Affordable online MBA programs
Master of business administration (MBA) degrees can lead to well-paid jobs with strong advancement potential. While they have historically been prohibitively expensive, educators have reduced cost barriers by embracing online education.
Explore affordable graduate business education options: Compare the cheapest online MBA programs available from reputable providers.
See all MBA programs
Why earn an affordable MBA online?
Recognition
Employers may recognize MBA degree-holders as experts in business, finance, and management.
Flexibility
Working individuals can pursue an asynchronous program, which allows them to work and study simultaneously.
Networking
Students may have an opportunity to network with classmates, professors, and businesses through courses and school events.
Find the online MBA program for you
These online MBA programs can help you build accounting, marketing, and business skills without breaking the bank.
What is the lowest price to pay for an MBA?
The total tuition for an MBA program can range from $10,000–$168,000, depending on class sizes, school reputation, course load, and other factors. Applicants should choose a program that fits within their budget and consider financial aid options.
Regardless of cost, online MBA programs can earn accreditation from an independent agency to verify that they meet specific learning standards. Students should ensure that all programs they're interested in are accredited.
Prospective applicants should also be aware that cost doesn't necessarily indicate quality. Just because an MBA program is affordable does not mean its curriculum is less rigorous than the curriculum of a more expensive program. All strong MBA programs, regardless of tuition cost, provide hands-on experiences through mandatory internships or capstone projects.
Common job titles for MBA degree-holders
Below, find jobs you can pursue with an MBA, including salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Budget analyst
Budget analysts specialize in organizational financial planning. They collaborate with management to set budgets, analyze funding requests, and monitor spending across the budgeting period. Analysts also develop funding strategies, model future organizational financing needs, and ensure that funding requests align with applicable laws and industry regulations.
Median annual salary (May 2024):$87,930
Financial consultant
Working on a contract basis, financial consultants provide organizations with advanced analytical insights that help them deploy available funds to maximum advantage. They help guide investment activities, identify financial development priorities, and examine industry-specific and broader macroeconomic trends to find opportunities and mitigate risks.
Median annual salary (May 2024):$101,910
Project manager
Project managers lead specific organizational initiatives. They identify project requirements, procure the necessary materials and supplies, and coordinate the deployment of human and financial resources to achieve project objectives. Project managers also create and implement schedules, identify milestones, and ensure projects are completed on time and within their budgets.
Median annual salary (May 2024):$100,750
Sales manager
Holding leadership positions within sales teams or departments, sales managers examine market data to develop revenue generation models and guide customer engagement activities. They manage sales staff, build customer acquisition and retention strategies, identify sales targets, and evaluate progress toward revenue goals.
Median annual salary (May 2024):$138,060
How can I make my MBA cheaper?
You can lower your MBA costs by pursuing financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, grants, fellowships, and student loans.
If you are a working professional, you can consult with your employer about tuition reimbursement programs. Some employers may reimburse you for your education costs, including MBA tuition, and may have a maximum allotted annual reimbursement amount.
Enrolling in an accelerated MBA program could also help you save money. Accelerated programs can be completed in one year. Full-time students are typically charged on a per-semester basis, so an accelerated program can reduce tuition and fees.
Is an affordable online MBA program worth it?
While the value of a degree depends on your career goals and financial constraints, the price of a program doesn't impact its strength. An affordable MBA program may be worth it for you if you wish to switch careers or advance in a current role.
Online MBA programs teach you finance, management, and marketing skills to pursue diverse business careers. Graduates will understand how to analyze financial statements, create forecasts, and delegate tasks.
Each program offers a different curriculum, with various elective choices and credit requirements. MBA programs typically require 30–60 credits. Full-time students can graduate within 1–2 years.
Both cheap and expensive MBA programs may offer MBA concentrations in areas like corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, or finance. You may need to complete additional courses to complete a concentration.
Admissions for online MBA programs
Affordable online MBA programs may have different application criteria. Below are some common prerequisites and documentation required by MBA programs:
- Completed online application
- Non-refundable application fee
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores (if applicable)
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement/essay
- Interview