Looking for an Online MBA with good value for money? Gaining transferable skills at a top school doesn't have to be expensive. Here are ten of the most affordable online MBA programs in the US
Online MBAs are more popular than ever, with more MBA students in America now studying online than in person, and the number of institutions offering online courses is increasing over time.
In the 2020-2021 academic year, approximately 45,038 students enrolled in Online MBAs in the US, compared to 43,740 in full-time, in-person programs, and institutions with online MBA programs were more likely to have seen an increase in student intake than those without online MBA programs.
The range of options makes choosing the right one for you dependent on several factors. Accreditation, ranking, and career advancement opportunities are all considerations when choosing an online MBA.
Perhaps the most important aspect, especially in the US where the degree is usually longer, is the cost. Online MBAs don't have to break the bank, and there are relatively cheap online MBA options out there.
According to data reported by US News and World in an annual survey, these are the top 10 most affordable public and private online MBA programs in the US:
10. Missouri State University
Cost: $333 per credit, $11,322 total
US News Rank: 202 (tie)
©MSU University College of Business Facebook
Missouri State University's Online MBA program can be completed entirely online, which 50% of students choose to do. It has 34 credit hours (excluding core courses), with an estimated duration of one to two years for full-time students and three to four years for part-time students.
9. University of Central Oklahoma
Cost: $352 per credit, $11,264 total
US News Rank: 234 (tie)
©University of Central Oklahoma Facebook
The UCO Online MBA requires 32-33 credit hours split between a 24 credit hour core and eight nine credit hours of electives. Designed to be completed in 16 months, this flexible MBA program uses an accelerated format, with courses scheduled in eight-week modules. The program consists of three semesters, and a consecutive summer session.
8. Lamar University (Texas)
Cost: $331 per credit, $9,930 total
US News Rank: 261-344
©Lamar University Facebook
Lamar University's Online MBA can be completed in as little as 12 months. It provides you with a business education that includes basic management knowledge of finance and accounting, as well as courses in marketing, strategic management, economics and international management.
7. University of Central Arkansas
Cost: $325 per credit, $9,750 total
US News Rank: 261-344
©University of Central Arkansas Facebook
The University of Central Arkansas online MBA degree is designed to meet the needs of professionals seeking professional development and further knowledge and skills. The program requires 30 credit hours in addition to prerequisites.
6. Northeastern State University (Oklahoma)
Cost: $268 per credit, $9,648
US News Rank: 210 (tie)
©Northeastern State University Facebook
The Northeastern OMBA is an 18-month course consisting of 36 credit hours. Its core curriculum includes courses on data skills, global strategy and innovation and offers interactive live sessions. In 2021-2022, Northeastern State had a three-year graduation rate of 56%.
5. Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Cost: $302 per credit, $9,060 total
US News Rank: 261-344
©Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi University Facebook
The Corpus Christi OMBA program can be completed in as little as one year for students with an undergraduate business degree. It offers a number of Online MBA options, including an MBA in data analytics, finance and accounting.
4. Eastern University (Pennsylvania)
Cost: $300 per credit, $9,000 total
US News Rank: 261-344
©Eastern University Facebook
Eastern University's Online MBA is self-paced within each quarter and can be completed in as little as 10 months. It consists of 30 credits and has options such as an MBA in healthcare administration and an MBA in management.
3. Fitchburg State University (Massachusetts)
Cost: $284 per credit, $8,520 total
US News Rank: 261-344
© Fitchburg State University Facebook
Fitchburg State University has multiple 100% online MBA programs designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Its fast online courses mean you can finish faster than you could in a traditional on-campus MBA program. You need 30 credits to graduate, and in 2021-2022, it had a three-year graduation rate of 78%.
2. University of Texas Permian Basin
Cost: $275 per credit, $8,250 total
US News Rank: 132 (tie)
©The University of Texas Permian Basin Facebook
The Permian Basin Online MBA's 30 credits can be completed in as little as one year. It has no out-of-state tuition, so you can earn this degree from anywhere in the world at no extra cost. During your program, you'll set your own learning schedule and complete lessons at your own convenience. It had a three-year graduation rate of 68%.
1. Louisiana Tech University
Cost: $258 per credit, $7,740 Total
US News Rank: 85 (tie)
©LA Tech College of Business Facebook
Both the most affordable and the highest ranked university on the US News list. Louisiana Tech has a flat tuition rate for its online programs, which can be completed anywhere, anytime. The school has a three-year graduation rate of 72%.
The Most Affordable US Online MBA Programs
