Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in Missouri

If you are interested in pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree in Missouri, you may be wondering how much it's going to cost you. Are there any schools in the state offering affordable MBA degree programs?

MBA students can pursue various affordable degrees at Missouri schools. Whether you're interested in an online MBA, an executive MBA, or a traditional full-time, in-person MBA program, you have a good chance of finding what you're looking for at one of the colleges or universities in Missouri.

Keep reading to find out more about traditional schools and affordable online colleges in Missouri.

Top Affordable MBA Programs in Missouri

The top affordable MBA programs offer a combination of low tuition rates and other expenses and generous financial aid to cover an MBA. Let's look at some of the best high-ranking schools offering advanced business degrees in Missouri.

Missouri State University

Missouri State University in Springfield is one of the largest schools in the state with an enrollment of 23,400 students. It is also known for offering some of the best tuition rates in the state for both undergraduate and graduate students.

MBA students at this school can pursue a Master of Business Administration program in three different formats: traditional, accelerated, and online. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), these programs consist of 34 credit hours. The accelerated program is completed within a year; the other programs can be finished in one to two years if you study full-time and two to three years if you study part-time.

University of Missouri Kansas City

The University of Missouri Kansas City is one of four campuses in the University of Missouri System. It enrolls around 15,300 students.

The school offers a traditional MBA program as well as an executive MBA. Students interested in the legal field can also pursue a combined Juris Doctor/MBA program. Regardless of the specific program chosen, students must complete 36 credit hours to obtain their MBA.

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University is a public school located in Maryville. It offers various degree programs in many disciplines and at various program levels.

The school offers both traditional and online MBA programs, along with an accelerated bachelor's degree to master's degree program. The MBA features a variety of specializations, including the following:

• business analytics
• human resource management
• agricultural economics
• marketing
• finance

Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau. This is a great school for those hoping to advance their careers as business professionals on a budget, as it offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in Missouri.

Students at this school can complete their MBA either online or on campus and can choose whether to study full-time or part-time. The MBA program features many concentrations, including:

• entrepreneurship and corporate innovation
• international business
• general management
• environmental management
• health administration

University of Central Missouri

Located in Warrensburg, the University of Central Missouri is another top college offering AACSB-accredited MBA programs. This public school provides its business degrees in both online and hybrid formats.

This school offers a Master of Business Administration featuring various concentrations at highly affordable prices. No GRE or GMAT scores are required for acceptance into the program. Concentrations you can choose from include:

• healthcare administration
• management and organizational leadership
• airport management
• finance
• marketing

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a private school located in St. Charles, a suburb of St. Louis. Though it enrolls fewer than 7,000 students, it provides various flexible degree programs for students attending both online and on-campus.

Students have the option to complete a general MBA or complete one of 12 concentrations. Some of the concentrations available to choose from include:

• supply chain management
• project management
• nonprofit administration
• leadership
• sport management

Webster University

Webster University is a private school with both national and international locations. It is headquartered in Webster Groves and offers online and in-person degree programs.

Those looking to become better business professionals can complete either a traditional MBA or an MBA with an emphasis in analytics. Those pursuing the traditional MBA can tailor their degree by choosing an area of emphasis. Options include:

• cybersecurity
• information technology management
• corporate communications
• enterprise resource planning

international business

Park University

Park University is a liberal arts college located in Parkville. This high-quality private school enrolls around 6,300 students.

Students still pursuing their undergraduate degree can enroll in a 4+1 program to earn their bachelor's degree and MBA within five years. A traditional MBA is also available. This program provides opportunities to study abroad and provides concentrations in areas such as:

• disaster and emergency management
• management information systems
• innovation and quality management
• management accounting (also called managerial accounting)
• human resource management

Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University is a public school in Joplin. The school enrolls around 4,000 students and provides a top-notch education for future business leaders.

Students enrolled in the MBA program can choose to attend live online or on campus. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years depending on your rate of study. Those meeting all admissions requirements and being accepted into the program can pursue one of the following concentrations:

• applied data analytics
• education
• management
• healthcare management

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System. It is located in Columbia and is the largest school in the state by enrollment with more than 31,000 students.

The school offers traditional, accelerated, and executive MBA programs. Traditional and accelerated options are available entirely online, while the executive option has some in-person components. In addition to their MBA program, students can pursue various graduate certificates and electives to help them tailor their degrees to their career goals.

FAQs About Affordable MBA Programs

If you still have questions about continuing your business education in Missouri, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Does an MBA Cost in Missouri?

Total program costs will vary widely depending on which school you attend, whether you live on campus, whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, the number of credit hours in your program, and various other factors. Among the schools discussed above, total tuition costs range from around $17,000 to $45,000.

Is an MBA Worth it Financially?

MBA graduates often see a significant pay increase after completing their master's degree. They may also experience a better job outlook due to their increased hard skills and decision-making abilities. For these reasons, MBA programs can be well worth the financial investment if the degree you earn aligns with your career goals.

What Is the ROI of an MBA Program in Missouri?

The return on investment (ROI) of Missouri MBA programs varies from one college of business to the next. Generally speaking, the ROI of your MBA will range from 44% to 220%. The average ROI for Missouri business graduate degrees is 160%.

How Can I Make an MBA Program More Affordable?

If you're looking to attend a Missouri business school more affordably, pursuing financial aid options is important. Complete the FAFSA to apply for federal aid, and check with your school to learn about scholarships and grants available. If you have a job, you could also check with your employer to find out if they offer tuition assistance as a benefit.