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 | $4,994 |
| #2 | The University of Texas of the Permian Basin | $8,106 |
| #3 | Grantham University | $10,099 |
| #4 | Midwestern State University | $10,203 |
| #5 | Clayton State University | $10,635 |
| #6 | Western Illinois University | $11,663 |
| #7 | Columbia Southern University | $12,474 |
| #8 | Georgia Southwestern State University | $12,567 |
| #9 | Southeast Missouri State University | $13,321 |
| #10 | Valdosta State University | $13,336 |
| #11 | Wichita State University | $14,372 |
| #12 | Wayne State College | $14,469 |
| #13 | University of Central Arkansas | $14,735 |
| #14 | Albany State University | $14,904 |
| #15 | Aspen University | $15,952 |
| #16 | Alcorn State University | $16,206 |
| #17 | Missouri State University | $16,625 |
| #18 | University of the Potomac | $17,867 |
| #19 | West Texas A & M University | $18,060 |
| #20 | Union College – KY | $21,504 |
| #21 | William Woods University | $23,717 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for an Online MBA Degree
1. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Average Net Price: $4,994
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
The Online MBA program at Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus stands as a fully digitalized initiative tailored for active professionals. It caters to those seeking growth in their careers, bearing the accreditation of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and boasts the potential to be accomplished within a mere 12 months.
Crafted to furnish students with the essential acumen and proficiencies demanded by today’s dynamic business arena, the program encompasses an array of focal points, encompassing:
- Financial accounting
- Managerial accounting
- Economics
- Business law
- Marketing
- Organizational behavior
- Strategic management
Enrolled students gain entry to a diverse array of resources, comprising:
- Online courses
- Digital library access
- Virtual tutoring
- Web-based career services
This initiative further extends itself by presenting a selection of specializations, namely:
- Healthcare administration
- Human resource management
- Information systems
- Project management
- Supply chain management
Admission requisites for the program encompass possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Additionally, submission of GMAT or GRE scores is mandatory.
2. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Average Net Price: $8,106
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Experience the convenience of a 100% online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program from the esteemed University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB). This program, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), secures its place as No. 132 in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s rankings for Best Online MBA Programs.
UTPB’s MBA program emerges as a beacon of affordability and accessibility tailored for industrious professionals. With tuition costs kept under $15,000, this transformative program can be triumphantly conquered in as little as 12 months.
Select from an array of dynamic specializations, comprising:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Energy Business
- Health Systems Policy and Management
- Public Health
The MBA journey at UTPB unfurls with foundational business courses encompassing vital disciplines like accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Your chosen specialization gains dedicated focus as you delve into tailored courses.
Expect to be instructed by a distinguished cadre of seasoned faculty, all eminent authorities within their domains. Experience a stimulating blend of real-time video lectures, pre-recorded sessions, and engaging interactive discussions as the primary means of course delivery.
Admission to UTPB’s MBA program mandates possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, supported by a GPA of no less than 3.0. Prerequisite courses, including calculus and statistics, are also requisites that pave the path to your success in this program.
3. University of Arkansas Grantham
Average Net Price: $10,099
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
The University of Arkansas Grantham offers three online MBA programs:
- MBA in Business Administration provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills to succeed in business. The program covers accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics.
- MBA in Information Management prepares students to use information technology to solve business problems. The program covers data analytics, systems analysis, and project management.
- MBA in Project Management prepares students to manage complex projects. The program covers risk management, scheduling, and budgeting.
All three programs are offered 100% online, so students can learn from anywhere in the world. They are also accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
To be admitted to an MBA program at the University of Arkansas Grantham, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum GMAT score of 500 or a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8.
4. Midwestern State University
Average Net Price: $10,203
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Midwestern State University offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in a fully online format. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a globally recognized accreditation organization for business schools.
The MBA program at MSU Texas is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals. Classes are offered in eight-week blocks, and students can take up to two courses per block. This allows students to complete the program in as little as two years.
The core curriculum of the MBA program at MSU Texas includes courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics. Students also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of elective courses to customize their degree.
In addition to the core curriculum, the MBA program at MSU Texas also offers a number of specializations, including:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- Information Systems Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management
Students in the MBA program at MSU Texas have access to a variety of resources, including:
- Online learning platform
- Online tutoring
- Career counseling
- Alumni network
5. Clayton State University
Average Net Price: $10,635
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Clayton State University propels business careers through diverse AACSB-accredited online MBA programs catering to specific interests:
The MBA in General Business builds broad expertise with concentrations in Accounting, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Human Resource Leadership, International Business, and Supply Chain Management.
For accounting careers, the MBA in Accounting immerses students in financial accounting, auditing, and taxation curriculum.
The MBA in Data Analytics empowers informed business decisions through data mining, predictive analytics, and machine learning coursework.
By exploring search engine optimization, social media marketing, email marketing, and more, the MBA in Digital Marketing cultivates digital skills.
The MBA in Human Resource Leadership readies HR professionals via employee relations, compensation, benefits, and talent management curriculum.
By covering global trade, cultural awareness, and foreign exchange, the MBA in International Business develops international acumen.
The MBA in Supply Chain Management imparts logistics, inventory management, procurement, and related expertise.
With fully online delivery, Clayton State makes esteemed business education flexible and accessible from anywhere.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, 2.75+ GPA, and GMAT/GRE scores.
6. Western Illinois University
Average Net Price: $11,663
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Western Illinois University (WIU) presents a fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program, delivering a 100% virtual learning experience. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an internationally recognized accrediting body for business schools, accredits this program.
WIU’s online MBA program is meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of working professionals, offering flexibility and convenience at its core. Through an asynchronous format, courses unfold at a self-determined rhythm, granting students the autonomy to engage with the material on their terms and schedule. This expedited program can culminate in as little as 18 months.
Within the online MBA program at WIU, a pair of concentrations stands distinct:
- Management: Centered on pivotal business domains encompassing marketing, finance, accounting, and operations management.
- Supply Chain Management: Concentrating on the orchestration of the seamless movement of goods and services from suppliers to end consumers, inclusive of planning, execution, and oversight.
Prospective participants seeking admission to WIU’s online MBA program must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree. While the GMAT requirement is absent, candidates with an insufficient undergraduate GPA may be directed to undertake the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Executive Assessment (EA).
For eligible students, financial aid options are accessible.
Consider the manifold advantages of pursuing an online MBA via Western Illinois University:
- Accreditation by AACSB
- Tailored flexibility and convenience
- A duo of focused concentrations
- Waiver of GMAT prerequisites
- Availability of financial aid
Should an online MBA journey be your aspiration, the Western Illinois University program emerges as an exceptional choice. The AACSB accreditation lends it a seal of excellence. With dual concentrations and a streamlined GMAT requirement, the program addresses your needs while accommodating your professional commitments.
7. Columbia Southern University
Average Net Price: $12,474
School Type: For-Profit
School Accreditation: DEAC
Columbia Southern University propels business careers through diverse ACBSP-accredited online MBA programs catering to specific interests:
The flexible general MBA builds foundational business knowledge in finance, marketing, accounting, management, economics, and electives like law or IT.
The MBA with concentrations allows focused study in finance, healthcare management, HR management, IT, international management, marketing, project management, public administration, or supply chain management.
Designed for professionals seeking accelerated advancement, the MBA in Executive Leadership condenses coursework into an 18-month timeline.
Taught by experts, Columbia Southern’s online MBAs feature self-paced learning to accommodate working students.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, 2.75+ GPA, and GMAT/GRE scores.
With tailored concentrations and reputable accreditation, Columbia Southern University empowers professionals to advance business careers on their schedule.
8. Georgia Southwestern State University
Average Net Price: $11,831
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Georgia Southwestern State University propels business careers through two esteemed online MBA programs tailored to professionals at different stages.
The flexible 36-credit Online MBA readies working professionals for advancement over 2-3 years. The comprehensive curriculum covers accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, and business law.
Designed for seasoned executives seeking growth, the accelerated 30-credit Executive MBA condenses strategic management, leadership, entrepreneurship, and specialized content into just 12 months.
With prestigious AACSB accreditation, real-world faculty expertise, interactive online delivery, and career support, both programs deliver premium quality education with flexibility.
While the Online MBA requires test scores and work experience for admission, the Executive MBA waives testing with 5+ years of experience.
Blending academic excellence, convenient access, and affordability, Georgia Southwestern State University empowers professionals to reach higher through online MBA programs tailored to diverse needs and goals.
9. Southeast Missouri State University
Average Net Price: $13,321
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Southeast Missouri State University propels business careers through two flexible online MBA programs:
The MBA in General Management builds the skills and knowledge to succeed across business settings by covering accounting, finance, marketing, management, operations, and more.
By immersing students in auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and related coursework, the MBA in Accounting cultivates specialized expertise for accounting careers.
Offered fully online in an accelerated 18-month timeline, SEMO allows learners to progress at their own pace with flexible class scheduling.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, 2.75+ GPA, and competitive GMAT or GRE scores. Though costs vary by residency, AACSB accreditation cements academic rigor.
With acclaimed business faculty, specializations, and abundant career support, SEMO’s online MBA programs equip graduates to advance in myriad industries.
By blending reputable accreditation, expert instruction, flexibility, and career focus, SEMO’s online MBA programs unlock success in business and accounting.
10. Valdosta State University
Average Net Price: $13,336
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Valdosta State University offers two online MBA programs:
The Georgia WebMBA® is a 30-credit hour, non-thesis program that can be completed in five consecutive semesters. It is a 100% distance-based program that is taught by full-time faculty from five University System of Georgia institutions, including Valdosta State University.
The Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration (MBA-HCAD) is a 36-credit hour, non-thesis program that can be completed in six consecutive semesters. It is a 100% distance-based program that is taught by full-time faculty from the Langdale College of Business Administration.
Both programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
The Georgia WebMBA® is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers in business. The program offers a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to the student’s individual needs and goals. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations, including finance, marketing, management, and information systems.
The MBA-HCAD is designed for professionals who want to advance their careers in healthcare administration. The program offers a curriculum that covers the core concepts of healthcare administration, as well as specialized courses in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, and quality improvement.
Both programs require students to complete a capstone course. The capstone course is a culminating experience that allows students to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in the program to a real-world business problem.
To be admitted to either program, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75. They must also submit GMAT or GRE scores.
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.