10 Affordable Online Master's in Management Degrees 2025

For those who want to further their careers or reach leadership positions, a master's in management can be the answer. These degrees train students in management and leadership studies.

If you're a working professional, it can be hard to find the time or money to attend grad school. The best option is often to find an affordable online college. Keep reading to discover affordable online master's degrees in management.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Management?

An online master's in management is a graduate degree that trains students to be effective managers. Some programs are general management degrees, while others focus on a specific type of management, like marketing management or healthcare management.

These degrees are usually majors within Master of Science (MS) programs. They may also be offered as Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs or just as master's in management programs (MiM programs).

When you choose to earn a degree online, you'll complete your coursework digitally. Some programs require you to occasionally meet over Zoom, at set times; others may require internships or other types of in-person experiences.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Management Cost?

Some master's degrees in management cost less than $300 per credit hour, while others cost over $1,000 per credit. The total cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like how many credits you need and what financial aid you qualify for, such as grants and scholarships.

Cheapest Online Master's in Management Programs

While some online master's in management are shockingly expensive, others are much more reasonably priced. We've featured some of the most affordable options for various types of management master's degrees below.

1. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a public institution in Macon, GA. It offers an online Master of Science in Management (MSM) that covers topics like decision sciences, information systems, accounting, marketing, and leadership.

Students can choose between a concentration in organizational management or supply chain management. Courses are available in eight-week terms, and the 30-credit program takes less than a year for full-time students to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $261 per credit
• Financial aid: MGA accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Western Governors University

At Western Governors University, students can choose from several online master's degrees in business, including:

• master's in leadership and management
• master's in information technology management
• MBA in information technology management
• MBA in human resource management

WGU, a private, nonprofit online university, is based in Salt Lake City. Its programs are all self-paced. As a result, the school charges a flat rate per six-month term, regardless of how many credits you complete in that time frame.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,805 per six-month term
• Financial aid: WGU accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional financial aid.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Albany State University

Albany State University offers an online MBA with several concentrations, including one in supply chain logistics management and one in healthcare management. ASU is a public historically Black university (HBCU) in Albany, GA.

Both programs require 33 credits and include core courses to help students build their business skills. The master's in supply chain management covers topics like procurement and supply chain analysis, while the healthcare management option covers health policy and healthcare evaluation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $308 per credit
• Financial aid: ASU accepts FAFSA and private financial aid and offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of Arkansas

The master's in engineering management at the University of Arkansas provides students with business and leadership skills to manage technology teams. The 30-credit program includes courses on decision-making, risk management, and analytics in engineering.

U of A, located in Fayetteville, AR, is a public research university. The university also offers degrees in media management and public administration management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $313 per credit
• Financial aid: U of A offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, MA. It offers a master's in construction management online that covers topics like construction law, construction safety, and productivity.

This degree program requires 30 credits and allows students to choose between a thesis and a special project option. Fitchburg State also offers an online MBA with concentrations in business analytics management, healthcare management, HR management, and supply chain management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $347 per credit
• Financial aid: Fitchburg State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Fort Hays State University

Students at Fort Hays State University can earn an MBA in tourism and hospitality management online. This degree prepares students for management roles in hotels, resorts, event spaces, and more.

FHSU, a public institution, is located in Hays, KS. In addition to the master's in hospitality management, it also offers management degrees in fields like healthcare, sports, human resources, and politics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $348.78 per credit
• Financial aid: FHSU accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Wichita State University

Wichita State University offers an online master's in sports management. Wichita State is a public research university in Wichita, KS.

This program prepares students for career options in sports entertainment, sports marketing, sports participation, sporting goods organizations, and sports law fields. It includes an internship that provides real-world work experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350.73 per credit
• Financial aid: Wichita State offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of the Cumberlands

The online master's in project management at the University of the Cumberlands provides students with the business knowledge and management skill set to manage and coordinate complex business projects. It requires 30 credits and gives students access to hands-on learning experiences.

U Cumberlands, located in Williamsburg, KY, is a private Christian institution. It also offers an MBA program as well as options in strategic management and supply chain management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $355 per credit
• Financial aid: U Cumberlands offers institution aid. It also accepts financial aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield is a public university in Springfield, IL. It offers a 30-credit master's in human resource management online.

This program covers the key fundamentals of HR, including employment law, staffing, performance, and compensation management. UIS also offers online master's degrees in cybersecurity management and environmental sciences, an MBA in management science, and multiple management certificates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $376.75 per credit
• Financial aid: UIS accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Southeast Missouri State University

Through Southeast Missouri State University, students can earn an online master's degree in technology management. In this program, they'll develop key skills for working in information systems (IS) or information technology (IT).

SEMO, a public university, is located in Cape Girardeau, MO. In addition to the master's in IT management, it offers programs in general management and healthcare management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit
• Financial aid: SEMO accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the online management degrees listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited.
• Affordability: We looked for the most affordable options, and all schools charge less than $400 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: All entries are nonprofit and offer high-quality online graduate programs.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Management Degree

An online master's degree in management typically requires around 30 or so credit hours. Most take one to two years to complete.

The specific courses you take will vary depending on the type of management you're focusing on. Regardless, all programs should cover topics on general business management, as well as international business and the business world.

After that, your courses will be specialized according to your major. For example, those studying HR management will cover employee relations and retention, while those studying IT management will cover information systems and cybersecurity.

Your program may require you to complete some type of hands-on, real-world experience, like an internship or practicum. You may also need to complete a thesis or a capstone project.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Management Master's Degrees

Still deciding if an MS in management is right for you? We've answered some frequently asked questions about these degrees to help you out.

Is an Online Master's in Management Worth It?

An online master's in management is worth it if you're looking to further your career options and stand out in the job market. In addition to teaching core management skills, these programs also help you hone your critical thinking and decision-making skills.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Management Degree?

There are many roles available to students with a master's in management, such as:

• business manager
• construction manager
• healthcare manager
• human resources manager
• IT manager
• marketing manager
• operations manager
• sales manager
• supply chain manager

The roles available to you will depend on whether you earned a general management degree or if you focused your degree on a specific type of management.

How Long Does It Take To Get an Online Management Master's Degree?

Many schools offer one-year master's degrees, and most full-time students can finish their degree in less than two years. For busy students, part-time options may be available. These take longer but are less intensive.

Which Is Better, an MBA or an MiM?

Both an MBA and MiM can be great options depending on your career goals. An MBA is for those who want to study both business and management, while an MiM focuses specifically on management.

What Are the Requirements for a Master's in Management Program?

The admissions requirements for an online master's in management vary by school, but often include:

• a bachelor's degree
• a minimum undergraduate GPA
• a minimum score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
• letters of recommendation
• a resume

Some business programs require you to already have some professional experience before you apply. You can usually find out more about the admissions process on the program website.

Discover Online Management Degrees

Find the perfect management degree by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.