Most Affordable Online MBA Programs

By Writer Last updated Mar 13, 2023

Are you looking for the most affordable online MBA programs in the United States? Then we’ve got you covered. This article not only focuses on the list of the most affordable online MBA programs but also summarizes everything you need to know about online MBA, the average costs, and the benefits of doing your MBA online.

An MBA provides students with the knowledge, skill sets, and experience that make them desirable candidates for the most competitive positions. There are several ways to earn an MBA. You can study online or on-campus, part-time. But not everyone has the ability to take a break from their careers and join a full-time MBA course. So, if you’re considering becoming an MBA student, you may want to look at online programs.

An online Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) has become vital if you are in management or any business field. Online MBA degrees have become more popular than ever. Online students do not have to forgo a salary, so digital degrees are suitable for those who do not want to sacrifice too much money.

Meanwhile, time-conscious managers have warmed to them rather than taking time out of work to pursue a traditional, campus-based course. Moreover, the benefits of online MBAs include cheaper tuition, flexible scheduling, multiple start dates, a self-paced curriculum, mobility, and interactive learning tools.

How Much Does an Online MBA Cost?

Online MBAs can vary in price, depending on the price per credit, the institution, specialization, and accreditation. However, the average total cost of a public university online MBA in the 2014/2015 period, according to Study.com, was $25,525. Meanwhile, the costs ranged from $2,000 to $96,000.

Furthermore, online MBA degrees can be managed by business schools more cheaply than by campus programs. In such cases, the tuition tends to be lower. With these, you will understand the need to find the most affordable online MBA.

Benefits of Doing Your MBA Online

Online MBA degrees have exploded in popularity as well as popularity. Online options for also increasing every year. However, here are some significant benefits of doing an MBA online:

Flexible scheduling: You can view lectures and study when it’s convenient for you. Moreover, you can also study at intervals throughout the day.
Take the class where you want. You can complete the program from anywhere in the world and on any device, from the comfort of your own home or wherever you would like, and be able to travel.
Work part-time or full-time while you study. Keep your current job or take on a role allowing you to earn money to pay for your degree while pursuing your MBA.
Moreover, most online MBA programs have cheaper tuition than traditional programs.
Being able to work and advance your career while studying. You will be able to connect with and learn from other business professionals in the field you want to work in who are students in your classes.
Furthermore, not everyone thrives in in-person, traditional classroom settings. You will learn in a digital setting provided by an online MBA program, which allows students to work at their own pace using technology tools they are familiar with.

Most Affordable Online MBA Programs

There aren’t enough tuition-free options out there. Therefore, another means is to look for the cheapest of the best. Some online programs offer part-time students the chance to earn an MBA for only a few hundred dollars per credit. Below you will find the most affordable online MBA programs.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University (SHSU or Sam) is a public university in Huntsville, Texas. It was founded in 1879 and is Texas’s third-oldest public college or university. However, it is one of the first regular schools west of the Mississippi River and the first in Texas. It is named for Sam Houston, who made his home in the city and is buried there.

SHSU is a member of the Texas State University System. Moreover, the university also offers more than 20 online bachelor’s and graduate degrees. The University offers a 36-credit-hour online MBA suited for qualified students from any academic discipline. Three start dates allow students to enter the program various times throughout the year. Moreover, courses cover topics like accounting for management, financial management, managerial communication, marketing management, and techniques of statistical analysis.

Further information on Sam Houston State University is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $320
Number of credits needed to graduate: 36
Total cost for out-of-state students: $11,520
Rank: 84 (tie)

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) is a public university in Odessa, Texas. It is part of the University of Texas System. UTPB was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973.

The online MBA program at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Moreover, online students will take core courses that include accounting analysis, financial management, organizational behavior, and marketing management.

Further information on UTPB is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $370
Number of credits needed to graduate: 30
Total cost for out-of-state students: $11,100
Rank: 252-328

Missouri State University

Missouri State University (MSU or MO State), formerly Southwest Missouri State University, is a public university in Springfield, Missouri. Founded in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School.

Missouri State University College of Business, has been providing top-tier higher education to individuals across the globe for decades. MSU College of Business has designed its Master of Business Administration program based on the growing demands of the business field.

The Missouri State University online MBA is designed for working professionals and busy graduate students seeking a flexible business degree. The online program is highly affordable and costs the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All MBA courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors instructing on campus.

Further information on the MSU College of Business is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $320
Number of credits needed to graduate: 34
Total cost for out-of-state students: $10,880
Rank: 214 (tie)

Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University (NSU) is a public university with its main campus in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Moreover, NSU is the oldest institution of higher learning in Oklahoma and one of the oldest institutions west of the Mississippi River.

Further information on Northeastern State University is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $292
Number of credits needed to graduate: 36
Total cost for out-of-state students: $10,512
Rank: 201 (tie)

Lamar University

Lamar University (Lamar or LU) is a public university in Beaumont, Texas. Furthermore, Lamar has been a Texas State University System member since 1995. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Lamar University.

Moreover, the university offers an affordable online MBA designed for busy students. The online MBA requires the completion of 30 credit hours and takes as few as 12 months to complete. With an AACSB accreditation stamp and a solid academic reputation, the online MBA at Lamar draws qualified students from all over the globe. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.

Further information on Lamar University is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $331
Number of credits needed to graduate: 30
Total cost for out-of-state students: $9,930
Rank: 252-328

University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas (Central Arkansas or UCA) is a public university in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 1907 as the Arkansas State Normal School, the university is one of the oldest in the U.S. state of Arkansas. Moreover, UCA is noted for nursing, education, physical therapy, business, performing arts, and psychology programs.

The University of Central Arkansas College of Business provides an affordable online MBA. Designed for busy professionals and working students seeking a flexible business program. The online master’s of business administration from UCACB has six specialties, including a general MBA, information management, finance, international business, healthcare administration, and data analytics. Each program is approximately 30 hours long or ten courses.

Further information on UCA is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $325
Number of credits needed to graduate: 30
Total cost for out-of-state students: $9,750
Rank: 252-328

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, TAMU-CC, A&M-Corpus Christi, or A&M-CC) is a public research university in Corpus Christi, Texas. It is part of the Texas A&M University System and classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity”.

Further information on Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $302
Number of credits needed to graduate: 30
Total cost for out-of-state students: $9,060
Rank: 252-328

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University (Fitchburg State) is a public university in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Moreover, Fitchburg State University offers one of the most affordable MBA online programs. Moreover, the online MBA program at Fitchburg State University’s Business Administration Department is not accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Still, the MBA program does hold accreditation from the IACBE.

Meanwhile, to earn the online Fitchburg MBA, students must complete ten courses (30 credit hours), including 18 hours of advanced core requirements, nine hours of management concentration courses, and a three-hour elective course.

Further information on Fitchburg State University is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $275
Number of credits needed to graduate: 30
Total cost for out-of-state students: $8,250
Rank: 252-328

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University (Louisiana Tech, La. Tech, or simply Tech) is a public research university in Ruston, Louisiana. It is part of the University of Louisiana System and classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity”.

Moreover, the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University features an excellent and affordable online MBA. For business students ready to pursue the next level of education, Tech’s College of Business features five MBA delivery methods geared to fit the many needs of every business student.

Further information on Louisiana Tech University is as follows:

Part-time, out-of-state tuition per credit: $258
Number of credits needed to graduate: 30
Total cost for out-of-state students: $7,740
Rank: 78 (tie)

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University (FSU) is a public historically black university in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Moreover, Fayetteville State University’s online MBA program is regionally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the gold standard of business school accreditation.

For less than $6,000 per year, students may earn an online MBA from Fayetteville State University. The online MBA is flexibly designed for business professionals and offers ten concentrations, allowing students to tailor their degrees toward areas of interest. These concentrations include business intelligence and data analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare management, international business, marketing, and project management.

Final Thoughts on the Most Affordable Online MBA Programs

All online MBA degrees are not made equal. Some programs offer a generalist MBA, while others embed fields students can choose from. Those focusing on a specific field tend to do better in the job market because of their specialized skill sets. Standard fields include finance, accounting, project management, information technology, and healthcare management.

In conclusion, it is critical for the MBA candidate to select a program with a specialization that fits their career trajectory and interests.