By BMD Staff
In this list, we provide information about the most affordable online master's in business administration (MBA) degree programs at top ranked schools in 2023.
Finding an affordable online MBA program requires research. There are many programs promising rapid completion times and non-thesis requirements, but few have received accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and other governing bodies. Few schools offer rigorous course studies, doctorate-degreed faculty with years of experience working in the business field, or a solid return on investment. Schools that do boast admissions selectivity and prestigious awards typically cost in excess of $25,000 per year in graduate tuition and fees. An accredited online MBA program can be costly.
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Methodology
In our search to find the cheapest online MBA programs at top-ranked schools, we examined quality as well as price. We reviewed websites and rankings from Best College Reviews, Forbes magazine, Get Educated, Kiplinger's, TopManagementDegrees.com, and U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges edition. We compiled a master list of schools in these rankings. We then gathered the tuition and fees listed by College Navigator, and selected the 10 least expensive. Because College Navigator reports average graduate tuition and fees, please contact the program department directly for expense figures for your program of choice.
We hope our list of top 10 affordable online master's in business administration (MBA) degree programs helps speed the research and time required to find a best value program that suits your needs.
#10 – Indiana University
Online Master's in Business Administration
Bloomington, Indiana
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $9,467
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is a #1 ranked business school that offers an accredited online MBA. For the last several years, U.S. News and World Report has ranked Indiana University at Bloomington as having the Best Online MBA Program in the country. The school's high ranking is based on admissions selectivity, academic excellence, and the support services offered to graduate students. Kiplinger's Personal Finance has ranked the school among the top 30 schools for Best Values in Public Colleges. Online MBA graduate students receive instruction from skilled faculty with years of research and professional development in the field of business.
#9 – Ball State University
Online Master's in Business Administration
Muncie, Indiana
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $8,760
The nationally recognized master of business administration degree program from Ball State University is among the highest ranked degree programs of its kind. What sets Ball State apart from other graduate business programs is its affordable online MBA. Ball State University boasts being cost-effective. GetEducated.com has named the MBA program among the top Best Buy online programs of its kind. Ball State offers instruction quality, joining 15 percent of business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The school has a reputation for having some of the best business faculty in the country, helping secure the school's ranking in U.S. News and World Report.
#8 – University of North Dakota
Online Master's in Business Administration
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $8,225
Graduate students looking for the cheapest online MBA find the University of North Dakota offers flexibility combined with affordability. TopManagementDegrees.com has ranked the school #1 for being the Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Program in the country and U.S. News and World Report has ranked the institution #100 among Top Public Schools. University of North Dakota's online MBA program is offered 100% online with live classes held one evening per week. The goal of the program is to provide quality instruction to working students balancing education with life obligations. The online program is accredited regionally and nationally. AACSB International accredits the MBA program.
#7 – Southeast Missouri State University
Online Master's in Business Administration
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $7,210
One of the most affordable online MBA programs is available at Southeast Missouri State University. The program is nationally accredited by AACSB, which sets it apart from other online programs MBA program. Students participate in real-world activities and applied research projects in order to gain valuable skills needed to work in business-related leadership roles. Aside from accreditation, the school is also nationally and regionally ranked. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Southeast Missouri State University as the 92nd best regional university in the Midwest and the 30th top public school in the country. U.S. News also lists the school's online MBA program in the top 100 best online graduate programs of its kind, ranking #89.
#6 – East Carolina University
Online Master's in Business Administration
Greenville, North Carolina
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $6,407
One of the cheapest online MBA degree programs in North Carolina is the one offered at East Carolina University. Not only is the program affordable to in-state students, but AACSB accredited since 1967. The ECU online MBA program is designed for working students who want to customize their graduate business degree. Students can set their own pace and take anywhere between one and five classes each semester. Flexibility is a key element of the program. According to U.S. News and World Report the online MBA program offered at ECU is ranked 69th among the Best Online MBA Programs. The school ranks 111th among Top Public Schools and 194th among National Universities, making it a top-tiered university.
#5 – University of North Alabama
Online Master's in Business Administration
Florence, Alabama
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $6,200
The University of North Alabama (UNA) offers an accredited online MBA program designed for students who want to expedite earning a graduate business degree. The online MBA may be earned in as little as one year, or at the pace that is best for the student. An MBA or MBA Executive degree is offered at the UNA. According to U.S. News and World Report's most recent edition of Best Colleges, UNA ranks 71st among Best Regional Universities in the South. The school's online MBA program has been recognized by the publication for admissions selectivity, overall program quality, and career support services.
#4 – Wayne State College
Online Master's in Business Administration
Wayne, Nebraska
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $4,204
The accredited online MBA degree from Wayne State College is a non-thesis program offered entirely online, with no required campus visits. The program is designed for working students busy with life obligations. The school has received national honors and recognitions, including rankings from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Wayne State College as the 75th Best Regional University in the Midwest and the 21st Top Public School. Other prestigious rankings include consecutive years named among a top school by the Washington Monthly College Guide and CollegesofDistinction.com. The school offers highly affordable tuition for in-state graduate students.
#3 – Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Online Master's in Business Administration
Durant, Oklahoma
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $4,198
One of the cheapest online MBA degree programs in the country is offered at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The school is one of five in the state of Oklahoma to be accredited by the AACSB. The John Massey School of Business is nationally ranked as among the top schools offering online MBA programs. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution 103rd among the Best Online MBA Programs of its kind. The ranking is based on the school's admissions selectivity, excellent reputation among peer universities, and support services offered to students.
#2 – Chadron State College
Online Master's in Business Administration
Chadron, Nebraska
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $4,185
Students looking for an affordable online MBA program find Chadron State College among the cheapest for in-state tuition and fees. Not only does the school offer budget-friendly tuition, but has been named among some of the best accredited institutions of its kind. GetEducated.com named Chadron a Best Buy for overall quality and affordability, while MBAonline.com named it among its top 15 schools for earning an online MBA degree. The school has also been named in the Military Times Edge magazine, U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges edition, and other college ranking publications. It is no wonder Chadron State College made our list as #2 among the most affordable online MBA degree programs.
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online Master's in Business Administration
Hays, Kansas
Graduate In-State Tuition/Fees: $3,705
Arriving at #1 on our list for affordable online MBA degrees is Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. Fort Hays offers a rigorous online MBA program that incorporates state-of-the-art technology with quality instruction to deliver a beneficial experience to grad students. The online MBA program is nationally ranked. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution's program as the 74th Best Online MBA Program in the country. Fort Hays also offers one of the lowest tuition and fee structures in the United States, which, combined with quality, positions the school as the most affordable online master's in business degree program in the country.
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