Online MBA programs are more popular than ever. In 2024, there were more business school students in the US studying online than in person, with elite business schools beginning to launch online courses becoming more numerous by the year.
In fact, more than 47k students enrolled in fully online programs in 2021-2022, according to AACSB data.
Women and first-generation candidates are among those who benefit most from the flexibility of Online MBA programs, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Prospective Students Survey 2023.
The range of options makes choosing the right one for you depends on several factors. Accreditation, ranking, and opportunities for career advancement are all considerations while selecting an online MBA.
Perhaps the most important aspect, especially in the US where the degree is typically longer, is 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 the US News and World Report in an annual survey, these are the top 10 most affordable Online MBA programs in the US:
10. Florida Gulf Coast University
Out-of-state tuition: $291 per credit; $12,342 total
US News rank: 175 (tie)
©Florida Gulf Coast University Facebook
The Florida Gulf Coast University Online MBA offers electives in course such as data management and global organizational issues, ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of a digitally transformed and globalized business environment.
9. Oklahoma State University
Out-of-state tuition: $364 per credit; $12,012 total
US News rank: 16 (tie)
©Oklahoma State University Facebook
Students can complete the part-time Online MBA at Oklahoma State University’s Watson Graduate School of Management in just 16 months. Notable courses include sports management and entrepreneurship.
8. Missouri State University
Out-of-state tuition: $348 per credit; $11,832 overall
US News rank: 223 (tie)
©Missouri State University Facebook
Missouri State University offers the same tuition fees for in state and out-of-state students and can be completed 100% online or in hybrid format.
7. Sam Houston State University (TX)
Out-of-state tuition: $320 per credit; $11,529 total
US News rank: 86 (tie)
©Sam Houston State University Facebook
The Online MBA program offers concentrations such as supply chain management, human resource management, and economics.
6. Northeastern State University (Oklahoma)
Out-of-state tuition: $279 per credit; $10,035 total
US News rank: 260-345
©Northeastern State University Facebook
The Northeastern Online MBA is an 18-month course comprised of 36 credit hours. Its core curriculum includes courses on data skills, global strategy, and innovation, and offers interactive live sessions. In 2022-2023, Northeastern State had a three-year graduation rate of 54%.
Download your free BusinessBecause Online MBA Guide 2024
5. Lamar University (TX)
Out-of-state tuition: $331 per credit; $9,930 total
US News rank: 260-345
©Lamar University Facebook
Lamar University’s Online MBA can be completed in as little as 12 months. It provides students with core managerial finance and accounting knowledge, as well as marketing, strategic management, economics, and international management courses.
4. Eastern University (Pennsylvania)
Out-of-state tuition: $300 per credit; $9,900 total
US News rank: 260-345
©Eastern University Facebook
The Online MBA at Eastern University is self-paced within each term and can be finished in as little as 10 months. It is made up of 30 credits and has options including an MBA in Healthcare Administration and an MBA in Management.
3. University of North Georgia
Out-of-state tuition: $303 per credit; $9,696 overall
Unranked
©University of North Georgia Facebook
The Online MBA at the University of North Georgia launched in 2022 and offers cutting edge business courses such as cybersecurity, technology and ethics, and entrepreneurship and innovation.
2. Fitchburg State University (Massachusetts)
Out-of-state tuition: $284 per credit; $8,250 total
US News rank: 260-345
©Fitchburg State University Facebook
Fitchburg State University has multiple 100% Online MBA programs, designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Its accelerated online courses means you can finish faster than you might in a traditional on-campus MBA program. You need 30 credits to graduate. In 2022-2023, it had a three-year graduation rate of 74%.
1. University of Texas Permian Basin
Out-of-state tuition: $275 per credit; $8,246 overall
US News rank: 147 (tie)
©The University of Texas Permian Basin Facebook
The Online MBA offers 30 credits that can be completed in as little as one year. It has no out-of-state tuition rates, so you can earn this degree from anywhere in the world for no additional cost. During your program, you’ll set your own learning schedule and complete coursework at your own pace. In 2022-2023, it had a three-year graduation rate of 78%.
The Most Affordable Online MBA Programs In The US
Find out more about Online MBAs by downloading our free Online MBA Guide 2024.
