OnlineUnews.com readers often ask, “How do we know which online learning program is best?” Well, there is a research organization based in Vermont called GetEducated.com that reviews and ranks accredited online university degree programs.
Last week, it released its 2010 rankings of “Best Buys in Online MBAs.” The report reviews 69 programs offering 133 distance MBA degrees according to cost, quality and credibility. All programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
“In 1989, when we began our online college reviews, no AACSB business school offered a distance MBA,” said Vicky Phillips, GetEducated.com’s founder. “Today, online business degrees are available from top universities.”
The top online MBA degree programs reviewed by GetEducated.com include Babson College’s Olin Graduate School of Business and Indiana U.’s Kelley School of Business.
The rankings note which institutions are “best buys.” Public universities had the best values. These include: Southeast Missouri State U., Texas A & M U. Commerce, East Carolina U., U. of Houston Victoria, Oklahoma State U., U. of South Dakota, Prairie View A & M U., U. of North Dakota, Frostburg State U. and U. of Houston Clear Lake.
“Brick-and-mortar public universities dominate GetEducated.com’s top values in online business education,” said Phillips. “Today, the best online degree programs, in terms of affordability and quality, are operated by business schools known for their residential programs.”
GetEducated.com’s study found that the costs for the degrees ranged from $8,234 to $119,300 for an AACSB-accredited graduate degree in business administration. The average cost was $32,926.
Southeast Missouri State U.'s Harrison College of Business was the number one “best buy.” SEMO charges $8,234 for a distance MBA degree for Missouri residents. Non-residents pay $14,174.
Duke U. was the most expensive charging $119,300 for its Global MBA option.
A distance MBA from U. of South Dakota, however, costs about $11,000 for all online students, regardless of state of residency.
“$11,000 may sound like a lot,” said Phillips, “but in truth, an AACSB online MBA that costs $11,000 costs $22,000 less than the national average. Potential students need to know that a top-ranked online MBA need not cost an arm and a leg.”
GetEducated.com has been around since 1989. For a copy of their latest report see http://www.GetEducated.com .
