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If you are interested in earning a graduate degree in business to open doors to managerial positions in today’s dynamic business world, then it is suggested that you begin your college search by looking for the cheapest online MBA programs to receive the highest return on your investment.
Pursuing an affordable online MBA degree can provide you with the opportunity to build your leadership skills and business content knowledge from a distance in a highly flexible format. Without restrictions on geographic location, online MBAs also offer the unique chance to network with other business professionals from around the world in interactive virtual classrooms.
In this article, we will look at the best reasonably priced, accredited business schools that are offering a solid graduate-level education completely online.
In selecting our initial list for the top affordable online MBA programs, we did online research to find programs in the United States that exhibited hallmarks of quality graduate level business education. Programs that are known for being innovative or creative, that offer concentrations/specializations in trending business issues such as globalization or sustainability, and that are leading the way in learning via technology all made this initial list. In doing our research, we focused on choosing fully online degrees with minimal on-campus requirements that had been fully accredited by the AACSB International. Then, we choose the online MBA programs that have a national reputation among the field’s top ranking systems, including the U.S. News and World Report, the Economist, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and Financial Times magazine. Finally, based on in-state tuition information available on each school’s website, we narrowed down our list to include the top 20 cheap online MBA programs in order of tuition from high to low.
Ranking the Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degrees
20. University of Massachusetts: Amherst, MA
Isenberg School of Management
Isenberg MBA Online
Located in a resource-rich public research institution renowned for its accomplishments in innovative technology, the Isenberg MBA Online program at UMass Amherst has been recognized as the 27th best online graduate business program in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Featuring a rigorous AACSB-accredited curriculum with no residential requirements, the online MBA allows graduates to build up-to-date knowledge and skills demanded in today’s complex business environments without compromising freedom.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $32,175
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19. University of Texas at Dallas: Dallas, TX
Naveen Jindal School of Management
Professional MBA Online Program
Named as the 12th best MBA program among public universities in the United States by Bloomberg BusinessWeek, the Professional MBA Online Program at UT Dallas provides access to the same innovative curriculum in an online format for students who are unable to attend on-campus course offerings. Through streaming audio lectures, video presentations, online submission of assignments, discussion forums, online exams, and group projects, the PMBA degree can be completed 100% online with no campus visits. Since this degree program also made our list of the Top 20 Most Innovative MBA Programs, Ranked by Acceptance Rate, it is well worth your time to look into this top quality online MBA.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $31,167
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18. Washington State University: Pullman, WA
Carson College of Business
Online MBA Program
Not only has Washington State University been recognized for its online learning by receiving the Institution Achievement Award by the National University Telecommunications Network, but its Online MBA Program has also been named the nation’s 7th best online graduate business degree by the U.S. News and World Report. With a broad global perspective, the Online MBA teaches the professional skills needed to succeed in the international business environment within an affordable online format in under two years.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $29,250
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17. Auburn University: Auburn, AL
Raymond J. Harbert College of Business
Master of Business Administration Online
Named the “Best Executive Remote Learning Program in North America” by European CEO Magazine, the Master of Business Administration Online in Auburn’s Harbert College of Business is nationally acclaimed for being ranked 2nd among MBAs with the most financial value at graduation by the U.S. News and World Report. Structured to give a competitive advantage in the increasingly competitive business world, the top-ranked affordable accredited online MBA allows students to view all classes on their time via live streaming online or DVD.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $28,980
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16. Marist College: Poughkeepsie, NY
School of Management
Online Master’s Degree in Business Administration
With Marist’s School of Management consistently listed in the Princeton Review’s “Best 300 Business Schools,” the Online Master’s Degree in Business Administration is also recognized for being the 46th best online graduate business degree in America by the U.S. News and World Report. Available for working adults with a business or non-business undergraduate degree in a part-time online format, the MBA offers the opportunity to concentrate in Ethical Leadership, Financial Management, International Business, or Healthcare Administration.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $22,500
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15. Georgia College & State University: Milledgeville, GA
J. Whitney Bunting College of Business
Georgia WebMBA Program
Among CEO’s “Top 10 Business Schools,” the Georgia WebMBA program is offered by the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business to provide a quality graduate-level business education in a cohort-based online format with a mandatory on-campus orientation. As the 17th best online graduate business program in the country by the U.S. News and World Report, the WebMBA offers the same affordable in-state tuition for out-of-state students to keep costs below the national average for AACSB-accredited universities.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $22,490
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14. (Tie) University of West Georgia: Carrollton, GA
Richards College of Business
Georgia WebMBA
Named among the “Best for Vets Business Schools” by Military Times magazine, the Richards College of Business at UWG offers the Georgia WebMBA program through a consortium with six other Georgia-based institutions at one affordable price. Ranked as the 4th best graduate online business program in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report, the WebMBA builds on current career success to deepen business skills in a fully online format with just one two-day orientation in Atlanta.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $21,840
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14. (Tie) Columbus State University: Columbus, GA
Turner College of Business and Computer Science
Georgia WebMBA
In a tie for our 14th spot in the same Georgia WebMBA consortium at the same cost, the Turner College of Business and Computer Science at Columbus State is acclaimed for having the 46th best online graduate business programs in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Built with an emphasis on teamwork, ethics, and the international context of business, the Georgia WebMBA program is offered in an online cohort-based model with no campus visits over the five semesters except for orientation.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $21,840
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13. Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI
College of Business Administration
Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
In addition to being home to the nation’s leading SAP University Alliance Program with the most TERP10 certifications, CMU’s College of Business Administration is acclaimed for having the 6th best online MBA program as ranked by the U.S. News and World Report. With emphases available in enterprise resource planning, human resource management, logistics management, marketing, and value-driven organization, the Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) features a customizable 43-credit curriculum to form a solid foundation in business functions.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $21,600
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12. University of Wisconsin: Eau Claire, WI
Wisconsin School of Business
Consortium MBA Program
Recently granted the “Best Innovation in Global Education” award by World Commerce Review, the University of Wisconsin’s School of Business offers the Consortium MBA program in a fully online 30-credit format for working adults seeking to move ahead in their careers through the Eau Claire, La Crosse, Oshkosh, and Parkside campuses. As one of the 50 fastest-growing companies named by New Europe, the University of Wisconsin is distinguished for having the 49th best full-time MBA program in the entire world by the Economist.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $20,250
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11. State University of New York at Oswego: Oswego, NY
School of Business
Online MBA
Listed among the nation’s outstanding MBA-granting schools for the 10th consecutive year by the prestigious Princeton Review, the School of Business at SUNY Oswego has a reputation for excellence with the 14th best online graduate business programs by the U.S. News and World Report. With the same award-winning faculty as the on-campus counterpart, the Online MBA program features a learner-centered perspective to preparing individuals for moving into management positions in an online format that values affordability.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $19,836
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10. University of Tennessee: Martin, TN
College of Business and Global Affairs
Online MBA for Financial Services Professionals
Enjoying a top 20 spot in the “Best Buys” for MBA programs by GetEducated.com, the Online MBA for Financial Services Professionals program at UT Martin is ranked 10th in the nation among online graduate business degree programs by the U.S. News and World Report. For individuals with at least two years work experience, the Online MBA is available in a cohort-based format to deliver personalized instruction relevant to the financial services industry.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $19,684
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9. The University of Mississippi: University, MS
School of Business Administration
Professional MBA Program
Within Ole Miss’ fully supported online learning system that integrates video conferencing, interactive discussions, and other collaborative technologies for effective distance learning, the School of Business Administration is recognized for having the 41st best online MBA program in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report. Specifically geared towards the working businessperson with the most flexibility, the Professional MBA program encourages career advancement through personal business skill building in a 100% online format.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $18,852
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8. Murray State University: Murray, KY
Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business
Online MBA Program
With a long tradition of excellence in business education to meet the learning needs of graduate business students in the 21st century, the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business at Murray State is nationally distinguished for hosting the 46th best online graduate business degrees in America by the U.S. News and World Report. Offering all ten of its graduate courses completely online from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection, the Online MBA offers a generalist approach to building solid business strategies for successful leadership.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $18,840
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7. University of Nebraska – Lincoln: Lincoln, NE
College of Business Administration
Online MBA
As one of the founding members of the AACSB International, the UNL College of Business Administration is recognized for having the 12th best online MBA program in the world by Financial Times magazine. In order to participate in the internationally recognized program without putting career obligations on hold, the Online MBA program offers flexible business courses for working professionals with optional specializations in Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, International Business, Agribusiness, Finance, or Marketing.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $17,124
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6. University of South Dakota: Vermillion, SD
Beacom School of Business
Online MBA
Boasting graduate students who place in the top 3% in the national exam and achieve a 92% job placement rate before graduation, the Beacom School of Business at USD is home the 27th best graduate online business programs in the nation as ranked by the U.S. News and World Report. With two specializations available in Health Services Administration and Business Analytics, the Online MBA program develops leaders for business, industry, and government organizations with a firm commitment to social responsibility.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $17,009
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5. Arkansas State University: Jonesboro, AR
College of Business
Online MBA
Renowned for being the only online business program nationally ranked in the top 15 for both quality and affordability by the U.S. News and World Report, the Online MBA at Arkansas State is offered to students in approved states nationwide in a flexible online curriculum that emphasizes technology, international business, leadership ethics, and action-based learning. As the ideal choice for ambitious working professionals, the Online MBA provides superior graduate-level business education with an optional concentration in Supply Chain Management.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $15,840
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4. Sam Houston State University: Huntsville, TX
College of Business
Online Master of Business Administration
Currently recognized as the 43rd best online graduate business degree program with a very high ranking for student engagement by the U.S. News and World Report, the SHSU Online Master of Business Administration program features 36 credits focused on the skills needed to make sound administrative business decisions. With core and elective courses available entirely online, the Online MBA can be completed totally from a distance in as few as four semesters before obtaining leadership positions in modern organizations.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $15,444
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3. West Texas A&M University: Canyon, TX
College of Business
Master of Business Administration Online
Taking the #1 spot for 2014 for affordability combined with national ranking by the Simple Dollar, the West Texas A&M Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online program is ranked as the 27th best online graduate business degree in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. Available exclusively via the Internet or in a hybrid format with face-to-face meetings, this cheap Online MBA program requires at least 31 credits in preparation for taking on managerial roles in today’s dynamic global business market.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $12,286
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2. University of North Texas: Denton, TX
College of Business
Online MBA Degrees
At the University of North Texas, the College of Business has established three 100% online programs leading to an MBA degree in Strategic Management, Marketing, or Finance. As a result, UNT has been recognized nationally for having the 17th best online graduate business degree programs from the U.S. News and World Report. Within the same respected 36-credit curriculum as the traditional program, the Online MBA allows enhanced flexibility with online courses and proctored examinations at locations near students.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $10,908
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1. University of North Dakota: Grand Forks, ND
College of Business and Public Administration
Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Not only has the University of North Dakota been ranked 9th in the nation for having the best online programs for veterans, but the College of Business and Public Administration is distinguished for having the 32nd best online MBA program in America by the U.S. News and World Report. With the most affordable overall program cost, the Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) features a concentration in international business to prepare students for real-world management challenges in live web-based classes one evening each week.
Approximate Total Program Cost for In-State Residents: $9,108
Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can be the best way for business professionals to compensate for inexperience, network with successful leaders, expand their horizons, make a career change, learn valuable team-building skills, and get on the right track towards leading great business ventures. Be sure to consider attending one of these top 20 cheap accredited online MBA programs to ensure you are receiving the highest quality education at the best value without putting your career on the back burner.
