Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. If you’re looking for a curated selection of top stories from the Financial Times, then the Editor’s Digest is the perfect newsletter for you. And the best part? You can now unlock it for free.
In the latest edition of the Editor’s Digest, Spain’s top business school and two of its UK rivals lead the online MBA ranking for a third consecutive year. Online MBA programs have been gaining popularity as they offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals looking to advance their careers. These non-traditional courses are now pushing to increase their appeal to future leaders while matching the rigour of their campus-based rivals.
Madrid-based IE Business School emerged as the top-ranked school in the Financial Times’ online MBA table for 2025. Students reported the biggest salary bump, with alumni receiving an average salary of $209,202, a 45 per cent increase in the three years after completing the course. The school excelled in areas such as ESG and net zero teaching, as well as international mobility, showcasing the global reach of its graduates.
London’s Imperial College Business School retained its second-place position, with alumni seeing a significant salary increase to $228,443. The school’s diverse student body and focus on developing management skills for senior leadership roles have been key factors in its success.
Warwick Business School, in third place overall, maintained its strong position for career progress and improved program delivery. The University of Southern California: Marshall, at number four, boasted the highest average salary at $228,500, showcasing the financial benefits of completing an online MBA.
The ranking also highlighted the value for money offered by different programs, with the University of Bradford School of Management in the UK scoring highest in this category. This criterion takes into account alumni salaries, scholarships, fees, and other costs reported by graduates.
Newcomer University of Porto – FEP | PBS, in eighth place, excelled in online interaction among students and faculty availability. Australia’s AGSM at UNSW Business School maintained its top position for the carbon footprint category, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
The article also delves into the motivations behind pursuing an online MBA, with personal development, career opportunities, and management development being key drivers for most graduates. The gender pay gap among alumni has decreased to 8 per cent, marking a positive trend towards greater gender equality in salary earnings.
The curriculum of online MBA programs was also explored, with alumni rating corporate strategy as the most useful topic in their careers. Graduates suggested that schools could enhance their teaching of law and fintech to better prepare students for the evolving business landscape.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the online MBA landscape, highlighting key trends, top-ranked schools, and insights from alumni. Whether you’re considering pursuing an online MBA or simply interested in the latest developments in business education, the Editor’s Digest offers valuable insights curated by the Editor of the Financial Times. Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free and stay informed about the latest trends in business education and beyond.
