What Employers Really Think About Online MBAs
The Big Question Everyone Asks
If you’re considering an online Master of Business Administration (MBA), one question probably keeps coming up: “Will employers actually respect this degree?”
It’s fair to ask. You don’t want to invest your time, money and energy only to find out later that your MBA won’t carry weight with hiring managers.
Here’s the real answer: Yes, employers value online MBA degrees in 2025 — especially when they’re from accredited, reputable universities. But the degree is only one part of the equation. Employers also care deeply about your experience, attitude and the soft skills you bring to the table. Let’s break it down.
Are Online MBA Degrees Respected by Employers?
In 2025, the old stigma around online learning has largely faded. Most employers now recognize that online MBAs are:
- Accredited and rigorous. Programs accredited by organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) — including Rowan University’s Rohrer College of Business — meet the same high standards as traditional MBAs.
- Practical and applied. Many online MBAs weave in real-world projects, case studies and collaborative work.
- Proven. Thousands of business leaders and executives now proudly list an MBA on their résumés — and they don’t need to specify “online.” What matters is the school, the accreditation and the value of the credential.
👉 For employers, the real measure is the quality of the program and how you apply what you’ve learned — not whether you took classes in a lecture hall or on Zoom.
What Employers Really Look For in MBA Graduates
Employers hiring MBA grads (online or in-person) are evaluating more than just the degree. They’re looking for:
- Relevant work experience. Your past roles and accomplishments prove you can deliver results.
- Soft skills. Leadership, teamwork, adaptability and communication all carry huge weight in hiring decisions.
- Attitude and initiative. Employers want people who are proactive, resilient and able to navigate change.
- Educational value. An MBA shows you’ve built advanced business knowledge and can apply it strategically.
In short: the MBA can get you in the door — but your experience and mindset are what help you stand out once you’re there.
Why Online MBAs Matter More in 2025
A decade ago, employers sometimes questioned online degrees. Today, perceptions have shifted significantly. Here’s why:
- Remote work is increasingly common. Employers see online learning as proof you can collaborate virtually and manage your own time.
- Skill needs have shifted. Companies want leaders who can analyze data, think critically and adapt fast — core skills in most online MBA curricula.
- Leaders are paving the way. More executives openly hold online MBAs, helping break down any lingering doubts.
Does an Online MBA Still Boost Careers and Salaries?
Yes — and the numbers back it up. Data continues to show that MBA graduates earn higher salaries and advance faster than peers without the degree.
- Higher salaries. The Graduate Management Admission Council’s (GMAC) 2024 Corporate Recruiters Survey found that MBA grads in the U.S. start at a median salary of $120,000, compared to just over $69,000 for bachelor’s degree holders — nearly a 73% jump.
- Outperforming other business degrees. GMAC also reports that MBA graduates out-earn peers with other specialized business master’s degrees, including finance, marketing and accounting.
- Stronger job outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for management roles is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033, with about 1.2 million openings each year.
👉 Together, these trends show why employers continue to value the MBA — and why online formats now carry the same career weight as traditional programs.
Employers don’t pay less because your MBA was online. They care about:
- The school’s accreditation and reputation
- The skills you bring to their organization
- The value you create once you’re on the job
And remember — online MBAs often give you the flexibility to keep gaining work experience while you study, a double advantage in the eyes of employers.
How to Choose an Online MBA Employers Will Respect
To make sure your online MBA carries weight in the job market, look for:
- Accreditation. AACSB or strong regional accreditation signals quality.
- Employer connections. Partnerships, internships or networking opportunities built into the program.
- For example, Rowan’s Rohrer College of Business offers career support through its Center for Professional Development (RCPD), which connects students with employers and professional growth opportunities.
- Alumni outcomes. Where are graduates working? Are they advancing?
- Faculty expertise. Professors who’ve led in business, not just the classroom.
The Bottom Line on Online MBAs
So, do employers really value online MBA degrees in 2025?
Absolutely — when paired with the right experience and mindset.
An online MBA shows employers you’ve built advanced business knowledge, strengthened your leadership and invested in your future. But it’s your experience, soft skills and attitude that turn that degree into career success.
Or put another way:
The MBA gets you noticed. Your experience and leadership get you hired — and promoted. Together they’re a powerful combination.