In this article, we review the 15 cheapest online MBA programs in the U.S.
The online MBA has become the hallmark graduate program of distance education. Because the program is so important in the business world, it is one of the most popular graduate programs and has been for a long time. So naturally most schools began offering online MBA programs first when making their foray into online education. There are more schools entering the online market every year, and most of them seem to lead with the MBA.
In this day and age, it is important to find the schools that will give you the most bang for your buck, and meet your needs both educationally and financially. In this article we present a list of the cheapest online MBA programs available in today’s market that have regional accreditation.
The tuition figures were pulled from each individual university’s website. The pool of schools was all those listed by the National Center for Education Statistics as offering an online MBA program, which is over 300 currently. So out of those 300 schools these are the top 15 cheapest options.
Even though these are the cheapest options, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice what you want in an education. Here there are schools with AACSB accreditation, and many of the schools are public schools part of respected state university systems. So without further ado, here are the top 15 cheapest online MBA programs in the United States.
#15. Troy University
The Troy University MBA program focuses on helping students master the fundamental principles of business management. This foundation will allow students to achieve success in both the public and private sector, whether they are working for a major corporation, starting their own business, advancing within a government organization, or managing a non-profit.
Tuition: $7,320
#14. University of South Dakota
Innovation is critical in business, and USD believes that since this is the case, it should also be fundamental to any MBA program. The school strives to fully integrate and harness the power of technology in its delivery method, and its teaching methods, whether students are on campus or online. The school is AACSB accredited, meaning not only is it one of the overall cheapest MBA programs, but that it’s also highly respected.
Tuition: $6,845
#13. Fort Hays State University
Students that choose to earn their degree through Fort Hays State University’s online programs can do so without significantly disrupting their career. The teachers use a wide variety of technologies, including Skype, WebX, Google Docs, Youtube and Blackboard to ensure that students have the best learning experience possible.
Tuition: $6,800
#12. Jacksonville State University
Another of the few affordable AACSB accredited MBA programs, JSU uses the same award winning faculty to teach both the traditional, and online MBA programs. Heavily reduced tuition for nonresident students means that JSU is one of the most affordable universities across the board for distance learners.
Tuition: $6,585
#11. Adams State University
Adams State University celebrates diversity of experience. The school strives to bring together learners from a wide range of backgrounds so that students may learn, not only from the experience of their professors, but the experience of their fellows as well. The online format only enhances the opportunity to bring together a wide variety of students.
Tuition: $6,517
#10. Western Governors University
Western Governors University was designed by a group of governors and former governors as a non-profit distance education institution. The school began accepting students in 1999. Since it began, WGU has been on the cutting edge of online distance education. The method of education isn’t the only innovation, as the unique tuition structure ensures that the more quickly a student completes their degree, the cheaper it is.
Tuition: $6,500
#9. University of Northern Alabama
The University of Northern Alabama is yet another innovative school from this state that is embracing online education. The program offers nine concentrations including: Executive, Accounting, Project Management, and International Business.
Tuition: $6,210
#8. Delta State University
With a tuition of under $6k per year, Delta State University starts off the top half of our list strong. The program is designed for students on both a money, and time budget. The goal of the online MBA is to give students the opportunity to earn the degree at their own pace, while remaining fully engaged in their career.
Tuition: $5,970
#7. Southern Arkansas University
The Southern Arkansas University MBA program emphasizes the high level techniques and knowledge required for career advancement in the fast paced and competitive business world. In addition to the generalist MBA program, the school also offers the agribusiness, and supply chain management emphases.
Tuition: $5,550
#6. Fitchburg State University
The MBA offered online by Fitchburg State can be completed in as little as 17 months by the most ambitious students. The cohort learning model provides students with a small group of peers to learn with, even in the distance format. The asynchronous model, which is the model embraced by most online programs, allows students to completely control their learning schedule.
Tuition: $4,560
#5. University of North Dakota
There are virtually no drawbacks to the MBA program from the University of North Dakota. The school offers online students from outside the state the same tuition as state residents. The program is AACSB accredited, and while there aren’t a lot of concentrations to choose from, the International Business concentration is perfect for students looking for a degree with global vision.
Tuition:$4,555
#4. University of the Cumberlands
Students can complete the MBA at the University of the Cumberlands in just 18 months. Of course students looking for the flexibility offered by the online program might choose to take longer, to account for work and personal obligations. At $4,500, there are only a few cheaper online MBA options in the entire country.
Tuition: $4,500
#3. Amberton University
Amberton University is a private, nondenominational Christian university. Students of the online MBA program will learn the principles for success in business, infused with Christian ethical principles. The program is designed to fit the needs of students seeking a uniquely Christian perspective on business.
Tuition: $4,356
#2. Wayne State College
The Wayne State College online MBA program is designed to create well rounded professionals. The 30 credit-hour program combines with very low tuition which results in this being an incredibly cheap MBA program. The program’s blend of theory and application will leave students with an understanding of how to execute the strategies they learn.
Tuition: $4,237.50
#1. West Texas A&M University
There are many things that make this one of the top online MBA choices. The program is offered by the respected Texas A&M University System, the program is AACSB accredited, and it is the cheapest online MBA program in the United States. Any student looking to earn their MBA online should consider this school.
Tuition: $3,232