The 20 Best New York Online MBA Degree Programs

An online New York MBA degree offers students the chance to not only build invaluable skill sets but also provides a deeper understanding and insight into the nature of business competition. And considering that from multinational corporations to small, local companies to nonprofits, the business world is a world of competition, this is good news. It can feel overwhelming to take the leap and enroll in an MBA program, especially if you’ve been working in the business world for a few years, but never fear. There are so many excellent online MBA programs out there that can be tailored to your needs. Perhaps you need to only go to school part-time or need the flexibility of an asynchronous format. Or maybe your business niche is accounting or healthcare management. There’s an online MBA program out there that will be a good fit for your life and your career.

In the online MBA programs selected for this Best New York Online MBA ranking, you’ll find options to fit your needs. Some of the programs can be completed in just one year. Others give students up to seven years to complete or allow students to enroll part-time so they can continue to work full-time. Others have a hybrid approach to classes or offer an on-campus orientation so you can meet each other face-to-face. Most programs offer a variety of specializations and concentrations. All the programs are regionally accredited, and all of them offer the flexibility that comes with being well-designed online programs with their students in mind. Many of the curricula exactly mirror their on-campus counterparts, so you’re getting the same quality degree with the added flexibility of an online format. The programs included in this ranking will help you discover the best New York online MBA programs out there by focusing on the programs that have a history of providing excellent support to their online students, helping them move forward in their business careers.

Methodology

There are so many online MBA programs out there. It can seem overwhelming to know which program will work best for you. To help make the decision easier, MBA Central has compiled a list of every online MBA program in New York State and narrowed it down to the top 20 based on each program’s Affordability (33%), Support Services (33%), and Quality of Classes (33%).

Every top New York Online MBA degree is listed with an Affordability Score, which ranges from Very Affordable up to Very Expensive based upon the degree’s total base tuition rate, which doesn’t include books or fees. Ranges are:

Very Affordable: below $14,999
Affordable: $15,000 – $19,999
Average: $20,000 – $29,999
Above Average: $30,000 – $49,999
Expensive: $50,000 – $99,999
Very Expensive: $100,000+

#1 Marist College School of Management – Poughkeepsie, New York

Marist College in Poughkeepsie stands out as the top New York Online MBA. One hundred percent online, this program is entirely asynchronous, providing its students with the utmost when it comes to flexibility. However, for those with easy access to the New York City area, there are optional weekend residencies. Tuition for the program is just over $30,000 and is considered above average. However, U.S. News & World Report have ranked Marist’s program at #35 in the country for providing exceptional support for its online students, making it an excellent option for those wishing to pursue an online MBA. The college is accredited through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and it’s online MBA is AACSB-accredited.

All students complete nine core courses as well as three elective or concentration courses. Offered through the School of Management, Marist’s online MBA program has concentrations in ethical leadership, finance, and health care administration. Prospective students can expect to start in either the fall or spring term, which are set up in two eight-week each. For those attending full-time, it takes only four semesters to graduate with Marist’s online MBA, though part-time students do have the option of taking up to seven years. A $70 application fee is required, along with GRE or GMAT scores from within the past five years. However, this requirement is waived for those students with advanced business degrees. Prospective students also must submit a resume, personal statement, and an unofficial transcript from an undergraduate degree. Marist College is a private, four-year college with a student population of around 6,600.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average

#2 SUNY Oswego School of Business – Oswego, New York

SUNY Oswego offers three online MBA degree options in Business Administration, Public Accounting, and Health Services Administration. Run through the School of Business, the online MBA has both on-campus and online options, with the Business Administration and Health Services Administration MBA degrees having the most flexibility, being 100 percent online. The Public Accounting degree simply has several courses in its program available in an online format. All three tracks can be completed in around two years with between 36 and 66 credits total. Students will take between 15 and 18 core requirements in coursework. These courses are in addition to electives and capstone specific their online MBA track of choice. For example, the online MBA in Health Services has students completing an internship and a capstone on healthcare leadership. The School of Business also has an entirely online Nursing Home Administration certificate as part of its MBA offering, which takes one year and 15 credit hours to complete.

At around $22,000, SUNY Oswego’s online MBA falls under average affordability. All of the online MBA programs are accredited through the AACSB. They are also highly ranked at #40 in the country for U.S. News & World Report’s best online MBA ranking and #96 for their support services ranking, which considered the support offered to online and non-traditional students. Applications for the program are open on a rolling basis, and there are start dates in spring, summer, and fall quarters, depending on what works best for the incoming student. Students interested in applying must submit an official transcript, a GMAT score of 500 or more, a business essay, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and an application fee. A department consultation with the School of Business is also recommended.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average

#3 Utica College School of Business and Justice Studies – Utica, New York

Both a blended format and 100 percent online MBA are options at Utica College’s School of Business and Justice Studies. Their flex or blended MBA provides students with both in-person, online, or a combination of the two modalities. It’s an excellent option for those who need the flexibility of an online program but also desire the face-to-face benefits offered with traditional programs. The classes are available in a synchronous format, with all the qualities of a live classroom, with additional options to view them asynchronously as needed. Everything, from coursework to grades, is the same, regardless of which learning format a student chooses. Utica’s online MBA requires 30 credits to graduate. Students focus 15 credits on core course work in classes. Twelve more credits go toward courses in a student’s specialization in Finance/Accounting, Insurance & Risk Management, Cybersecurity, Cyber Policy, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship, or Health Care Management. The remaining three credits complete the final capstone.

Unlike many other online MBA programs, Utica College does not require a GRE or GMAT score. Students do need a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.7-grade point average, and at least two years of professional working experience. With tuition coming in under $20,000, it’s an affordable online MBA program. It has been ranked at #164 in the country for US News & World Report’s support services ranking and #138 nationally for their best online MBA ranking. The ACBSP accredits the program. Utica College is home to just over 5,000 students and is a four-year, private institution located in Utica, in the Mohawk Valley.

Accreditation: ACBSP, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Affordable

#4 Monroe College School of Business & Accounting – Bronx, New York

Monroe College’s online MBA program provides students with six concentrations in community development, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare management, information technology, and marketing, as well as a general MBA. The general 37-credit MBA program, offered through the School of Business & Accounting, requires students to complete eight core classes. Students also take Strategic Management as their capstone course, well as a course on graduate research and critical analysis, and nine general elective credits. Students pursuing a concentration also need to take nine additional credits in their chosen concentration, which brings the total credits required up to 46. All courses are completed entirely online with no on-campus requirements.

In total, this program can be completed in two years. Classes are set up in 7.5-week sessions, which Monroe has found to be an ideal time-frame for online students. All professors are based in New York City and are professionals in their field. At just under $40,000 for a program including a concentration, Monroe’s online MBA is above average in affordability. However, it is ranked at #78 for U.S. News and World Report’s ranking for support for online students and also scores well on their Best Online MBA ranking. With a dedicated counselor for every student and online tutoring available literally 24/7, Monroe’s online MBA program is a solid choice for working professionals. To apply, prospective students need to submit an application, personal issue, undergraduate transcripts, resume, two letters of recommendation, and a $50 admissions fee. An admission interview is also required with the Dean of the Graduate School, which may be done via Skype or in-person.

Accreditation: ACBSP, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average

#5 Clarkson University David D. Reh School of Business – Potsdam, New York

Not having a business background shouldn’t be a deterrent for those interested in enrolling in Clarkson University’s online MBA program. This program, offered through the David D. Reh School of Business, provides a ton of flexibility for its students, including full-time and part-time options, merit-based scholarships, rolling admissions, and the option to earn a dual MBA/MS in Data Analytics. To enroll, students must either have GRE or GMAT scores or sufficient work experience, graduate degrees, or skill sets to waive the test scores. An application fee, three letters of recommendation, college transcripts, personal statements, and a $50 application fee are also required. The program ranks at #46 with U.S News & World Report’s ranking for student support services for online and non-traditional students and at #70 in the country for their best online MBA program ranking.

Students in Clarkson’s online MBA program complete 48 credits over 14 courses. Core courses make up ten of these, which includes a capstone in Strategic Management. The final four cover electives. While the program is almost 100 percent online, students do need to complete the Leadership and Organizational Behavior course at either the Capital Region or Potsdam campuses during a weekend intensive. The remaining four elective courses can also be used toward advanced certificates in Global Supply Chain Management, Healthcare Management, or Business Fundamentals. For an additional 21 credits, a student can earn a dual MBA/MS in Data Analytics degree. These courses include Probability & Statistics for Analytics; Database Modeling, Design, & Implementation, Optimization Methods for Analytics, Information Visualization, Data Mining, and another capstone project.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average

#6 SUNY Polytechnic Institute College of Business Management – Utica, New York

For those looking for an online MBA with a focus on technology and innovation, SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers an MBA in Technology Management with specializations in Accounting and Finance, Health Informatics, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, and Business Management. Offered through the College of Business Management, this online MBA is open to both full-time and part-time students. A student enrolled full-time will be able to complete the program in two years. In total, students must complete 48 credits. Twenty-one credits come from business management core courses. Eighteen credits come from technology management courses. The final nine credits are three specialized concentration courses.

Prospective students must have a GMAT score of at least 400 to be considered for this online MBA, as well as have a bachelor’s degree. For those with a bachelor’s degree in business or accounting with at least a 3.0-grade point average, an accelerated option is available which waives 15 credit hours, dropping the total credits needed to just 33 to complete the program. With this option, a full-time student may complete the program in a year. A $60 application fee is required to apply, and students may enroll in the fall or spring semesters. At just under $30,000, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s MBA in Technology Management is an averagely priced online MBA program. It does rank in US News & World Report’s best online MBA ranking at #82, nationally. SUNY Polytechnic Institute is a four-year, public university in Utica, New York. It has a small student population of just under 3,000, of which just over 2,000 are undergraduates.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average

#7 Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business – Hempstead, New York

Long Island’s Hofstra University has a highly ranked 45-credit online MBA. Students have the option of going through the program with a cohort, which takes two years, or they may opt (after one semester) to choose a non-cohort option and work at their own pace of up to five years. Coursework is divided up into core competencies, advanced core, and major concentration areas in either Strategic Business Management or Strategic Healthcare Management. While this program is mostly an online one, there is a New York City residency and a Global Practicum on Strategy which is done through an international trip.

The online MBA program at Hofstra is part of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business. An accelerated online MBA program of just 38 credits is open to students with undergraduate credits in Economics, Legal Aspects of Business, and an undergraduate business major from an AACSB-accredited institution within the past five years and a grade point average of at least a 3.0. A GMAT or GRE score is required to apply; however, sufficient work experience might waive this requirement. Though Hofstra’s online MBA is one of the more costly programs on this list, with a price tag of just over $60,000, it is also among the most highly ranked, both nationally and globally, coming in at #16 for Princeton Review’s top 25 online MBA programs ranking, #24 for Quacquarelli Symonds Global Online MBA Ranking, and #58 for US News & World Report’s best online MBA ranking.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Expensive

#8 St. Bonaventure University School of Business – Saint Bonaventure, New York

St. Bonaventure’s School of Business’s online MBA program is an asynchronous, 42-credit program that is completed in two years, though it can be completed in as little as 15 months. Four specialization tracks are available in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, and Marketing, in addition to a general business online MBA, helping students tailor the program to fit their professional interests. Though it is possible for some of these credits to be waived if a student has an appropriate previous educational or working experience, nine credits must be completed in foundations courses in Quantitative Foundations for Management, Accounting & Finance Foundations, and Economic Foundations. Twelve credits cover business core classes, in addition to a capstone project. The remaining 18 credits of St. Bonaventure’s online MBA are graduate electives in one of five subject areas: Legal & Ethics, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Business Analytics.

Nationally ranked as one of US News & World Report’s best online MBA programs and for their support services ranking, which looks at the accessibility, support and flexibility for online students, St. Bonaventure’s program is an excellent option for prospective students looking for a flexible program that fits their needs. In terms of cost, this online MBA program comes ranks as above average at just over $30,000. A GMAT or GRE is required for admission, but this requirement may be waived for students with at least two years of relevant work experience and at least a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average, or just a 3.3 undergraduate grade point average. Prospective students must also submit transcripts and resume. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average

#9 Rochester Institute of Technology Saunders College of Business – Rochester, New York

Coming in at #8 on the Princeton Review top 25 online MBA programs ranking, #26 on the US News & World Report best online MBA ranking, and in the top 100 of US News & World Report’s ranking for the best support for online and non-traditional students ranking, the Online Executive MBA at Rochester Institute of Technology is an excellent program for mid- to upper-level professionals. Students, who are grouped together in cohorts, take two classes at a time. This is a synchronous online MBA, although, classes are recorded for those who are unable to attend due to travel or other obligations. Students may elect to begin the Online EMBA program in either August or January. The program exactly mirrors the on-campus EMBA program. Because it is designed for professionals who already have several years of working experience, students do not need a GRE or GMAT score for admission. However, interested students still must complete an online application, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, and personal statement. An admissions interview is needed.

Offered through the Saunders College of Business, this is a 17-month Online Executive MBA program with classes set up in six-week blocks. Students must take 47 credits across 24 courses, well as a two-course capstone consulting project. They also complete a business simulation, a current topics seminar, and an executive leadership series. While it is an online MBA, students are required to attend a three-day orientation at the beginning of the program, as well as a seven-to-10 day international seminar at the end of the program.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Expensive

#10 Syracuse University Martin J. Whitman School of Management – Syracuse, New York

The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University offers a 54-credit online MBA program with specializations in Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing Management, and Supply Chain Management. Students can also combine their studies and complete dual degrees in fewer credits. The dual degree options are an online MBA plus an MS in Business Analytics, an MS in Entrepreneurship, or an MS in Professional Accounting, each for 40 additional credits or under. For just the online MBA program, students complete 36 credits of core business courses. An additional 15 credits count toward electives. The final three credits are completed through at least three one-credit three-day residency programs, which can be either domestic or international and is the aspect of the program that cannot be completed online. Students must complete their first residency within the first two semesters of the program. These are set up as business conferences with local speakers and panels.

Most students complete Syracuse’s online MBA program in two years, but there is a three-year track for those who need increased flexibility. Courses are set up in 12-week blocks. This online MBA program is ranked in the top 200 for US News & World Report’s best student support for online MBA programs. It is also listed at #38 for U.S. News & World Report’s best online MBA programs, Princeton Review’s top 25 online MBA programs at #21, and #44 for Quacquarelli Symonds’ global online MBA ranking. Though this program is on the more expensive end at just under $85,000, Syracuse’s online MBA is a well-regarded program offering a unique educational experience.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Expensive

#11 SUNY New Paltz School of Business – New York, New York

The SUNY New Paltz School of Business offers an online MBA program which affords students the flexibility of pursuing their degree part-time either entirely online. However, at any time, students may also choose to attend classes on-campus; combining online and on-campus coursework makes this online MBA an excellent option for full-time working professionals seeking flexibility and a strong educational background. In total, even as part-time students, the program only takes two years to complete (although students may take up to seven), and at just over $20,000, it’s of average affordability. This online MBA is divided into three foundations courses for those students coming to the program who do not have a business background, eight core courses, and four elective courses in Accounting, Finance, International Business, Marketing, or Management. As additional elective options, students may also choose an internship, independent study, or to participate in the Business Plan Contest. All students also take a Business Workshop at the beginning of the program. In total, students will complete 36 to 45 credits to complete the degree, depending on if they need to take the foundations courses or not. Core coursework includes a capstone in Cases in Strategy and Business Policy.

To apply, prospective students must have a four-year bachelor’s degree, GRE or GMAT test scores, and a grade point average of at least 3.0, in addition to basic oral, written, quantitative, and computer skills. SUNY New Paltz is a public university with around 7,500 students and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and post-master’s certificate.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average

#12 St. Joseph’s College New York – Brooklyn, New York

The online MBA at St. Joseph’s College of New York is designed for business professionals with multiple years of working experience who want to move up in their careers. This is a 36-credit online Executive MBA program and is ranked at #215 for US News & World Report’s best online MBA programs. Students also have the option of completing their online MBA and a B.S. in organizational management at the same time. Certificates are also available in Human Resources, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Management of Health Information Systems, and Leadership and Supervision. Prospective students are expected to have completed prerequisite courses in communications, accounting, business, and economics, prior to beginning this online MBA program. The program’s entire curriculum is made up of 12 courses in Leadership and Managerial Development, Legal Issues in Management, Organizational Theory and Design, Marketing Concepts and Strategies, Management Information Systems, Financial Accounting and Analysis, Strategic Human Resources Management, Statistical Applications in Research and Management, Operations and Quality Management, Corporate Financial Management, Strategic Planning and Management, and Interactive Analysis in Management.

To apply for this program, prospective students need at least a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average and a bachelor’s degree, resume, and official transcripts, as well as GMAT score. There is a $25 application fee, but at the moment St. John’s New York offers the promo code SJCOL, which will waive the fee. This is a straightforward program delivered entirely online and comes in around under $25,000, which is excellent for working professionals.

Accreditation: MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average

#13 SUNY Empire State College School for Graduate Studies – Saratoga Springs, New York

SUNY Empire State College students have the choice of pursuing an online MBA in either Business Management or Healthcare Leadership. The online MBA in Business Management is a 36-credit program and is ideal for young or mid-level professionals who have the option to specialize in Management, International Business, or Human Resource Management. Full-time students can expect to complete the program in 20 months, which includes summer term, while part-time students may graduate in 27 months. The coursework consists of 18 credits of “Functional Courses,” particular to a student’s chosen specialization. All students also complete six Opening Course credits, nine electives or focus area credits, and a three-credit capstone project.

The online MBA in Healthcare Leadership is a 42-credit program aimed at executives and senior management. While mostly online, students must complete a two-day, in-person retreat in either New York City or Saratoga Springs. A second retreat is done online synchronously. Students also complete 18 credits of electives and a final, six-credit project done over two courses: Evidence-based Decision Making and Strategic Executive Leadership. Regardless of what program at SUNY Empire State’s School for Graduate Studies a student chooses, there is the option also to complete a 12-to-18 credit online certificate to augment their online MBA degree. These certificates options include certificates in areas such as Financial Management and Analysis, Marketing Analytics and Brand Management, Nonprofit Management, Optometry Business Management, and Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship.

Accreditation: IACBE, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average

#14 Excelsior College School of Business and Technology – Albany, New York

Albany’s Excelsior College offers an online MBA program ideal for managers who are looking to move up to executive positions in their company, nonprofit, or government department. Run through the School of Business and Technology, the program offers concentrations in Accounting, General Business, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, and Leadership. No GMAT is required for this online MBA, but prospective students need to have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Prospective students must also provide evidence that they are able to meet the program demands and show that their goals are in line with the online MBA program. Prerequisite courses must also be completed in advance of the program.

In total, students enrolled in Excelsior’s online MBA program will complete 36 to 45 credits through foundation requirements, core courses, and their chosen concentration. Nine credits are devoted to the foundation requirements, which are fulfilled through Managerial Economics, Organizational Behavior, and Quantitative Analysis courses. The bulk of the program, 27 credits, comes from core coursework in Accounting for Managers, Global Business Environment, Information Technology, Leadership, Finance, Marketing, Operations Management, and Project Management Principles and Applications, as well as Strategy and Policy, which is the capstone course. Concentration coursework makes up the remaining nine credits. In total, Excelsior’s online MBA comes in around $23,000, which puts is at average affordability as compared to other programs like it. Being entirely online, it’s an excellent option for mid-career professionals who are seeking to move into positions like CEO or executive director of their institutions.

Accreditation: IACBE, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average

#15 Mercy College School of Business – Dobbs Ferry, New York

Mercy College’s online MBA program offers its students the possibility of completing their MBA degree in just one year. While this is generally 36- to 57-credit program, those who choose the Turbo Program option can have up to 21 credits of core business classes waived, making a one-year completion possible. However, students are given up to five years to complete the program, and even those who choose the Turbo format are not obligated to stick to the one-year time-frame. The program is divided into general business core classes, advanced business core classes, electives in an area of concentration, plus a capstone class. There are two options for the capstone; the first options is a thesis or a business plan preparation, where the student must have a high grade point average and present a thesis proposal to be accepted. The second option involves six credits of Comprehensive Case Studies and one more elective. Students have their choice of concentrations in Finance, Human Resources, Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, or Organizational Leadership.

To give students flexibility when choosing courses, Mercy College offers online MBA classes at their locations in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan on weekends and in the evenings, as well as online. The cost of tuition for an online MBA is average and is around $30,000. It’s a well-ranked program, coming in at #215 for US News & World Report’s Best Online MBA ranking. In order to enroll in this program, prospective students need a bachelor’s degree and a grade point average of at least 3.0.

Accreditation: MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average

#16 Niagara University College of Business Administration – Niagara University, New York

The College of Business Administration at Niagara University excels when it comes to providing flexibility to its online MBA students in addition to having a quick completion time. Students can graduate from the program in a quick 12 months. The online MBA program offers a concentration in Strategic Management, which focuses on business in the digital economy. The entire program is divided into five blocks: prerequisites (which may be waived with previous coursework garnering a C or better) of 18 credit hours, business core, advised elective, concentration coursework s, and a three-credit capstone, which is a research methods course. In total, the program is 33 to 57 credits, depending on if a student needs to take any prerequisite courses or not. The prerequisites include classes such as Fundamentals of Financial and Managerial Accounting, Analysis of Quantitative Data, Economics for Managers, Law and Business Ethics, Communications for Executives, and Management Principles.

To apply for Niagara University’s online MBA program, interested students must submit GMAT scores taken within the past five years, unless they have an undergraduate grade point average of over 3.0, in which case the GMAT score is waived. They must also possess an undergraduate degree to apply and submit two letters of recommendation and official transcripts. A personal statement, resume, and interview are also optional application materials. Applications for the academic year are accepted beginning in June. With tuition at under $30,000, Niagara’s program’s cost is average compared to others like it. Niagara University is a relatively small school with a student population of just under 4,000. It is a four-year, private university offering degrees from bachelors through doctorates.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Average

#17 The Sage Colleges School of Management – Troy, New York

The Sage Colleges’ School of Management offers an online MBA through Russell Sage Online with concentrations in Human Resource Management and Marketing in addition to a general online MBA. Students who don’t have a business background will need to complete prerequisite coursework in Financial Accounting, Economic Analysis, Statistics for Manager, and Legal Environments. Core classes for this online MBA program include Managerial Economics, Research Design, Critical Thinking: Transforming in a Complex World, Management of Change and Innovation, Management Information Systems, Financial Management, Marketing Systems, Human Resource Management, Leadership and Ethics, and Executive Decision Making. Competitive Advantage is used a the capstone course for this online program. Students also either complete nine credits of MBA electives either within their chosen concentration or from a number of other graduate electives. The electives for the Marketing concentration are Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, and Marketing Strategy, while the electives for the Human Resource Management concentration Compensation Administration, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Recruitment and Retention.

This program runs between 42 and 54 credits and comes in at just over $30,000. Prospective students do not need to submit GMAT scores for admission, and the $40 application fee is waived for online applicants. Students do need to submit official transcripts, recommendations, resume, and a career goals essay. All students need to have proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Access. In all, The Sage Colleges’ online MBA program is a thoughtfully designed program intended to set graduates up with a solid business background while providing them the flexibility needed to complete the program in a way works best for its students. The Sage Colleges are made up of Russell Sage College in Troy, Sage College in Albany, and the Sage Graduate School in both Troy and Albany.

Accreditation: IACBE, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average

#18 St. Thomas Aquinas College School of Business – Sparkill, New York

Designed for working professionals, the online MBA program at St. Thomas Aquinas College requires 13 courses and 39 credits, which are divided into four nine-week sessions. Along with a general online MBA, the School of Business also offers concentrations in Finance, Marketing, Management, and Sport Administration. This program has two tracks, one for students with an undergraduate business background and the other for those with a liberal arts background, though all students complete the same number of classes. Business majors take seven required core classes and five upper-level concentration courses, while the liberal arts majors need to take nine and three. Both tracks also complete one capstone course. It is possible for full-time students to cover the entire program in five sessions; most students complete the program in two years on a part-time basis. Students have up to five years to finish the program. Three credits come from Business Communications. Fifteen credits come from concentration courses. The capstone courses are Leadership Ethics, and Business or Business Policy, Research, and Decision-Making.

To apply, students need at least a 2.8 undergraduate grade point average, a bachelor’s degree, and pay a $30 application fee. A GMAT score is not required. New students may start the program in September, December, March, or June. The program is IACBE-accredited. St. Thomas Aquinas College is a small school of just under 2,000 students. It is a four-year, private university offering bachelor’s through master’s degrees, plus post-master’s certificate.

Accreditation: IACBE, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average

#19 Molloy College Division of Business – Rockville Centre, New York

Molloy College offers a fully online MBA degree with Finance, Healthcare, Management, and Marketing concentrations through its Division of Business. The program is quick and takes only one year to complete. The Healthcare concentration is a total of 36 credits, though the rest of the offered concentrations are only 33 credits. The management track was designed for early or mid-career managers in mind. The core coursework is specific to each concentration, and then students drill down in their concentration courses to gain an even more in-depth understanding of their chosen area of study. Students also complete two business capstone classes, where they work on teams to a specific consulting problem, developing a solution-driven service, product, or idea.

Located in Rockville Centre on Long Island, Molloy has a student population of around 5,000 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It offers degrees from associate’s degrees through doctorate degrees. Enrollment for the online MBA program is accepted on a rolling basis. Tuition for the program is around $38,000 for the year, making this program on the above average side, but the fact that it’s only a year-long program makes this an appealing option for those students who wish to complete their degree quickly. The students in the online MBA program get the same, high-quality education as their on-campus counterparts through excellent faculty and online support.

Accreditation: MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average

#20 Manhattan College O’Malley School of Business – Riverdale, New York

The online MBA program at Manhattan College in Riverdale is available for students on both a full- and part-time basis. The program, which is offered through the O’Malley School of Business, is made up of 12 three-credit courses, which amounts to 36 total credits. It’s broken into modules, and students must take two to four classes from each; the modules are Analytical Decision Making and Risk Management, Leadership and Social Justice, Organizations and the Competitive Environment, Experiential and Electives, Capstone. For the Experiential and Elective Module, some of the options are an internship, research, international field projects, and business plan projects. The capstone module is made up of Professional Ethics and Advanced Strategic Management.

For those without a business background, Manhattan College offers an MBA Bridge Program, which are four accelerated courses designed to give students the necessary business foundation. The MBA Bridge Program can be done online in 14 weeks over the summer session. These courses are Foundation of Business Statistics, Foundations of Financial Managerial Accounting, Foundations of Economics, and Foundations of Organizational and Operational Management. Applications for the online MBA are accepted on a rolling basis. Prospective students must submit GMAT scores of at least 500 and have a grade point average of at least 3.0. There is a $75 application fee. Manhattan College’s online MBA is around $40,000, which is considered above average, but the framework and the faculty make it a strong option for those considering an online MBA to advance in their careers.

Accreditation: AACSB, MSCHE
Affordability Score: Above Average

New York State: The Big Apple and More

When you say New York, most people just think of New York City, which isn’t surprising considering somewhere around two-thirds of New Yorkers live in New York City’s metropolitan area, and it’s one of the most beloved cities in the world. And for a good reason. New York is full of exciting things to see, do, and eat. However, there’s so much to explore in New York State once you get outside “the city that never sleeps.”

For both casual and avid hikers, head over to the Adirondack Mountains or explore the 90 miles of Appalachian Trail in upstate New York. From there, it’s a quick jaunt up the border it shares with Quebec and Ontario. Perhaps you’d also want to stop by Niagara Falls or check out Lake Ontario or Lake Erie, both part of the Great Lakes, over on the western side of the state. If you’re looking for a vacation spot, the Finger Lakes, in central New York, is a popular choice.

New York is also central to the Northeast coast, and other states are less than a day’s drive away. For those without a car, major cities are easily connected by bus and train. Take for example Philadelphia, which is less than two hours by bus or Cape Cod, which is a four-hour drive for stunning beach sunrises.

For those who want to stay inside the city, New York City has many things to offer:

Music
New York is known for both its classical music scene and its musical theatre. New York Philharmonic is a world-renowned symphony orchestra. You can plan on hearing music that ranges anywhere from Beethoven’s symphonies to major film scores from Star Wars or Harry Potter. Or take a night out on Broadway and see Tony award-winning shows like Wicked, Hamilton, or The Lion King. If you want to try your luck, ticket lotteries are available for select shows at drastically reduced prices.

Food
As an international city, New York has a variety of cuisines available to choose from. If it’s just a burger you’re craving, check out the original Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. Are you finding yourself craving street cart food in the middle of the night? The Halal Guys have you covered until two in the morning on most nights. Whatever you want to eat, you’re sure to find it in New York City.

Central Park
In the midst of New York’s bustle, you will find a park that is 843 acres wide. Central Park is perhaps one of the most iconic sites in New York City, with over 42 million visits a year. Within the park, you will find many different things to do. From street performers to carousel riding and strolling in the park to picnicking on the great lawn, you are bound to find an activity that will be memorable.

History
New York City is rich with history and historical landmarks. You will find the more traditional buildings in the city such as the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and the Statue of Liberty. A more recent and impactful landmark is the 9/11 Memorial.

What is it like to live in New York?

Living costs in New York are some of the highest in the country with median rent for a two bedroom apartment being $2,499, according to an Apartment List report in March 2019. Compare this to other major cities in the United States such as Philadelphia where the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,169.

Although living costs may be high and inconvenient, public transportation in New York is available in many different forms. The New York Metropolitan Transport Authority covers over 322 routes in New York City, and the subway system has over 472 stations all over the city as well. If finding your way from point A to point B via public transportation proves difficult, taxis are another popular and convenient way to get around town.

The Financial Capital of the World

New York is home to the World Trade Center where a plethora of companies house their offices. You will find companies such as Spotify, Moody’s, and Mediacom. Outside of the World Trade Center in the nearby Financial District, you will find offices that belong to many other renowned businesses such as HarperCollins, Revlon, Bank of America, and AT&T. Because of the many large companies present in New York, finding opportunities for internships and work can seem endless.

Often, New York is compared with London as the financial capital of the world. While the debate for this world title can be argued well for on either end, it is clear that New York is easily the financial capital of the United States. Because of New York’s central geographical location and history on Wall Street, New York surpassed cities like Philadelphia for its domestic title.

What to expect from a business school in New York State

New York is known for its high caliber education. The state is rich in education of law, business, fashion, the arts, and culinary skills. But this New York education isn’t only designated to those in close proximity. There are many business schools opening programs online for students across the country and world. Among these online and distance-based degrees is the online MBA, the hallmark of advanced business degrees.

From the sheer fact of being in New England, tuition rates in New York State tend to be a bit on the higher end than compared to other parts of the country. The schools in this New York Online MBA ranking all fall somewhere between affordable to expensive, or $15,000 to $99,999. However, most of the programs fall in the average range, which is between $20,000 and $29,999, which is reasonable for a graduate degree program. Amazingly, tuition and fees for the 176 graduate programs in New York State rose just over 102 percent from 2018 to 2019.