Most Affordable Online MBA Programs

At the online MBA at Georgia Southern University, full-time students earn their degrees in just 21 months. The synchronous, 30-credit curriculum emphasizes team-based learning. Before starting the program, all students participate in a two-day orientation on the Atlanta campus; Georgia Southern requires no other on-campus components. Course highlights include strategic marketing and global and international business. Georgia Southern does not offer concentrations. All students pay the same tuition; Georgia residents pay more for the online program than if they study on campus, while out-of-state students benefit from significant cost savings. Students without a business background take courses in accounting, finance, statistics, and economics before beginning this affordable online MBA program.

• Graduation rate: 50%
• Program length: 21 months
• Credits: 30 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• Program Website 

The average student who enrolls in the MBA consortium at the University of Wisconsin has more than five years of work experience, making this program a perfect fit for prospective students wanting an affordable online MBA that accommodates their busy schedules. Students complete the 30-credit program in two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years. Students who need foundation courses may take up to an additional 18 additional credits. Applicants must possess a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA; Wisconsin grants GMAT and GRE waivers to some applicants. New students start the program in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Transfer students may apply up to nine credits toward their Wisconsin MBA degree.

• Graduation rate: 67%
• Program length: 3 years
• Credits: 30 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, 2.75 GPA, GMAT or GRE scores
• Program Website 

The online master of business administration program at Ball State University boasts many advantages for working professionals. Students can study full or part time, begin the program at one of three points throughout the year, and select one of six concentrations. Students can further personalize their educations through earning a certificate in business essentials, health economics, policy, and administration, or professional sales management. The core curriculum stresses coursework in global strategic management. Students earn 30-51 credits depending on their prior educations. Students living near the Muncie campus may complete their degrees through a hybrid program. Indiana residents save approximately 33% on tuition compared to out-of-state students.

• Graduation rate: 67%
• Program length: 2 years
• Credits: 30-43 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, 2.75 GPA, GRE or GMAT scores
• Program Website 

AACSB-accredited affordable online MBA programs rarely allow students to graduate in just one year. The online accelerated MBA at Cleveland State University does just that. Cleveland State uses a cohort model to ensure that students' online learning experience mirrors the on-campus experience. The 34-credit curriculum includes 11 seven-week courses over three semesters; to complete the program in one year, students take two courses during each seven-week term. The core curriculum involves courses found nowhere else: management of innovation and technology and product management. The program does not offer concentrations. All students pay the same tuition for their degrees, making this affordable online MBA an excellent choice for both in-state and out-of-state students.

• Graduation rate: 46%
• Program length: 1 year
• Credits: 34 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores 
• Program Website 

At the University of Tennessee - Martin, students can earn their degrees entirely online or through a hybrid program with some courses on the Martin campus. Typical full-time students take two courses in each six to eight-week term. This affordable online MBA does not include concentrations but boasts coursework in organizational theory and financial services. All applicants must possess at least two years of work experience. UT Martin grants GMAT and GRE waivers to applicants with advanced degrees or excellent undergraduate GPAs. New cohorts begin the synchronous curriculum in January and June. Students without a business background take foundation courses alongside those in the core curriculum.

• Graduation rate: 47%
• Program length: 1.5 years
• Credits: 30 credit hours
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, one year of work experience
• Program Website 

Students in MBA program at Indiana University have multiple avenues to personalize their educations. The 51-credit curriculum includes 12 credits wherein students earn a specialization in one of seven areas such as global supply chain management or information technology management. Indiana's affordable online MBA program includes 30-51 synchronous credits. Students can earn a dual degree by completing an additional 12 credits. Indiana's study abroad opportunities connect MBA students with business professionals in seven countries. The program automatically considers accepted students for merit scholarships. New students begin the program at four points throughout the year.

• Graduation rate: 79%
• Program length: 2-4 years
• Credits: 54 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores
• Program Website 

Whether taking courses entirely online or through a hybrid program, students earning their professional online MBA from North Carolina State University benefit from an AACSB-accredited curriculum. Students select from an accelerated or part-time track; the program takes anywhere from 21 months to six years to complete. The accelerated track uses a synchronous curriculum; part-time students take courses asynchronously. Instead of concentrations, students select a custom-tailored depth area in a specific subject. New students begin the program in either the fall or spring semester after completing a three-day on-campus residency. Students repeat this residency one more time during the program. North Carolina charges the same tuition to in-state and out-of-state students.

• Graduation rate: 82%
• Program length: 21 months
• Credits: 40 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores
• Program Website 

Students in Auburn University's master of business administration online program use the CANVAS eLearning program to view lectures, turn in assignments, and collaborate with peers. The 39-credit synchronous curriculum includes 13 courses, four of which students select as part of their personalized specialization. The wide selection of electives includes global financial markets, advanced real estate finance, and multinational financial management. Some students earn a dual major in information systems, industrial and systems engineering, or finance. Applicants who already possess terminal degrees do not submit GMAT or GRE scores. New students begin the program in the fall and spring semesters; Auburn holds optional on-campus orientations for online students.

• Graduation rate: 79%
• Program length: 31 months
• Credits: 39 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, 2 years of work experience
• Program Website

The MBA@UNC at the University of North Carolina stands out for its experienced student body; the average student possesses nearly 10 years of work experience. Also, approximately 25% of students already possess advanced degrees before beginning this affordable online MBA program. Full-time students, even those who work while earning their degrees, can complete the 66-credit program in just 18 months. Part-time students may take up to three years to graduate. The typical student spends no more than 10 hours per week completing coursework. Students select one of five concentrations that include entrepreneurship and marketing. North Carolina charges the same tuition to all students; the university works closely with companies who sponsor their employees' educations.

• Graduation rate: 91%
• Program length: 18 months
• Credits: 66 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, work experience
• Program Website 

Ranked as one of the top 10 affordable online MBA programs in the nation, the MBA program at Arizona State University boasts three dual degrees and four areas of emphasis. In the synchronous curriculum, students take two courses at a time in blocks that last seven-and-a-half weeks. Part-time students use a modified curriculum. Arizona State uses six admission rounds for its January and August start dates. All applicants submit GRE or GMAT scores regardless of academic achievement or professional experience. New students attend orientation on the Temple campus before beginning the program; Arizona State grants waivers to some students who cannot attend the on-campus orientation.

• Graduation rate: 63%
• Program length: 2 years
• Credits: N/A
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE scores
• Program Website 

One of the best affordable online MBA programs in New York, the master of business administration program at Oswego State University of New York dedicates one-third of its 36-credit curriculum to degree customization. New students work with the departmental director to craft a personalized education plan. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in all core courses to remain eligible for the MBA. For the four electives, students select from 19 courses that include employment law, brand experience management, and an MBA professional internship. The program concludes with a capstone course in management policy. Transfer students may apply up to six credits toward their degrees.

• Graduation rate: 67%
• Program length: 2 years
• Credits: 36 credit
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT scores
• Program Website 

The UT Dallas professional MBA program at the University of Texas at Dallas includes two affordable online MBA programs: professional MBA (PMBA) flex and PMBA online. The PMBA flex program uses hybrid courses and attracts part-time students. PMBA online uses a 100% online curriculum and appeals to online students. Both programs include a cohort learning model with set meeting times, typically evenings Monday through Friday. UT Dallas offers all core courses each semester; concentration courses rotate throughout the year. The university accepts applications for the fall semester and grants GMAT and GRE waivers to some qualified applicants. Applicants must submit scores if they hope to receive a university-funded scholarship. In-state students save approximately 50% on their educations compared to out-of-state students.

• Graduation rate: 70%
• Program length: Two years
• Credits: 32 semester hours
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores
• Program Website 

With 20 years of experience educating students online, the UF MBA online program at the University of Florida offers three unique online programs. The fully online MBA includes no on-campus components and accepts students with undergraduate degrees in business. The hybrid one-year program involves some on-campus coursework at Florida's Gainesville campus. The hybrid two-year program takes applicants who possess graduate degrees in a non-business-related field. These degree paths require 45-54 credits; students in each choose among four possible concentrations. Florida MBA students benefit from optional professional development opportunities: study abroad, guest lecturers, and networking events. No matter the number of credits, all students pay the same for their degrees.

• Graduation rate: 88%
• Program length: 2 years
• Credits: 45-54 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores
• Program Website 

The highly ranked online MBA program at Washington State University offers ambitious students five degree pathways: marketing, finance, hospitality business management, international business, and general MBA. This 22-29-month affordable online MBA uses a synchronous core curriculum broken into four modules. Only when students complete foundation, strategic leadership, and functional business tools courses do they move on to their concentrations. All students develop and present a business plan during the capstone course. To further personalize their educations, some students travel to China and South Korea to meet with international business leaders. Washington plans to expand its study abroad offerings in late 2018. Qualified applicants do not submit standardized test scores. All online students pay the same credit-based tuition.

• Graduation rate: 60%
• Program length: 22-29 months
• Credits: 36 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores
• Program Website 

The master of business administration program at George Mason University emphasizes four concentration areas such as analytical decision making and contemporary issues in business. The 48-credit asynchronous curriculum includes courses in operations management, managerial finance, and financial reporting. Students who earn a graduate certificate in business analytics take additional courses. For an extra fee, students can complete a global residency that involves completing a team project in a foreign country. The typical student graduates in three years or less. George Mason grants standardized test waivers in very few cases and requires a 500-word essay from waiver applicants. All students pay the same credit-based tuition. The university awards merit scholarships to qualified students.

• Graduation rate: 71%
• Program length: 3 years
• Credits: 48 credits
• Admissions requirements: Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA, GRE/GMAT scores
• Program Website