Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa

Badge for BEST ONLINE MBA IN IOWA
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • An online MBA program in Iowa can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
  • The state of Iowa has a number of key industries including advanced manufacturing, biosciences, and financial services, perfectly positioning online MBA graduates for career advancement.
  • A number of the online MBA degree programs in Iowa can be completed on a part-time basis, making the programs a viable option for busy working professionals.

Iowa's Best Online MBA Programs

Sort by:
  1. University of Iowa
  2. Iowa State University
  3. Drake University
  4. Maharishi International University
  5. University of Northern Iowa
  6. Upper Iowa University
  7. St. Ambrose University
  8. Mount Mercy University
  1. University of Iowa
  2. Iowa State University
  3. Drake University
  4. Maharishi International University
  5. University of Northern Iowa
  6. Upper Iowa University
  7. St. Ambrose University
  8. Mount Mercy University
  1. University of Northern Iowa 95%
  2. Maharishi International University 93%
  3. Iowa State University 90%
  4. University of Iowa 86%
  5. Mount Mercy University 75%
  6. St. Ambrose University 74%
  7. Drake University 67%
  8. Upper Iowa University 54%
  1. Iowa State University 18 to 1
  2. University of Northern Iowa 17 to 1
  3. University of Iowa 16 to 1
  4. Mount Mercy University 13 to 1
  5. Maharishi International University 13 to 1
  6. Upper Iowa University 13 to 1
  7. St. Ambrose University 12 to 1
  8. Drake University 10 to 1
  1. Drake University $47,742
  2. Mount Mercy University $37,606
  3. St. Ambrose University $34,570
  4. Upper Iowa University $33,639
  5. Maharishi International University $16,530
  6. University of Iowa $8,711
  7. Iowa State University $8,678
  8. University of Northern Iowa $8,111
  1. Maharishi International University $29,000
  2. St. Ambrose University $19,040
  3. Upper Iowa University $18,870
  4. Drake University $11,878
  5. Mount Mercy University $11,106
  6. University of Iowa $10,875
  7. Iowa State University $10,572
  8. University of Northern Iowa $9,691
  1. Mount Mercy University
  2. St. Ambrose University
  3. Upper Iowa University
  4. University of Northern Iowa
  5. Maharishi International University
  6. Drake University
  7. Iowa State University
  8. University of Iowa
  1. Mount Mercy University
  2. St. Ambrose University
  3. Upper Iowa University
  4. University of Northern Iowa
  5. Maharishi International University
  6. Drake University
  7. Iowa State University
  8. University of Iowa
  1. Upper Iowa University 54%
  2. Drake University 67%
  3. St. Ambrose University 74%
  4. Mount Mercy University 75%
  5. University of Iowa 86%
  6. Iowa State University 90%
  7. Maharishi International University 93%
  8. University of Northern Iowa 95%
  1. Drake University 10 to 1
  2. St. Ambrose University 12 to 1
  3. Mount Mercy University 13 to 1
  4. Maharishi International University 13 to 1
  5. Upper Iowa University 13 to 1
  6. University of Iowa 16 to 1
  7. University of Northern Iowa 17 to 1
  8. Iowa State University 18 to 1
  1. University of Northern Iowa $8,111
  2. Iowa State University $8,678
  3. University of Iowa $8,711
  4. Maharishi International University $16,530
  5. Upper Iowa University $33,639
  6. St. Ambrose University $34,570
  7. Mount Mercy University $37,606
  8. Drake University $47,742
  1. University of Northern Iowa $9,691
  2. Iowa State University $10,572
  3. University of Iowa $10,875
  4. Mount Mercy University $11,106
  5. Drake University $11,878
  6. Upper Iowa University $18,870
  7. St. Ambrose University $19,040
  8. Maharishi International University $29,000

Iowa is often recognized for its agriculture, as it produces the most pork and corn in the nation, but the state also is a hub for the biosciences. Those seeking an online MBA degree can choose from eight of the best online MBA Programs in Iowa.

The online MBA programs in our ranking provide graduate students with specializations and electives that allow them to tailor their degree programs and align them with their goals. Thanks to their flexible formats, online MBA students can pursue an advanced degree without sacrificing their current obligations.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Iowa

Iowa has a large number of both brick-and-mortar and online colleges. From the state’s largest public university, Iowa State University, to small private colleges, such as Drake University, Iowa students have plenty of great schools to choose from. The University of Iowa—home of the Hawkeyes—is also home to one of the nation’s top online MBA programs.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

If you’re looking to earn an online MBA degree, Iowa offers a wealth of on-campus and online learning options. Discover more about Iowa’s top online programs, as well as top career paths in the state of Iowa.

What are Iowa’s Colleges & Universities?

Iowa’s Best Overall

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

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

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

Academic Influence looks at the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academics 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. In this case, we look at schools in Iowa with faculty members and alumni that have done extremely well in the field of business.

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Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa

  1. #1

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    #2 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $13,211
    Expenses: $17,632
    Starting Salary: $104,675
    Salary after 4 years: $119,273
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business is a prestigious business school. As one of the leaders in business and online learning, the Tippie online MBA degree program provides students with a comprehensive AACSB-accredited curriculum with an affordable total program cost.

    This online MBA program offers flexible class schedules for business professionals, featuring recorded lectures and 2-hour live sessions during weekends. While the program has no concentration offerings, students can tailor their MBA programs with elective courses that closely align with their goals. Recent electives explored Finance and Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Management courses.

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Iowa State University

    Ames , IA
    #2 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/24

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Iowa State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,451
    Expenses: $13,707
    Starting Salary: $94,545
    Salary after 4 years: $107,731
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Iowa State Online is a leader in higher education, providing part-time and full-time students with various opportunities for flexible and hands-on learning. The Ivy College of Business at ISU, one of the best business schools in the state, offers a rigorous online Master of Business Administration designed for working professionals who want to enroll as part-time students. The program accepts applications year-round.

    Students can attend the program entirely online or in a hybrid learning format. Students enrolled explore various courses that prepare them for managerial and leadership positions. Furthermore, the Ivy MBA promotes international study for global business insights and diversity.

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Accounting Analytics
    • Business Analytics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Analytics and Operations
    • Information Systems
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Real Estate
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Technology and Innovation Management
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA
    #2 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/27

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Drake University

    Cost of Degree: $12,777
    Expenses: $17,136
    Starting Salary: $101,334
    Salary after 4 years: $115,066
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University offers one of the top web-based MBA programs in Iowa designed for busy working professionals. The AACSB-accredited online MBA has been ranked as one of the highest ROIs for MBA programs. The same on-campus industry experts teach online courses.

    Strategic decision-making, moral leadership, and analytical thinking are prioritized in Drake’s online MBA program. Graduates acquire competencies in diverse business domains, ethical responsibility, data-driven problem-solving, global awareness, and effective communication. Core courses explore topics in Corporate Finance, Marketing, Financial Reporting And Analysis, Leadership and Human Capital Development, and Information Technology and Business.

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Analytics
    • Cybersecurity
    • Healthcare Management
    • Leadership & Human Capital Development
    • Public and Nonprofit Management
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Maharishi International University

    Fairfield , IA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Maharishi International University

    Cost of Degree: $29,530
    Expenses: $12,200
    Starting Salary: $44,841
    Salary after 4 years: $50,917
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Maharishi International University’s College of Business Administration caters to students seeking a holistic approach to their online education journey. The Master of Business Administration offered by the university emphasizes practical knowledge, personal growth, and a strong network.

    Accredited by the IACBE, online MBA students will learn from knowledgeable faculty and advisors. The university understands that earning an advanced degree may affect students’ health. As a result, students will be taught to Practice the Transcendental Meditation technique to reduce tensions from their studies.

    MBA students must prove competence in core business areas with 18 credits, and they can use prior coursework to waive up to 18 credits, with the possibility of transferring up to 20 credits from other graduate business coursework towards the MBA degree.

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Leadership and Workplace Conflict Resolution
    • SAP Enterprise Resource Planning
    • Sustainable Business
    • Required Credits: 58
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls , IA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Northern Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $11,362
    Expenses: $12,998
    Starting Salary: $83,909
    Salary after 4 years: $95,611
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Northern Iowa offers one of the highest-ranked MBA programs in the country with an emphasis on the international business environment. The school’s MBA International is a hybrid MBA degree program that combines flexible online courses with intensive virtual and in-person weekend meetings.

    Accredited by the AACSB, this online program explores courses in Cross-Functional Operations, Financial Management and Markets, Management Information Systems Concepts, Managerial Accounting, Organizational Management, and more.

    In addition to core courses, online students can also pursue electives of their choosing. These courses are designed to prepare students for advanced work in a business specialty or industry issue.

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA
    #10 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/21

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Upper Iowa University

    Cost of Degree: $18,958
    Expenses: $15,022
    Starting Salary: $67,113
    Salary after 4 years: $76,208
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Upper Iowa University is one of the best institutions for distance education in Iowa. Students who want to advance their careers in the business industry can pursue UIU’s online Master of Business Administration program, which offers a curriculum that builds on the student’s undergraduate degree knowledge.

    Regionally accredited, the program integrates theory and practice to build competencies in focus areas. It aims to give students the ability to evaluate business procedures, generate value for customers, comprehend economic systems, laws, and regulations for long-term leadership.

    Core courses in this program include Corporate Law and Ethics, Financial Management, Organizational Strategy and Economic Change, and Marketing and Product Management.

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Corporate Financial Management
    • General Management
    • Human Resources Management
    • Leadership
    • Organizational Development
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    St. Ambrose University

    Davenport , IA
    #5 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Iowa #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at St. Ambrose University

    Cost of Degree: $19,405
    Expenses: $17,206
    Starting Salary: $74,488
    Salary after 4 years: $84,583
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at St. Ambrose University is a top-notch online MBA program accredited by the ACBSP. Online classes in the program are taught by experts in diverse business sectors who are willing to share their knowledge to enhance students’ practical abilities. This online MBA is best for prospective graduate students who want to study in a curriculum with a liberal arts approach.

    Core course materials of this online MBA include Human Behavior in Organizations, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Financial Management, and Strategic Management. Students can pursue a concentration or the Master of Social Work/MBA dual degree program.

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Leadership
    • General Business
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 14 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Mount Mercy University

    Cedar Rapids , IA
    #6 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024 #17 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for MBA degree at Mount Mercy University

    Cost of Degree: $11,410
    Expenses: $16,930
    Starting Salary: $71,391
    Salary after 4 years: $81,065
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Mount Mercy University offers a top-ranked Iowa MBA program online that prepares students for the 21st-century business environment. The regionally accredited online Master of Business Administration (MBA) offers a practical approach to business education, providing students with collaboration opportunities that equip them with the required skills for career advancement.

    The program’s curriculum emphasizes ethics, social responsibility, and real-world experiences. Online students can complete coursework at their own pace, giving them maximum control over their schedules.

    MBA core courses include Supply Chain Management, Global Business Strategy, Organizational Ethics, International Business, Corporate Finance, and Operations Management.

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Heath Care Administration
    • Human Resources
    • International Business
    • Quality Management
    • Remote and Virtual Workforce
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion time: 12-18 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: Iowa (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $13,169
  • Avg. Expenses*: $14,779
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $96,525
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 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.

Iowa has a number of great MBA programs, but if you want to explore some of the online MBA programs in one of the other states near you, consider one of the best online MBA degrees in Oklahoma, Missouri, or Kansas. An online education can be a great option no matter your state of residence.

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Why pursue an online MBA and career in Iowa?

In Iowa, you’ll find a variety of top-ranked online MBA programs, including AACSB-accredited offerings at the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Iowa. Additionally, institutions like the Maharishi University of Management provide a unique perspective on MBA education, focusing on the holistic development of the mind, body, and spirit.

Concerns about the cost of pursuing an advanced degree are common, especially for students juggling existing financial obligations. Fortunately, Iowa’s colleges and universities are popular for their relatively low tuition rates, both at public and private universities.

In addition to the cost savings, students can benefit from the state’s strong job market, with various industries actively seeking MBA graduates. According to Zip Recruiter, the average annual MBA job salary is $126,529, ranging from $95,200 to $205,013, showing potential for career growth.

Iowa’s economy is diverse and robust, with thriving industries in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, insurance and finance, education and innovation, and business. If you want to increase the Return on Investment (ROI) of your online MBA degree, consider pursuing MBA concentrations that closely align with the state’s top industries.

For instance, concentrating on finance or sustainable business could be quite helpful if you’re interested in agriculture and finance. Professionals with superior knowledge and skills are always in high demand in these fields. You’ll realize that your degree turns into a valuable asset that can be leveraged to land jobs that provide both stability in terms of pay and room for advancement.

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Top Hiring Companies in Iowa

Casey’s General Stores

The Midwest is home to the well-known convenience store and gas station business Casey’s General Stores. The company provides employment options in corporate roles, logistics, and retail management, including general and operations managers.

John Deere

The leading manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment worldwide is John Deere. Jobs at John Deere include everything from manufacturing and engineering to finance and information technology, and the company has a sizable manufacturing site in Waterloo, Iowa.

Principal Financial Group

With its headquarters located in Des Moines, Iowa, Principal Financial Group is a Fortune 500 financial services corporation. Its areas of expertise are insurance, retirement planning, and investment management. Careers in asset management, insurance, finance, and other areas are available within this organization.

Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins is a Raytheon Technologies company focusing on defense and aviation technology. The organization, well-established in Cedar Rapids, offers employment opportunities in IT, aerospace engineering, and defense.

UnityPoint Health

One of Iowa’s biggest hospitals, UnityPoint Health, offers a comprehensive spectrum of medical services. Online MBA grads can pursue advanced healthcare management and administration positions in this company, such as medical services managers.

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Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Iowa

Kasey asks, “Do online MBA programs in Iowa require the GMAT?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The University of Northern Iowa is the only online MBA program in our ranking that requires the GMAT. 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, taking the test and obtaining a high score could still help your application.

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 MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. If standardized testing doesn’t happen to be a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

David asks, “Will I qualify for financial aid as an online MBA student in Iowa?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer:As an online MBA student, your eligibility for financial aid is contingent upon several things, such as your financial situation, the university you intend to attend, and the financial aid programs offered. But, in general, an online MBA student with an outstanding undergraduate GPA often qualifies for grants and scholarships.

Mary Beth asks, “How long does it take to get an online MBA in Iowa?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, depending on if you choose a concentration and what that concentration is, it could take longer. Specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because online MBAs can 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.

It is important to note that some schools offer accelerated online degree programs that would allow an MBA to be completed in as little as 12 months of full-time study. If you are interested in completing your degree as quickly as possible, there are some great accelerated MBA programs across the country.

Cameron asks, “What are the courses in an online MBA program in Iowa like?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: MBA courses, which are available online and on campus, cover topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations. Some may also have a thesis or professional experience component. Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. In regards to specific courses, this will depend on the particular program and school. My suggestion is to figure out which school in particular you are interested in and then look into what past students have said about the courses.

Keith asks, “What can you do with an online MBA in Iowa?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: 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. In terms of what these programs can do for you in the state of Iowa specifically, there are many Midwest-based companies that graduates of online MBA’s could start a career at. Iowa is widely known for its involvement in the agricultural sector, particularly corn, soybean, pork and egg production. Many MBA students choose to concentrate in agribusiness as a result.

Laiya asks, “Will employers in Iowa value an MBA earned online?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: In the 21st-century business education landscape, the mode of delivery matters less than it used to; what counts is the institution’s reputation, curriculum quality, and graduates’ skills. Many employers now know that schools are diligent in giving students the same level of education in their online programs as their on-campus counterparts. I wouldn’t worry about employers caring if you have an online degree, especially in the digital age where many prize tech-savviness.

Online MBA programs from accredited institutions, particularly those with an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or AACSB accreditation, are earning recognition from employers. These institutions provide the same level of quality, whether the program is delivered online or on-campus. In addition to AACSB accreditation, other notable accrediting agencies include ACBSP and IACBE.

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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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