Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in Florida

Florida has numerous in-state universities that offer affordable Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. Because MBA students are generally also working professionals, Florida's schools provide degree programs with flexible schedules, various specialization areas, and affordable tuition rates.

Attending an affordable in-person or online MBA program is a great way to achieve your career goals without paying expensive tuition costs. Keep reading to learn more about affordable MBA programs.

Top Affordable MBA Programs in Florida

These schools offer low tuition rates and are the most affordable MBA programs for Florida students looking to earn an accredited high-quality education.

1. Florida National University

Florida National University offers an MBA program that stands out for its affordability and flexibility. The coursework focuses on communication, analysis, and problem-solving. Students have the advantage of learning from professors with real-world experience.

The program has various concentrations to choose from including finance, marketing, and accounting to align the program with their individual career goals. To make the program even more accessible, the university provides comprehensive financial aid packages with scholarships to help make their MBA program even more affordable.

2. Florida Atlantic University

Located in Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University provides a customizable business education with an executive MBA format for current business leaders and a professional MBA format for aspiring business leaders.

Concentrations are available in areas like sports management, information systems management, health administration, and operations management, allowing students to focus on a specific area of focus.

3. Florida State University

At Florida State University in Tallahassee, MBA students can access an affordable and comprehensive program that serves both in-state and out-of-state students. It offers numerous specializations, including healthcare management, business analytics, supply chain management, and real estate.

In addition to financial aid and state employee tuition waivers, the program also has assistantships that can cover your full tuition. Full-time students can complete the on-campus program in as little as one year, making it a fast and affordable path to earning an MBA.

4. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University offers an MBA program emphasizing core business and leadership skills. Aside from key concepts like data analytics, strategic leadership, and human resource management, students can also expect to enhance their critical thinking and communication skills.

The university waives the GRE and GMAT requirements for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, making it an accessible and affordable option for earning an MBA.

5. Florida International University

Florida International University, which is considered one of the most affordable online schools in the state, has an accredited MBA program that allows for in-person and online learning.

Students can add a focus to their master's degree with specializations available in finance and international business, entrepreneurship and innovation, strategic negotiation, and several others.

6. Barry University

Barry University, located in Miami, offers an affordable and AACSB-accredited MBA program with various options to customize the learning experience for your personal goals.

Students can choose the general MBA program, add one of the six concentrations, or combine an additional program to earn a dual degree. The General MBA program combines business electives to give a well-rounded education, making it a great option for students who don't want to choose a specific focus area.

7. The University of Florida

The MBA program at the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business is a reputable and affordable option for students looking to earn a graduate degree in business.

The program provides graduates with an advanced business skillset and a focus on leadership and collaboration. Students learn with group projects and case studies to thoroughly prepare them for their careers.

The MBA program also has flexible scheduling, allowing for part-time or full-time enrollment so that students can continue working while earning their degree.

8. University of Central Florida

At the University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, students can earn an accredited and affordable MBA with customizable courses to fit their goals. The program's flexible class times make it more convenient for working adults, with four different scheduling options for them to choose from.

The program has a strong emphasis on leadership abilities and strategic thinking skills so that students are well-prepared to take on high-level roles in their careers.

9. University of South Florida

The MBA at the University of Florida's Muma College of Business focuses on analytical skills and creativity to promote innovative ideas and enhance problem-solving abilities. The program offers various elective courses to choose from so that students can better align the curriculum with their career goals.

The university helps make its graduate program more affordable with various scholarships, grants, and fellowship opportunities while connecting students with outside funding sources.

10. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida offers an affordable and AACSB-accredited MBA program. It provides in-person and online learning options that allow students to balance their careers and education.

Students learn with group projects and real-world scenarios like case competitions, where students collaborate with and compete against each other to solve a case study. The program's emphasis on hands-on learning prepares its graduates to excel in their business careers.

FAQs About Affordable MBA Programs

These are some commonly asked questions about affordable MBA programs and can help you make a more informed decision about your graduate degree.

Can I Find a Reputable MBA Program in Florida That's Also Affordable?

The MBA programs listed above are both reputable and affordable. The program you choose must be accredited, ideally AACSB-accredited. This will ensure your degree is reputable and that the program provides a high-quality education.

How Much Does an MBA Cost in Florida?

Even though the cost of an MBA in Florida will vary with each school and program, many are considered affordable options. Some graduate schools in the state, like Florida Gulf Coast University, cost around $400 per credit hour for their MBA programs. Other schools, like Florida Southern College, can charge over $1,000 per credit hour.

Even with higher tuition costs, business schools provide funding opportunities and financial aid and offer less expensive online programs to help make earning a graduate degree more affordable for Florida students.

Is an MBA Worth it Financially?

Pursuing higher education is a large financial commitment; however, the benefits that come with earning an MBA degree can make it worth it. A graduate degree in business not only provides advanced knowledge of business concepts and methodologies but also opens the door to more career opportunities and higher earning potential.

MBA graduates will have the decision-making, strategic negotiation, and leadership skills to take on roles such as project managers, business owners, and CEOs.

What Is the ROI of an MBA Program in Florida?

The ROI of an MBA program in Florida can be substantial due to the high earning potential and career growth that comes with earning an advanced business degree.

The University of Florida offers one of the top-ranking MBAs for ROI, with their graduates earning an average salary of $150,000.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Affordable MBA Programs in Florida?

The specific admission requirements for affordable MBA programs in Florida vary with each school. Typically, you can expect them to include an accredited bachelor's degree and official transcripts with at least the minimum GPA requirement.

Many programs also require applicants to submit their GMAT and GRE test scores, though some programs waive this requirement based on your undergraduate GPA.