I’m considering earning an online MBA instead of earning a traditional classroom MBA. I live in rural Wyoming—not a lot of universities close to my home. None, in fact. To continue my education, I have to move or go online. My last business degree was earned the traditional way. I’m skeptical that an online MBA could ever be as good as my old-fashioned classroom experience. Can you cite objective research that “proves” that an online MBA might be anywhere near as good as a traditional classroom degree?

—Tammy, Wyoming

Lots of educators have asked—and answered—this same question. The answer: YES. The Online MBA has scientifically been shown to be as effective—if not more so—than the old-time, traditional classroom MBA.

I’d like to earn an online MBA, but most seem to require the GMAT. I need a program with NO GMAT required. I’m VP of marketing in the real world, but my GMAT scores stink. Nothing I’ve done, including an expensive test prep program, has raised my scores. Can you suggest any top online MBA that does not require this exam or that other pesky exam, the GRE?

—Jack
Ticonderoga, NY 

Distance higher education started out as a way for older, non-traditional students with access issues to receive instruction.

But, beginning in the late 1990s, younger students—call them the “Instant Education Generation”—unexpectedly began embracing online university learning.