Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in Pennsylvania

Tuition rates are rising, but so is the demand for MBA graduates. Don't let higher education expenses discourage you from earning a Master of Business Administration. You can enroll in an in-person or online MBA program at an affordable Pennsylvania college.

Although this article focuses on in-person MBA programs, there are also affordable online colleges in Pennsylvania that are great for working individuals. See whether your chosen institution has financial aid options for MBA students. Continue reading to learn more about top affordable MBA programs.

Top Affordable MBA Programs in Pennsylvania

MBA degree programs teach students decision-making skills, organizational behavior, and strategic management. Earning a master's degree at one of these graduate schools is the first step toward career advancement.

Compare in-state and out-of-state tuition rates and verify that coursework is AACSB-accredited. Ensure that your MBA program does not have a specific undergraduate requirement; some schools may require you to have a bachelor's degree in a business-related major. Review some of the top programs below.

1. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League research university in Philadelphia. It offers an MBA program through the Wharton School.

The curriculum is cross-functional and has a mix of fixed and flexible core courses. Courses in the University of Pennsylvania's MBA program include:

• Marketing Management
• Corporate Finance
• Legal Studies & Business Ethics
• Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership

2. Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph's University is a private Catholic university in Philadelphia. Its Haub School of Business provides MBA programs online, on-campus, and in a hybrid format.

The MBA is a flexible one or two-year graduate degree. Core courses of Saint Joseph University's MBA program include:

• Business Analytics
• Business Strategy & Purpose
• Leadership and Ethics
• Shareholder Value Management

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private nonprofit university in Pittsburgh. It offers a STEM-designated MBA program through the Tepper School of Business.

According to the U.S. News and World Report, the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University ranks as the 16th best business school. Core courses for this graduate business degree include:

• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• The Sustainable Business
• Data Science for Finance

4. Lehigh University

Lehigh University is a research university in Bethlehem, PA. The university offers full-time and part-time MBA programs through its College of Business.

The full-time MBA program follows a cohort program model. Coursework in this program includes:

• Project Management Fundamentals
• Quantitative Methods
• Government and Society
• Suppliers and Customers

5. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State, is a public research university in University Park, PA. The school provides an MBA program through the Smeal College of Business.

This stem-designated MBA program lasts nine months and is available at Penn State's main campus in University Park. Courses that MBA students at Penn State can expect to take include:

• Emerging Technology Trends in Business
• Global Business Environment
• Communication Skills for Management
• Financial Accounting

6. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia. Drexel offers full and part-time MBA programs that follow a cross-disciplinary study plan.

MBA students can have more flexible schedules by combining in-person and online courses. Some courses in the general MBA program include:

• International Business
• Management Information Systems
• Production Operations Management
• Economics

7. Temple University

Temple University is a public research university in Philadelphia. It offers an MBA program through the Fox School of Business.

There are four different MBA programs, each providing a well-rounded business education to students. Some MBA concentrations here include:

• human resource management
• finance
• business analytics
• information technology management

8. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university in Pittsburgh. It offers an MBA program through the Katz Graduate School of Business.

The University of Pittsburgh offers accelerated, dual, and joint degree MBA programs. Students should expect to take courses such as:

• Financial Accounting
• Strategic Management
• Statistical Analysis
• Financial Management

9. University of Scranton

The University of Scranton is a private Catholic university in Scranton, PA. The university's Kania School of Management offers an AACSB-accredited MBA.

The University of Scranton's MBA program has nine degree specializations. These MBA specializations include:

• healthcare management
• enterprise resource planning
• finance
• accounting

10. Villanova University

Villanova University is a private Catholic university in Villanova, PA. The university's Villanova School of Business provides a flexible MBA program.

This innovative graduate program includes specializations in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Core courses include:

• Analyzing & Leveraging Data
• Business Risk Management
• Global Strategic Management
• Intro to Data & Business Analytics

FAQs About Affordable MBA Programs

Here are some frequently asked questions about affordable MBA programs.

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Affordable MBA?

There are several factors to consider when choosing an affordable MBA. Some of these include:

• accreditation
• program flexibility
• financial aid
• program duration
• cost of living

Also, consider the institution's location and support service availability when choosing an MBA program.

What Is the Average Cost of an MBA Degree in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of an MBA degree in Pennsylvania depends on multiple factors. These considerations include:

• institution reputation
• location
• facilities and resources
• availability of financial aid

One example of the cost of attendance for an MBA in Pennsylvania is Penn State's estimated tuition for its one-year MBA. The university estimates that Pennsylvania residents will pay $31,096 for their MBA in the 2024-2025 term.

How Can I Make an MBA Program More Affordable?

While MBAs can be expensive, students can find ways to lower these costs. You can make an MBA more affordable by doing the following:

• completing the FAFSA online application
• exploring scholarship and grant opportunities
• participating in a work-study program
• seeking employer tuition reimbursement

Submit the FAFSA form early so your application can be processed while there is still plenty of funding available.