The University of Delaware’s Online MBA program moved up five spots to 41st in the nation as announced this week in the 2025 Poets&Quants Best Online MBA Programs rankings.

The UD Online MBA program is placed among the top 11% of all accredited programs. UD’s five-place increase from last year’s rankings tied for the eighth highest among schools.

UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics administers the program and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest standard of accreditation and a distinction that fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide have earned.

“Being ranked 41st among online MBA programs in the nation is a strong testament to the quality and impact of our program,” said Oliver Yao, dean of UD’s Lerner College. “This recognition highlights the dedication and excellence of our faculty, staff, students and alumni, who are the heart of Lerner’s success. Our online MBA program continues to provide working professionals with a flexible, high-quality education that empowers them to achieve their goals in a dynamic business environment.”

The Poets&Quants ranking is centered on three equally weighted categories: admissions standards, academic experience and career outcomes. Admissions standards data is collected from a survey sent directly to schools, while academic experience and career outcomes data is gathered from an alumni survey.

Poets&Quants made a few methodological changes to the admissions standards category this year, reducing the weight of admission test scores as more programs are going test optional, and adding metrics in six-year graduation rates and one-year retention rates.

Lerner’s graduate programs are designed with a student-centric approach that prioritizes both academic excellence and real-world applicability. 

“We understand that successful graduate education must be responsive to the evolving dynamics of the business world, which is why our curriculum is continuously shaped by the direct input of students and the emerging needs of various industries,” said Andrea Everard, associate dean for graduate programs. “The recent recognition by Poets&Quants for our online MBA program is more than just an accolade — it is a meaningful validation of our strategic approach to graduate business education. This prestigious acknowledgement highlights our commitment to delivering high quality, flexible education that meets the complex demands of today's professional landscape.” 

The UD Online MBA program features intensive seven-week terms, advanced digital curriculum with robust interaction with faculty and peers, and access to personal career coaching. The curriculum can be completed in as few as 12 months full time, or students can study part time at their convenience.

Core courses cover fundamental business and management topics in eight specializations: business analytics, digital and social media, finance, healthcare management, information technology, international business, public relations and strategic leadership.

Five departments in the Lerner College (accounting and management information systems, business administration, economics, finance and hospitality and sport business management) contribute core and elective courses to the online program.

“The success of our online MBA program is a testament to the remarkable dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff,” Everard said. “These professionals bring a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to the classroom creating a rich engaging learning environment that prepares students for leadership roles across diverse business sectors. Their tireless efforts in curriculum development, student support, and innovative teaching methodologies are the cornerstone of our program’s effectiveness and reputation.”