Articles > Business > Is it too late to get my online MBA?

Is it too late for me to get an MBA?

Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT

A business man next to an alarm clock to signify the time to go back and get an MBA

If you don’t get an MBA within a few years of completing a bachelor’s degree, did you miss your chance? Will you be able to learn after many years outside of a classroom? You might be surprised at the average age for MBA students. And an online MBA program may be an attractive pathway to learning career-relevant skills while still juggling adult responsibilities.

Why get an MBA through an online program?

Wanting to get an MBA (Master of Business Administration) can be a top priority for many professionals looking to expand their skill set and prepare for the next steps in their careers. Yet a full-time, in-person MBA program can be challenging to complete while holding down a job. Online MBA programs can offer adult students a more feasible pathway to a graduate degree, thanks largely to the flexibility of their format.

The online option also allows students to capitalize on what some experts say is an advantage for working adult students: their experience. Such candidates are primed for success in an MBA program because they have context to understand what they’re learning as well as the opportunity to leverage the lessons in real life.

For starters, online coursework to get an MBA means students don’t have to move onto or near the campus of a specific college, potentially uprooting themselves and their families. They can also potentially save money, since the online format may allow them to continue working with little to no interruption to their professional obligations.

Working while going to school to get an MBA also means students are earning money to pay their bills and potentially cover the cost of their education. Employer tuition assistance may also be available. That is good news, especially when considering the cost of an MBA. The average cost to get an MBA in 2026 ranges from $78,000 for in-state pubic schools to $270,000 for a private top-tier university.

Some programs may also offer cost savings. For example, a competency-based program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Additionally, students with previous degrees and work experience may be eligible for certain transfer credits, allowing them to complete their program even more quickly.

What's the average age for MBA students?

According to data from Zippia Research, the average age for MBA students is 28 years old, and that translates across some of the most well-known programs nationwide. The average MBA student brings four to five years of work or life experience to their degree program, increasing the potential compatibility with the program’s goals.

Adult students bring a certain level of professional experience that may help them better grasp business concepts and how to implement them.

Following graduation, graduates can pursue careers in general manager, operations manager, operations director and business manager roles.

Factors to consider before applying to get an MBA online

Each program has different components that appeal to a prospective student. While everyone’s needs differ, these basic factors should be evaluated for any MBA program under consideration:

Timeline: How long will it take to complete the degree?
Tuition: What will the program cost? Be sure to factor in transfer credits and potential tuition assistance.
Relevance: How might an MBA provide career growth? MBAs can offer students versatility in their career paths, potentially introducing them to opportunities in the financial, marketing, strategy and operations fields. With an online program, students may feel freer to “try on” different career paths.

Choosing the right program to get an MBA

Not every program is the same. Some may require higher tuition, longer timelines or even more courses — which can deter working professionals. By enrolling in accelerated programs to get an MBA — such as competency-based master’s degrees, students can potentially better balance their studies with their other responsibilities.

For students interested in pursuing their online MBA, a great first step is comparing online program offerings that suit their needs.

Some of the top items that prospective MBA students should consider are:

Researching and shortlisting programs: Students should compare the different online program offerings for what works best for them. Determine which online MBA classes are offered, what the timelines are from the start of the program to graduation and what graduates of the program are now doing with their degrees.
Preparing for the application process: Determine the requirements necessary for the application itself. Gather transcripts, write application essays as needed and reach out to trusted sources for reference letters, as needed.
Applying for financial aid and scholarships: Assess the costs of each online program of interest. Additionally, contact financial aid offices for further insights on scholarship and financial aid offerings.

How to begin your journey to get an MBA online

If you’re interested in considering how to get an MBA and honing business skills that help prepare for new career opportunities, an online MBA at University of Phoenix is one path to consider. Prospective students can evaluate how they would fit into the program by reviewing the UOPX Academic Annual Report, which includes statistics and facts about the student body, including the average age of new students (38) and those employed while in their program (78%).

To best assess if the UOPX model works for you, check out the program specifics for:

The MBA program: This program can be completed in as little as 16 months and can prepare a graduate for a variety of career opportunities.
The MBA-CB program: As shared above, the competency-based program is an accelerated program for individuals with adequate professional experience, looking to complete their MBA in under a year.
Visit the UOPX diagnostic tool to determine which MBA program works best for the way you learn.

Request more information or apply to a UOPX online MBA program today.

Christina Neider, EdD
Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

University of Phoenix

“I don’t think you’re ever too old for education. People pursue their degrees for a variety of reasons — it could be because they want to move up, it could be a personal goal — but an MBA in particular is a really well-rounded program, so 30 is definitely not too old.”

What to Expect from an Online MBA

Are you considering pursuing an online 0:02 MBA, but unsure what it really entails? 0:05 It's a big decision, one that can 0:07 enhance your business acumen and help 0:10 you feel more prepared to take on bigger 0:11 responsibilities. 0:13 But there are some things you may want 0:15 to think about before beginning your MBA 0:18 journey. In this video, we'll take you 0:20 through what to expect from an online 0:21 MBA program. 0:23 Welcome to University of Phoenix 0:25 presents the framework. 0:28 The online MBA experience often includes 0:30 a blend of lectures, discussions, and 0:33 collaborative projects. You'll 0:35 participate in virtual discussions with 0:37 instructors and classmates where you'll 0:39 deepen your understanding of key 0:41 business concepts and realworld issues. 0:46 You'll be able to connect with peers and 0:48 in meaningful ways through online tools, 0:51 giving you a global perspective on 0:53 business practices. 0:56 Online MBA programs typically offer a 0:59 rigorous and comprehensive curriculum 1:01 designed to build advanced skills in 1:03 management, strategy, and leadership. 1:07 Some common topics might include 1:09 strategic planning and implementation, 1:12 where you'll learn how to analyze 1:13 business environments, create 1:15 strategies, and make high-level 1:17 decisions. 1:19 corporate finance where you'll gain a 1:22 solid understanding of financial 1:23 statements, budgeting, and financial 1:26 decision-making in business 1:29 and marketing, where you'll study the 1:31 principles of marketing, customer 1:33 behavior, and how to innovate within a 1:36 competitive business landscape. The goal 1:38 of the coursework is to prepare you to 1:40 think critically, make strategic 1:42 decisions, and effectively lead teams 1:45 and organizations. 1:47 [Music] 1:48 The real value of an online MBA program 1:51 lies in the advanced skills, leadership 1:53 capabilities, and strategic thinking it 1:56 equips you with. Whether pursuing an MBA 1:59 is the right choice for you depends on 2:01 your career goals. If you're aiming for 2:04 a leadership position, want to pivot 2:06 into a new industry, or simply want to 2:09 deepen your understanding of business 2:10 operations, an MBA might be the right 2:14 path for you. If you're wondering how to 2:16 start your online MBA or if it's the 2:18 right step for you, take the time to 2:20 research programs and consider your 2:23 professional goals. And if you found 2:26 this video helpful, don't forget to like 2:28 and subscribe to our channel for more 2:30 insights on education, career paths, and 2:34 skill development. This has been 2:36 University of Phoenix presents the 2:37 framework. See you next time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace Stetson is a freelance journalist and communications strategist dedicated to sharing vital stories with the greater Santa Cruz Community. She writes for various universities and publications throughout the Bay Area, and she coordinates political campaigns in Santa Cruz County. When not at work, Grace is volunteering at the SPCA or Second Harvest, exercising or getting lost in nature with a good audiobook.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.