BGSU Online MBA program ranked among Ohio's best by Fortune

University's online MBA program ranks among the top in Ohio and the Midwest

By Branden Ferguson

Empowering students with a quality, flexible education, the Bowling Green State University Online MBA program was recently recognized by Fortune as one of the best in the Midwest and the nation.

For 2024, Fortune ranked the BGSU Online MBA program No. 2 among Ohio public universities and No. 9 in the Midwest. The online program also was recognized nationally, coming in at No. 42 overall.

“This ranking reinforces the quality and value of a BGSU Online MBA degree," said Dr. Jennifer Percival, dean of the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business. "Our students learn from the same world-class faculty as our in-person programs and are supported every step of the way. We are proud to be continuously recognized for our student-centered approach that incorporates flexibility and engagement into the learning process."

As part of its rankings, Fortune analyzed the educational background of leaders at America’s 1,000 biggest companies. Looking at positions of CEO, CFO, CIO and other leadership roles, 20% of the ranking came from the success and impact of BGSU alumni, highlighting the University’s commitment to supporting workforce needs. Additional consideration was given to the average number of online searches for a school’s MBA program, contributing to an additional 20% of the ranking. Making up the rest of the ranking were data points around previous Fortune ranking, acceptance rate, student retention, GPA, graduation rate and tuition.

With dual accreditation in business and accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Schmidthorst College of Business empowers and inspires the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs through on-campus and 100% online learning.

Designed for working professionals seeking to expand their leadership and problem-solving skills, the BGSU Online MBA program meets students where they are in their life and career. Students are empowered to thrive in today’s global business environment with support from world-class faculty.

"One of the hallmarks of the BGSU Online MBA program is its flexibility," Percival said. "Students are able to complete coursework on a schedule that works for them and that fits their lifestyle. Our faculty understand that many of our students are balancing work and life while earning their degree, and we're here to support them in advancing their careers and credentials."

"While earning my MBA, I have worked full time and even started a new job in the middle of the program," said current online MBA student Maddy McGarry '19. "Having the program fully online makes it easy to balance work, school and free time, allowing me to complete coursework when it fits into my schedule."

In addition to recognition from Fortune, the BGSU Online MBA program also was recently honored by U.S. News & World Report among the top in Ohio and the country for 2024. The online program is also ranked No. 1 in Ohio and No. 33 nationally by Poets&Quants, which determines its scores based on the University’s commitment to rigorous academic standards, student experience and employment outcomes.

BGSU is the only university in Ohio, and one of 10 nationally, to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of its online programs, reflecting the high level of support and critical student and academic services BGSU Online provides.