaining computers and other technology, and updating policy.

Florida Average Annual Salary for Administrative Services Managers: $108,010

Job Outlook in Florida (2020-2030): 19%

Personal Financial Advisors

Although Florida is known for its retirement communities, wealthy people and financial services companies are also relocating to the state because of its abundant sunlight, beaches, and cheap taxes. And because Florida is a popular vacation spot for wealthy and ultra-wealthy clientele, demand for personal financial advisors is rising.

Florida Average Annual Salary for Personal Financial Advisors: $120,760

Job Outlook in Florida (2020-2030): 18%

Most Popular Online MBA Concentrations in Florida

Florida’s regions, industries, and the programs the state’s colleges provide can influence the popularity of MBA concentrations in that area. The best way to find the best concentration in a specific city in Florida is to research its biggest landscape.

However, some online MBA concentrations are more prevalent in Florida due to the state’s economic landscape and unique opportunities.

Perhaps, due to its expansion and growing demand, healthcare is among the top online MBA program concentrations in Florida and elsewhere in the United States. Eldercare institutions abound in the state and require wise management and administration.

Pursuing marketing, accounting, and healthcare finance concentrations will help you break into the healthcare industry in Florida.

Another top industry in Florida is tourism. If you want to quickly and competitively enter this industry, consider pursuing a tourism or hospitality concentration.

Other well-liked Florida online MBA program specializations include marketing, supply chain logistics management, financial management, marketing management, sports management, and information systems management, to mention a few.

How do we determine the best online MBA programs in Florida?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online MBA Programs in Florida

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Location: Florida (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,753
Avg. Expenses*: $18,339
Avg. Starting Salary*: $74,482
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $83,467
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
Job Growth: 6.72%
Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Florida has a number of great MBA programs, but if you want to explore some of the online MBA programs in states near you, consider one of the best online MBA degrees in states like South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. An online education can be a great option no matter your state of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Degrees

What is an online MBA?

Online MBA programs are among the most popular American higher education degrees, thanks to their versatility and flexibility. Several online MBA programs offer specializations that allow MBA students to build leadership skills, expand their network, and enhance their overall business knowledge while focusing on a specific area.

Do online MBA programs 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.

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. People have many different opinions about which GMAT test prep resources are the best, 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 is a growing number of high quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. Furthermore, there are a lot of highly reputable colleges and universities offering online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT. If standardized testing simply isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

How long does it take to get an online MBA?

The average length of time to complete an online MBA is 2 years. General online MBAs can be quicker to complete than specialized online MBAs. 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 in an online MBA program like?

MBA courses, with a required thesis or professional experience component, can be completed online or on campus. Common topics explore corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations. Online MBA courses offer asynchronous formats for maximum flexibility, allowing students to watch lectures and read when they can. 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 online MBA?

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

Is accreditation in an online MBA important?

Accreditation should never be overlooked. It is a problem that has the potential to make or break your long-term success. Once you’ve narrowed down business schools, you must confirm that the online MBA program is fully accredited.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is a prominent accrediting body. Your level of knowledge will rank among the top 20% of all business students globally if they give you their seal of approval, which is regarded as the gold standard. If your preferred program is not AACSB-accredited, check to see if it is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education or Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs.

Students’ Submitted Questions on Best Online MBA Programs in Florida

Tyson asks, “What opportunities are there for online MBA students to engage in networking events, internships, or job placements within Florida’s economic sectors?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Online MBA programs in Florida should offer students a variety of opportunities to engage in internships and networking opportunities. This will, of course, vary based on the institution, but many programs will have virtual networking sessions, local and regional conferences, and alumni associations that can help future graduates connect with businesses and find job opportunities. In terms of internships, many schools will be in partnership with local businesses across a variety of industries so that students can have a plethora of options to get involved with. The career services center might also have an internship placement service for students.

Mark asks, “How do online MBA programs incorporate current business trends and innovations, specifically relating to Florida, into its curriculum? Are there opportunities for students to work on real-world projects or collaborate with businesses?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Online MBA programs are highly aware that they must keep up with the current trend lines in business practices and technology. Because the business landscape is rapidly changing, schools know they must be diligent in keeping their curriculum updated as well. They do this by varying their course listings and including more courses regarding technology, such as data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. The schools will most likely partner with industry experts who might deliver guest lectures and insights into the field. Schools should also provide a variety of current case studies to students so they can see real world examples of the materials presented. Students should also remember that many programs have concentrations, such as healthcare management, innovation, and technology management. Concentrating in one of these rising fields can also set a student up to be prepared to enter the workforce.

Jade asks, “Considering Florida’s growing tech scene, especially in cities like Miami and Tampa, how do the programs incorporate technology and innovation management into their curriculum?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Online MBA programs recognize that the tech field is rapidly changing all parts of industry, so an online MBA program’s curriculum must keep pace. Many programs will try to meet these new demands by incorporating classes on technology management, entrepreneurship and innovation, data analysis, and business intelligence. Professors will most likely have students involved in case studies and projects relevant to the changes in industry and how students can keep up with these changes. Some schools will have partnerships with tech companies, so it might be worth your while to look into what these are so you can know the kinds of opportunities available to you.

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.

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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Online MBA Programs in Florida

Key Takeaways

Florida's Best Online MBA Programs

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Florida

What are Florida’s Colleges & Universities?

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

Careers for online MBA Graduates in Florida

General and Operations Managers

Accountants and Auditors

Project Management Specialists

Administrative Services Managers

Personal Financial Advisors

Most Popular Online MBA Concentrations in Florida

Best Online MBA Programs in Florida

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Miami

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Florida

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Florida State University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Florida International University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Stetson University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Florida Institute of Technology

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Florida A&M University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Nova Southeastern University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Lynn University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Keiser University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Saint Leo University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Webber International University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at St. Thomas University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Florida Gulf Coast University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Southeastern University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Everglades University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at AdventHealth University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Hodges University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Degrees

What is an online MBA?

Do online MBA programs require the GMAT?

How long does it take to get an online MBA?

What are the courses in an online MBA program like?

What can you do with an online MBA?

Is accreditation in an online MBA important?

Students’ Submitted Questions on Best Online MBA Programs in Florida

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier?+

Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+