20 Best Online DBA Programs 2024

Best online DBA programs is a great way to advance your career and gain in-depth knowledge in business administration. A variety of online DBA programs available, you can find one that fits your schedule and career goals. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, dive into business research, or transition into a new role, these DBA programs offer the flexibility and support you need to succeed. A Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) is a high-level degree for people who want to become leaders in the business world. Unlike a PhD, which is more research-focused and aimed at those wanting to teach at the university level, a DBA is designed for working professionals who want to apply advanced business concepts and research in real-world settings. The good news is that many of these programs can be completed online or through a mix of online and in-person classes (hybrid formats), making it easier for those who are already working full-time. This guide will explain what a DBA is and highlight some of the best online DBA programs in the U.S. Here are the 20 Best Online DBA Programs in 2024. Best Online Colleges for DBA Programs listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, format, Credits and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

20 Top Ranked Online DBA Programs in the U.S.

1. Harvard University

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $120,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top business roles, such as CEOs and business consultants. They lead companies and make important decisions.

Academic Highlights: Harvard offers a top-ranked DBA program. Students learn from world-class professors and have access to extensive business research.

2. University of Florida

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $110,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business leadership, consulting, and academia. They are known for their strong analytical skills.

Academic Highlights: The University of Florida offers a comprehensive online DBA program. Students engage in research and practical business applications.

3. Liberty University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: 1100
Median ACT: 22
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Admission Requirements: GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $90,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business management, consulting, and education. They are skilled in strategic planning and leadership.

Academic Highlights: Liberty University offers a flexible online DBA program. Students can tailor their studies to their career goals.

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4. Capella University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $95,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various business roles, including executive positions and consulting. They are known for their problem-solving abilities.

Academic Highlights: Capella University offers an online DBA program with a focus on practical business skills. Students complete projects and case studies.

5. Walden University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $92,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business administration, consulting, and higher education. They excel in strategic thinking and leadership.

Academic Highlights: Walden University offers a flexible online DBA program. Students work on real-world business problems and solutions.

6. University of Phoenix

GPA Requirement: 2.5
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $88,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business management, operations, and consulting. They are known for their leadership skills.

Academic Highlights: The University of Phoenix offers an online DBA program focused on practical business knowledge. Students learn through interactive online courses.

7. Northcentral University

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in executive roles, consulting, and academia. They excel in business strategy and management.

Academic Highlights: Northcentral University offers a personalized online DBA program. Students work closely with faculty on research and projects.

8. Baker College

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business leadership, consulting, and education. They are skilled in business analysis and strategic planning.

Academic Highlights: Baker College offers a comprehensive online DBA program. Students engage in research and practical business applications.

9. California Southern University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $87,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business management, consulting, and education. They are known for their leadership and problem-solving skills.

Academic Highlights: CalSouthern offers an online DBA program with a focus on practical business skills. Students complete projects and case studies.

10. Grand Canyon University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $89,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business administration, consulting, and higher education. They excel in strategic thinking and leadership.

Academic Highlights: GCU offers a flexible online DBA program. Students work on real-world business problems and solutions.

11. University of Maryland Global Campus

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $88,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business management, operations, and consulting. They are known for their leadership skills.

Academic Highlights: UMGC offers an online DBA program focused on practical business knowledge. Students learn through interactive online courses.

12. Walden University

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business administration, consulting, and higher education. They excel in strategic thinking and leadership.

Academic Highlights: Walden University offers a flexible online DBA program. Students work on real-world business problems and solutions.

13. Colorado Technical University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business leadership, consulting, and education. They are skilled in business analysis and strategic planning.

Academic Highlights: Colorado Tech offers a comprehensive online DBA program. Students engage in research and practical business applications.

14. Keiser University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $87,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business management, consulting, and education. They are known for their leadership and problem-solving skills.

Academic Highlights: Keiser University offers an online DBA program with a focus on practical business skills. Students complete projects and case studies.

15. Regent University

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business administration, consulting, and higher education. They excel in strategic thinking and leadership.

Academic Highlights: Regent offers a flexible online DBA program. Students work on real-world business problems and solutions.

16. Indiana Wesleyan University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $88,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business management, operations, and consulting. They are known for their leadership skills.

Academic Highlights: IWU offers an online DBA program focused on practical business knowledge. Students learn through interactive online courses.

17. Johnson & Wales University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business leadership, consulting, and education. They are skilled in business analysis and strategic planning.

Academic Highlights: JWU offers a comprehensive online DBA program. Students engage in research and practical business applications.

18. California Baptist University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $86,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business management, consulting, and education. They are known for their leadership and problem-solving skills.

Academic Highlights: CBU offers an online DBA program with a focus on practical business skills. Students complete projects and case studies.

19. City University of Seattle

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business administration, consulting, and higher education. They excel in strategic thinking and leadership.

Academic Highlights: CityU offers a flexible online DBA program. Students work on real-world business problems and solutions.

20. Saint Leo University

GPA Requirement: 3.0
Median SAT: Not Required
Median ACT: Not Required
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Admission Requirements: GPA, essays, recommendations.
Format: Online
Credits: 60
Salary: Average starting salary is $87,000.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in business management, operations, and consulting. They are known for their leadership skills.

Academic Highlights: Saint Leo offers an online DBA program focused on practical business knowledge. Students learn through interactive online courses.

Best Online DBA Programs – Conclusion

Getting a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) online or through a mix of online and in-person classes is a flexible and practical way for busy professionals to boost their careers. These programs combine business theory with real-world experience, perfect for executives, managers, consultants, and educators who want to learn more and improve their leadership skills. There are many accredited and top-ranked programs to choose from, so you can find one that fits your career goals and schedule. This allows you to achieve the highest level of education in business while still keeping your current job.