Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in Colorado

Attending business school can be expensive. If you're looking to earn a Master of Business Administration degree in Colorado, you may be wondering which schools offer some of the best programs.

Many Colorado schools offer affordable MBA degrees. Whether you're looking for a full-time degree program, a flexible online MBA option, an executive MBA, or a program that doesn't require prior work experience, you should be able to find what you're looking for at one of the schools discussed in this article. Each of the programs available equips you with the necessary skills to effectively run a business or nonprofit organization.

Read on for more information about MBA programs at traditional universities and affordable online colleges in Colorado.

Top Affordable MBA Programs in Colorado

When choosing your college of business, keep in mind that the best options are those accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), though AACSB accreditation is optional. Schools offering affordable tuition rates and generous financial aid options will enable you to graduate most affordably. Consider these top affordable MBA programs discussed below.

Colorado State University Pueblo

Colorado State University Pueblo is one of the smaller members of the University of Colorado System with an enrollment of around 6,600 students. It offers affordable tuition across many degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Students can pursue an advanced business education by enrolling in the school's Master of Business Administration, which can be completed on-campus or as an online MBA program. A healthcare administration concentration is available, along with several options to complete a 3+2 program that enables students to earn their bachelor's and master's degree in just five years.

Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University is a public school located in Grand Junction. This university enrolls around 9,000 students and offers several MBA program options.

A traditional MBA is available for students already holding a bachelor's degree. The program typically takes two to three years to complete and consists of 36 to 45 credit hours. Students can also pursue 3+2 programs for undergraduate degrees in accounting, construction management, or finance.

University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder is the flagship campus of the University of Colorado System. It boasts more than 37,000 students and provides a wealth of financial aid options to help alleviate college costs.

Both full-time and part-time MBA programs are available through this school. Students can choose between traditional, evening, hybrid, and executive program options depending on their needs and goals. Each program provides the same high-quality coursework, and the various options empower you to choose the program that best fits your schedule.

Regis University

Regis University is a private school found in Denver. It enrolls fewer than 4,700 students but offers various degree programs and is known for providing generous financial aid packages.

The school's MBA program consists of 36 credit hours and is completed on-campus in eight-week sessions. Most students graduate within one to three years. Specializations help students improve financial management and other necessary skills. Available specializations include:

• business and data analytics
• health industry leadership
• marketing
• finance and accounting
• strategy and innovation

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a medium-sized public school providing a wealth of degree and certificate programs. It enrolls around 17,500 students and provides highly affordable tuition rates.

The Master of Business Administration program can be completed as either an on-campus or online degree. Students can choose from the following concentrations to help them reach their professional goals:

• business analytics
• accounting
• human resource management
• strategic management

University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado is a public school located in Greeley. Boasting a high-ranking business school, this university provides one of the top MBA programs in the state.

Students can complete this online Master of Business Administration in a flexible timeframe that works for them. The general MBA program comprises 36 credit hours and can be finished in as little as a year. Students have numerous elective options to help them shape their degrees for their personal goals and interests.

University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver is another school in the University of Colorado System. It enrolls over 18,000 students and provides both affordable tuition and financial aid opportunities.

Various programs are available to enable students to complete their MBA online or in person. Students can complete accelerated, professional, and executive MBAs, along with combined degrees in fields such as medicine and urban and regional planning. Students have options to complete these programs either full-time or part-time.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs enrolls around 11,400 students in various graduate and undergraduate programs. MBA students can study either online or in-person and develop competencies in various business specializations.

Each program consists of a mix of core courses and electives. The general MBA comprises 30 credit hours, while the MBA with a concentration is 36 credit hours. Possible concentrations include:

• healthcare administration
• project management
• sport management
• cybersecurity management
• innovation management

Colorado State University Fort Collins

Colorado State University Fort Collins, or CSU, is the flagship school of the Colorado State University System. The school enrolls around 33,600 students.

Those interested in pursuing an MBA degree can choose between online and in-person options, as well as dual degrees in several fields. Additionally, certificates in various business fields are available to help students tailor their degrees. Certificate options include:

• global supply chain management
• entrepreneurship and innovation
• information technology project management
• organizational leadership
• marketing management

Adams State University

Adams State University is a small public school with around 2,500 students. Located in Alamosa, the school provides both online and in-person degrees and offers some of the most affordable tuition for graduate business degrees in the state.

The school offers a Master of Business Administration available entirely online. Students in this program complete 36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework, often finishing in about two years. Concentrations are available in the following fields:

• health administration
• finance
• public administration
• leadership
• sport leadership

FAQs About Affordable MBA Programs

If you still have questions about getting your advanced business degree, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Does an MBA Cost in Colorado?

Every MBA program costs a different amount based on the school, the specific business program, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, whether you study online or on-campus, how many credit hours the program requires, and more. Tuition costs for the MBA programs discussed above generally range from around $15,000 to $50,000.

Is an MBA Worth it Financially?

Even affordable MBA degrees cost a lot of money. That said, they can be well worth the investment for many students. MBA graduates generally earn higher salaries than those with a bachelor's degree alone, and recruiters may see them as more desirable job candidates due to improved decision-making and leadership skills.

MBA programs provide a high-quality education with many options for specialization, helping better prepare you for leadership roles in the business world. What's more, they provide networking opportunities and allow you to consider marketing strategies and methodologies, to give you a better chance of landing a job after graduation.

What Is the ROI of an MBA Program in Colorado?

Understanding the return on investment (ROI) of your MBA program will help you determine whether it's worth the money to you. Each school in Colorado has a different ROI among business degrees, ranging from 51% to 262%. The average ROI for MBA programs in Colorado is 125% for campus-based programs and 133% for online MBA programs.

How Can I Make an MBA Program More Affordable?

MBA students can save money on graduate school by applying for various forms of financial aid. Grants, loans, and work-study programs are often available through the government, and you may be able to obtain additional financial aid through your school. Scholarships and employer tuition assistance programs may also provide extra funding for your graduate program.