Top-ranked online business degree programs near Kansas City¹

For nearly a century, the University of Kansas School of Business has shaped the future of business leadership. Established in 1924 and located in historic Lawrence, Kansas—just 40 miles west of Kansas City—KU’s business programs have evolved from their foundational roots to meet the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.

The school’s legacy of excellence continues through its AACSB-accredited online MBA program, ranked #7 among the Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious program delivers academic excellence at an affordable price point.¹

While based in Lawrence, known as one of Travel + Leisure’s “Top 25 Best College Towns in America,”² the program’s 100% online format allows professionals throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond to advance their careers without disrupting their professional lives. The program combines the flexibility working professionals need with the prestigious education employers respect, all backed by KU’s 150-year legacy of academic excellence.

The program’s strategic location near Kansas City creates unique opportunities for students. KU's network includes over 25,000 School of Business alumni, many holding leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies across the Kansas City metro area. Graduates have built careers at organizations like Boeing, T-Mobile, Koch Industries, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

• Virtual networking events connecting students with business leaders
• Mentorship opportunities with experienced KU alumni, staff, and partners
• Access to KU’s EY Business Professional Development services
• Invitation to the annual MBA Leadership Development Summit

MBA Careers

The online business degree stands out among MBA programs in Kansas City’s market through its combination of flexibility, affordability, and academic excellence. As part of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU)—one of only 38 public institutions with this distinction—KU delivers a world-class education designed for working professionals.³

• 100% online format with no campus visits required
• One course at a time in convenient 8-week terms
• Instruction from the same distinguished faculty as the on-campus program
• No GMAT required for qualified candidates
• Same competitive tuition rate for all students, regardless of location

KU’s Online MBA

The KU School of Business maintains high academic standards while offering an accessible path to advanced education. Qualified candidates can begin their journey with:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 2+ years of professional experience (preferred)
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA (recommended)
• Two letters of recommendation
• A professional resume and personal statement

With three start dates per year, professionals can begin their MBA journey when the timing is right for their careers.

Review Admissions

KU’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program is designed for working students seeking to advance their early-stage careers with a strong business foundation. A helpful stepping stone on the way to an MBA, this flexible program delivers practical knowledge, business theory, and professional skills through an engaging curriculum covering finance, management, business law, accounting, marketing, and business analytics.

Ideal for those with previous college experience, the BBA prepares you for diverse professional roles while accommodating your busy schedule. Gain the comprehensive business education you need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace without putting your career on hold.

Explore the Online BBA

The KU online learning experience combines the rigor of a top-ranked program with the convenience of digital delivery. Students access:

• State-of-the-art learning management system
• Live virtual sessions with faculty
• Interactive discussion forums with peers
• Real-world case studies and applications
• Dedicated student success coordinator

Through KU’s EY Business Professional Development Center, students connect with employers throughout Kansas and the Midwest, benefiting from the school's strong regional presence and national reputation.

Explore the Virtual Classroom