The United States has an astounding number of universities that offer excellent MBA programs. Many of these schools including the Magnificent 7 even belong to the top 100 business schools in the world. For this reason, completing an MBA from one of the universities in the US is considered a feather in every student’s cap.

As an American student, you are blessed to have world-class universities right in your country. However, because of the advanced skills, technology, and other resources, the top US B-schools are providing students with MBA programs that may be too high for some students.

While many good US business management schools have high matriculation and tuition costs, there are still several business universities offering a world-class MBA education that is affordable. You only need to exert extra effort and diligence to identify these institutions.

Furthermore, you may also choose to enroll in the cheap online MBA programs of these universities to avail of the school’s lower costs and to do away with commuting, relocating, and living costs. It should spare you a lot of money.

The pursuit of an MBA degree from a world-class university is worth your effort as it has its rewards. But if you can find a better alternative like quality, yet affordable online MBA education, then go for it.

The 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs

Fort Hays State University

Hayes, Kansas

Master of Business Administration

FHSU MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 33
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $350
Total tuition: $11,550
Graduation rate: 51%

The online Master of Business Administration at Fort Hayes University’s college of business is designed for working professionals with a desire for educational, professional, and career advancement. It allows you to earn an MBA degree without interrupting your work.

FHSU’s online MBA program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to operate and lead a business organization. It teaches you to develop ways and methods to achieve your managerial and organizational goals. The program aims to add value to you as a professional and increase your marketability in the job market.

These are the areas of specialization that you can concentrate on when you enroll in FHSU’s online MBA program:

Agribusiness
Corporate Communication
Digital Marketing
Finance
Healthcare Management
Health and Human Performance/Sports Management
Human Resource Management (HRM)
Information Assurance
International Business
Leadership Studies
Management Information Systems
Marketing
Operations Management
Tourism and Hospitality Management
General MBA (You may choose nine credits from any of the MBA concentration courses)

FHSU’s academic programs are recognized by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

Online Master of Business Administration

Sam Houston State University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 36
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $320
Total tuition: $11,520
Graduation rate: 51.6%

The affordable online MBA program at SHSU is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to hold leadership positions in modern business organizations. It also provides you with academic qualifications should you decide to pursue doctoral studies in business.

The online MBA program at SHSU college of business aims to develop and hone your decision-making skills and become a valuable asset to the organization you’ll be working with.

Sam Houston University’s graduate and undergraduate degree programs in business administration are accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Odessa, Texas

Online Master of Business Administration

UTPB’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 30
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $370
Total tuition: $11,100
Graduation rate: Not Available

The affordable in-person and online MBA programs at the UTPB are designed for students with a big desire to advance their careers through graduate education. It aims to accommodate students who don’t have sufficient time and financial resources to finish a master’s degree in business.

UTPB is one of the 13 respected educational institutions in Texas that are known for the quality of education they provide. Its college of business is famous for providing excellent education since the 1880s. Its college of business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Missouri State University

Springfield, Missouri

Online Master of Business Administration

Missouri State University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 34
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $320
Total tuition: $10,880
Graduation rate: Not Available

With its traditional and online MBA programs, Missouri State University’s college of business intends to equip you with knowledge of current theories used in major business disciplines. It is designed to develop your leadership skills and teach you to work effectively in team environments.

The program also intends to sharpen your communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills and provide you with a profound understanding of global business theories. These are some of the most valuable attributes you will need to become an effective strategist and problem solver of a business organization.

With five years of relevant work experience, you can qualify for the university’s Executive MBA (EMBA) program. The structure of the EMBA is similar to the traditional MBA program. However, its elective courses are designed to offer special benefits to working students.

Missouri State University’s college of business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Online Master of Business Administration

NSU’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 36
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $292
Total tuition: $10,512
Graduation rate: 47%

Being the oldest institution of learning in Oklahoma, Northeastern University has what it takes to host a very affordable MBA program in the country. Its fully online and blended Master of Business Administration programs cover advanced courses in all aspects of business including economics, finance, accounting, and business analytics and management.

The online MBA programs at NSU’s college of business offer a great opportunity for professional and career advancement, especially for working professionals. It is one of the best online programs in 2019, according to U.S. News & World Report. The program allows students to select one of these areas of concentration:

Business Analytics
Digital Marketing
Environmental, Health, and Safety Management
General Management
Health Informatics
Healthcare Administration
Managerial Accounting and Finance
Native American Enterprise
Project Management

The business programs at Northeastern State University are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas

Master of Business Administration – General Online

Lamar University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 30
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $331
Total tuition: $9,930
Graduation rate: Not Available

The online General MBA program of Lamar University is primarily intended to provide you with a comprehensive managerial education in business. It covers fields that are essential in the efficient management and operation of a business including accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and strategic management.

The program also exposes you to a professional and business network of the university’s business education alumni.

Lamar University’s traditional and online MBA programs are accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, Arkansas

Master of Business Administration

UCA’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 30
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $325
Total tuition: $9,750
Graduation rate: Not Available

The traditional and online MBA programs at the University of Central Arkansas’ college of business intend to expose you to the art and science of management through extensive coursework in various business disciplines. It is primarily designed to fulfill the needs of individuals who aspire to educational and professional advancement through quality yet affordable graduate education.

The UCA’s accredited online MBA program offers three areas of concentration. These are:

Health Care Administration
Information Management – Encompasses courses such as Information Security, Project Management, Business Analytics, and Business Intelligence.
Finance – Includes essential business courses such as Bank Management, International Finance, and Entrepreneurial and Small business Finance. Graduates in this concentration can qualify for positions such as Business Analysts, Corporate Consultants, Accounting Managers, and many more.

The college of business of the University of Central Arkansas is accredited by The Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, Texas

Online Master of Business Administration

Texas A&M University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 30
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $302
Total tuition: $9,060
Graduation rate: Not Available

The affordable online Master of Business Administration at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s college of business is committed to equipping you with knowledge and leadership skills that can place you above the competition in the business world. It also guarantees to develop and hone your critical thinking, communication, and analytical abilities.

The courses of the university’s accredited online MBA programs are handled and delivered by excellent professors. The MBA degree you’ll earn from the university can serve as a key that can open doors for you to better career opportunities and earning potential.

The College of Business at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is recognized by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Master of Business Administration in Management Online

Fitchburg State University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 30
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $275
Total tuition: $8,250
Graduation rate: Not Available

One of the cheapest MBA programs in the US, the Master of Business Administration in Management online at Fitchburg State University’s college of business provides you with experiential learning of real-world knowledge in accounting, human resources management, finance, seeking to help develop your skills and confidence to play various roles in business management.

The courses in the university’s online MBA program are delivered by the same outstanding faculty who are also actively working as professionals. The university employed them to teach students online and on campus.

The traditional and online MBA programs at Fitchburg State University are recognized by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, Louisiana

Master of Business Administration

Louisiana Tech University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 30
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $258
Total tuition: $7,740
Graduation rate: 82%

If you have completed a bachelor’s degree, are currently working, have accumulated at least three years of work experience, and aspiring to broaden your professional horizons through advanced studies, pursuing an online MBA degree would certainly make sense.

The affordable online Master of Business Administration at Louisiana Tech University is undeniably one of the cheapest online MBA programs in the country. It is programmed to make your desire for educational and professional advancement a reality. If you want to pursue advanced education at your own pace, this online MBA program is tailored especially for you.

Louisiana Tech University is recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of South Dakota – Beacom School of Business

Vermillion, South Dakota

Master of Business Administration

USD’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 33
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $379
Total tuition: $12,530
Graduation rate: Not available

The affordable online Master of Business Administration at the University of South Dakota’s Beacom College of Business focuses on developing and honing your analytical and critical thinking skills. It also teaches smart leadership strategies such as the formulation of alternative methods and courses of action, the importance of business decisions and their impact on the business environment, and the value of applying ethical principles in resolving business problems.

The university’s online MBA program put a big emphasis on data analysis, decision-making, and social responsibility. It is committed to ensuring your professional success, and the program manifests this by hiring an expert faculty committed to providing each student with a personalized approach and one-on-one advising throughout the program. The program offers five areas of concentration:

Business Analytics
Finance
Health Services Administration
Marketing
Operations and Supply Chain Management

The on-campus and online MBA programs of the University of South Dakota – Beacom School of Business are duly accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

Cameron University

Lawton, Oklahoma

Master of Business Administration

Cameron’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 33
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $331
Total tuition: $10,923
Graduation rate: Not available

The affordable online Master of Business Administration program at Cameron University’s college of business is designed for working professionals who aspire to professional advancement. Its courses are intended to provide you with a deep understanding of different business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, economics, management, etc.

Both the traditional and online MBA programs offered at Cameron University are a great fit if you aspire to gain a comprehensive knowledge of business management for personal and professional advancement. It is flexible, taught by an excellent faculty, and supportive to students to ensure that their best interests are taken into consideration.

The MBA program of Cameron University is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (AACSB).

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Master of Business Administration

Southeastern Missouri State University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 30
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $350
Total tuition: $10,500
Graduation rate: 35.8%

Southeastern Missouri State University has a reputation for offering low tuition fees. It is offering three affordable online MBA programs. These are MBA in Accounting, MBA in General Management, and MBA in Health Administration.

Whatever your field of interest is in the three programs, these are all intended as a response if you are seeking flexibility in your pursuit of educational advancement. The university’s online MBA programs can guarantee you of high-quality education.

The affordable online MBA program at Southeast Missouri State University’s college of business focuses on providing you with the skills you need to solve different business problems. It intends to prepare you for leadership roles in business organizations.

SEMO’s commitment to making its online MBA and other academic programs affordable is anchored on the principle that quality education doesn’t necessarily mean high costs.

SEMO’s face-to-face and online MBA programs are accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Eastern New Mexico University

Portales, New Mexico

Master of Business Administration Online

ENMU’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 30
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $310.50
Total tuition: $9,315
Graduation rate: 36%

Eastern New Mexico University delivers its Master of Business Administration program 100% online. It is designed for professionals pursuing advanced business education without giving up their regular jobs.

The affordable online MBA is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to qualify for managerial roles in a business organization. It focuses on developing you as a managerial generalist rather than a managerial specialist. It’s the reason why the program intends to expose you to all major areas of business.

Eastern New Mexico University takes pride in being a low-tuition program. Its business degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Midwestern State University – Dillard College of Business Administration

Wichita Falls, Texas

Master of Business Administration

MSU-DCOBA’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 33
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $326.18
Total tuition: $10,764
Graduation rate: Not available

If you are working and looking to develop, accelerate, or change your career, an affordable online Master of Business Administration degree can help to make it possible for you.

The online MBA program at Midwestern University-Dillard College of Business Administration (DCOBA) is available to qualified applicants as long as they can comply with the admission requirements. It intends to provide you with education and training that will develop your leadership, deepen your understanding of various business disciplines, and strengthen your communication skills.

If you are admitted to the online MBA program, you will be immersed in case studies involving real business-world business situations and hands-on applications. These educational experiences will develop and hone your critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

When you enroll at MSU-DCOBA’s online MBA program, you’ll be able to take advantage of its three major benefits – flexibility, affordability, and mentorship from excellent faculty. It also introduces you to its three areas of specialization: Accounting, Business Analytics, and Energy Management.

The Dillard College of Business Administration and its traditional, hybrid, and online MBA programs are accredited by the AACSB or Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Western Governors University

Dallas, Texas

Online Master of Business Administration

WGU’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed:34
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $4,530 per six months
Total tuition: $9,060 (12 months)
Graduation rate: 21%

If you aspire to aspire for leadership roles in a business organization and take your career to higher levels, pursuing an online MBA degree at Western Governors University’s college of business can be your key to that aspiration possible.

The online MBA degree program at WGU can provide you with the skills you need and the driving force to move closer to your goal of becoming an effective business leader at a lesser cost.

The program also immerses you in the most relevant and essential subjects in the efficient operation and management of a business organization. The courses are Management, Economics, Accounting, Leadership, Finance, and Strategy.

The business education programs of Western Governors University are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; and Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Clayton State University

Morrow, Georgia

Online Master of Business Administration

Clayton State University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 33
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $385
Total tuition for online students: $12,705
Graduation rate: Not Available

Clayton State University doesn’t say much about its online Master of Business Administration degree program. However, the university emphasizes that its online MBA program can provide you with the knowledge and skills for competent leadership in the future.

Clayton’s online MBA program tackles general business, but it offers six areas of concentration you may specialize. These concentrations are:

Accounting
Digital Marketing
General Business
Human Resource Management
International Business
Supply Chain Management

The online MBA programs at Clayton State University are accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

University of Arkansas – Grantham

Little Rock, Arkansas

Master of Business Administration

UA Grantham’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 36
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $330
Total tuition for online students: $11,880
Graduation rate: 7.9%

If you are a working professional, have at least three years of work experience in a business environment, and aspiring for educational and professional advancement, you are an ideal candidate for the online Master of Business Administration degree program at the University of Arkansas Grantham.

The program is designed to equip students with leadership insights and a deep understanding of the many facets of business and how they are run. It covers the elements that play a major role in the business playing field including human resources, marketing, finance, economics, human resources, ethics, and management.

The knowledge you’ll gain from UA Grantham’s online MBA program is an excellent foundation that can gear you up for professional success. UA Grantham’s MBA program allows you to select one from three curriculums – the Generalized MBA, MBA specializing in Project Management, or MBA with a specialization in Information Management.

The University of Arkansas Grantham’s academic programs is recognized by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Central Michigan University

Mt Pleasant, Michigan

Master of Business Administration

CMU’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 36
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $725
Total tuition for online students: $26,100
Graduation rate: 57%

The Central Michigan University online Master of Business Administration is committed to giving you a deep understanding of running and managing a business organization. This includes knowing and responding promptly to how industry trends, emerging technologies, and economic forces influence your business.

With the help of experienced faculty, you will have fully-developed skills in management, accounting, marketing, and finance. CMU’s online MBA program allows you to choose one area of specialization from 11 concentration areas. It will give you the mastery you need to attain your business or career goals.

CMU’s in-person and online MBA programs are accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (AACSB).

Minnesota State University – Mankato College of Business

Mankato, Minnesota

Master of Business Administration Online

Minnesota State University’s MBA Program at a Glance:

Total number of credits needed: 34
Tuition per credit for online MBA program: $776
Total tuition for online students: $26,384
Graduation rate: 71%

Minnesota State University’s online Master of Business Administration is designed to equip you with the skills to excel in a competitive global business world. The online MBA program intends to develop and sharpen your managerial, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills to give you the confidence to thrive in a technologically advanced business environment.

The flexible online MBA program uses real-world business situations you can learn from or apply in your organization to resolve business issues. It is affordable and committed to providing you with leadership skills to prepare you for a managerial role in a business organization.

Minnesota State University’s Mankato College of Business is a member of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MBA online worth it?

Yes, in the sense that many businesses prefer MBA graduates to take leadership roles in their organizations. While graduates from online MBA programs don’t have the same impact on employers, it could change if you graduated from an accredited business school and have an above-average academic performance. Many employers have changed their paradigms about distance education.

How are online MBA programs accredited?

To get accreditation, online MBA programs must meet the same educational standards as face-to-face, on-campus programs.

How long is an online MBA program?

Online MBA programs can be completed in two years. Some universities, though, offer expedited options which shorten the program to one year.

Does accreditation affect affordability?

In a certain way, Yes. Accreditation signifies the quality of an MBA program because it is an indication of the school’s compliance with the educational standards of the accrediting body. Quality means value. It is a fair justification for seeking tuition fees higher than unaccredited programs. But several accredited universities offer affordable online MBA degree programs – You just need to exert a little more effort to identify them.

Are the best online MBA programs cheaper than traditional on-campus programs?

Yes, and for a lot of good reasons. Online MBA programs don’t require a school to provide air-conditioned classrooms to conduct classes. Those are costs that students need to pay. On the other hand, students enrolled in online MBA programs don’t need to commute, relocate or prepare an additional budget for meals.

Do employers recognize online MBAs as relevant?

Yes, employers are increasingly recognizing online MBAs as relevant and valuable. A recent survey of employers found that more than half of employers are either very likely or somewhat likely to hire someone with an online MBA. Employers value the convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of online MBAs, and consider them equivalent to traditional MBAs.

Wrap Up

As you can see, the state of Texas is home to some of the most affordable online MBA programs in the United States. But what we offer here are only 20 of the most affordable MBA programs. There are a lot more, although their tuition could go a bit higher.

The online MBA degree isn’t just an answer to the rising demand from the business sector in the US and overseas for MBA graduates. It is a commitment schools make to provide students with robust knowledge and skills so that they can perform their roles efficiently in helping their respective organizations achieve success. Of course, it entails job security, professional success, and the potential for higher compensation on the part of the graduates because these are part of the package.

While top positions in Fortune 500 companies are occupied by graduates from prestigious, elite but super expensive B-schools, there are thousands of excellent companies that compensate well and provide ample growth opportunities to graduates from affordable online MBA programs.

So, don’t be disheartened when you cannot afford an elite MBA program. There are countless quality yet affordable online MBA programs in the country that can match your budget. And did you know? More than 95% of US companies were hiring MBA graduates in 2021, and they will continue to hire more in the coming years.

The most important factor is to choose a quality online MBA program and match it with talent, effort, and a burning desire to succeed. For sure, it will bring you to a path leading to a great big business that’s willing to reward you for what you can bring to their table.

Stay In The Know: 10 Tips For Acing MBA Interview Questions