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Best Online MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker Updated 2026-06-12 34 schools Agent Insights
34
Schools
$71,673
Avg. Earnings
77%
Avg. Graduation
$19,681
Avg. Net Price
$20,070
Avg. Debt

CollegeRanker Research

What Surprised Us Most

  1. Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $56,887 at the low end to $103,494 at the top. That 1.8× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.

  2. University of Arkansas Grantham offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $63,496 against $10,000 in annual tuition, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.

  3. The most budget-friendly option on this list is Western Governors University, at $9,610 annually in tuition.

  4. Completion rates separate this field: Georgetown University graduates 95% of its students, well above the 77% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.

  5. Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Georgetown University: graduates owe only 0.15× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.

Surprising Comparisons

The Takeaway

The programs that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.

What This Means for Students

If you are choosing from this list, start with University of Arkansas Grantham and Georgetown University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.

Why this ranking matters

Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy — but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $63K within a decade, and management analyst roles are projected to grow 10%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.

How we measure this — full methodology →

How we rank · 4 pillars

Economic outcomes30%
Social mobility35%
Value (earnings vs. cost)20%
Academic quality15%

Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →

$99,410
Median pay · Management Analyst
BLS occupation data
10%
Projected job growth
BLS outlook
$69K
Median grad earnings
10 yrs after entry
$20K
Average net price
After grants/aid
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-06-12
34 institutions ranked
2026-06-12 Last updated
100% Public / federal sources

Source datasets

Methodology

Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.

See the full methodology and weights →

Confidence notes

  • Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
  • Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
  • Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.

Limitations

  • Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
  • Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
  • An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
  • Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.

At a Glance

How the Top Schools Compare

School Earnings Net Price Graduation Score
$102,772
▲ +43% vs avg
$12,116 93%
100
$60,615
▼ -15% vs avg
$12,548 48%
100
$66,479
▼ -7% vs avg
$10,864 22%
100
$63,496
▼ -11% vs avg
$8,370 32%
100
$65,287
▼ -9% vs avg
$22,063 31%
100

Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.

See full ranking →

Executive Summary

Best Online MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship

This analysis ranks 34 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $71,673 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 77% and an average net price of $19,681.

Key takeaways

Data Insight

34%
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Based on CollegeRanker’s analysis of 5,745 U.S. institutions (n=4,409). Quartile comparison of mean net price and mean 10-year earnings (U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard).

Management Education Analysis

What does this ranking tell us about leadership and management education?

$68,873

Median earnings (10yr)

83%

Median graduation rate

$16,521

Median net price

2.1%

Avg. mobility rate

Management education makes a blunt promise: pay now, earn more later. Top-tier programs keep that promise through network effects and placement outcomes. Many others raise earnings barely enough to cover their cost. The spread in outcomes across programs is wider here than in almost any other discipline.

Across the 34 programs on this list, graduates earn a median of $68,873 ten years after they first enrolled, about $20,873 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 83%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $16,521 a year, with about $20,213 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 23% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.1%.

In management education, network effects amplify everything. Graduates earn a median of $68,873 ten years after enrollment, and Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus leads the field. The gap between the top and the middle is wide enough that school selection may be the most consequential financial decision in this category.

The podium

Build your ranking

Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.

Academic 15%
Economic 30%
Social mobility 35%
Value 20%

Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.

Full rankings

1
·
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA · 14% accepted · $12,116 net

100

Why it ranks #1

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $102,772 a decade after enrolling, 43% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,116 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
87
Economic
85
Social mobility
80
Value
74
View full profile →
2
·
Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT · $12,548 net

100

Why it ranks #2

Western Governors University lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $60,615 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,548 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
64
Economic
74
Social mobility
Value
69
View full profile →
3
·
100

Why it ranks #3

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $66,479 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,864 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
37
Economic
70
Social mobility
Value
71
View full profile →
4
·
University of Arkansas Grantham

LIttle Rock, AR · $8,370 net

100

Why it ranks #4

University of Arkansas Grantham lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $63,496 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,370 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
39
Economic
69
Social mobility
Value
63
View full profile →
5
·
University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD · $22,063 net

100

Why it ranks #5

University of Maryland Global Campus lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $65,287 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,063 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
42
Economic
71
Social mobility
Value
56
View full profile →
6
·
University of Denver

Denver, CO · 78% accepted · $36,131 net

100

Why it ranks #6

University of Denver lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $71,155 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,131 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
74
Economic
74
Social mobility
82
Value
46
View full profile →
7
·
University of Florida

Gainesville, FL · 24% accepted · $6,541 net

100

Why it ranks #7

University of Florida lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
81
Economic
76
Social mobility
80
Value
86
View full profile →
8
·
Boston University

Boston, MA · 11% accepted · $24,402 net

97

Why it ranks #8

Boston University lands at #8 with a 97/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $83,238 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,402 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
79
Economic
77
Social mobility
83
Value
63
View full profile →
9
·
University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · 40% accepted · $10,411 net

91

Why it ranks #9

University of Central Florida lands at #9 with a 91/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
87
Economic
70
Social mobility
81
Value
76
View full profile →
10
·
George Washington University

Washington, DC · 47% accepted · $36,586 net

83

Why it ranks #10

George Washington University lands at #10 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $90,873 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,586 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
72
Economic
81
Social mobility
82
Value
48
View full profile →
11
·
University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · 43% accepted · $9,812 net

82

Why it ranks #11

University of South Florida lands at #11 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
66
Economic
69
Social mobility
81
Value
78
View full profile →
12
·
Florida International University

Miami, FL · 55% accepted · $9,288 net

81

Why it ranks #12

Florida International University lands at #12 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
66
Economic
71
Social mobility
82
Value
78
View full profile →
13
·
Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · 46% accepted · $38,793 net

79

Why it ranks #13

Syracuse University lands at #13 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $79,164 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,793 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
68
Economic
75
Social mobility
77
Value
46
View full profile →
14
·
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · 15% accepted · $11,655 net

77

Why it ranks #14

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands at #14 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (77/100). Graduates earn a median $72,200 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,655 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
85
Economic
77
Social mobility
81
Value
83
View full profile →
15
·
Georgetown University

Washington, DC · 13% accepted · $40,815 net

71

Why it ranks #15

Georgetown University lands at #15 with a 71/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $103,494 a decade after enrolling, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,815 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
75
Economic
88
Social mobility
82
Value
61
View full profile →
16
·
University of Georgia

Athens, GA · 38% accepted · $13,936 net

70

Why it ranks #16

University of Georgia lands at #16 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (73/100). Graduates earn a median $68,726 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,936 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
73
Economic
74
Social mobility
80
Value
73
View full profile →
17
·
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · 42% accepted · $14,355 net

70

Why it ranks #17

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign lands at #17 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $81,054 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,355 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
83
Economic
78
Social mobility
59
Value
76
View full profile →
18
·
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK · 77% accepted · $15,300 net

66

Why it ranks #18

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus lands at #18 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $63,126 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,300 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
82
Economic
71
Social mobility
58
Value
66
View full profile →
19
·
Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL · 24% accepted · $11,297 net

66

Why it ranks #19

Florida State University lands at #19 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $61,675 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
74
Economic
71
Social mobility
80
Value
76
View full profile →
20
·
Creighton University

Omaha, NE · 80% accepted · $31,568 net

66

Why it ranks #20

Creighton University lands at #20 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $73,911 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,568 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
65
Economic
74
Social mobility
81
Value
45
View full profile →
21
·
Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · 79% accepted · $38,509 net

64

Why it ranks #21

Drexel University lands at #21 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $84,648 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,509 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
68
Economic
77
Social mobility
63
Value
33
View full profile →
22
·
University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · 74% accepted · $18,209 net

63

Why it ranks #22

University of Arkansas lands at #22 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,191 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,209 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
59
Economic
68
Social mobility
80
Value
61
View full profile →
23
·
Northeastern University

Boston, MA · 5% accepted · $30,915 net

59

Why it ranks #23

Northeastern University lands at #23 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $92,538 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,915 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
71
Economic
81
Social mobility
80
Value
64
View full profile →
24
·
Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · 57% accepted · $21,315 net

57

Why it ranks #24

Texas A&M University-College Station lands at #24 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $72,097 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,315 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
87
Economic
76
Social mobility
Value
64
View full profile →
25
·
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · 45% accepted · $17,354 net

55

Why it ranks #25

University of Wisconsin-Madison lands at #25 with a 55/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $73,792 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,354 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
86
Economic
75
Social mobility
58
Value
73
View full profile →
26
·
University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · 60% accepted · $22,811 net

55

Why it ranks #26

University of South Carolina-Columbia lands at #26 with a 55/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $62,177 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,811 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
79
Economic
70
Social mobility
51
Value
58
View full profile →
27
·
Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · 61% accepted · $17,339 net

54

Why it ranks #27

Ohio State University-Main Campus lands at #27 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $60,409 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,339 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
83
Economic
70
Social mobility
54
Value
71
View full profile →
28
·
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · 87% accepted · $17,747 net

54

Why it ranks #28

University of Nebraska-Lincoln lands at #28 with a 54/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $56,887 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,747 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
62
Economic
68
Social mobility
59
Value
62
View full profile →
29
·
Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · 78% accepted · $16,264 net

54

Why it ranks #29

Indiana University-Bloomington lands at #29 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,742 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,264 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
82
Economic
71
Social mobility
54
Value
71
View full profile →
30
·
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · 16% accepted · $13,138 net

52

Why it ranks #30

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor lands at #30 with a 52/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $83,648 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,138 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
92
Economic
79
Social mobility
52
Value
78
View full profile →
31
·
Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ · 90% accepted · $14,967 net

52

Why it ranks #31

Arizona State University Campus Immersion lands at #31 with a 52/100 composite, led by academic quality (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $62,668 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,967 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
78
Economic
71
Social mobility
57
Value
69
View full profile →
32
·
University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · 39% accepted · $14,091 net

52

Why it ranks #32

University of Washington-Seattle Campus lands at #32 with a 52/100 composite, led by academic quality (88/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,091 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
88
Economic
79
Social mobility
59
Value
77
View full profile →
33
·
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN · 80% accepted · $16,778 net

52

Why it ranks #33

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities lands at #33 with a 52/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $69,020 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,778 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
85
Economic
74
Social mobility
55
Value
70
View full profile →
34
·
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · 61% accepted · $32,875 net

46

Why it ranks #34

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus lands at #34 with a 46/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $32,875 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
86
Economic
69
Social mobility
55
Value
44
View full profile →
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Cut it by what you care about

The same 34 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.

Where the programs — and the jobs are

Where these graduates work

Graduates of these programs most often become Management Analysts and related roles — a field with $99,410 median pay and 10% projected growth.

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Choosing the right online MBA program can feel overwhelming, especially for those aspiring to launch their own businesses. These programs are designed for entrepreneurs and startup leaders, offering flexibility while providing the skills needed to thrive in competitive markets. With an average earnings potential of around $60,255, the stakes are high for students seeking an effective return on their investment.

What sets the top online MBA programs apart is not just their curriculum, but the tangible outcomes they deliver after graduation. Key metrics such as earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and overall mobility play a crucial role in assessing these programs. The data below highlights how these schools perform on these metrics, giving you insight into what you can expect as a graduate.

For example, the University of Florida-Online stands out with an impressive $71,588 in average earnings, far surpassing the $60,615 average across the top schools. However, it also has a solid graduation rate of 81%, unlike Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, which has lower earnings at $84,131 but a concerning graduation rate of just 21%. This contrast emphasizes the importance of not only potential income but also the likelihood of completing the program successfully.

The story behind the ranking

A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.

Earnings Outcomes

What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.

Distribution of Median Earnings

$13K $38K 24 $63K 8 $88K 2 $113K $138K 24 National Avg

Earnings vs. Net Price

Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.

$10K$65K$120K $25K$50K NET PRICE (lower →) EARNINGS (higher ↑) Georgia Institute Western Governors University of University of University of

Completion & Access

Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.

Graduation Rates

Georgia Institute of… 93% Western Governors Un… 48% University of New Ha… 22% University of Arkans… 32% University of Maryla… 31% University of Denver 77% University of Florida 91% Boston University 89% University of Centra… 77% George Washington Un… 85% University of South … 76% Florida Internationa… 74% Syracuse University 82% University of North … 92% Georgetown University 95% University of Georgia 89% University of Illino… 85% University of Oklaho… 75% Florida State Univer… 84% Creighton University 82% Drexel University 78% University of Arkansas 70% Northeastern Univers… 90% Texas A&M University… 84% University of Wiscon… 89%

Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate

Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.

0% 100% PELL GRANT RATE → GRAD RATE ↑ Georgia Institute Western Governors University of University of University of
Social Mobility

What the Mobility Data Says

Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 16 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.1%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Florida International University leads the group at 5.2%, with Syracuse University (2.9%) and University of South Florida (2.7%) close behind.

Access varies widely. On average, 5.6% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Florida International University enrolls the most, at 15%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.

For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 40.4% across the list, peaking at 61% at Georgetown University.

These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.68, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Boston University is highest at 1.89.

Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.

Cost & Debt

What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.

Median Debt at Graduation

1 $6K 27 $18K 6 $30K $42K $54K 27 National Avg

Where These Schools Are Located

FL 5 GA 2 AR 2 MA 2 DC 2 NE 2 PA 2 UT 1 NH 1 MD 1 CO 1 NY 1 NC 1 IL 1 OK 1 TX 1 WI 1 SC 1 OH 1 IN 1 MI 1 AZ 1 WA 1 MN 1

Georgia Institute of Technology stands out with an average salary of $102,772, significantly higher than Syracuse University, where graduates earn $79,164. With a graduation rate of 93%, Georgia Tech not only provides a solid education but also ensures that students are well-prepared for the workforce, while Syracuse's 82% graduation rate indicates a slight gap in completion rates that could impact job readiness.

As you explore these online MBA programs, think about your personal priorities. Are you more focused on minimizing student debt, or are you willing to invest more for potentially higher earnings? Location can also play a key role; some programs may offer excellent networking opportunities in major business hubs, while others might provide a more tailored curriculum that aligns with your entrepreneurial ambitions. Make a list of what matters most to you and weigh it against the data presented in this ranking.

The path from college to a stable life is increasingly complex, and making informed choices about education can significantly influence your future. One family's decision to enroll their child at the University of Florida for its low net price of $6,541 could mean less debt, setting them up for financial stability down the line. As you sift through these options, remember that each choice can have lasting implications on your financial well-being and career trajectory.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Online MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship: Your Questions, Answered

What is the #1 school in the Best Online MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship ranking? +

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus in Atlanta, GA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Online MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $102,772 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 93% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.

Which program has the highest graduate earnings? +

Georgetown University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $103,494 ten years after enrollment, well above the $71,673 average across the 34 ranked programs with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.

Which program offers the best value? +

On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Arkansas Grantham leads: graduates earn a median $63,496 against tuition of about $10,000 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.

Which school has the highest graduation rate? +

Georgetown University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 95%, compared with a 77% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.

How much does an MBA cost at these schools? +

Across the 30 programs with verified tuition, annual MBA tuition averages $37,473, ranging from about $9,610 a year at Western Governors University to $76,152 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. These are tuition figures pulled from official program pages (in-state where the school is public), not estimated net price.

How is the Best Online MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship ranking calculated? +

We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.

How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +

This ranking evaluates 34 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.

Sources & Citations

[1]

Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.

[2]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.

[3]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

[4]

U.S. News & World Report. Best Business Schools MBA Rankings. Used for MBA program validation.

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes for 2026 — report cover Download PDF

The 2026 Annual Report

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes

Every state graded on what graduates earn, how far they climb, and what college really costs — the hidden geography of economic mobility, in one report.

Free · 21 pages · 5,745 institutions · 100% federal data, no surveys