Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff

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

Key Takeaways

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

Missouri's Best Online MBA Programs

Missouri University of Science and Technology
Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville University
Lindenwood University
Lincoln University
Park University
Rockhurst University
Southeast Missouri State University
Missouri Baptist University

Southeast Missouri State University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Missouri State University
Park University
Rockhurst University
Northwest Missouri State University
Lindenwood University
Lincoln University
Maryville University
Columbia College

Culver–Stockton College 97%
Missouri State University 93%
Maryville University 88%
Southeast Missouri State University 86%
Northwest Missouri State University 86%
Missouri University of Science and Technology 81%
Lindenwood University 74%
Missouri Baptist University 71%
Avila University 68%
Rockhurst University 66%

Southeast Missouri State University 20 to 1
Columbia College 20 to 1
Missouri State University 19 to 1
Missouri Baptist University 19 to 1
Northwest Missouri State University 18 to 1
Missouri University of Science and Technology 18 to 1
Missouri Western State University 17 to 1
Lincoln University 15 to 1
Culver–Stockton College 14 to 1
Park University 14 to 1

Rockhurst University $41,701
Missouri Baptist University $33,316
Culver–Stockton College $29,195
William Woods University $27,480
Maryville University $27,166
Columbia College $24,326
Avila University $22,390
Lindenwood University $19,300
Park University $12,671
Missouri University of Science and Technology $10,389

Rockhurst University $17,028
Maryville University $14,346
William Woods University $13,992
Missouri Baptist University $11,102
Missouri University of Science and Technology $10,992
Columbia College $8,826
Avila University $8,775
Lindenwood University $8,475
Missouri Western State University $7,110
Park University $6,663

Culver–Stockton College
Missouri Western State University
William Woods University
Avila University
Columbia College
Missouri Baptist University
Southeast Missouri State University
Rockhurst University
Park University
Lincoln University

Missouri Baptist University
Culver–Stockton College
William Woods University
Avila University
Missouri Western State University
Columbia College
Maryville University
Lincoln University
Lindenwood University
Northwest Missouri State University

William Woods University 61%
Rockhurst University 66%
Avila University 68%
Missouri Baptist University 71%
Lindenwood University 74%
Missouri University of Science and Technology 81%
Northwest Missouri State University 86%
Southeast Missouri State University 86%
Maryville University 88%
Missouri State University 93%

William Woods University 9 to 1
Avila University 10 to 1
Lindenwood University 13 to 1
Rockhurst University 13 to 1
Maryville University 13 to 1
Culver–Stockton College 14 to 1
Park University 14 to 1
Lincoln University 15 to 1
Missouri Western State University 17 to 1
Northwest Missouri State University 18 to 1

Northwest Missouri State University $6,015
Lincoln University $7,020
Missouri Western State University $7,200
Missouri State University $7,476
Southeast Missouri State University $7,761
Missouri University of Science and Technology $10,389
Park University $12,671
Lindenwood University $19,300
Avila University $22,390
Columbia College $24,326

Lincoln University $5,832
Missouri State University $5,994
Culver–Stockton College $6,000
Northwest Missouri State University $6,004
Southeast Missouri State University $6,205
Park University $6,663
Missouri Western State University $7,110
Lindenwood University $8,475
Avila University $8,775
Columbia College $8,826

Table of Contents

One of the best places to search for the best online MBA programs in the United States is Missouri. It is renowned as one of the most affordable states to live, with salaries having greater purchasing power than in many other states.

The skills of professional MBA graduates are very valuable as the state is still transitioning from basic manufacturing and industrial sectors to one dominated by the service sector, and includes financial services, banking, insurance, investments, and professional services. Online MBA graduates can help these service sector companies increase their domestic and worldwide potential.

Although Missouri’s online MBA programs let you take classes from home, some have in-person requirements like orientations and seminars. These fully accredited online MBA programs are all excellent options for education and career advancements because they were all developed with working professionals in mind.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Missouri

Tuition costs in Missouri fall below the national average, allowing students access to many affordable options. For example, at Missouri State University, the second largest public school, tuition fees are around $7,000.

Find college admissions consultants in Missouri.

Tuition and student populations vary greatly among these schools, but students who attend these higher education institutes also have the option to attend classes at other campuses. For example, Saint Louis University, a college with Jesuit roots, has campuses in both St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Additionally, Missouri offers special loan forgiveness programs for nurses and other health professionals, including dentists, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians, who work in designated, high-need areas.

What are Missouri’s Colleges & Universities?

Missouri’s Best Overall

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

Learn more about what you can do with an online MBA.

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

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.

online MBA student working on online courses

Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Location: Missouri (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,462
Avg. Expenses*: $15,344
Avg. Starting Salary*: $72,264
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.

Missouri 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, Iowa, or Kansas. An online education can be a great option no matter your state of residence.

Career and Salary Outlook for Online MBA Graduates in Missouri

The average annual salary of Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive MBA program graduates in Missouri is $112,601, according to ZipRecruiter. While it’s lower than the national average of $137,407 per year, online MBA graduates in Missouri can still earn substantial amounts by tapping into the state’s most thriving industries.

Missouri’s unemployment rate, according to recent data, is 2.8 percent. This is significantly lower than the national average of 3.8 percent.

The state’s low unemployment rate signifies a favorable labor market with more work options. This also means that the state has a stable and resilient economy.

One of the best ways for your online MBA to attain higher return on investment is to pursue a concentration that can lead to positions in the state’s biggest economic contributors.

According to IBIS World, Missouri has a GDP of $297.7 billion with a 2.3% business growth rate. Manufacturing, Real Estate Rental and Leasing, and Healthcare and Social Assistance are the top three industries in Missouri in terms of overall employment.

Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry greatly benefits from MBA grads capable of improving operations, optimizing supply chains, and cutting costs. Their capacity for data analysis and process optimization can boost productivity, resulting in higher-quality output and a raised level of competition. Their strategic planning knowledge may also assist manufacturing organizations in expanding into new markets and adapting to changing market conditions, promoting innovation and growth within the industry.

Among the best online MBA concentrations for employment opportunities within the manufacturing sector include:

Operations Management
Supply Chain Management
Industrial Engineering

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Industries

Online MBA graduates are necessary for providing in-depth financial studies to help with property investments and leasing decisions. They can enhance the methods used in property management, ensuring that the assets are well-maintained and lucrative while offering the best possible tenant experiences. Their strategic views make them significant assets in a dynamic and frequently cyclical sector since they can help navigate market swings and spot emerging possibilities.

Among the best online MBA concentrations for employment opportunities within the real estate and rental and leasing sectors include:

Real Estate Finance
Real Estate Development
Commercial Real Estate

Healthcare and Social Assistance Industries

The Healthcare and Social Assistance sector can gain from the strategic management and leadership skills that online MBA graduates can contribute. In an industry with complicated financial dynamics, they can assist healthcare businesses in streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and increasing cost efficiency.

Online MBA graduates make a difference in the social assistance sector by applying their business knowledge to governmental and non-profit institutions. They can help with fundraising, program administration, and resource allocation, ensuring that social services are provided to those in need effectively and efficiently.

Among the best online MBA concentrations for employment opportunities within the healthcare and social assistance sectors include:

Healthcare Management
Health Administration
Healthcare Informatics
Non-profit Management
Public Health Management

An online MBA degree can lead to a lucrative career in one of the best industries in Missouri. Find out what some of the other highest paying jobs for MBA graduates might be.

Paying for an Online MBA Degree in Missouri

Even though Missouri’s tuition costs are often lower than many other states, some students may still encounter financial difficulties when pursuing an online MBA. The cost of living, books, and additional educational fees can add to the cost of an online MBA. Students could also be subject to personal financial obligations and commitments that call for financial support.

Students interested in an online MBA but find it challenging to cover the total cost of their education can gain peace of mind knowing that various financial aid options and scholarships are available.

Here are steps prospective students can take to help make their onlin MBA journey more accessible and affordable.

Tuition Costs

Research and compare the tuition costs of several online MBA programs. Apply for programs that have doable tuition costs. Remember that the tuition for online programs may differ from the tuition for on campus programs. But in general, online programs are more affordable.

Financial Aid

Update your Free Application for Federal Student (FAFSA) and explore your choices for federal financial help. Depending on your needs, you can qualify for federal student loans or subsidies, even for online courses.

Scholarships

Search for scholarships created especially for online MBA students. Public and private institutions frequently award scholarships based on performance in the classroom, financial need, and other factors. Some scholarships might be intended exclusively for online learners. Visit MBA Scholarships

Employer Sponsorship

Several employers offer sponsorship for a leadership development program. Ask your employers if they provide sponsorship or tuition reimbursement.

Online Program Discounts

Some universities offer online students discounts or in-state tuition rates. These discounts are often applicable to out-of-state students.

Payment Plans

Some universities offer payment plans that make dues more manageable.

Private Loans

Private student loans are an alternative to consider if you have exhausted all other financial sources. These loans can be very expensive. Make sure you’re vigilant by checking interest rates and terms offered by several lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Degrees in Missouri

What is an online MBA?

Online 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.

Online 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 require the GMAT?

Go to Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements

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 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 in Missouri?

Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because online MBA programs 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 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, global marketing management, 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 online MBA in Missouri?

Online MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. Online MBA programs 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.

Find out what else you can do with an online MBA in Missouri.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a formal process by which an educational institution, program, or university is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain established quality and performance standards. There are several types of accreditation, including institutional and programmatic accreditation.

The most prestigious institutional accreditation is Regional Accreditation. There are six regional accrediting bodies:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
SACSCOC or Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Western Association of Schools & Colleges WASC - Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC)

In addition to institutional accreditation, it’s best if prospective online MBA students pursue a program with programmatic accreditation. Program accreditation is a specialized review and certification process by a body focused on a certain area of study.

AACSB or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is the most sought-after accrediting agency for business degree programs. AACSB accredited and rates programs and business schools using strict criteria for faculty credentials, curricular excellence, research output, and student learning outcomes.

Accrediting agencies International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education or IACBE, alongside Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs or ACBSP offer programmatic approval in business education. These accrediting agencies evaluate programs based on outcomes assessment, commitment to continuous improvement, and strategic planning.

If you’re thinking about continuing your education with an advanced degree, find out more about the fastest online doctorate programs in business administration.

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 Missouri

Key Takeaways

Missouri's Best Online MBA Programs

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Missouri

What are Missouri’s Colleges & Universities?

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

Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Missouri State University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Northwest Missouri State University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Maryville University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Lindenwood University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Lincoln University, Missouri

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Park University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Rockhurst University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Southeast Missouri State University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Missouri Baptist University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Columbia College

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Avila University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at William Woods University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Missouri Western State University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Culver–Stockton College

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Career and Salary Outlook for Online MBA Graduates in Missouri

Manufacturing Industry

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Industries

Healthcare and Social Assistance Industries

Paying for an Online MBA Degree in Missouri

Tuition Costs

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Employer Sponsorship

Online Program Discounts

Payment Plans

Private Loans

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Degrees in Missouri

What is an online MBA?

Do online MBA programs require the GMAT?

How long does it take to get an online MBA in Missouri?

What are the courses in an online MBA program like?

What can you do with an online MBA in Missouri?

What is accreditation?

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?+

Will employers respect my online degree?+

What are the disadvantages of online classes?+

What are the advantages of online classes?+

Resources for Prospective Grad Students