CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale has the top online MBA program in Illinois, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 online program rankings released Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The program earned the No. 1 spot in Illinois, among 14 programs, and is ranked 127th in the United States.
“Being recognized by U.S. News among the nation’s Best Online MBA programs and ranked No. 1 in Illinois is an important recognition of the work of our students and the commitment of our faculty and staff,” said Marc Morris, dean of the College of Business and Analytics. “Our online MBA is built for working professionals and emphasizes rigorous, career-relevant learning while providing strong support for online students. We’re encouraged by this recognition and committed to continuous improvement for our students and the employers they serve.”
All online and comprehensive
SIU officials said there are a number of reasons SIU’s program stands out. With a flexible, totally online format, it is convenient for busy people, especially working professionals. Strong faculty engagement and support for online learners are emphasized to give the students all the tools they need to succeed as they complete the intense curriculum, which emphasizes practical and pertinent education, Morris said. Moreover, the 33-credit-hour cohort can be completed in as little as 14 months. Students in the program are not required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) to participate in the program.
SIU’s online MBA incorporates a comprehensive learning experience to provide a critical understanding of finance, management-level accounting, business analytics, marketing, supply chain management and organizational behavior. Students learn cost behavior and estimation, cost allocation and performance evaluation, how to grow an organization’s competitiveness in the global market, and organizational strategies and tools. The program incorporates the most current research and theories on various relevant topics such as group dynamics, leadership, job performance, ethics and decision-making, and it prepares graduates for leadership roles.
Nationally recognized
The college and its accounting program are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, an accomplishment that puts SIU among the top 6% of business schools worldwide.
SIU’s online undergraduate business program also earned a place among the top 29% on the best online program list, earning the 73rd overall spot. This a reflection of strength across the college’s online business offerings, Morris said.
The next online MBA session begins March 16. Learn more by visiting SIU’s online programs website or calling 855-741-0087.