8 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina for 2025

Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees are very popular, and for good reason. MBA graduates can go on to work in various high-paying roles. For those with busy lives who can't learn on campus, many colleges and universities offer online MBAs.

Many affordable online colleges in North Carolina offer these programs. Keep reading to discover the best online MBA programs in North Carolina.

Top-Ranked Online MBA Degree Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to several top-tier business schools; five of the state's universities are listed in the top 100 of the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of online MBA programs in the U.S. Below, we've highlighted some of the best business schools in the state.

All schools listed are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and all business programs are Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited.

1. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University is a public institution in Boone, NC. It offers an online MBA with concentrations in cybersecurity and interdisciplinary business, both of which include core courses on:

• business analytics
• marketing
• operations management
• strategic management

This is a 36-credit-hour program, and most students finish within two years at a part-time pace. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree, and students with a high enough undergraduate GPA or work experience may qualify for a GRE/GMAT waiver.

2. East Carolina University

At East Carolina University, students can earn an online MBA through the College of Business. ECU is a public university in Greenville, NC.

This program includes online courses on topics like decision-making, financial management, marketing strategy, and supply chain management. Internships are available to give MBA students real-world experience.

3. Fayetteville State University

Through the Broadwell College of Business and Economics, graduate students can earn an online MBA. This program offers multiple specializations, including entrepreneurship, healthcare management, international business, and project management.

Fayetteville State is a public HBCU in Fayetteville, NC. To qualify for this program, students must have a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher. Some students may qualify for GMAT waivers.

4. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University is a public research HBCU in Greensboro, NC. It offers an online MBA with four concentrations:

• general management
• human resources management
• supply chain management
• accounting

Students may qualify for financial aid to help them cover the cost of their master's degree. Those with an undergraduate GPA of 3.30 or higher don't need to submit GMAT or GRE scores.

5. North Carolina State University

MBA students at North Carolina State University can earn an MBA online through the Poole College of Management. NCSU is a public research university in Raleigh, NC.

This program includes core courses and electives covering business management, data analytics, entrepreneurship, and marketing management. Students must have a bachelor's degree and at least two years of professional experience, but GMAT/GRE scores are not required.

6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Through the Kenan-Flagler Business School, students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill can earn an online MBA. UNC is a public research university in Chapel Hill, NC, and is the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina System. Its online MBA is ranked third in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report.

The graduate program includes several concentrations, including data analytics and decision-making, entrepreneurship, finance, and strategy and consulting. Full-time students may be able to complete their online learning in as few as 18 months.

7. University of North Carolina Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public research institution in Greensboro, NC. Its Joseph M. Bryan School of Business and Economics offers an online MBA with specializations that include:

• cybersecurity
• human resources
• information technology
• international business

The online program requires 45 credit hours, although students with five or more years of work experience may have some credits waived. GMAT and GRE scores are not required, but students are allowed to submit them if they feel it will bolster their application.

8. Wake Forest University

At Wake Forest University, students can earn a flexible, part-time online MBA. Wake Forest is a private research institution in Winston-Salem, NC.

The program offers five concentrations, including business analytics, digital marketing, and project management. GMAT and GRE scores are required for admission, although some students may qualify for a waiver.

FAQs About Online Master of Business Administration Degrees

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about online Master of Business Administration degrees in North Carolina.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Online MBA Programs?

Admissions requirements vary slightly between programs, but all require a bachelor's degree, and many set a minimum undergraduate GPA. Other requirements may include:

• GMAT or GRE test scores (some programs offer waivers for those with high GPAs or sufficient professional experience)
• resume
• personal statement or essays
• letters of recommendation
• professional work experience

Most programs post the requirements on the program website, making it easy to figure out what you need to apply.

How Much Does an MBA Cost in North Carolina?

There are no statistics specifically on the average cost of an MBA in North Carolina. However, according to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of an MBA in the U.S. is $56,850.

The cost of your MBA can depend on many different things, including:

• the school you choose
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study on campus or online
• if you study full-time or part-time
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

Like admissions requirements, most programs post tuition costs and financial aid options on their websites.

Is an Online MBA Taken Seriously?

There was a time when in-person degrees were preferred over online ones, but that's generally no longer the case. Many students now take all or some of their coursework online.

In fact, earning an online MBA while also working can be a great way to show employers your dedication and drive.

Enroll in an Online MBA Program Today

If you're ready for graduate school, check out the online MBA programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today for more information about admissions requirements, steps to enrollment, and financial aid.