A Master’s of Business will prepare you for many different career opportunities, but if you have your sights set on upper-level and executive positions in the business world, then earning your doctorate will be your next step. A Doctorate in Business Administration qualifies you for more demanding business positions including those in government, nonprofit, and even in the education sector. Your DBA is a terminal degree and you can use your knowledge from your studies to improve a business, identify and solve business problems, and even educate higher education students who want to go into business themselves. If you’re considering taking this next step in your education then the 28 Best Affordable Online Doctorates in Business Administration can help you to find a program that offers quality and economical education.
FINDING AN ONLINE DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Online DBA programs aren’t all the same therefore it’s important to consider factors like budget, timeline, specialization, and more when choosing the program that’s right for you. Many of these programs are designed to prepare you for upper-level management positions, while some focus on developing your teaching skills and more. You’ll find a variety of specializations are available, with finance and nonprofit administration being more common, but some programs also offer marketing, health care, leadership, and other specializations. Many of these programs require you to have not only a master’s degree but also real-world experience in business. Some of the programs require just a few years of experience while others require a decade or more of business experience.
Your DBA program should prepare you for your specific goals but it is also important that the program also accommodates your current life obligations. If you’re balancing work, family, and other commitments then you’ll want to look for an online program that’s flexible and requires little-to-no travel. Many of these programs can be completed mostly online with a few on-campus residencies, while others can be completed entirely online. Some of the programs do require monthly on-campus sessions and this is something to consider, keeping in mind the program design that works best for you. One major advantage of online coursework is that you can often log in whenever you have time though some programs do incorporate scheduled course meetings or video meetings. All of the programs, however, are designed with an understanding that you will be working full-time while completing your degree.
RANKING THE 28 BEST AFFORDABLE ONLINE DOCTORATES IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
While you’re on your way to earning your Ph.D. or Doctorate within your field, the editors at Online PhD Programs are already practicing doctors of their craft: ranking the best online Ph.D. programs. To be featured on our annual rankings online doctorates must satisfy four coinciding requirements: accreditation, research and scholarship doctorate certification, NSF recognition, and institutional association with peer-reviewed academia.
Each degree is then ranked using information provided – primarily – through the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. The data collected is scored through a series of weighted categories to represent seven crucial aspects of what makes an online doctorate valuable to future students. Online program quality and presence are joined by industry salaries, student reviews, degree exclusivity, costs, and completion rates to determine the best online doctorates available. For a comprehensive breakdown of how we categorize and source data, please visit ourmethodology page.
#1. COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
The Doctor of Business Administration degree offered by Columbia Southern University is a 61 credit program that hones students’ leadership and decision-making skills, preparing them for roles in a business setting. Students will learn how to design original research, analyze research results, construct recommendations in order to solve business problems, and more. Among other topics, courses include Corporate Finance, Human Resource Management, Negotiations, and Business Strategy. The online courses are designed to accommodate students busy schedules, and there are no required login times which offers maximum flexibility. The program culminates in a dissertation project, and students are able to present their dissertation even at a distance by using audio/visual technology.
Based in Orange Beach, Alabama, Columbia State University offers a variety of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, all online. In an effort to keep education as affordable as possible, CSU allows students to transfer up to nine course credits to the Doctor of Business Administration program. Students also enjoy etextbook courses, textbook-free courses, and even textbooks at no cost. Additionally, CSU has some of the lowest tuition rates among similar online programs and schools. There are also a number of benefits available to military and veterans including a flexible payment plan and a term enrollment option that offers concrete start and end dates.
Format: Online
#2. CALIFORNIA INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY
The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) offered by California Intercontinental University is an online program that offers working professionals both flexibility and affordability. Throughout the program, students hone their research and writing skills. Classes include Global Business Finance, Doctoral Academic Study and Writing, Managing Innovation Integrating Technology, and more. Program applicants should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and will need to submit their professional resume. The online program culminates in the development of a dissertation, which is supported by courses during the sixth and seventh semesters. This program is ideal for executives, consultants, college and university professors, and other business professionals.
Based in Irvine, California, California Intercontinental University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed entirely online. CIU offers over 21 such online distance-learning programs which include all e-textbooks to further save students money. Federal financial aid options are available and CIU also offers a variety of payment plans including a monthly installment, term-by-term, and even a direct bill plan with the student’s employer. Former or currently active military personnel and their immediate family members qualify for reduced tuition at CIU as well as a waiver of all fees. Additionally, 78% of CIU students receive scholarships, making an affordable education even more economical.
Format: Online
#3. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Florida International University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a 72 credit hour program that is delivered in a hybrid format of both online coursework and face-to-face sessions. The program can be completed in about three years and are afforded the flexibility they need to continue to work, meet their family obligations, and pursue an education simultaneously. While most of the program is offered online, students attend a three-day orientation residency, as well as two-day residencies scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays. These two-day residencies occur once each month (four times) throughout each semester. Scholarships and assistantships are available, and the Graduate School of Business awarded federal aid, scholarships, and assistantships totaling $25 million last year so that students could pursue their education.
Florida International University is the first and only public research university to be located in Miami, Florida. FIU comes from humble beginnings, originally founded in 1969 as a single building on an abandoned airfield, but has now grown into one of the largest educational institutions in the United States. Today, FIU has a student body of approximately 54,000 and has amassed over 200,000 alumni. The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and the School of Computing and Information Sciences’ Discovery Lab facilitate many research opportunities for students. FIU is also home to the 12-fan Wall of Wind which simulates storms in order to help researchers build better and safer structures. FIU has been named No. 5 internationally as one of the best business programs by the U.S. News & World Report. CEO Magazine even ranked FIU in Tier 1 for North American MBAs.
Format: Online
#4. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Doctorate of Business Administration program provides a rigorous, yet rewarding, educational opportunity that prepares students for the challenges they will see in their careers. The program is offered largely online with interactions through online learning platforms such as Webex and Skype. Additionally, students must attend face-to-face on-campus classes held one weekend per month. This 60 credit hour program culminates in a dissertation and, while it can be completed in three years, most students take about five years to complete the program. For the first two years of the program, students progress with their cohort before focusing on their original research project in year three. Program applicants must have at least six years of professional or senior-level management experience in their area of concentration.
Home to more than 13,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers more than 50 different majors and 119 minors through its six different schools. Trending programs include marine biology, media arts and game development, occupational safety, sports management, and criminology. In addition to its on-campus programs, UWW offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees online. UWW is an NCAA Division III school and has a variety of intramural sports. Of 7,000 institutions, UWW was one of the top 15 percent awarded the Military Friendly School designation by GI Jobs magazine. The UWW campus community is dedicated to supporting military members and veterans with benefits such as military credit, educational benefits, and more.
Format: Online
#5. BAKER COLLEGE
Baker College’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) prepares students to solve problems at high business levels, opening up career options such as business consultants, analysts, C-level executives, and even careers in education. Throughout the 60 credit hour program students will study high-level business theories and management techniques and will complete a research-based dissertation. This program is delivered online and its structure contributes to student success. Students develop the skills needed for independent work during the first year then transition into supervised scholarly activities during the program’s second year. In the third year students focus on an independent research project. Specialization areas include leadership, finance, human resources, management information systems, and marketing allowing students to focus on a topic that they find interesting and challenging.
Located in Flint, Michigan, Baker College has been educating students for over a century and is Michigan’s largest not-for-profit college. Baker consists of six different colleges and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Baker also has 11 campuses throughout Michigan including its main Flint campus. Through Baker Online students may enroll in online courses that offer flexibility paired with a fully accredited curriculum. While the classes have a specific beginning and end date and students must meet assignment deadlines, students may access the online classrooms at any time. This design allows students to pursue an education while meeting other life obligations.
Format: Online
#6. TRIDENT UNIVERSITY
Trident University’s Ph.D. in Business Administration (PHDBA) is offered completely online and prepares students to become teachers, researchers, and scholars. Students may choose from concentrations including accounting/finance, information systems/information technology management, leadership, management, and organizations, as well as marketing. Throughout the program, students develop advanced research skills, scholarly writing talents, and presentation skills. The all-online environment allows students to learn in small class sizes so that they can interact both with their peers and faculty throughout the progression of the program. Students will put their new research skills to work in developing their dissertation.
Trident University was founded in 1998 with the goal of creating a 100 percent online university. Today, Trident allows students to enjoy a flexible learning environment with no daily micromanagement. Adult learners can succeed at their own pace with Trident’s case-based learning that foregoes traditional standardized testing evaluations. While Trident works to keep tuition as low as possible for all students, veterans and active duty military members are eligible to receive reduced tuition. Trident’s Corporate & Career Learning Center offers organizations the opportunity to attract top talent through its focus on training and development. In 2015 Trident University received an A+ Accredited Business rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Format: Online
#7. UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
The Doctor of Business Administration offered by the University of Phoenix is a 62 credit hour program that is offered online. Courses are no longer than eight weeks long and students take a single course at a time as they progress through the four-year program. This program is built for working adults, giving students the flexibility they need to simultaneously earn their doctorate while also working full-time. Students will have access to University Research Centers as well as faculty and industry professionals that will help to guide students through the program. The coursework will teach students how to solve organizational problems, design and conduct research studies, introduce innovative business ideas, and more which prepares them to become innovators, scholars, and subject-matter experts in the business industry.
Founded in 1976, the University of Phoenix takes a unique approach to adult education. Short classes break down the large task of earning a degree into smaller, achievable pieces. Students are able to study online or on campus, so they can take advantage of whichever method works best for them. The University of Phoenix allows students to transfer credits from other institutions and provides university instructors who have an average of 23 years of real-world experience, ensuring quality education. Additionally, the University of Phoenix offers a tuition guarantee that locks in a tuition rate for a student from their start of the program until they graduate.
Format: Online
#8. WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
Wilmington University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is offered in an online and a hybrid format. This program is intended for students who wish to build upon the knowledge that they have acquired through their master’s degree. Through this program students will develop critical knowledge and skills that they will use in business leadership positions. Students will hone their oral and written communication skills, exercise critical thinking strategies, learn how to evaluate and apply ethics, and develop an understanding of the issues that contemporary businesses face. Program graduates will be prepared to hold positions in business consulting, management, and academia.
Wilmington University is located in New Castle, Delaware with additional locations in Maryland and New Jersey. It has an enrollment of 20,000 students yet offers an impressive 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Wilmington University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs, all designed with a specific career focus. Additionally, Wilmington University students pay in-state tuition rates no matter where they live, keeping education affordable. WilmU Online offers students the flexibility of online education with tools like online video conferencing, online collaboration, and Blackboard. Students can also transfer up to 90 credits from another institution toward their education at Wilmington University.
Format: Online
#9. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Maryland University College prepares students to hold executive-level business management positions. Students progress through the program in a cohort structure designed to promote interaction and relationships among both students and faculty. While all of the coursework is provided online students must attend a two-day on-site residency in Maryland during each term. Students will also prepare a dissertation that reviews a complex issue or problem in the workforce. Upon graduating from the program, students will be prepared to hold roles in for-profit, nonprofit, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations. Among other requirements, program applicants must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution and must submit two letters of reference.
Founded over 70 years ago, the University of Maryland University College is designed specifically for working adults and is the largest online public university in the United States. UMUC offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs and specializations accessible via online courses and through the college’s 140 classroom and service locations. In order to keep education as affordable as possible UMUC has replaced most textbooks with digital materials, available at no cost to students. The college does not require SAT or GRE scores and students can take advantage of multiple start dates each year to begin their next step toward career advancement without delay. In 2016, U.S. Veterans Magazine included UMUC in its ranking of the top veteran-friendly schools.
Format: Online
#10. GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Georgia State University’s Executive Doctorate in Business program is taught by faculty who are recognized for both their research and teaching accomplishments. This six-semester program takes three years to complete and, while the coursework is offered online, students must attend 24 Thursday through Saturday on-campus residencies. The Executive Doctorate in Business has an 81 percent graduation success rate and alumni dissertations have been downloaded over 80,000 times. The program is intended for working senior-level executives. Students average 43 years in age, generally have more than 10 years of significant work experience, and have a degree such as an MBA or M.S.
Georgia State University’s ten colleges and schools located across seven campuses which educate over 51,000 students each year. The student body includes students from every county in Georgia, along with every state in the country and 170 additional countries outside of the United States. The Atlanta campus is home to more than 250 degree programs in 100 fields of study. The university offers countless opportunities to its students, including 84 research centers and 72 study abroad programs. Students also have the opportunity to join more than 400 student organizations. The U.S. News & World Report has named Georgia State the second most innovative university in the U.S., the second best undergraduate teaching university in the U.S., and the tenth most ethnically diverse university in the U.S.
Format: Online
#11. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Concordia University Chicago’s Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) degree is one of the top DBA programs in Chicago. Most of the coursework of this 60-hour program is offered online, though students attend three on-campus residencies during the program. This program is designed to help professionals focus on real-life business challenges, helping them to develop and apply theoretical knowledge to business practice. Students may choose to specialize in innovations in health care, innovations in human resources, leadership and innovation, and marketing innovations. The program takes three years to complete, and students begin work on their dissertation immediately, choosing a preliminary topic during the beginning of the program.
Founded in 1864 as a college for teachers, today Concordia University Chicago consists of five different colleges. This liberal arts university is an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and educates approximately 4,300 graduate students each year. Concordia University Chicago offers an 11:1 graduate-student-to-faculty ratio allowing for plenty of individualized attention. Online programs tailored to the schedules of working adults allow professionals to study at their own pace. Each online course lasts eight weeks and students take just one course at a time. Students from 37 states and 26 different countries study through the university’s online program offerings, which are taught by the best faculty throughout the United States and throughout the world.
Format: Online
#12. JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree offered by Johnson & Wales University is designed to prepare students to meet the unique needs of positions in the business, healthcare, government, military, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. The eight week long courses allow students to quickly progress through the program which can be completed in three years. This program also features a dissertation model that helps to guide students through the entire dissertation process, beginning at the end of the program’s first year. With a curriculum focused on organization development, this program prepares students to become leaders, innovators, consultants, and policymakers. This 54-credit program is delivered fully online, making it ideal for working professionals no matter where they are located.
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University’s main campus is located in Providence, Rhode Island. Additional campuses are located in North Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; and Charlotte, North Carolina. JWU offers more than 80 different majors and students can study abroad at more than 40 sites in six different countries. JWU students also participate in 3,400 internships each year in 48 states and 21 countries. JWU’s College of Online Education offers that same quality education to students who may not be able to travel to campus. Online students will learn from faculty who have decades of industry-related work and students also have access to JWU’s Experiential Education & Career Service office.
Format: Online
#13. UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business is a research program that provides students with the skills and tools needed for business leadership positions, while also qualifying them to teach in colleges and universities. This online degree offered by the University of the Cumberlands is a 60 credit hour program with courses delivered in an eight-week format. Students complete core courses, strategic focus courses on management, research methods courses, and capstone and dissertation courses. Program applicants should have a master’s degree in a business-related field, but may also have an undergraduate degree in business and a master’s degree in a non-business field.
The University of the Cumberlands has campuses in Williamsburg and Florence, Kentucky. The university’s enrollment is over 11,000 and more than 9,000 of those are graduate students. Twenty-six percent of the students are first-generation college students and residential students represent 36 different states. The university offers many different sports opportunities including archery, lacrosse, basketball, dance, volleyball, wrestling, and more. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of the Cumberlands as No. 8 for the Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs, No. 115 for the Best Online Graduate Education Programs, No. 175 for the Best Online MBA Programs, and No. 31 for the Best Online Graduate Education Programs for Veterans.
Format: Online
#14. FELICIAN UNIVERSITY
Felician University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is offered fully online with only a brief residency requirement making it ideal for working professionals who need flexibility in their education. During the program, students will prepare and teach a university-level course and will pass a certification or licensure exam such as the CPA, CFP, CMA, or CIA. The program is self-paced and students aren’t restricted by semester or course schedule. This unique design allows students to take extra time on courses if and when they need it. A faculty member will serve as a student’s personal learning coach throughout the program, and students can tailor their studies to achieve their own personal career goals. Program faculty have years of experience in management, higher education, finance, and more.
Founded in 1923, Felician University is one of 24 Franciscan universities located in the United States today and the only such university in New Jersey. Felician University has a campus in Rutherford and in Lodi with an enrollment of over 2,000. The university offers more than 55 majors and the 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to receive plenty of individualized attention. Four academic schools make up the university: the schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Nursing. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Felician University’s Master of Science in Nursing program among the top online graduate nursing programs in the United States. In 2017, Payscale.com ranked Felician as the third best value private institution in New Jersey. Additionally, Niche.com ranked Felician as having the safest college campus in New Jersey in 2018.
Format: Online
#15. SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
The Doctor of Business Administration Online (DBA) degree from Saint Leo University is designed to help students develop research, critical analysis, and application skills that they will use in teaching, academic leadership, or consulting careers. Program graduates are qualified for many different positions including college professor, business trainer, financial manager, research analyst, and executive manager opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to take a variety of courses designed to prepare them for the demands of their careers. Such courses include Doctoral Success Lab, Global Leadership and Ethics, Applied Research, Analytics for Decision Making, and a Consulting Practicum. This flexible program will broaden students’ knowledge and understanding of functional business areas while equipping them with the practical skills and methods for shaping leaders required by business management positions.
Saint Leo University was established in 1889 as Florida’s first Catholic institution and is one of the 10 largest Catholic universities in the United States. Today, the liberal arts campus is home to over 2,200 students, while the Central Florida campus and online programs support and enrollment of nearly 15,000. Students may choose from over 50 undergraduate degrees, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. The U.S. News & World Report named Saint Leo University as a 2019 Best Regional University-South, and as a Best Value University-South. G.I.Jobs has also ranked the university as one of the top providers of higher education to the military and to military spouses. Victory Media named Saint Leo as a 2018 Top 10 Gold-Level Military Friendly School Award recipient, as well as a Spouse Friendly School.
Format: Online
#16. UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree offered by the University of the Incarnate Word is designed for students who already have a master’s degree in business or in a business-related field. The program incorporates both online and face-to-face learning for both synchronous and asynchronous educational opportunities but students may elect to take the program in an online-only format. Students must complete all 45 credit hours through UIW’s School of Professional Studies and unfortunately, transfer credits are not accepted for this program. The program culminates with a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation, or work-based project. Students take a Culminating Experience course during the last three semesters of the program to develop this project.
Located in San Antonio, Texas, UIW was founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1893. Today, UIW is the largest Catholic university in Texas. The university includes 11 schools and colleges, five of which are health profession schools. UIW is also home to 23 NCAA Division I teams. At UIW students can choose from over 90 majors, minors, and concentrations taught by faculty who have impressive credentials and experience. Faculty accomplishments and distinctions include 16 Fulbright Scholars, three Legion of Merit recipients for senior military leadership, and over 750 research honors. UIW also offers financial aid which 95 percent of students receive.
Format: Online
#17. INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Indiana Wesleyan University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is one of the lowest DBA programs available. This program is offered mostly online with three on-campus intensives. Students can choose from concentrations in healthcare administration, accounting, and management. The program takes about three years to complete, and students will have a mentor to help them throughout the entire duration. Program graduates will be prepared to hold positions in business education, consulting, and business leadership. Program applicants should have an MBA in a business-related field, as well as a graduate GPA of 3.25 or higher. Students with lower GPAs may be admitted on a probationary basis.
Founded in 1920, Indiana Wesleyan University has a main campus in Marion, Indiana, and regional locations throughout Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Over 3,000 students attend the four-year liberal arts university via its main campus, and the graduate school’s adult education programs offer the flexibility that working professionals need. IWU Online offers more than 90 programs including graduate degrees, accelerated degrees, certificates, and more. Online class sizes are capped in order to maintain an intimate learning experience through the virtual classroom. Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits are available to adult learners pursuing online educational programs in order to make education affordable.
Format: Online
#18. FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offered by Franklin University is an online program that follows a cohort design. Students will receive support from a graduate advisor, faculty advisor, personal librarian, and more, setting them up for success. The program takes three years to complete but students may transfer up to 24 credit hours of previous doctoral work in order to graduate in a shorter time period while also reducing their tuition expenses. This program also has a “no-fear dissertation process” in which students progress through the dissertation process step-by-step. The dissertation process begins with the student’s enrollment, and faculty mentoring and guidance further support students as they focus on their dissertation.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University has been educating working adults for over 115 years. Franklin University students average 34 years in age and are able to take classes online or on-campus one night per week for excellent scheduling flexibility. Understanding that working students need after-hours support Franklin University’s admissions, advisor, and faculty support options are available after 5 o’clock at night. Courses are available with multiple start dates and variable lengths, which also helps students to fit in their education around work and life commitments. Franklin University’s online degree offerings are both convenient and affordable and nearly 80 percent of the university’s students opt to take courses online.
Format: Online
#19. CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at California Baptist University is a 50 credit hour program that can be completed in three years. Students take one class every eight weeks and progress through the program in a cohort model. Residencies are scheduled during key times of the program and students must complete a dissertation. This program prepares students to improve the quality of their business decisions and students will learn how to adhere to the highest ethical standards. Program applicants must have a Master of Business Administration or related degree and should have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with a 2.75 or higher GPA may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis.
California Baptist University has campuses in Riverside and San Bernardino, California, along with plenty of online programs. Founded in 1950, CBU is now one of the top private Christian institutions in Southern California. CBU has a 100 percent Christian faculty and staff and was named a 2017 Best Regional University by the U.S. News & World Report. Through CBU Online students may choose from over 40 majors and concentrations with most majors taking just 16 months to complete. CBU Online utilizes technology such as Tandberg high definition video engagement, Blackboard, WebEx, Movi-Cisco, and more to transform online learning into an interactive environment.
Format: Online
#20. UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS
The University of Dallas offers a Doctor of Business Administration program that features an applied research curriculum specifically for senior-level business executives. The blended classroom and online learning environment provide working professionals with valuable scheduling flexibility. Students progress through the program in cohorts and can complete the 61 credit hours in three years. Admissions are capped and selective and program applicants should have an MBA or other business degrees. In some cases, exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree and managerial experience may be accepted. During this program, students will learn how to find solutions to the challenges that they’ll face in the modern workplace.
The University of Dallas was founded in 1956 and offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and continuing education programs to more than 1,300 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students. This private Catholic university employs 140 full-time faculty and approximately 92 percent of faculty hold the highest degree in their field. The University of Dallas offers an impressive 11:1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio. The university is also home to 14 NCAA III varsity sports teams. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Dallas among the top ten Catholic colleges in the West, and Forbes ranked the university among the top 15 Catholic colleges nationwide.
Format: Online
#21. KEISER UNIVERSITY
Keiser University offers a Business Administration DBA program in Spanish. This program is offered online and students take one or two eight-week long courses at a time. Students take 10 core courses to earn 30 postgraduate credit hours as well as 12 graduate credits in their chosen specialty. Specialties can be Global Organizational Leadership or Global Business. The project culminates in 12 credits of dissertation courses. Program applicants must have a master’s in business administration or a related field as well as two years of full-time experience. Alternatively, applicants may have a master’s degree combined with graduate and university credits in accounting, finance, and economics, combined with at least three years of full-time professional experience.
Keiser University was founded in 1977 in order to serve adult learners with career-focused education options. Today, the university is the third largest nonprofit university in Florida and is located in West Palm Beach. Keiser University employs about 3,800 staff in order to educate about 20,000 students. Students can choose from over 100 associate, master’s, bachelor’s, and doctoral degrees, and Keiser University students receive about $44 million in scholarships each year. Keiser University is home to 25 athletic teams and offers a culturally rich campus life. In 2014 the U.S. News & World Report ranked Keiser University as the 13th best regional college in the South, and the top college in Florida.
Format: Online
#22. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offered by Liberty University is a 60-credit-hour program that takes 3.5 years to complete. This program focuses on skills students will need to succeed in upper-level positions, and students will train in professional management, human resources, marketing, and more. Students can choose from a wide variety of specializations such as finance, healthcare management, information systems, non-profit leadership and management, strategic media and digital content, and supply chain management and logistics. This online program is available to students who have a master’s degree and a 3.0 or greater GPA. Students will enjoy access to Liberty University’s library search portal, which connects them to a wide variety of online resources.
Liberty University was founded in 1971. Today this accredited evangelical liberal arts university consists of 16 colleges and schools offering more than 550 different educational programs from certificate to doctoral programs. Liberty University educates over 100,000 students each year and offers more than 250 programs online to students all over the world. For the past three years the university has frozen undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral program tuition rates, and Liberty University has been ranked in the top five out of over 2,100 online colleges when it comes to academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Many of Liberty University’s professors teach both on-campus and online courses so that online learners have access to the same quality education that they would receive on campus.
Format: Online
#23. GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offered by George Fox University is a 56 credit hour program that can be completed within four years. This program is offered in a hybrid format where most of the coursework is online and students attend two in-person residencies in Newberg, Oregon during each year of the program. Students may choose to concentrate in accounting, management, or marketing, and the program consists of a business core, a research core, and a dissertation, as well as an education core with a teaching or consulting practicum. Program graduates will be prepared to hold roles in higher education, consulting, and corporate leadership.
Located in Newberg, Oregon, George Fox University is a Christian university with an enrollment of over 4,000 students. The university employs 130 full-time faculty and offers a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which is one of the lowest in Oregon. In addition to a variety of undergraduate degrees George Fox University also offers accelerated bachelor’s degrees for adults as well as master’s and doctoral degrees within its graduate program. Forbes identified George Fox University as one of the top 10 best religiously affiliated colleges in the country, and Money magazine ranked George Fox University first in the Best Oregon Colleges for Your Money and fifth in the Best Christian Colleges for Your Money in the national rankings.
Format: Online
#24. CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
Creighton University’s Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) is a hybrid program designed for professionals who wish to continue working their jobs while simultaneously earning their degree. During this three-year program, students attend seven weekend residencies during the first two years. Two-thirds of the program’s content and discussion are conducted online, with students meeting in-person on campus for the remaining third of the program. Students will also attend an evening virtual session once per week during the first semester and one additional semester allowing increased face-to-face interaction both with professors and with peers. This research-based program is ideal for students who wish to hold a tenure-track faculty position at a college or university, who are interested in consulting, or who wish to learn a research-based business approach.
Founded in 1878, Creighton University offers 40 different graduate degrees all driven by Jesuit values. One of just 28 Jesuit educational institutions in the country, Creighton is home to over 4,100 students pursuing graduate and professional degrees. The university creates a supportive environment for graduate students and offers hybrid programs designed with the flexibility that working students need. Creighton has been repeatedly ranked as the No. 1 master’s degree-granting university in the Midwest by the U.S. News & World Report, and Creighton’s business graduate programs have also been included in the U.S. News & World Report‘s Top 20 Graduate Business Online Programs rankings.
Format: Online
#25. PACE UNIVERSITY
Pace University’s Doctor of Professional Studies in Business (DPS) offers a blend of classroom and online learning, creating a flexible hybrid program that requires minimal on-campus time. With the majority of the coursework offered online, students attend one on-campus meeting per month. This program prepares students to hold careers in consulting or academia or to advance their current career paths. During the program, students will develop theoretical knowledge and analytical skills, expand their managerial perspectives, enhance their professional networks, and more. Students may choose concentrations in finance, management, or marketing. Program applicants should have at least 10 years of professional experience and an MBA or similar degree.
Founded in 1906 as an accounting school, Pace University has since grown to encompass a campus in Lower Manhattan and two campuses in Westchester County, New York. The university educates 13,000 students each year and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across more than 150 majors. The student body represents 136 different countries and 46 states and 92 percent of first-year students receive financial aid. A 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio means that students receive individualized attention, contributing to their quality education at Pace. Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights ranked Pace as the top private four-year college in the United States.
Format: Online
#26. ROLLINS COLLEGE
Rollins College offers an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) program designed for students who wish to continue working while earning their degree. Students complete most of the coursework online, meeting on-campus on a consecutive Friday and Saturday once each month. Students work closely with their faculty advisor throughout the duration of the program and complete a year-long dissertation at the conclusion of the EDBA. While this program follows a cohort model most of the assignments are individually based rather than being team-based. This program is intended for executives and program applicants should have approximately 10 years of work experience.
In 1885, the New England Congregationalists founded Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Rollins became the first recognized college in Florida and is a coeducational liberal arts institution today. Students may participate in 100 student-led clubs and organizations. Rollins’ 80-acre campus is home to a fine art museum with a collection of over 6,000 pieces as well as a 54,000 square-foot library that is home to over 300,000 volumes. Rollins is also known for its Walk of Fame which contains over 500 stones that have been gathered from the birthplaces of notable cultural and historical people. The Princeton Review named Rollins as the Most Beautiful College Campus in 2015-2016.
Format: Online
#27. SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY
Sacred Heart University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Finance is a low-residency program that allows students to continue to work while pursuing their education. This program follows a cohort design and students meet on the Fairfield, Connecticut campus which allows for group projects, access to the school’s library and laboratory, and networking opportunities. Coursework focuses on a variety of topics such as global financial markets and institutions, quantitative methods, and advanced risk management. This DBA will prepare students for careers in businesses, financial institutions, consulting firms, government agencies, and academia. Program applicants must have a master’s degree as well as a history of relevant business experience.
Founded in 1963, Sacred Heart has been named one of the Top 10 Fastest-Growing Colleges by the Chronicle of Higher Education. SHU offers over 80 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, as well as over 60 study-abroad programs. The university educates nearly 9,000 students each year, and there are over 44,000 living alumni. SHU offers a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 22 students, ensuring that students have access to quality education and individualized attention. SHU’s partnerships with over 100 non-profits, social services agencies, and schools in the Greater Bridgeport area also create unique opportunities for students.
Format: Online
#28. DREXEL UNIVERSITY
The Executive Doctorate in Business (DBA) program at Drexel University is a part-time program that can be completed in just two and a half years. The program incorporates both on-campus residencies and online virtual modules to create a flexible schedule that lets students continue to work full-time while earning their degree. A dissertation chair guides each student through the dissertation process, beginning in the first year of the program. This program follows a cohort format and students will progress through the program in groups of 12 to 18 which creates a close-knit supportive environment. This is a highly selective program and applicants should have a master’s degree and 10 or more years of senior industry or leadership experience.
Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was founded in 1891. Today Drexel has an enrollment of over 24,000 students making it one of the 15 largest private universities in the country. Drexel has three campuses in Philadelphia, as well as other regional sites and has established international research partnerships with countries such as China and Israel. Drexel is also home to the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University which is the oldest major natural science museum in America. Drexel Online makes a quality Drexel education accessible to even more students and has become one of the oldest and most successful online degree program platforms.
Format: Online