Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in Florida

Florida's public universities price their Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs at resident rates that keep total costs low, and a few nonprofit private schools do the same with flat per-credit pricing. You don't have to pay executive-program prices to earn the degree, and several programs cost less than many people expect to pay for a single year of graduate school.

The most affordable MBAs in Florida differ in format, length, and admission requirements, so the lowest price isn't always the best fit for you. Keep reading to see what an MBA typically costs in Florida, what keeps the price down, and how each featured program compares on accreditation and financial aid.

How Much Does an MBA Degree Cost in Florida?

Your total cost depends on the per-credit rate, the number of credits, and any fees added on top. Most of the programs featured here require 30 to 44 credits, and they cost roughly $12,000 to $23,000 in total, with the higher end applying if you need foundation courses. The state's executive, professional, and weekend MBAs are a different story, and many of them run $40,000 or more.

Residency matters more in Florida than in many states. Public universities charge nonresidents roughly two to four times the resident rate, so the totals here assume you qualify as a Florida resident. Fees also vary. Some online programs charge a per-credit distance learning fee, while others fold every fee into a single rate, and several schools price their campus programs lower than their online versions. Rates change every year, so ask each school for an itemized estimate before you compare.

What Makes an MBA Degree Affordable in Florida?

The price gap between Florida's cheapest and most expensive MBAs is wide, and a few choices explain most of it. As you compare programs, weigh these factors:

• Florida residency: Residents pay the state's graduate rate, which is far lower than the nonresident rate at every public university featured here.
• Public university pricing: State universities price their MBAs well below the state's private and executive programs, and most add only modest per-credit fees.
• The specific format you choose: A single school can offer very different price tags. Florida Atlantic's on-campus Traditional MBA costs a fraction of its Professional or Executive MBA, and the University of Florida's one-year full-time MBA costs far less than its weekend or online versions.
• Fewer credits: A 33-credit MBA costs noticeably less than a 44-credit one at a similar rate, and business majors can often skip foundation courses.
• Delivery format: Online study saves commuting costs and sometimes costs less, as at Florida Gulf Coast, but at other schools the online program costs more than the campus version. Compare both.
• All-inclusive pricing: Some programs bundle fees into one rate, which makes the final cost easier to predict.
• Waivers, scholarships, and assistantships: Florida State waives up to six credits per semester for state employees, the University of North Florida offers a reduced rate to its own graduates, and many schools offer assistantships and scholarships.

Most Affordable MBA Degree Programs in Florida

While Florida is known for having some of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation, that affordability doesn’t always extend to MBAs. Below, we’ve featured some of the lowest-cost options available to Florida residents. All schools listed are nonprofit and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and many hold business-specific accreditation as well.

1. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University, a public university in Fort Myers, offers a 33-credit online MBA in seven-week courses that you can finish in as few as 12 months. The degree includes 24 credits of core courses, ending in a capstone, and nine elective credits, with options in data analytics, human resource management, and organizational change. Online concentrations in business analytics and management and leadership are also available. Tuition includes all fees, and a waiver is available for out-of-state students.

The Lutgert College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal aid. The college also offers a limited number of graduate assistantships, which cover the in-state portion of tuition and pay a stipend for 20 hours of work a week.

2. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida, a public university in Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle, offers a 33-credit general MBA and a 36-credit MBA with an area of emphasis. Emphases include accounting, business analytics, cybersecurity management, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality and tourism leadership, human resource management, and supply chain logistics management. You can study on the Pensacola campus or online in eight- or 16-week courses and finish in about 14 to 16 months. 

The Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business is accredited by AACSB. File the FAFSA for federal aid. On-campus students can apply for graduate assistantships, grants, and merit scholarships, and military-affiliated students receive a discounted online rate.

3. Baptist University of Florida

Baptist University of Florida is a private Baptist university based in Graceville, in the Florida Panhandle, with campuses across the state. Its 36-credit MBA is offered online and in a hybrid format, typically over two years in eight-week terms, with starts in August, January, and May. The coursework weaves biblical ethics into finance, marketing, and data analysis, and you can add a data analytics concentration.

The MBA doesn't list business-specific accreditation. File the FAFSA and complete the university's own financial aid application to be considered for federal loans and institutional aid, and ask about denominational scholarships.

4. University of Central Florida

Working professionals in the Orlando area can earn the University of Central Florida's Evening MBA on a part-time schedule, with classes Monday through Thursday evenings on the main campus of this public university. The 39-credit degree takes about 32 months at up to six credits per semester, and three electives let you focus on an area like marketing or finance. Applicants need at least two years of professional work experience.

The Miller College of Business is accredited by AACSB. Graduate students can apply for fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, and loans, so file the FAFSA and review the College of Graduate Studies' funding page. Fellowships are awarded on merit and carry no work requirement.

5. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a public university in Tampa, and its Professional MBA is offered in the evening on the Tampa campus or as a weekend hybrid at the Sarasota-Manatee campus. The degree runs 33 to 49 credits depending on how many foundation courses you need. You can pick from more than ten emphasis areas, including business analytics, healthcare management, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and add a finance concentration.

The Muma College of Business is accredited by AACSB. USF offers partial scholarships and loans to MBA students, so file the FAFSA, and the college offers a limited number of teaching and graduate assistantships. Many students also use employer tuition assistance.

6. Florida Atlantic University

Recent graduates and early-career professionals are the audience for Florida Atlantic University's Traditional MBA, a mostly on-campus program at the public university's Boca Raton campus. You can enroll full time or part time. The degree is 43 credits if you have a business background and 55 credits if you don't, and you can choose from more than 70 electives.

The College of Business is accredited by AACSB. File the FAFSA for federal aid. Many FAU programs offer graduate assistantships, so indicate your interest on your application, and the Graduate College awards fellowships each year. The College of Business also lists graduate scholarships through FAU's scholarship portal.

7. University of North Florida

Evening classes, in person or online, make the University of North Florida's MBA a fit for working professionals in Jacksonville. The 36-credit degree offers 11 concentrations or a general track, and you can finish in 12 to 24 months at a full-time or part-time pace. Classes start in fall, spring, and summer.

The Coggin College of Business is accredited by AACSB. File the FAFSA for federal aid, and ask about graduate assistantships through the college and UNF's employer reimbursement plan. UNF alumni who return for a graduate degree can also qualify for an exclusive reduced tuition rate.

8. Florida A&M University

Full-time students can complete Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's on-campus MBA in three semesters at this public historically Black university (HBCU) in Tallahassee. The 44-credit program admits business and non-business majors, though non-business graduates complete prerequisite courses first. It offers no formal concentrations, so you build an emphasis in finance, marketing, or supply chain management through your electives.

The School of Business and Industry is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). File the FAFSA for federal aid, and ask the school about graduate assistantships and fellowships, which its dean has cited as draws for the program.

9. University of Florida

Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida gives you three full-time paths to an MBA in Gainesville: 10 months if you hold a recent business degree, 12 months for any other major, or 22 months for the two-year track. The 10-month program is 32 credits, the others are 48, and you can add a concentration in areas like business analytics, finance, or supply chain. Plan on a commitment of at least 40 hours a week, and expect to show two years of work experience.

Warrington is accredited by AACSB. File the FAFSA for federal aid. The college offers full and partial tuition scholarships and merit awards to competitive applicants, and military-affiliated students can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other tuition assistance.

10. Florida State University

Campus students can finish Florida State University's MBA in a year, while working professionals can take it in the evening or online. The degree is 39 credits, and online students can add a major in alternative investments and finance or in healthcare administration. The campus formats cost far less than the online format for Florida residents.

The Herbert Wertheim College of Business is accredited by AACSB. File the FAFSA for federal aid. Many programs offer assistantships that can waive up to the full tuition cost, and Florida state employees can waive tuition for up to six credits per semester in on-campus programs. Qualifying veterans may also use the C. W. Bill Young Veteran Tuition Waiver for select programs.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Florida MBAs range from about 30 to 49 credits, and a single university can offer several formats at very different prices, so we rank schools by the estimated total cost of the lowest-cost standard program at each one. We also confirm formats, concentrations, and accreditation directly on each school's own website. Three factors shape the rankings:

• Accreditation: Every school is regionally accredited, and we note business-specific accreditation from AACSB or ACBSP where a program holds it. Where none is listed, we say so.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare total program cost, including required fees, and then review the aid each school offers, from federal loans and assistantships to scholarships, employee and alumni waivers, and military benefits.
• Student outcomes: We consider graduation rates and, where available, post-graduation earnings and debt, along with practical details like completion timelines and scheduling flexibility. College Scorecard reports much of its data at the institution level, so figures for a specific MBA aren't always available.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in an MBA Degree Program in Florida?

Florida MBAs start with a business core in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, economics, and strategy, then let you steer the degree toward an industry or skill set. Most programs also teach you to analyze data, lead teams, and weigh the ethical side of business decisions. Specializations are where the featured schools differ most, and they include:

• Data and technology: Business analytics is available at UWF, UF, USF, and FGCU, UWF adds cybersecurity management, and USF offers information technology management.
• Finance and accounting: UWF, UF, and USF offer finance options, UWF offers accounting, and FSU's online program offers a major in alternative investments and finance.
• People and leadership: FGCU and UWF offer human resource management, UF offers human capital, USF offers leadership, and Baptist University of Florida weaves biblical ethics into the whole degree.
• Industry focus: Options include hospitality and tourism leadership at UWF, healthcare management at USF, healthcare administration at FSU, real estate and supply chain at UF, and supply chain logistics at UWF. UNF offers 11 concentrations in all.

Many programs also give you ways to apply what you learn. USF ends with a consulting project for a real client, Baptist University of Florida lets you finish with an internship or a research proposal, FGCU closes with a business strategy capstone, and UF adds internships and optional immersion experiences. You should finish able to read financial and market data, lead a team, and defend a decision with evidence.

How Long Does it Take to Earn an MBA Degree in Florida?

The programs featured here range from about a year to about two and a half years, depending on your pace. Florida Gulf Coast's online MBA can be finished in as few as 12 months, UWF lists 14 to 16 months, and UNF lists 12 to 24 months. UF's full-time options take 10, 12, or 22 months, and FAMU's on-campus MBA takes three semesters. Baptist University of Florida runs about two years in eight-week terms, and UCF's part-time Evening MBA takes about 32 months.

Four factors shape your own timeline. Credit requirements range from 32 to 49, and your undergraduate background decides which end you land on: USF's runs 33 to 49 credits and FAU's runs 43 or 55, depending on whether you need foundation courses. Enrollment matters too, since full-time programs finish fastest but can require 40 hours a week, while evening and part-time formats let you keep working. Term length counts as well, with seven- and eight-week terms keeping you moving without a long wait between courses. Finally, some programs limit your load, and UCF caps its Evening MBA at six credits per semester.

Financial Aid for MBA Degrees in Florida

Funding your MBA usually means combining several sources, and the options below vary by school. Check each one with the schools you're considering, since public universities and private schools handle aid differently.

Federal Student Loans

Start with the FAFSA, which opens the door to federal loans and is often required for other aid. Graduate students can borrow through the Direct Unsubsidized Loan program, which doesn't require a credit check or demonstrated financial need. Federal rules changed on July 1, 2026: Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to new borrowers, and graduate students now face annual and lifetime borrowing caps. Many Florida programs cost little enough that a year of loans covers much of the bill, but ask each financial aid office how much you can borrow and how the caps apply to your program.

Assistantships and Fellowships

Assistantships trade part-time work for tuition support, and several Florida schools offer them. FGCU's Lutgert College covers the in-state portion of tuition and pays a stipend for 20 hours of work a week, and FSU says assistantships can waive up to the full tuition cost. UNF and UWF list graduate assistantships for their MBA students, UCF and FAU award merit-based fellowships, and UCF's carry no work requirement. Positions are limited, and some go to full-time students, so apply as early as you can and note your interest on your application.

Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

Scholarships and waivers reduce your bill without repayment. UF extends full and partial tuition scholarships and merit awards to competitive applicants, USF offers partial scholarships, and Baptist University of Florida lists denominational scholarships. Some waivers depend on who you are: Florida state employees can waive tuition for up to six credits per semester in FSU's on-campus programs, UNF offers an exclusive rate to its own graduates, and FGCU offers a waiver of out-of-state tuition for its online MBA. Ask each school which awards apply to your situation and when they close.

Employer Tuition Assistance

Many employers pay for part or all of an MBA, and federal tax rules let them provide a limited amount of tax-free education help each year through employer tuition benefits. UNF has a graduate employer reimbursement plan, and USF notes that many of its Professional MBA students use corporate tuition assistance. Check your benefits handbook or talk with your human resources department about annual caps, grade requirements, and any commitment to stay after you graduate.

Military and Veteran Benefits

Service members, veterans, and their families can use the GI Bill and other military benefits at several featured schools. UF says the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other tuition assistance apply to its full-time MBA, UWF offers a discounted online rate to military-affiliated students, and qualifying veterans may use FSU's C. W. Bill Young Veteran Tuition Waiver for select programs. Contact each school's veterans office, since eligibility and rates vary by program and branch of service.

How To Choose the Right Affordable MBA Degree in Florida

Florida's affordable MBAs range from part-time evening programs to full-time, one-year degrees, so the best fit depends on your work situation as much as your budget. Weigh these criteria as you narrow your options:

• Florida residency: Public universities charge nonresidents roughly two to four times the resident rate, and the totals here assume you qualify as a resident. Confirm your status with each school, and ask about waivers if you live elsewhere.
• The specific format at each school: A single university can offer very different prices across its MBAs. Compare every format, including evening, online, full-time, and executive options, before you decide.
• Who the program is built for: Some programs, like UCF's Evening MBA, are designed for working professionals, while others, like FAU's Traditional MBA, target recent graduates with little experience. Match the program to your background.
• Time commitment: Full-time programs at UF, FAMU, and Florida State's accelerated format finish fastest, but UF asks for at least 40 hours a week. Consider whether you can step back from work.
• Total credits and foundation courses: Credit requirements run from 32 to 49, and your undergraduate degree often decides where you land. Business majors can usually skip foundation courses that add cost for other majors.
• Admission requirements: Look at minimum grade point averages, test scores, and work experience. UCF and UF require two years of professional experience, while FGCU offers several test-score waivers.
• Business accreditation: Every school featured here has regional accreditation, so look next at business accreditation. AACSB covers most of the list, ACBSP covers FAMU, and Baptist University of Florida doesn't list one.
• Delivery and schedule: Decide between online, evening, and hybrid study, and check term lengths and start dates. FGCU's online MBA caps enrollment at each start, so apply early.
• Aid, waivers, and assistantships: Ask about assistantships, fellowships, state employee waivers, alumni rates, and military benefits, since availability varies by school and format. 

Career Outlook With an MBA Degree in Florida

Management jobs in Florida's big metro areas pay well, though the average runs below the national figure. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that management occupations averaged $66.50 an hour in the Tampa area in May 2025, about $138,300 a year, and management was the highest-paying major occupational group there. Here's how average management pay compares across the metro areas where our featured schools operate, using BLS's hourly-to-annual conversion:

• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: About $138,300 a year, with management making up 7.8 percent of local jobs.
• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach: About $137,600 a year, and management accounts for 8.0 percent of jobs, a larger share than the national 7.2 percent.
• Jacksonville: About $137,200 a year, with management at 7.4 percent of jobs.
• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford: About $131,000 a year, with management at 6.7 percent of jobs.
• Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent: About $117,900 a year, and management is the highest-paying major group there.

For comparison, management occupations nationwide averaged about $145,260 a year, so pay in Florida's largest metro areas runs about 5 to 10 percent below the national figure, and Pensacola runs about a fifth below it. BLS also projects that employment in management occupations will grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, twice the 3 percent average for all occupations. 

These figures cover all workers in each group, not only MBA graduates, and BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for most management roles. An MBA can help you advance, but your industry, employer, and experience will shape what you earn, and Florida's lower program costs mean you can weigh the pay difference against a smaller investment.

FAQs About Affordable MBA Degree Programs in Florida

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about affordable MBA degrees in Florida.

Is an MBA Degree Worth It in Florida?

For many people, yes, especially when the program keeps costs low. BLS reports that management jobs in Florida's largest metro areas pay well above the average for all occupations. The programs featured here cost far less than executive or private MBAs, which shortens the time it takes to recoup your investment. Florida's management pay does run below the national average, so weigh that against your goals and cost of living. An MBA makes the most sense if you're aiming for a management role, a career change, or a leadership track. If your target job values experience or a specialized credential more than a general business degree, look closely at the numbers before you commit.

Is an Online MBA Degree Less Expensive Than an On-Campus Degree in Florida?

For Florida residents at public universities, often not. Several schools price their online MBAs at market rates that sit well above the campus rate: Florida State, USF, FAU, and UWF all charge more per credit online than on campus. There are exceptions. FGCU's online MBA is the lowest-priced program on our list, Barry's online asynchronous rate is lower than its main rate, and FGCU offers an out-of-state tuition waiver online, which matters if you live elsewhere. Studying online still saves commuting and relocation costs, so compare an itemized estimate for each format before you decide.

Who Should Consider an MBA Degree Program in Florida?

An MBA suits professionals who want to move into management, career changers who need broad business skills, and specialists who are taking on team or budget responsibility. Florida programs also line up with the state's industries: USF and Florida State offer healthcare options, UWF offers hospitality and tourism leadership, and UF and UWF offer supply chain concentrations. Recent graduates can look at FAU's Traditional MBA, which is built for early-career students, while state employees can use Florida State's tuition waiver and service members can use the military benefits several schools offer. If you'd rather build deep expertise in a single technical field, a specialized master's degree may be a better match.

How Can You Qualify for Florida Resident Tuition?

Generally, you need to have established and maintained legal residence in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months before the first day of classes. Living in Florida or attending school there doesn't count on its own, and schools want documents such as a Florida driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration, proof of a permanent home, or a declaration of domicile. Dependent students follow their parents' residency, and a few special categories can qualify sooner. Each school's admissions or registrar office makes the call, so check your status early, since the difference between resident and nonresident rates changes your total by tens of thousands of dollars.

Should You Choose a Full-Time or Part-Time MBA in Florida?

It depends on whether you can afford to step away from work. Full-time programs like UF's, FAMU's, and Florida State's accelerated format finish in about a year, but UF asks for at least 40 hours a week, which usually means giving up your income. Part-time formats such as UCF's Evening MBA, USF's Professional MBA, and UNF's evening classes let you keep working, though they take about two to three years. Full-time programs can offer more assistantships and scholarships, and some require test scores or work experience, so weigh the lost income against the time you'll save.

Why Do Professional and Executive MBAs Cost More in Florida?

They're priced as premium formats for experienced professionals, and the price often covers more than tuition. FAU's Professional and Executive MBAs cost more than twice its Traditional MBA, and UCF's Professional MBA charges a flat, all-inclusive price. Several schools also price their weekend and online MBAs well above their campus programs. The degree comes from the same college, so an evening or traditional format can give you the same accreditation for far less. Check what's included in the price before you decide the higher cost is worth it.

Find Affordable MBA Degrees

Learn.org lets you browse MBA programs by format, specialization, and cost, so you can line up a few that fit your budget and schedule. Once a few schools stand out, contact their admissions and financial aid offices to request an itemized cost estimate, confirm your residency classification, and ask which assistantships, waivers, and employer or military benefits apply to you