The 20 Best Massachusetts Online MBA Degree Programs

In this Best Massachusetts Online MBA ranking, you’ll find 20 regionally accredited, online MBA programs. Each program is unique, so you can find one that fits your career goals and your lifestyle.

There can be many questions about choosing an online program over a traditional, on-campus one. But now, more than ever, there are high-quality online MBA programs offered by well-respected colleges and universities at affordable prices. This is fantastic news, considering an MBA degree, for many, has become a necessity to advance in the business world. But the idea of going back to school for a year or two (or more), can feel overwhelming, especially when adding it to an already full life. Thankfully, online MBA programs understand this, and they offer exceptional programs that can work for even the busiest students.

Many of the best Massachusetts online MBA programs are part-time programs to give you space to learn without burnout. Others have accelerated options to get you to the next level in your career faster. While each program is predominantly, if not entirely, completed online, some do have in-person requirements. In addition, take note that some programs are asynchronous, meaning all the work can be done at whatever time you want. Others are synchronous, meaning you’ll need to virtually attend class at a set time each week, which can be great when it comes to building relationships with faculty and classmates. Everyone’s career path is a little different, and many of these online MBA programs have specializations so you can tailor your studies to your goals and interests. While these are all online programs, it is important to note that tuition might still be based on residency.

While it’s true that not all online programs are of the same quality, the 20 included on this Best Massachusetts Online MBA ranking are all high-quality program, and many are also highly ranked nationwide. They have all been created with working professionals in mind. May this ranking help you find the best Massachusetts online MBA program that will help you balance your work, life, and career goals.

Methodology

One of the biggest questions when choosing a degree program is the cost vs. quality. To help you out in your journey, you’ll find the top 20 online MBA programs in Massachusetts, based on MBA Central’s examination of every online MBA program in the state below. These programs were chosen for their Affordability (33%), Support Services (33%), and Quality of Classes (33%). Each online MBA program is also given an Affordability Score, which ranges from Very Affordable to Very Expensive based upon the program’s base tuition rate. Ranges are:

Very Affordable: below $15,000
Affordable: $15,000 – $19,999
Average: $20,000 – $29,999
Above Average: $30,000 – $49,000
Expensive: $50,000 – $99,999
Very Expensive: $100,000+

#1 University of Massachusetts Lowell Robert J. Manning School of Business – Lowell, Massachusetts

The flexible online MBA at the Robert J. Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a highly ranked program, coming in at #51 for U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA programs. This program is offered entirely online; there are no on-campus requirements. Students can earn their online MBA in just 18 months, but they have up to five years to complete the program. In order to apply, students must submit official GMAT scores (or a GMAT waiver for those who qualify), a resume, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a one-page essay, along with the application and $50 fee.

It’s considered an affordable program, with a base tuition under $20,000. Most students can expect to spend eight to 12 hours per week on coursework, which includes class time. Full-time students enroll in three to five courses per semester, while part-time students generally take just one or two. This is an asynchronous program, providing more flexibility for students who need it. Sixteen courses in total, 42 credits, are required to complete this program. This includes 12 credits of required foundation courses, which may be waived for those with a business background. Twenty-one credits go toward the required MBA core courses. Students also complete nine credits (or three classes) of electives for their chosen focus area, or they may simply decide to pursue a general online MBA. Focus areas offered at UMass Lowell are Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare, Information Technology, International Business, Managerial Leadership, and Marketing. UMass Lowell’s program is the same faculty and content, whether students are pursuing their degree online or on-campus. Moreover, though it’s an online program, the support services for online and non-traditional students are ranked at #6 in the nation according to U.S News & World Report.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Affordable

#2 University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management – Amherst, Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers another highly regarded online MBA program. It is globally ranked at #3 with the Financial Times and #28 with Quacquarelli Symonds for best online MBA programs, while U.S. News & World Report places it at #17 in the nation. Students can complete the program in less than three years. The Isenberg School of Management has a partnership program with several businesses and other higher learning institutions, providing academic and financial benefits for students associated with them. With tuition between $30,000 and $50,000, this is an above-average program in terms of cost.

While this program can be completed entirely online, students in the area also have the option of taking both online and in-person classes, should they so choose. The flexibility and support for UMass Amherst’s online students are evident, and it’s even ranked at #18 in the country for outstanding student support services for its online and non-traditional students. Going back to school for an online MBA is a big decision, and the Isenberg School of Management, so they provide students with the option to take up to six credits (or two courses) before officially enrolling, which can later be applied toward the total program credits. In all, students must complete 39 to 45 credits for their online MBA degree. All students must complete 34 credits of core coursework and three credits for electives. For those who choose a focus, six extra elective credits are also required. There are also two credits of foundation courses in accounting and finance for those students who have not already previously completed these classes. The focus areas offered are business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare administration, marketing, and sport management.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average

#3 University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Charlton College of Business – North Dartmouth, Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a four-year, public university located in North Dartmouth. It has a relatively small student body of around 8,500 students. The 30-credit online MBA program offered through UMassD’s Charlton College of Business is one of the most affordable programs on the ranking, coming in under $20,000 for tuition. Students are able to complete this program in as little as 24 months. This online MBA requires seven core courses, plus three elective courses. For those without the necessary business degrees, nine credits of foundation courses are also needed, bringing the total number of credits needed up to 39. The program is entirely online, and UMassD is ranked at #168 for their support services provided for online and non-traditional students, according to U.S. News & World Report, making it an excellent choice. They also rank the program at #101 nationally for best online MBA programs.

Interested students should submit an application and $60 application fee, a 300+ word statement of purpose, a resume, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and an official GMAT score. However, the GMAT score may be waived for those with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution with a grade point average of at least 3.0, regardless of the major studied. It can also be waived for those who have already earned a terminal graduate degree, those who are licensed CPAs or CFPs, those with at least five years of managerial work experience, or those who have already earned a graduate certificate with at least a 3.3 grade point average from the Charlton College of Business. All prospective students should have at least a 3.0-grade point average.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Affordable

#4 New England College of Business – Boston, Massachusetts

According to the U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center, New England College of Business has one of the lowest tuitions of all of New England’s private, four-year colleges. This online MBA program, in comparison to other online MBA in the country, is found to be above average in affordability. This online MBA is entirely online and is tailored to middle and senior managers. Over half the students in the program are working at one of New England College of Business’ corporate partner organizations, which provides them with a 25 percent reduction in tuition. Family members of employees at a corporate partner organization also qualify for this tuition discount. Online MBA students are well-supported at New England College of Business. U.S. News & World Report ranks this program at #35 in the country for best student support services, as well as #147 for best online MBA programs generally.

In total, students complete 36 to 48 program credits. There are 12 hours of prerequisite courses, which may be waived. Six credits are for foundational courses in Strategic Leadership & Management and Applied Quantitative Methods for Business. Thirty-three credits go toward core courses. An additional three credits go toward a capstone course: Strategic Planning & Decision Making. Students may also choose to pursue a three-course concentration in finance, business ethics, global finance trading, healthcare, or human resources.

To apply, prospective students must complete an application and pay a $75 fee. They also need to submit official transcripts, a brief essay, and resume, as well as have completed a bachelor’s degree. An interview is also conducted as part of the admission process, which can be done over the phone.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average

#5 Suffolk University Sawyer Business School – Boston, Massachusetts

Suffolk University’s online MBA program was designed for working professionals; in fact, over 70 percent of Sawyer Business School MBA students have at least a part-time job while in the program. Knowing this, Suffolk provides its students with excellent student support services, which is indicative by its national ranking at #134 with U.S. News & World Report’s ranking for support for online and non-traditional students. While it is a fully online program, students do have the option to attend a week-long travel seminar. Some previous travel seminar locations have included China, Germany, and Silicon Valley. With such a global focus, it’s no wonder that this online MBA has been ranked at #32 worldwide by Quacquarelli Symonds. Within the U.S., it’s also #143 for U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs ranking.

For those with a background in business, the program takes two years, and for everyone else, just over two years. The program is 36 to 51 credits, depending on what prior coursework a student has completed. This program is above average in terms of tuition, coming in below $50,000 for 36 credits. Courses are set up in seven-week blocks. The curriculum is laid out as follows: 15 credits are applied to core study, nine for business fundamentals. Students may choose a nine-credit concentration in accounting, finance, or business intelligence, in which case they also need to take another three-credit elective. For those not pursuing a concentration, 12 elective credits are required. Finally, students apply five credits toward Contextualize: From Boston to the World courses, seven toward Construct the Big Picture courses, and a final three toward a Lead and Implement Change course.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average

#6 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Robert A. Foisie Business School – Worcester, Massachusetts

The Robert A. Foisie Business School at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers an online MBA program for STEM professionals. The program is 48 credits, with tuition between $50,000 and $100,000, making it one of the more expensive programs in this ranking. However, with its particular focus on STEM and its excellent rankings, it’s an outstanding program. U.S. News & World Report places this program at #58 in the U.S. for best online MBA programs and #50 for best online and non-traditional student support services. Sixteen courses make up WPI’s online MBA program. Students take either Negotiations or Leading Change, two electives, and thirteen core classes. Foisie Business School’s programs are set up with a project-based approach, consistent with the rest of WPI’s programs, combining theory with practice in all areas of the curriculum.

To apply for the Online MBA Program for STEM Professionals, prospective students must submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and a resume. An online video interview is also needed, along with an application fee of $70. The GRE or GMAT requirement may be waived for WPI alumni with a grade point average of at least a 3.0. WPI is a private, four-year, research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts, and has a student population of just over 6,600 students. Worchester Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The online MBA program at Foisie Business School is AACSB-accredited.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Expensive

#7 Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim School of Business – Boston, Massachusetts

Northeastern University’s online MBA offers a flexible program for seasoned business executives. The program, offered through the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, offers eight concentrations in finance, healthcare management, high technology management, innovation entrepreneurship, international management, marketing, supply chain management, and sustainability. Students may earn their degree in just two years. There is also the option for students to pursue an online dual degree for a Master of Science in Finance/MBA. While this is an online program, students may choose to participate in domestic or international residency courses. In this 50-credit program, students take 13 core courses and five electives. This program is on the higher end, in terms of affordability.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked NEU’s online MBA program at #189 for online-specific flexibility, accessibility, and support for its online students. It is also #77 on their Best Online MBA Programs ranking. Because the program is intended for students who already have professional experience, a GRE or GMAT score is not required for admission. Prospective students need to send in two letters of recommendation, an essay, a resume, and official transcripts, as well as a $100 application fee. They must also have an undergraduate degree with a 3.0-grade point average or higher from an accredited institution. In addition, all incoming students need to be currently employed and have at least five years of relevant, professional work experience in business leadership. However, those who do not yet have quite five years of experience may still apply, though additional documentation is needed. NEU is located in Boston and is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The AACSB accredits the online MBA program at Northeastern.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Expensive

#8 Babson College F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business – Wellesley, Massachusetts

At Babson College, MBA students may choose between either a part-time evening or an online, blended format for their MBA program. Aimed at professionals with, on average, five to 10 years of working experience, the program is set up to provide students with the flexibility needed to continue to work full-time while in school. Students can complete this part-time program in as little as 21 months, but students are provided self-paced options that work with the rest of their lives and allow them to take up to eight years. For those pursuing the blended format, classes are held online with a required day-long, on-campus class in Wellesley every seven weeks. With the blended online format, students are part of a cohort that travels through the core courses together. All students take the same core courses. Core classes are broken into three modules which take 35 weeks to complete and are 18 credits. Electives make up the remaining 27 of the required 45 credits for the program and take another 35 weeks. Within the electives, students may choose concentrations in business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and global management, customizing the program to their particular interests and career goals.

Coming in under $100,000, this is one of the more expensive programs on this ranking. However, it is a highly ranked online MBA program. Princeton Review places Babson at #10 for their 25 Online MBA Programs ranking. U.S. News & World Report puts this program at #35 of the country’s best online MBA programs and #123 for flexibility, accessibility, and support for online students. To apply for the part-time, blended learning MBA, which is offered through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson, prospective students must submit an essay, one professional letter of reference, a resume, and transcripts. GMAT and GRE scores are not typically needed for those pursuing the blended MBA program.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Expensive

#9 Lasell College Graduate & Professional Studies – Newton, Massachusetts

Lasell College offers a 12- to 24-month online MBA program through the Graduate & Professional Studies. This is an asynchronous program to provide students with the flexibility they need. Course topics include finance, strategy, quantitative analysis, leadership, and organizational development. This is a 36-credit program with a set curriculum; essentially, all courses are core coursework and electives are not part of the design. For those who want a straightforward program, this is an excellent option, and, with a tuition between $20,000 and $30,000, it sits as an average cost for an online MBA. U.S. News & World Report also ranks Lasell’s online MBA at #215 nationwide for best online MBA programs.

To apply, interested students must hold a bachelor’s degree. There are prerequisites required in microeconomics and statistics. Students must submit an online application, as well as two letters of recommendation, a resume, official transcripts, and a one-page personal statement. GRE and GMAT scores are not necessary to be considered for admission to this online MBA program. Lasell is a small, private, four-year college in Newton, Massachusetts. It has a student body of just over 2,000 students, with most of them being undergraduates. It holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. The ACBSP accredits Lasell’s online MBA program.

Accreditation: ACBSP, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Average

#10 Fitchburg State University Business Administration Department – Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Fitchburg State University offers a very affordable online MBA program through its Business Administration Department. The program requires 30 credits, 10 courses, to complete, with coursework divided into 18 core credits, nine management credits, and one, three-hour elective in economic theory and managerial decision making. Concentrations are offered in accounting, human resource management, and management. All require the same number of credits and tuition is under $15,000 for the program, and it sits as the most affordable online MBA on this ranking. Because the program is only 10 courses, students can earn their degrees in just 12 months. The program has starting dates throughout the year.

To apply for the online MBA program at Fitchburg State, students need a bachelor’s degree. Prospective students must also provide a resume, an application, a $50 fee, and official transcripts. A GMAT score is not needed. However, students must have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.8, though those with a lower GPA may be considered based on the strength of a letter of recommendation and their professional experience. Fitchburg State is a public, four-year university in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. The online MBA program through the Business Administration Department is accredited by the IACBE. It is a midsize university with a student population of just over 7,000.

Accreditation: IACBE, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Very Affordable

#11 Nichols College Graduate & Professional Studies – Dudley, Massachusetts

Graduate & Professional Studies at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts, offers a 36-credit, 24-month online MBA program. Twelve credits are required for common master-level skills. Nine credits are applied toward electives, but students may decide to customize their electives to earn a master certificate Advanced Critical Thinking and Decision-making, Operations Management and Six Sigma, Leadership, Data Analytics, or Strategic Human Resources Management. The final 15 credits make up core coursework. For four additional courses, students may also decide to complete a dual degree, earning an online MBA and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. To provide flexibility and convenience for MBA students, Nichols offers their HYFLEX format, which allows online students to connect to their classes in real-time through video conferencing so they may participate in on-campus classes remotely. Alternatively, students have the option to attend in-person on campus, whichever option works best for them that particular week.

No entrance exams are needed to apply for the online MBA program. To be considered, students do need to submit an application, two letters of recommendation, a resume, official college transcripts, and a personal statement. Nichols alumni, senior citizens, and members of the local Chamber of Commerce qualify for a 10 percent tuition discount. There is also a 20 percent discount for First Responders. There is also special tuition pricing for armed forces personnel, both active and veterans. Even without a tuition break, the online MBA at Nichols is an average-priced program and costs between $20,000 and $30,000.

Accreditation: IACBE, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Average

#12 Western New England University College of Business – Springfield, Massachusetts

The online MBA program at Western New England University is a fully online program, but allows online students also to attend evening classes at their Springfield campus should they so choose. For further flexibility, students may choose to pursue their studies full-time or part-time. The program, offered through the College of Business, has concentrations in Accounting, Business Law, Leadership, and Public Relations. It’s a 12-course online MBA, with classes broken into 11-week terms. For those who take two classes per term, it is possible to complete the program in 18 months, even if they are working full-time. Students who wish to take a less rigorous approach can expect to have their degree in three years. In total, students complete 36 credits, divided into 27 core credits and nine elective credits.

U.S. News & World Report has placed Western New England University’s online MBA program at #215 on their best online MBA program ranking. In terms of affordability, we have ranked it above average with tuition coming in between $30,000 and $50,000. To apply for the online MBA program, interested students must submit an application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a GMAT score from no more than five years ago (though there are options to waive this), two essays, and a curriculum vitae. Western New England is the only private higher education institution in western Massachusetts with an AACSB-accredited program. The New England Commission on Higher Education also accredits the university.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average

#13 Bentley University McCallum Graduate School of Business – Waltham, Massachusetts

Students at Bentley University have the option of pursuing their online MBA degrees either part-time online or in an accelerated online format. The part-time means students can complete the program in 36 to 60 months, while the accelerated format can be completed in just 18 months, though this requires being able to waive at least three required foundational courses. Either way, both programs require 36 to 45 credits for completion. Offered through the McCallum Graduate School of Business, concentrations for the part-time online MBA are offered in Accountancy, Business Analytics, Economics of Financial Markets, Finance, Information Systems and Technology, Law and Taxation, Leadership, and Marketing. Only the leadership concentration is available with the accelerated online program, however. There are five foundation courses, which may be waived depending on each student’s background. The program also requires six core courses, as well as electives based on their concentration choice.

Students enrolled in MBA programs at Bentley have, on average five and a half years of experience. Those who wish to apply will submit an application fee, transcripts, a resume, two essays, two letters of recommendation, as well as GMAT or GRE scores, though these may be waived. An interview is also part of the application process. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Bentley’s online MBA at #198 nationally, according to their Best Online MBA Ranking, and #259 for best support services for online and non-traditional students. At under $99,000, this is one of the more expensive programs in this ranking.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Expensive

#14 Elms College Division of Business – Chicopee, Massachusetts

Chicopee, Massachusetts, is home to Elms College, which offers an online MBA through their Division of Business. The program format is a hybrid that allows students to take classes online, in-person, or both. The online classes are synchronous, so students must be able to attend class virtually during the normal on-campus, evening class time. Concentrations are offered in Accounting, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Innovation, Financial Planning, Management, and Lean Entrepreneurship. Some of the concentrations in the are IACBE-accredited. Students pursuing the Accounting concentration can complete their program in 15 months and 30 credits. The remaining concentrations require 36 credits and 18 months to complete. Students may also decide to complete a dual MBA/Master’s of Science in Nursing degree, using the Healthcare Leadership concentration. Regardless of which concentration path a student takes, everyone must also take five core courses as well. Courses are 11 weeks long, with four sessions per academic year.

Interested students must complete an application and pay a $30 application fee. They must also include a goal statement, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and official transcripts. An interview with the MBA program director is also required. In order to be considered, students need a bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and to have earned at least a B in seven prerequisite courses. For those who have not already taken the prerequisite classes as undergraduates, two accelerated courses, which run for 11 weeks each, can be taken before starting the program. At under $30,000 for tuition, Elms College’s online MBA program is of average affordability.

Accreditation: IACBE, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Average

#15 Bay Path University Graduate College – Longmeadow, Massachusetts

The Graduate College at Bay Path University offers an online MBA program in Entrepreneurial Thinking & Innovative Practices. This program is available in both a fully online format, as well as a blended format with courses at the Longmeadow campus. This is a 36-credit program with 12 courses. Ten courses are core, and the remaining two are electives. Courses are offered in accelerated eight-week sessions. Students have the option of pursuing their online MBA either full- or part-time and can expect to finish the program in one to two years. Bay Path allows students to customize their MBA with their Degree Combination Program. In this program, students take 20 to 22, instead of 12, courses to create a dual degree, such as an MBA and Master’s of Science in Communications & Information Management. Alternatively, students may choose to pair their online MBA with a graduate certificate, which is only another four to five additional courses. Classes begin in February, June, and October.

No GMAT or GRE scores are needed for admission to this online MBA program, and it is open to students with and without business backgrounds. It is set up in a cohort structure. U.S. News & World Report ranks Bay Path’s online MBA at #215 in the country on their Best Online MBA Programs ranking. As an online program, excellent student support is essential, and the Graduate College provides its online students with mentorship, career services, and library and academic resources to help them succeed. This program’s tuition cost is above average—between $30,000 and $50,000.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average

#16 Curry College Continuing Education and Graduate Studies – Milton, Massachusetts

The online MBA at Curry College can be completed in just two years. This is a 36-credit program. The courses are set up in eight-week sessions, with students taking only one course at a time. In this way, students complete two courses for each 16-week semester. Students attend one class session every eight weeks, which can be online or on-campus. Set up in a cohort format, each student in the cohort takes on a specific leadership role, such as project manager or team leader. The program culminates in a final capstone project. For this project, students will work with their cohorts to create and pitch a business plan for a real client, such as Hasbro or Reebok.

Curry College’s online MBA is an average-price program, with tuition just under $29,000. Students may begin the program in either September or January. To apply, interested students need to have a bachelor’s degree in either business or a related field of study. They must also have already completed coursework in Principles of Mico- or Macroeconomics, Accounting I and II or Financial Accounting, and Statistics. Two years of work experience are also required, and work at a managerial level is preferred. Prospective students will also interview with the MBA program director. Required application materials include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume that includes at least two years of professional experience, and a two-page personal statement. The online MBA program at Curry has been accredited through the IACBE. Curry College also holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Accreditation: IACBE, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Average

#17 Cambridge College School of Management – Boston, Massachusetts

Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts, offers both a general MBA program and an MBA in Health Care. Both programs are offered through the School of Management and require 45 to 54 credits to complete. For full-time students, this means the program only takes five terms to complete. The general online MBA has specialization options in Business Analytics, Human Resources Management, Information Technology Management, Marketing, and Nonprofit Management. However, there is an option not to specialize. Nine credits of foundation courses are required, or a demonstration of competency to have them waived. The seminar and capstone courses are another nine credits. Nine credits are also applied to MBA specialization courses. The remaining 27 credits are earned through successful completion of the core courses. Students pursuing the online MBA in Health Care may specialize in Health Care Management or Health Care Informatics. For this program, there are again nine credits of foundation classes, nine credits of specialization classes, and nine in seminar and capstone courses. Core coursework is divided into 18 credits of general MBA core courses, and the remaining nine credits are focused on healthcare-specific core courses.

Unique to this online MBA program is the Cambridge College Consulting program is a student-run firm designed to provide students a place to apply what they’re learning to a real-world project. Professional management consultants oversee this program. A GMAT score is not needed for admission to Cambridge College’s online MBA programs. Students must have completed Business Communication and Graduate writing as prerequisites. Prospective students need to submit an official transcript, a resume, a personal statement, and two professional recommendations to apply. An interview is also required. All students must also have earned a bachelor’s degree. This program costs below $30,000, which is an average tuition cost.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Average

#18 Endicott College Van Loan School  – Beverly, Massachusetts

In only 18 months, students at the Van Loan School at Endicott College can complete their online MBA program. The program offers the most concentration options of any other on this ranking. Students may choose to pursue concentrations in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, general management, healthcare, health informatics, hospitality/hotel management, human resources management, information technology management, international business, maritime economics, marketing, non-profit management, operations management, or project management. Students may choose to pursue two concentrations. In total, this is a 42-credit program. Concentration courses make up 12 of the required credits, with students completing four, three-credit classes in their chosen concentration. Students pursuing two concentrations may not use courses from their first concentration to fulfill requirements for the second, however, and need to complete eight, three-credit courses instead.

Students applying for the online MBA at Endicott do not need to submit GMAT scores. Those considering applying need to submit an application and $50 fee, two letters of recommendation (one professional and one academic), a 250-500 word essay, and official transcripts. An interview with the program director or the vice president of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies is also needed. Endicott is a private, four-year institution. Its tuition for the online MBA program is above average, falling around $30,000. Located in the town of Beverly, Massachusetts, Endicott has approximately 5,000 students and offers degrees from Associate through Doctorate. Endicott is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average

#19 Brandeis University Heller School for Social Policy and Management – Waltham, Massachusetts

The Executive MBA for Physicians is a 16-month hybrid program through the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. It was created for those who are practicing medical doctors, doctors of osteopathic medicine, doctors of medical dentistry, and doctors of dental surgery. The program covers areas such as health policy, healthcare innovation, operational systems management, and performance leadership. Students in this EMBA program attend classes both online and on-campus, with regular online learning paired with four 10-day sessions on campus in January and May. These on-campus residencies are at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, which is not related to this program in any way. There are three significant projects students complete during the program: leadership assessment and executive coaching, leadership shadowing, and a capstone project identifying a leadership or organizational challenge. Students then create a proposal for the said challenge and implement it until it is complete. All of these projects are based on the students’ current institutions. In total, students complete 63 credit hours to complete this online EMBA program.

To apply, interested students must have a medical doctorate and submit an application, medical school transcripts, and a resume or curriculum vitae. A GMAT score is not needed. Each year, the program enrolls 30 to 35 physicians. With a tuition between $50,000 and $100,000, this is a more expensive program in terms of affordability. This program is AACSB-accredited. The New England Commission on Higher Education also accredits Brandeis.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Expensive

#20 Simmons University School of Business – Boston, Massachusetts

Simmons University has a unique online MBA. Offered through the School of Business, their program emphasizes issues of gender-based hurdles and how to overcome them in the workplace. Though this is not to say that only women should consider applying for this program! This program explores the factors like organizational dynamics, such as gender inequality, that impact an institution’s success. The online MBA at Simmons is a 48-credit program. Students take 14 core courses, two electives, and two immersion courses. All students must also complete the Foundations of Business course before starting the program as an introduction. By taking two courses each term, which is part-time, students can expect to complete the program in 24 months. The core and elective courses are online, but students must be prepared to attend live classes each week, so it’s not an asynchronous format. However, this provides students with excellent face-to-face time with faculty and classmates, which helps facilitate lively discussion and debate. The immersion courses are held on campus in Boston, Massachusetts and other major business hubs around the world. During these experiences, students participate in workshops and collaborate in various business settings.

To apply, interested students need to complete an online application and pay a $75 application fee, as well as submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a resume. A bachelor’s degree in any field is necessary. GRE and GMAT scores are not essential for admission but may be submitted. An interview may be requested. The online MBA at Simmons is currently only open to U.S. residents living in the country. This program ranks as expensive with a base tuition between $50,000 and $100,000.

Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
Affordability Score: Expensive

Explore Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a wealth of things to explore. It’s a veritable treasure trove for history buffs. In Boston alone, you can follow the Freedom Trail to Paul Revere’s home, the USS Constitution, and Faneuil Hall, to name only a few of the many sights found along the two and a half mile walk. Or take a quick drive up to Salem to discover more about the infamous Salem witch trials of the 1600s. While you’re there, stop and explore the Peabody Essex Museum, which has one of the largest collections of Asian art in the country.

Of course, Boston is also home to Fenway Park, where you can take in a Red Sox game, delicious Italian food in the North End, and some excellent jazz clubs down on the South End, to name a few highlights. For both visitors and residents, Boston is always full of things to do, explore, and taste.

Want to get out of the city? There is much more to see of Massachusetts beyond Boston’s city limits. Cape Cod and Kennebunkport are easy day-trips out to the coast. If you’re up for driving out a bit further, hop a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Or, you can head west, and eventually, you’ll find yourself in The Berkshires, which The Nature Conservancy named one of the 200 Last Great Places.

Higher Education in Massachusetts

Despite being one of the smaller states in the country, Massachusetts is home to some world-renowned universities and colleges. The Massachusetts public higher education system is made up of 29 different campuses. These campuses are divided into five University of Massachusetts campuses, nine state universities, and 15 community colleges. The entire public higher education system in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts serves over 250,000 students. Tuition in the UMass system on average for the 2019 fiscal year is $14,710. For the state colleges, tuition is around $950, and for community colleges, it’s $731.

But beyond the public higher education system, the Commonwealth is home to many big-name schools. MIT and Harvard are probably among the most recognizable, as well as Tufts, Boston College, and Brandeis (which is part of this Massachusetts online MBA ranking) in the list of U.S. News & World Report’s top five best colleges in Massachusetts for 2019. There is no doubt that Massachusetts’ universities and colleges offer high-quality instruction and opportunities for their students, often at a high price tag. But there are also many well-regarded schools in the state that provide the same high-quality education with lower tuition, more flexibility, and smaller classes not found at some of the bigger-name institutions. This is one of the significant advantages of an online MBA program, such as the ones covered in this Massachusetts online MBA ranking; you can find a program that fits your lifestyle needs and career goals that also provides the individualized attention you need, often at a reasonable price.

Who Are the Largest Employers in Massachusetts?

There are many opportunities for MBA graduates in Massachusetts in any sector you choose. According to U.S. News & World Report, education and health services are two of the largest industries in the Commonwealth, along with manufacturing and technology. Here are the top five largest employers with headquarters located in Massachusetts:

General Electric: Founded by, among others, Thomas Edison and J.P. Morgan in the late 1800s, General Electric is a multinational conglomerate working in a whole variety of industries including aviation, healthcare, power, renewable energy, and oil and gas. Its headquarters are in Boston.
The TJX Companies, Inc: HomeSense, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx are all part of The TJX Companies, Inc. Headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, The TJX Companies, Inc are an off-price department store corporation established in 1956.
Showcase Cinemas: Founded in 1936 and headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, Showcase Cinemas is a movie theater chain that operates in the eastern U.S., Argentina, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
Fresenius Medical Care North America: Despite being a German company, Fresenius Medical Care has its headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. It specializes in medical supplies, specifically those that help in renal dialysis.
Raytheon: Another company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Raytheon is the largest producer of guided missiles in the world. A U.S. defense contractor, it manufactures weapons and electronics used both in the military and in industrial corporations.