If you’re looking to begin a career in business or advance in your career, then getting an affordable MBA online is the next step. Earning an MBA not only makes you a more hirable candidate but will teach you crucial and diverse skills to aid in your achievement. A business career is ever-changing; you’ll deal with different tasks and problems every day. This kind of fast-paced environment is great for people who have quick wits and creativity.
Having an MBA is nothing without earning it from the right higher education institution. We’ve taken the time to rank the most affordable online MBA programs. All of these universities promise to value your time and teach you the essential components of the business world. You’ll have the opportunity to work with other individuals as a team, pitch ideas, and practice marketing. You’ll feel confident graduating from the best college for you and feel proud of your accomplishments.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online MBA degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the recent IPEDs database.
Online MBA Programs for You
Most Affordable Online MBA Programs
| #1 | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | $8,961 |
| #2 | Grantham University | $9,303 |
| #3 | Midwestern State University | $10,407 |
| #4 | The University of Texas of the Permian Basin | $10,591 |
| #5 | Columbia Southern University | $11,241 |
| #6 | Clayton State University | $11,663 |
| #7 | Georgia Southwestern State University | $11,831 |
| #8 | Valdosta State University | $13,240 |
| #9 | Albany State University | $13,520 |
| #10 | Southeast Missouri State University | $13,568 |
| #11 | Wayne State College | $14,141 |
| #12 | Aspen University | $14,215 |
| #13 | Wichita State University | $14,859 |
| #14 | West Texas A & M University | $15,033 |
| #15 | Western Illinois University | $15,305 |
| #16 | University of Central Arkansas | $16,554 |
| #17 | Missouri State University | $16,718 |
| #18 | Alcorn State University | $17,838 |
| #19 | Union College – KY | $20,558 |
| #20 | University of the Potomac | $23,421 |
| #21 | William Woods University | $24,454 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for an Online MBA Degree
1. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Average Net Price: $8,961
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Eastern New Mexico University was built on the idea of creating a community of active learners and rich educators. Today they uphold that standard with a current student population of 5,106. ENMU has an in-state graduate tuition of $5,351 and an out-of-state graduate tuition of $7,110. Graduating from ENMU will leave you with the knowledge and achievement you desire.
ENMU is ranked in the top 50 among the nation’s Top Public Universities in the West. In this degree program, you’ll be exceptionally trained in all essential aspects of business and see growth in your managerial and human resource skills. ENMU designed its MBA online program to help students either step up in their careers or for MBA students to gain more advanced job opportunities. This MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
2. University of Arkansas Grantham
Average Net Price: $9,303
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
The University of Arkansas Grantham University was founded upon the value of building an innovative and diverse community. These values have brought over 4,200 graduate students to the university, where they’ve found a home in their education. UA Grantham has the advantage of being an all-online 4-year college. Attending an online university gives way to working full-time, having a family, and tending to all other responsibilities.
UA Grantham offers three different online MBA programs that individuals can achieve. These include Business Administration in Information Management, Business Administration in Project Management, and a General Business Administration program. The General MBA is offered in an online or accelerated online format. All three of these programs are designed to bring out the leader in each individual. You’ll become an expert in economics, ethics, and strategic marketing. These programs will set you on track to advance in your career.
3. Midwestern State University
Average Net Price: $10,407
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Midwestern State University was founded in 1922 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Today the university is home to more than 1,600 graduate students with over 500 online. The values they instill into their students consist of social justice, critical thinking, and emotional/physical well-being. These important attributes are what help business school students reach their highest potential at Midwestern State University.
Business is a rapidly changing field that requires somebody who can think fast on their feet. The MBA program at Midwestern State University was designed to bring out the best skills needed for business school students to advance and make more money in their careers. The College of Business at Midwestern State University is an accredited member of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This accreditation assists in MBA students graduating with highly employable skills more desired by employers than graduates at non-accredited schools.
4. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Average Net Price: $10,591
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Established in 1973, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin has made it its mission to create a university where students feel they belong. The institute brings a diverse community that allows for student-centered learning and research for a more engaging learning experience for all students. Attending UTPB will open your mind to challenging the boundaries of what you thought you knew.
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin has an exceptional online MBA program that advances each MBA student into leadership roles. What makes this MBA program so unique from other universities are the strategic business techniques taught to graduates that employers value. You’ll become well-rounded as you take classes such as financial management, the legal environment of business, and international business. Graduating with an MBA from UTPB will aid in your success in leading any corporation or business.
5. Columbia Southern University
Average Net Price: $11,241
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
Located in warm Orange Beach, Alabama, Columbia Southern University is home to nearly 17,500 students. CSU is dedicated to building life-long relationships, these relationships are founded on providing an extraordinary student atmosphere and a diverse learning experience. Columbia Southern University is an online-based university impacting lives by helping individuals reach a higher potential.
Columbia Southern University understands the ever-evolving business world and prepares its students for these changing climates. You’ll be educated on different behavior techniques to be successful and contribute to research that will gain you the necessary skills needed for a business career. CSU allows students to specialize their MBA program to certain aspects of the business they’re interested in pursuing. These concentrations include finance, sports management, information technology, human resources, and so much more. You’ll find exactly what you need in an MBA degree at Columbia Southern University.
6. Clayton State University
Average Net Price: $11,663
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Clayton State University was established in 1969 with a mission to provide a rich education to assist individuals in reaching their highest potential. Students at CSU value the exceptional faculty, smaller class sizes, and positive campus life. The university makes it a priority to give individualized time to each student. You’ll feel confident in what you’re learning and be able to call Clayton State University home.
The university knows that while achieving an online master’s degree, your time is valuable. With this thought in mind, they’ve created an MBA program that works around your schedule. Students can expect to graduate with an online MBA in as little as 12 months, sometimes a little longer, depending on what concentrations students earn. In this online MBA program, you’ll learn real-world experience and have opportunities to work as a team.
7. Georgia Southwestern State University
Average Net Price: $11,831
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Georgia Southwestern State University is a top-tier post-secondary education that puts its students’ needs first. As a student, you’ll feel valued, especially with the smaller class sizes that provide more one-on-one time. Part of the university’s mission is teaching individuals valuable attributes to make them well-rounded people. After graduating from Georgia Southwestern State University, you’ll be skilled in quantitative reasoning, written communication, and understanding cultural differences.
The online MBA program represents one of the highest standards for business schools, this is proven by its accreditation from AACSB. It’s earned this highly accepted accreditation through its diligent detail to its business administration graduates. In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to work as a team, explore your creativity, and react to unanticipated problems. Earning an MBA degree from Georgia Southwestern University will leave you feeling confident and ready.
8. Valdosta State University
Average Net Price: $13,240
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Valdosta State University was founded in 1906 in Valdosta, Georgia, as a women’s college called South Georgia State Normal College. Today the university is home to more than 8,700 students. They value providing their students with an inspired education, a safe learning environment, and a nurturing community. These important attributes are what help students become lifelong learners who meet a changing global society’s needs at Valdosta State University.
Two MBA programs are online from Valdosta State University. The online Master in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Healthcare Administration (HCAD) [MBA-HCAD] requires the completion of 30 credit hours. It addresses the professional and academic expectations of those students who seek new careers in the field and those already employed in healthcare administration. The other MBA is available through the Georgia WebMBA program. The 30 hours of courses in this program are taught by full-time VSU faculty and other faculty from five University System of Georgia Institutions.
9. Albany State University
Average Net Price: $13,520
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Located in Albany, Georgia, Albany State University was founded in 1903 to serve its students and community. The university aims to educate diverse students who will elevate their communities. Albany State University has the vision to deliver a creative and enriched education that will enhance research opportunities for its students.
The MBA degree at Albany State University is a rigorous business administration program that will challenge you to a higher understanding. The program’s fundamental goal is to “develop professional managers/leaders capable of making valuable contributions to the system of diversity and growth of their chosen organizations.” While earning a degree, you’ll take classes such as accounting analysis for decision-making, economics for managers, and organizational behavior.
10. Southeast Missouri State University
Average Net Price: $13,568
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Southeast Missouri State University is located by the great Mississippi River. SMSU strives to be recognized for its enriched education, research, and engagement in its community. With a student-focused education, students can feel confident that graduating from Southeast Missouri State University will lead to success in future business administration endeavors. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southeast Missouri State University is invested in your success, this is proven by offering over 75 graduate programs, including their MBA degree. When acquiring an MBA degree at SMSU, you’ll have different concentrations from which to choose. Students can get an MBA with a concentration in accounting, international business, entrepreneurship, and more. All of these programs are prepared to meet your needs and teach you the best skills necessary to advance you in your career. 92% of students will graduate with a job.
Online MBA Programs for You
Examining the MBA
An MBA is a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. This degree was created in the 20th century when companies sought those who were highly educated in courses such as finance, accounting, human resource, international business, and other business-related fields. The thought process of creating the MBA was that people with such education would have the ability to advance companies using a scientific approach. While this is still helpful for many companies today, an MBA is no longer just for those seeking a career in the business management field.
Generally speaking, in order to be an MBA graduate, you must have received an undergraduate degree, from an accredited college. You also need to have at least average GMAT scores, for most MBA programs. Additionally, it is to your advantage to research the programs you are interested in, long before you plan to apply. This gives you the specifics that each school looks for in students, as well as provides you with important cut-off dates.
Earning your MBA Online
You may be excited to learn that you can now earn your affordable online MBA. This is especially important for those with busy careers and family obligations. However, before you decide that an online MBA is a right program for you, take the time to do your research. Consider things such as which online MBA program is accredited and which accrediting agency provides the accreditation. Find out each school’s requirements, as well as the flexibility and availability of courses.
Accreditation
Accreditation means that a specific organization has audited the school’s facility, teaching criteria, staff and students, among other items, and has deemed them in line with similar schools. This allows students to choose the best school for their personal situation, while still receiving the same quality of education. Accreditation is also important when transferring credits from one college to another, as well as fairness in graduation exams and more.
Choosing an online MBA program that is accredited is important as it helps prove the college is reputable and is not just handing out random certificates. Accreditation also provides employers with a basis of what their online MBA graduate employees should know and understand. This is a bonus to employers and it makes hiring decisions easier.
One well-known company that provides online MBA programs with accreditation is the AACSB; which stands for Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB was formed in 1919 and is in charge of accrediting business colleges in 51 countries. This also helps to ensure that courses across these different countries are as similar as possible. Because of rigorous standards, only about 10% of online colleges, in the United States receive accreditation from the AACSB. Another important reason to use an online MBA program that is accredited by the AACSB is that schools are re-evaluated every five years for accreditation compliance. This ensures that courses remain up to the proper standards.
Business School Accrediting Agencies
- AACSB
- ACBSP
- CHEA
- DEAC
- IACBE
Popular MBA Programs
Project Management MBA
Earning your online MBA in Project Management gives you the education and skills needed to handle business projects from beginning to end. This degree is ideal for those who are looking to take on a management or leadership role within a company. It often helps you to gain the skills you need to climb the corporate ladder.
As a project manager, your main focus is to follow entire projects, making sure budgets are met as well as meeting deadlines and solving all issues that may arise during the course of the projects. While earning your MBA in project management, you will take courses such as project planning, quality control, risk management and more. You will learn to work together with a team in order to learn how to create and achieve goals to ensure the business thrives.
If you choose to earn an online MBA in Project Management you will more than likely be looking to work in a field such as construction, including architecture, or other industries such as software development or communications. Within these fields, there are various employment opportunities. According to Glassdoor.com, the national average salary for a Project Manager is $88,907 in 2022.
Healthcare Management MBA
With an MBA in Healthcare Management, you will have the skills to excel in positions in the healthcare sector. Along with learning about financial issues, you will learn about laws and ethics which relate to the healthcare system. You may also participate in real-world problems in order to discover proper solutions that truly work.
With an online MBA in Healthcare Management, you will learn how to make the best decisions for companies in the medical field. This may include helping hospitals to stay on budget and run well within their set parameters. You may also choose to be a healthcare consultant. In this position, you will learn how to stay profitable, while also making sure patients’ needs are met. Another option is to choose to go into the private sector, where you may supervise staff, handle correspondence and make sure the practice remains compliant. The average salary for someone with an MBA in Healthcare Management is $73,333 in 2022 according to Glassdoor.
Human Resources MBA
Earning your online human resources MBA will provide you with the skills necessary to make decisions regarding personnel, leadership, hiring, management, and much more. This degree is best suited for those who have an interest in how businesses run and run well, along with those who have a deep desire to work directly with people.
With an online MBA in human resources, you will have the ability to spot issues within the workplace, as well as be able to correct the problem. You will learn about workplace legalities, business ethics and employee benefits. Additionally, you will have the ability to properly align positions and help to create proper pay scales.
Choosing an online MBA in Human Resources is a wise decision because it is such an important role in many companies. With this online degree, you may choose a career such as Human Resources Manager. In this position, you will help employees with their needs, as well as enhance company morale, take care of company needs, and much more. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Human Resources Manager is $65,218 in 2022.
Dual Online MBA Programs
If you are dedicated to taking your education to the next level, consider doing a dual online MBA program. Dual MBA programs are set up to allow students to earn two degrees by allowing specific classes to count towards both degrees, saving both time and money. This is a great option for anyone interested in more than one degree to consider.
MSN MBA Dual Degree Online
Earning your MSN MBA dual degree online is a great choice if you are seeking both your master’s degree in nursing as well as your master’s in business administration. Having both of these degrees opens a variety of opportunities in the healthcare sector, such as becoming a hospital administrator or doing a variety of consulting work.
Benedictine University allows you to earn your online Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration seperately requires a total of 28 courses and 3.5 years to complete. By doing the online dual MSN MBA program you only have to complete 23 courses and 3 years. In this example, you will also save around $12,000. Keep in mind that you must apply and be accepted into both courses in order to earn this dual online MBA.
MBA MHA Dual Degree Online
Earning your MBA MHA dual degree online provides you with the management skills you would learn while earning your master’s in business administration. But it also includes the highly sought-after skills that you would learn when earning your master’s in healthcare administration. This dual degree offers a variety of career choices, including pharmaceuticals, health insurance, public policy, and more.
During our research, we found that several online schools offer MBAs with a concentration in the healthcare field. However, we had trouble finding 100% true, online MBA MHA dual degree opportunities.
Weber State University offers a dual MBA MHA degree. However, this is not an online program. Students must attend classes on campus. In the program for the dual MBA MHA degree, you must choose which degree you want to earn first. Earning your MBA first requires 66 hours while earning your MHA first requires 69 hours. Weber State allows you to fill out one single application, however, you must be accepted into both programs to earn the dual degree.
