U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2025 ranking of the top online MBA programs in the United States, shedding light on the leading online business master’s programs that are not MBAs. Topping the list this year are two schools tied at No. 1 – Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business and Texas A&M Mays Business School.
Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business, a familiar name in the online graduate business education space, offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics program that equips students with analytical skills, business knowledge, and problem-solving expertise. On the other hand, Texas A&M Mays Business School made a significant leap in the rankings, climbing 13 places to tie for first place. The school offers eight part-time, online graduate programs designed for working professionals, each spanning 16 to 24 months.
In the ranking of non-MBA business master’s programs, U.S. News evaluates schools based on criteria such as engagement, faculty credentials, student excellence, and services and technologies. Rounding out the top five in 2025 are Arizona State Carey School of Business, USC Marshall School of Business, Duke Fuqua School of Business, Ohio State Fisher College of Business, and UMass-Amherst Isenberg School of Management.
Despite the online format allowing for limitless student enrollment, only a few schools have more than 500 students in their programs. The largest program, East Texas A&M College of Business, boasts 1,092 students and offers a competitive student-faculty ratio and affordable pricing. On the other end of the spectrum, 43 programs have fewer than 100 students, with 22 programs having fewer than 50 students.
In terms of cost, USC Marshall stands out as the most expensive program, charging $2,421 per credit. On the contrary, Sam Houston State offers the least expensive program at $320 per credit, providing an affordable option for students pursuing a Master’s in Project Management.
U.S. News also highlights programs that reduce costs for veterans, with Texas A&M Mays Business School leading the pack. The school is followed by UMass-Amherst Isenberg, Rutgers-New Brunswick/Newark, Ohio State Fisher, and Michigan State Broad College of Business. These programs aim to provide affordable and accessible education for veterans and active-duty service members.
Texas A&M Mays Business School’s Dean Nate Y. Sharp attributes the school’s success in the rankings to its innovative teaching methods and commitment to delivering top-notch educational experiences for working professionals. The school’s Flex Online programs, including flagship MBA program and various Master of Science degrees, offer students the flexibility to attend classes online or at the Houston CityCentre campus.
Overall, the 2025 U.S. News ranking of non-MBA business master’s programs showcases the diversity and quality of online graduate business education in the United States. Schools are continuously striving to provide engaging and impactful programs that cater to the needs of working professionals and veterans, making higher education more accessible and affordable for all.
