Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in Georgia

Georgia has some of the lowest-cost Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in the country, thanks to a public university system that keeps per-credit rates low across the state. You can earn an accredited MBA here for a fraction of what many other states charge, without giving up program quality or flexibility.

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

How Much Does an MBA Degree Cost in Georgia?

Your total cost depends on the per-credit rate and the number of credits required. The programs featured here require 30 to 36 credits and cost roughly $6,000 to $15,500 in total, among the lowest ranges of any state we've covered. Nearly every school on this list is a public University System of Georgia institution, which keeps per-credit rates consistent and low across campuses.

Format can change your price more than you'd expect. Several public universities in Georgia participate in the WebMBA, a shared online program offered through a consortium of schools, and it costs considerably more per credit than each school's standard MBA. If a school quotes you a rate that looks high compared to what you've seen elsewhere on this page, ask whether it's for the WebMBA or the standard program. Rates change every year, so confirm current figures directly with each school before you apply.

What Makes an MBA Degree Affordable in Georgia?

Georgia's public university system keeps costs low across the board, but a few factors still separate the cheapest programs from the rest. As you compare options, weigh these factors:

• University System of Georgia pricing: Nine of the ten schools featured here are public universities in the state system, which sets per-credit rates well below the national average for public MBAs.
• Fewer credits: A 30-credit MBA costs less than a 36-credit one at a similar rate, so compare total credits along with the per-credit price.
• Standard MBA versus WebMBA: Several public Georgia schools offer the WebMBA, a pricier online consortium program, alongside their standard MBA. Confirm which format a quoted rate applies to before you compare schools.
• On-campus versus online pricing: Some schools charge more for online study, as Albany State does for its online MBA, so check both formats at a given school before ruling either out.
• In-state residency: Most of the rates featured here apply to Georgia residents. Out-of-state students should confirm the nonresident rate before applying.
• Scholarships and assistantships: Georgia's public universities offer scholarships, graduate assistantships, and other aid that can lower your cost below the sticker price.

Most Affordable MBA Degree Programs in Georgia

Georgia has some of the most affordable MBAs in the state, but some are more affordable than others. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the lowest-cost options for residents. All schools listed are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and most have business-specific accreditation as well.

1. Albany State University

Albany State University holds the lowest per-credit MBA rate of any school featured on this page. The public historically Black university (HBCU) in Albany offers a 30-credit general MBA, or a 33-credit MBA with a concentration in accounting, healthcare administration, supply chain and logistics management, or public administration. On-campus courses run in the evening, and a fully online general MBA is also available at a higher per-credit rate.

The MBA holds accreditation from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal aid, and ask the Graduate School about scholarships.

2. Augusta University

Augusta University's Hull College of Business, in Augusta near the South Carolina border, gives you three paths through its MBA: no concentration, a concentration in healthcare management delivered online, or a concentration in strategic innovation and technology management. Full-time students typically finish in a year, and part-time students in about two. Core classes meet in the evening, in person or in a hybrid format, and the GMAT is required for admission.

The Hull College of Business is accredited by AACSB. File the FAFSA for federal aid, and ask about research assistantships, work-study, and institutional loans.

3. Columbus State University

The Turner College of Business keeps class sizes small at Columbus State University, in Columbus near the Alabama border. Its 30-credit, on-campus MBA meets in the evening and covers global business, finance, operations, and marketing, with two elective courses letting you shape the degree. A separate, pricier online MBA is available through the Georgia WebMBA consortium.

Turner is accredited by AACSB, and the GMAT is required for admission. Students without a business background may need additional prerequisite coursework. Federal aid, along with scholarships through the financial aid office, is available to eligible students.

4. Georgia Southern University

Working professionals in the Savannah area can complete Georgia Southern University's MBA at the Parker College of Business in about 14 and a half months. The 30-credit, in-person program meets on the Armstrong campus and blends online and face-to-face instruction. A Military-to-Business option is offered at Fort Stewart for the military community, and a separate, higher-priced online MBA is available through the Georgia WebMBA consortium.

Parker is accredited by AACSB. Eligible students can look into the Tuition Assistance Program for University System of Georgia employees, GI Bill benefits for service members, and federal financial aid more broadly.

5. Georgia Southwestern State University

A fully online, generalist MBA is Georgia Southwestern State University's approach, built for working professionals who want to study from anywhere. The 36-credit program covers finance, ethics, international business, management, and marketing, and most students finish in five semesters, about 18 months.

The MBA is accredited by AACSB. Students without a business background may need up to 12 credit hours of foundation coursework. Scholarships and federal aid are both available through the Office of Graduate Admissions and the financial aid office.

6. University of North Georgia

The Cottrell MBA at the University of North Georgia runs as a lock-step cohort, with a new group of students starting together each August. Classes meet two evenings a week at the Cumming campus, and the 30-credit degree includes six semester hours of electives that double as coursework toward a graduate certificate in technology leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation, or cybersecurity.

UNG is one of the top colleges near Atlanta and its Mike Cottrell College of Business is accredited by AACSB. Scholarships and federal aid are available to eligible MBA students.

7. University of West Georgia

Evening classes in Carrollton, Newnan, and Douglasville let working professionals mix locations at the University of West Georgia. The 30-credit MBA runs on a one-year sequence that starts each fall or a two-year sequence that starts each spring, and you can add credits for a concentration such as data analytics, digital marketing, or business intelligence and cybersecurity. A separate, higher-priced online option is available through the Georgia WebMBA consortium.

The Richards College of Business is accredited by AACSB. GMAT or GRE scores play a role in admission and in qualifying for federal aid, and the graduate office can point you to scholarships.

8. Clayton State University

Clayton State University designed its MBA as a fast track, and the general business option can be finished in as little as 12 months. The 33-credit program meets on campus one evening a week, and an online version is also available. Concentrations include accounting, digital marketing, human resource leadership, international business, and supply chain management.

The MBA is accredited by AACSB, and applicants from any undergraduate major are welcome. Everyone completes two foundation courses in their first semester, and GMAT or GRE requirements depend on your undergraduate grade point average. Many current students pay for the degree with student loans or employer tuition assistance.

9. Kennesaw State University

Nine concentrations let you customize Kennesaw State University's Evening MBA, which meets one evening a week at three metro Atlanta locations. The 36-credit program can be finished in as little as 18 months or stretched over as long as six years, and a flat per-semester fee applies on top of per-credit tuition, so your pace shapes your total cost. A separate, higher-priced online option is available through the Georgia WebMBA consortium.

The Coles College of Business is accredited by AACSB, and standardized tests aren't generally required. If you didn't study business, you'll complete self-paced foundation modules at an extra cost that financial aid doesn't cover. Graduate research assistantships and scholarships are available in most programs, though they're competitive and not guaranteed.

10. Point University

Point University built its MBA for students with no business background, since a self-paced foundations course means you don't need a business degree to apply. The Christian university in West Point, Georgia delivers the program 100% online and asynchronously, and students typically take one course per eight-week session over about two years. The curriculum covers management, marketing, finance, and ethics through a Christ-centered lens.

The MBA doesn't list business-specific accreditation. Point lists grants, scholarships, and veteran benefits for graduate students, and it encourages students to ask their employers about tuition reimbursement.

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.

Georgia's public universities keep MBA costs low across the board, so small differences in credits and per-credit rates decide the order here more than they do in higher-cost states. We rank schools by estimated tuition for each program's standard on-campus or online format, using in-state rates. Three factors shape the rankings:

• Accreditation: Every school is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, 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 estimated tuition for each school's standard program, then review the aid each school offers, from federal loans and scholarships to graduate assistantships 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 Georgia?

Georgia MBAs share a core built around accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and management, then let you branch into an area that matches your career goals. Most programs also teach you to apply data and economic reasoning to real business decisions. Specializations are where the featured schools differ most, and they include:

• Technology and analytics: Business analytics, business intelligence and cybersecurity, and management information systems are available at UWG, Kennesaw State, and Georgia Southern, and Kennesaw State also offers fintech and a Business Intelligence graduate certificate.
• People and operations: Human resource management or leadership appears at Albany State, Clayton State, and Kennesaw State, and supply chain and logistics management is offered at Albany State, Georgia Southern, and Clayton State.
• Finance and accounting: Accounting concentrations are available at Albany State, Clayton State, and Kennesaw State, the last of which prepares students to sit for the CPA exam.
• Industry and strategy focus: Healthcare administration or management appears at Albany State, Augusta, and Georgia Southern, and Augusta's strategic innovation and technology management concentration covers artificial intelligence and digital transformation. UNG offers graduate certificates in technology leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation, and cybersecurity.

Foundation coursework is common if you didn't study business as an undergraduate, and several schools, including Kennesaw State and Georgia Southwestern, offer self-paced modules to fill any gaps before you start core courses. By graduation, you should be able to read financial data, lead a team, and support a business decision with evidence.

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

The programs featured here range from about a year to two years, depending on your pace and format. Clayton State's general business concentration can be finished in as little as 12 months, and Albany State's and Columbus State's 30-credit programs typically take about a year at a full-time pace. Kennesaw State's Evening MBA can be finished in as little as 18 months or stretched to six years, and Point University's fully online MBA runs about two years without transfer credit. UNG's Cottrell MBA follows a fixed cohort schedule of 20 to 24 months.

Three factors shape your own timeline. Credit requirements range from 30 to 36, so a longer program takes more time at a similar pace. Foundation courses add time if your undergraduate degree isn't in business, and schools handle this differently: some, like UWG, build it into a two-year sequence, while others offer separate modules before core coursework begins. Format matters too, since evening programs that meet once a week move at a fixed pace, while self-paced online options like Point's let you speed up or slow down based on your course load each session.

Financial Aid for MBA Degrees in Georgia

Paying for your MBA usually means combining a few sources, and what's available varies by school. Check each one directly with the schools you're considering.

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. Georgia's low program costs mean a year of loans often covers most or all of the total, but confirm your borrowing limit with each financial aid office.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants reduce your bill without repayment, and several Georgia schools offer them to MBA students. Albany State's Graduate School and Georgia Southwestern's Office of Graduate Admissions both point students to scholarship opportunities, and Kennesaw State and Clayton State list graduate research assistantships and scholarships, though Kennesaw notes these are competitive and not guaranteed. Point University also lists grants and scholarships for graduate students. Apply as early as you can, since positions and awards are often limited.

Assistantships

A graduate assistantship trades part-time work, often research or teaching support, for a tuition benefit and sometimes a stipend. Kennesaw State and Clayton State both list graduate research assistantships as an option for MBA students, though availability depends on the program and semester. Ask your graduate program coordinator about openings and how to apply, since these positions are typically limited and competitive.

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. Clayton State notes that many of its MBA students use employer tuition assistance to help cover the cost, and Point University encourages students to check with their employers about reimbursement. 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 military education benefits at several featured schools. Georgia Southern offers a Military-to-Business option at Fort Stewart and notes that GI Bill benefits may apply, and Clayton State is GI Bill certified and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Point University lists veteran benefits for graduate students as well. 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 Georgia

Georgia's public university system keeps every school on this list within a narrow price range, so the details that separate one program from another matter more than the cost itself. Weigh these criteria as you compare options:

• Format and schedule: Decide between fully online, evening, and cohort formats. Some programs, like UNG's Cottrell MBA, run as a lock-step cohort with a fixed schedule, while others, like Point University's, let you set your own pace.
• Total credits: Credit requirements range from 30 to 36, so compare total credits along with the per-credit rate, especially if you're weighing two schools with similar tuition.
• Standard MBA versus WebMBA: Several schools on this list also offer the Georgia WebMBA, a pricier online consortium option. Confirm which format a quoted rate applies to before you compare schools.
• Concentrations and certificates: Look for the specialization you want, whether that's healthcare administration, cybersecurity, or supply chain management. Some schools, like Kennesaw State and UNG, let elective credits double toward a graduate certificate.
• Foundation coursework: If your undergraduate degree isn't in business, ask how each school handles foundation courses. Some build them into a longer program timeline, while others offer self-paced modules you complete before starting core classes.
• Business accreditation: Every school here is regionally accredited, so look next at business accreditation. AACSB covers most of the list, ACBSP covers Albany State, and Point University doesn't list one.
• Admission requirements: Compare GMAT and GRE policies, since some schools tie the requirement to your undergraduate GPA and others waive it outright.
• Financial aid and military support: Ask about scholarships, graduate assistantships, and military benefits, since availability and eligibility vary by school and program.

Career Outlook With an MBA Degree in Georgia

Management pay in Georgia varies widely by region, with Atlanta standing well above the rest of the state. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that management occupations averaged $71.58 an hour in the Atlanta area in May 2025, about $148,900 a year, which is above the national average and one of the area's two highest-paying major occupational groups. Here's how average management pay compares across the metro areas where our featured schools operate, using BLS's hourly-to-annual conversion:

• Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell: About $148,900 a year, home to Kennesaw State, Clayton State, UWG, and UNG.
• Augusta-Richmond County: About $128,000 a year, home to Augusta University, and the highest-paying major group in the area.
• Macon-Bibb County: About $117,200 a year, the highest-paying major group in the area.
• Gainesville: About $126,700 a year, home to UNG's Cumming campus area, and the highest-paying major group there.
• Albany: About $113,000 a year, home to Albany State, and the highest-paying major group in the area.

For comparison, management occupations nationwide averaged about $145,260 a year, so Atlanta runs slightly above the national figure, while Georgia's smaller metro areas run noticeably 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 Georgia's low program costs mean you can weigh that pay difference against a smaller investment than in many other states.

FAQs About Affordable MBA Degree Programs in Georgia

The answers below cover common questions about affordable MBAs in Georgia, from cost and value to accreditation, foundation coursework, and the WebMBA.

Is an MBA Degree Worth It in Georgia?

For many people, yes, especially given how little the programs featured here cost compared to other states. BLS reports that management jobs in the Atlanta area pay above the national average, and Georgia's smaller metro areas still pay well relative to the state's low cost of living. Because the programs featured here cost so little, the time it takes to recoup your investment is short compared to pricier states. 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 a specialized credential or hands-on experience more than a general business degree, look closely at your goals before you commit.

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

Not necessarily, and in Georgia the opposite is often true. Several public universities on this list price their evening or in-person MBA below their online alternative, since the fully online option runs through the Georgia WebMBA, a consortium program priced at a flat, higher per-credit rate. Point University and Georgia Southwestern State are exceptions, since both deliver their standard MBA fully online at the same low rate as an on-campus program elsewhere on this list. Always confirm which specific program a quoted rate applies to, since a single school can list very different prices for its evening, online, and WebMBA options.

Who Should Consider an MBA Degree Program in Georgia?

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. Georgia's programs also fit a range of circumstances: working adults can look at evening formats like Clayton State's and Kennesaw State's, students without a business background can choose schools that build in foundation coursework, and military-connected students can use benefits at schools like Georgia Southern and Clayton State. If you'd rather build deep technical expertise in a single field, a specialized master's degree may be a better match.

What Is the Georgia WebMBA?

The Georgia WebMBA is a shared online MBA program offered through a consortium of University System of Georgia institutions, including several schools featured on this list. It's typically 30 credit hours, taught by faculty from across the participating schools, and priced at a flat per-credit rate well above what those same schools charge for their standard on-campus or evening MBA. If a school's online rate looks unusually high compared to its in-person program, it's likely the WebMBA rather than a separate, lower-cost online option.

Do You Need a Business Background to Apply for an MBA in Georgia?

No, and most schools on this list plan for applicants without one. Point University and Kennesaw State both offer self-paced, self-guided foundation coursework you can complete before or during your first semester, and Georgia Southwestern State allows up to 12 credit hours of foundation courses for students who need them. Other schools, like the University of West Georgia, build extra semesters into a longer program timeline instead. Expect your transcripts to be evaluated individually, since the amount of extra coursework you need depends on your specific undergraduate background.

Can You Use Financial Aid for a Georgia WebMBA Program?

Generally, yes, though it's worth confirming directly with your school. WebMBA students file the FAFSA the same way other MBA students do, and federal loans are available on the same terms. Because the WebMBA costs more per credit than most standard MBAs on this list, it's worth comparing your total borrowing need against a lower-cost on-campus or evening option at the same school before you commit to it.

Discover Affordable MBA Degrees

Georgia's public university system makes a regionally accredited MBA more affordable here than in almost any other state, with programs that finish in about a year and formats built for working adults. Learn.org lets you browse MBA programs by format, specialization, and cost, so you can line up a few that fit your schedule. Once a few schools stand out, contact their admissions and financial aid offices to confirm current rates and credit requirements, ask whether a quoted price is for the standard MBA or the pricier WebMBA, and find out which scholarships, assistantships, and military benefits apply to you.