Top 30 Ranked Affordable Online Master’s in Management in 2021
Discover a program that is right for you.
In this article, we list the top 30 ranked and affordable online master's in management degree programs.
Advanced leadership and administration roles in public and private sectors often require graduate degrees in management. According to the occupational outlook for administrative managers, the U.S. Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the projected job growth will increase by 8% over the next several years. Competition for new jobs is also expected to increase. This means that employers will value an advanced degree over a job candidate with a bachelor's in management degree.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master’s or PhD programs.
Top 10 Ranked Affordable Online Master’s in Management in 2021
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American Public UniversityLocation
Charles Town, WV
Tuition$6600
American Public University's online master's in management is the most affordable management graduate degree program on our list. This 36-hour degree takes two years to complete and is designed for working and busy individuals who balance life obligations such as employment and families. All courses are delivered online and include ethical practices for the business world, human resources management, management information systems, organizational behavior and management, and strategic planning. Three concentrations are offered to help students tailor their degree towards personal interests or career goals. These specializations include human resource management, organizational leadership, and public administration. APU has been ranked in recent years by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South. American Public University offers our #1 ranked and most affordable online master's in management degree program.
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Western Governors UniversityLocation
Salt Lake City, UT
Tuition$6790
Western Governors University offers an accredited online master's in management and leadership program designed for experienced business professionals and managers looking for upward career mobility. The program requires 15 or more hours of study time per week and offers flexible classes entirely online. Courses include change management and innovation, data-driven decision-making, ethical leadership, management and leadership, managing organizations and leading people, and strategic management. Successful completion of a capstone project is also required for satisfaction of the degree program. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution among the top regional universities in the West.
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Southeast Missouri State UniversityLocation
Cape Girardeau, MO
Tuition$7270
Southeast Missouri State University's accredited online management degree is one of the most affordable programs on our list. Designed with the working student in mind, all classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on campus. A wide range of management courses explores various leadership roles in private and public sectors. Courses include applied human resource management, entrepreneurship, liability risks in products and services, organizational behavior in practice, organizational theory and design, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Admission to the program requires at least three years of appropriate full-time work experience, a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, and submission of GRE or GMAT scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university's online graduate business programs #87 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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University of ColoradoLocation
Denver, CO
Tuition$7804
University of Colorado offers an online master's in management and leadership degree program designed for busy and working students. This flexibly designed program offers online classes so that students may attend at any time of day or night. The management program emphasizes theory and technique which prepares students for upper-level management roles in public and private sectors. Ten specializations are also offered so that students may tailor their degree to better suit career goals or personal interests. Some of these specializations include business strategy, change and innovation, enterprise technology management, global management, leadership, or strategic management. UC-Denver is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school #197 for best national universities.
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Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Tuition$8000
Another type of online master's in management degree program offered entirely online is the master's in executive leadership at Liberty University. This program is designed to prepare individuals to succeed in all types of management positions. Up to six credits may be transferred into the program, and a total of 30 credit hours satisfy the degree. All courses are delivered online and include accounting for non-financial managers, corporate responsibility, effective executive communication, ethical leadership, leading organizational change, managing and leading across cultures, and strategic leadership and management. Liberty is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate business programs are ranked #92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Minot State UniversityLocation
Minot, ND
Tuition$8024
The College of Business at Minot State University offers a type of online master's in strategic management degree program designed for working students interested in completing a master's level management program in 12 to 24 months. The program is flexible, offering evening classes one or two nights per week. Classes are taught by the same professors who teach on campus, and include financial management and accounting, international management, management principles and practices, statistical and quantitative applications, and strategic management. During the last semester of the program, an individual or group research project is completed. For those who opt for the individual research project, a thesis may be completed based on work previously done. Minot State's online graduate business programs are ranked #75 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.
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University of Maryland University CollegeLocation
Adelphi, MD
Tuition$8514
University of Maryland offers an accredited online master's in management degree program with 15 specializations that allow students to tailor their degree toward career goals and personal interests. This 36-credit hour program accepts up to six hours of transfer credit; otherwise, credits should be completed at University of Maryland. Classes are available online, onsite, or with a hybrid format, although the program is designed to be completed entirely online. Classes include financial decision making for managers, organizational theory and behavior, and statistics for managerial decision making. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 60th best national university.
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Concordia UniversityLocation
Saint Paul, MN
Tuition$8550
Concordia University's online master's in management and leadership degree is a 36-credit hour program offered entirely online. Courses are seven weeks in length and designed with a flexible format that allows busy and working students to complete their advanced degree without stepping on campus. Required courses include applied moral and ethical leadership, financial management for leaders, legal issues of today's leaders, organizational culture management, project and quality management, and strategic leadership and process improvement. Concordia is an accredited and top-ranked regional institution. According to U.S. News and World Report, Concordia is ranked #103 among the best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, online graduate business programs rank #87 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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University of WisconsinLocation
Madison, WI
Tuition$8680
University of Wisconsin's master's in management online degree program emphasizes project management and the relationships between project teams and customers. Courses are delivered 100% online and taught by the same professors who teach in the classroom. Foundational and core courses include business communication, interpersonal skills for virtual and co-located project teams, managerial accounting, organizational behavior, project management techniques, and project scope management. A minimum of 30 graduate credits is needed to satisfy degree requirements. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 94th best regional university in the Midwest and the 24th top public school. Also, the online graduate business programs (including management) are ranked #101 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Southwestern CollegeLocation
Chula Vista, CA
Tuition$9495
Southwestern College's master's in management online degree program is designed for working students who want to advance their leadership roles in various organizations. Admission requires a complete application, including a current resume, two professional letters of recommendation, a one-page essay, and official transcripts. No GRE or GMAT test scores are required for admission. The management degree offers classes entirely online, including ethics in the global marketplace, financial analysis and management, leadership styles and theories, organizational behavior and human resource management, and quality management and statistical analysis. Southwestern College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 115th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate business programs have also received rankings.
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Indiana Wesleyan UniversityLocation
Marion, IN
Tuition$9700
Earning an online master's in strategic management is affordable at Indiana Wesleyan University. The online master's in management (MSM) degree program combines organizational management studies with ethical leadership principles. The degree takes approximately 18-20 months to complete by taking online classes that meet one night per week via distance learning. Courses include applied management theory, decision-making and essential business communication, economic analysis for managers, ethical and legal aspects of management, marketing management, and organizational behavior. Admission requires a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution, as well as official transcripts. GRE test scores are not required. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 27th best regional university in the Midwest.
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Indiana UniversityLocation
Bloomington, IN
Tuition$9743
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University offers an online management degree that focuses on strategic management. This 30-credit hour program is designed for busy and working students who need flexibility while completing a graduate program. Students may complete the degree in as little as 15 months or take as long as five years. Options to add on an MBA broaden the scope of the degree, allowing students to pursue even greater career goals and aspirations. All courses are online and include decision-making and leadership, developing strategic capabilities, marketing in the era of digital technology, operations management, and organization designs for strategic advantage. Indiana University is a top-ranked national institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school's online graduate business programs #1 in the nation.
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Bellevue UniversityLocation
Bellevue, NE
Tuition$9900
Accredited online master's in management and leadership programs don't have to burden you with debt. Bellevue University's online master's in management program is affordable and designed for working students who require flexible class options. All courses are delivered online and taught by experienced professors. Several specialization options allow students to tailor their degree to better suit career goals or personal interests. These specializations include entrepreneurship, executive coaching, human resource management, marketing, and project management. Some of the required courses, no matter which concentration is chosen, include learning management and mastery, management of people in society, and management of resources. Bellevue is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
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University of AlabamaLocation
Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuition$10170
University of Alabama's master's in management online degree program offers two tracks: decision analytics and operations management. This 30-credit hour program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is ranked among some of the best business program in the country. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the online graduate business programs (like management) #14 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. These courses include inventory management, management science and spreadsheet modeling, statistical methods, statistical quality control, and systems simulation.
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Lasell CollegeLocation
Newton, MA
Tuition$10870
Lasell College's master's in management online degree program focuses on leadership, strategy, and change. This 36-credit hour program is broken into 21 credits of core management courses, 9 management concentration courses, 6 elective credits, and a capstone internship or research project. All courses are delivered online and include business strategy, change management, ethical theory and management, financial management, operations strategy, organizational theory, and strategic information management. A complete application package, including application, transcripts, resume, and two letters of recommendation are required; however, GRE or GMAT scores are not required. Lasell is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 131st best regional university in the North and the online graduate business programs (like management) are ranked #101 out of 1,200.
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Indiana Institute of TechnologyLocation
Fort Wayne, IN
Tuition$11325
Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech) offers an accredited online management degree designed with the working student in mind. Flexible courses and convenient scheduling allow busy students to continue their education while balancing life's obligations. Courses include accounting and finance for managers, business ethics, employment law, executive management, organizational behavior, managing change, and qualitative decision-making. A total of 36 credits are required for completion of the degree. While the institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top engineering school, the business school has also earned recognition in previous years.
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Colorado State UniversityLocation
Fort Collins, CO
Tuition$11357
For those interested in an online master's in strategic management degree or related program, Colorado State University Global Campus offers an ACBSP-accredited online master's in management designed with the working student in mind. The program is ideal for those with career aspirations of becoming business analysts, management analysts, or quality control analysts. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Courses include business ethics and corporate social responsibility, global economics, managerial accounting, and strategic planning and innovation. The program also offers 15 specializations so that students may tailor their degree towards areas of interest or career goals. CSU Global Campus is a ranked institution, recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online graduate business programs rank #48 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Thomas Edison State UniversityLocation
Trenton, NJ
Tuition$11610
Thomas Edison State University's master's in management online program is designed for professionals with management or administrative positions in for-profit or nonprofit settings. The 36-credit hour program is also flexible and convenient, which makes it ideal for working adults or those maintaining life's obligations while attending schools. All courses are offered online and include economic issues in organizations, finance and accounting for managers, leadership management in the 21st century, marketing management, and organizational research. Three areas of specialization are also offered so that students may tailor their degree towards career goals. Specializations include accounting, organizational leadership, and project management. The school has earned recognition by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
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Webster UniversityLocation
Saint Louis, MO
Tuition$12300
Webster University's online master's in management and leadership program is for individuals seeking an advanced degree that offers general management and leadership perspectives. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the program may be completed entirely online without face-to-face meetings. Online courses include basic finance for managers, integrated studies in management, management and strategy, and managing human resources. Webster is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 24th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate business programs are ranked #92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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New England CollegeLocation
Henniker, NH
Tuition$13735
New England College offers a 36-credit online master's in management program comprised of ten courses and nine concentration options. The program may be completed in one or two years, depending on student needs and outside obligations. A variety of concentrations, including banking and finance, healthcare administration, project management, and strategic leadership, allow students to tailor their degree towards career goals. Some of the core requirements include classes in organizational management and leadership, professional and organizational ethics, research methods, and strategic planning and policy. New England College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate business programs, including management, are ranked #80 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Strayer UniversityLocation
Herndon, VA
Tuition$14145
Strayer University offers a type of online master's in strategic management degree program that is designed for individuals who want to advance their management roles in all areas of business. This highly customizable program offers three concentrations: leadership, marketing management, and project management. Concentrations are provided so that students may tailor their degree to better suit personal interests or career goals. All courses are delivered online and include contemporary business, leadership and organizational behavior, and strategic management. In recent years, Strayer has earned recognition as a top regional university in the North by U.S. News and World Report.
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Gonzaga UniversityLocation
Spokane, WA
Tuition$15090
One alternative to the online management degree is a master's in organizational leadership. This advanced program is offered by Gonzaga University and takes approximately two years to complete. Two concentrations are also offered so that students may tailor their degree to suit career goals and interests. These concentrations include global leader and servant leader. The program is designed to help students develop and refine their leadership style while acquiring skills that allow them to be able to take action in the workplace and in their community. Rolling eight-week terms provide a seamless and ongoing delivery of curriculum. Also, a three-day immersion is required at the Spokane campus. Gonzaga is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 4th best regional university in the West and 13th best value school.
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Michigan State UniversityLocation
East Lansing, MI
Tuition$16122
The AACSB-accredited online master's in management degree from Michigan State University is a 20-month program offered exclusively online. The program and curriculum follow three components designed to provide training and knowledge that emphasize leadership, management, and strategy. The program is designed for professionals with a bachelor's degree and at least three years of full-time experience in supervisory roles. Online courses include competitive and business strategy, developing managerial skills, international management, managing the learning organization, negotiations, and strategic decision making. Michigan State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 82nd best national university, and its online graduate business programs including management are ranked #16 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Florida Technical UniversityLocation
Melbourne, FL
Tuition$16128
Florida Technical University offers a master's in management online degree program that focuses on supply chain management. This 100% online degree is designed for professionals who want to advance their leadership roles in consulting, manufacturing, purchasing, or transportation. Classes include advanced techniques in supply chain management, financial management, global supply chain management and international logistics, materials acquisition management, and productions and operations management. Florida Tech is ranked #171 among the best national universities in the country. Also, the graduate business programs such as supply chain management are ranked 80th among the best graduate business programs in the nation.
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Quinnipiac UniversityLocation
Hamden, CT
Tuition$17874
Quinnipiac University's online master's in management and leadership degree focuses on preparing students with what the program calls the qualities of a true leader self-awareness. The program is taught entirely online by university professors with years of leadership experience in and out of the classroom. Four emphasis tracks are available, including healthcare management, human resource leadership, public service and nonprofit leadership, and strategic leadership. Some of the required core courses include ethics and governance, foundations of organizational leadership, leadership across boundaries, leading organizational change, and performance management. Quinnipiac is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate business programs are ranked #22 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Southern New Hampshire UniversityLocation
Manchester, NH
Tuition$18810
Southern New Hampshire University's online master's in management degree program is designed for aspiring managers who want to excel on the job. Three concentrations are available so that students may tailor their management degree in an area of interest. These concentrations include construction management, emergency management, and healthcare. All courses are delivered online, and students may complete the degree in as little as 15 months by taking two courses every ten weeks. Admission to the program does not require GMAT or GRE scores, but does include a completed application and undergraduate transcripts. Southern New Hampshire is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 101st best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative school.
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Pennsylvania State University World CampusLocation
State College, PA
Tuition$19832
One of the top-ranked online management degree programs on our list is the master's in project management program from Pennsylvania State University. This 30-credit program is delivered entirely online with classes taught by the same professors who teach graduate courses on campus. These courses include commercial law and project procurement, cost and value management, interpersonal and group behavior, management of projects, planning and resource management, and strategy for corporate and business. Pennsylvania State University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school. Also, the graduate business school ranks #41 among the top business schools in the country.
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Northeastern UniversityLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$23166
Northeastern University offers a type of online master's in strategic management that focuses on project management and addresses every phase of this unique business discipline. Accredited by the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center, a global association for project management professionals, the program is delivered entirely online and may be completed in 1-2 years. Online courses include global project management, project management practices, project scope management, and risk management. There are also eight concentrations available so that students may tailor their degree to better suit career goals or interests. Northeastern is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 39th best national university and 7th most innovative school. Also, the online graduate business programs rank #37 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Stevens Institute of TechnologyLocation
Hoboken, NJ
Tuition$33350
Stevens Institute of Technology's School of Business offers an accredited online management degree designed to provide practical instruction for students to become leaders, innovators, and economic strategists in their industry. The program is ideal for working professionals who do not have the time to attend traditional classes and want to earn their degree at a quick pace. In fact, the master's degree can be completed in just one year without stepping foot on the Stevens campus. Online courses include economics for managers, financial decision-making, marketing management, operations management, organizational behavior and design, and project management fundamentals. Stevens is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 71st best national university, and its online graduate business programs, including management, rank #26 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Harvard Extension SchoolLocation
Cambridge, MA
Tuition$42874
One of the top-ranked online master's in management degree programs on our list is offered by Harvard University's Harvard Extension School. This degree consists of 12 graduate courses (48 credits), three of which are taken in order to gain admission to the program. While considered to be an online or distance learning program, certain on-campus requirements must be met. In fact, four courses must be completed at the Cambridge campus. Online courses may include foundations of real-world economics, managerial accounting, managerial finance, or nonprofit and governmental accounting. Harvard's name is synonymous with prestige and recognition. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 2nd best national university and #1 best value school in the country. Also, Harvard has the #1 ranked graduate business school in the country, and the management specialty is also ranked #1.
Our Methodology, Explained
Metric | Data Used | Percentage |
Academic Quality | Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates | 30% |
Affordability | Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid | 10% |
Reputation | Admission and enrollment rates | 30% |
Program Offerings | Number of program options | 20% |
Online Enrollment Score | Portion of learners taking at least one online course | 10% |
This concludes our list of the top 30 ranked and most affordable online master's in management programs.
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