10 Affordable Online Master's in Marketing Degrees 2025

Getting a master's degree in marketing can lead to various lucrative career paths. Whether you're a current marketing professional looking to move up in your field or a career changer exploring new opportunities, you may be wondering about affordable marketing degree programs.

Keep reading as we explore some top schools with online master's in marketing degrees you can earn on a budget. We'll also explore what to expect in a marketing program and answer some related questions you may have.

What Is an Online Master's Degree in Marketing?

A master's in marketing online is a graduate degree that teaches students strategies to help companies increase visibility and sales. These programs may be available as Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.

Students in marketing master's degrees may enroll in full-time or part-time programs online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format. Courses commonly cover topics such as market research, marketing analytics, brand management, and consumer behavior.

These types of graduate programs are often flexible and designed for busy working professionals. Some programs can be completed in as little as eight to 10 months, while others take two to three years to finish.

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

The cost of an online master's degree in marketing can vary depending on the school you attend and (in some cases) your residency status. Private schools typically charge higher rates than public schools, and public schools often charge more for out-of-state than in-state students. However, there are exceptions in both cases.

It's not uncommon for master's degrees in marketing to cost between $500 and $1,000 per credit hour. Among the schools featured in this article, rates are generally lower, ranging from around $303 to $659 per credit hour.

Cheapest Online Master's in Marketing Programs

If you're ready to start or advance your marketing career, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top business schools providing affordable online master's programs in marketing.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private school headquartered in Utah. It offers two online marketing programs for graduate students: marketing analytics and digital marketing master's degrees.

The school offers competency-based learning programs and charges tuition per term rather than per credit hour. Students can complete the programs at their own pace, but those who accelerate their studies and finish in a year pay tuition equivalent to around $300 per credit hour.

• Estimated tuition cost: $303.33 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use scholarships, federal aid, military benefits, and more to pay for their degree.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a private, for-profit online school headquartered in Alabama. It offers an MBA in marketing that students can complete at a flexible pace.

Students benefit from affordable tuition rates and financial aid opportunities. The school also accepts up to 24 transfer credits, so students who have previous graduate-level experience can save big on their education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $359 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, tuition discounts, military benefits, employer assistance, and payment plans can help students afford college.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Emporia State University

Emporia State University is a public school in Emporia, KS. Learners at this university can pursue an affordable online MBA in marketing program.

This program helps students develop business skills that they can apply specifically to the marketing field. Online courses are highly flexible, and all online students pay the same affordable tuition rates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $363 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school accepts scholarships and financial aid from a variety of sources to cover educational costs.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, KS. This public school offers an MBA in marketing that students can complete online or in person.

The 33-credit program provides real-world applications to help students prepare for their future careers. Flexible courses cover topics such as digital marketing and consumer behavior.

• Estimated tuition cost: $385.74 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Online students can apply for scholarships and use other forms of aid, such as grants and loans, to pay for their education.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama is a public school in Livingston, AL. It offers a Master of Arts in integrated marketing communications that students complete online.

The program consists of 30 credit hours plus a portfolio defense. Students learn to make strong marketing decisions that will help them succeed in the field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $429 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school accepts federal aid such as grants and loans as well as scholarships from various sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA. Its MBA in marketing program features highly affordable tuition and is ideal for students looking for a well-rounded business education.

All courses are flexible, and students can graduate from the program in as few as 12 months. Students learn to conduct successful marketing campaigns while studying on a schedule and budget that works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $436 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use federal financial aid, scholarships, and other sources of funding to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University is a public school in Maryville, MO. Its MBA in marketing takes 12 to 18 months to complete and is available entirely online.

All students pay the same affordable tuition rates and have the flexibility to study on their own time. Multiple yearly start dates and relaxed admission standards make this an ideal choice for busy working professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $464 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides and accepts scholarships and other forms of aid to help students cut costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. National University

National University is headquartered in San Diego, CA. Students can earn an MBA in strategic marketing and an MS in marketing at this private school.

The programs are available entirely online and offer flexible eight-week course sessions. Tuition rates vary depending on the program, and students can graduate in as little as 10 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $522 to $578 per credit hour
• Financial aid: A wide variety of scholarships, loans, and grants are available to enable students to graduate affordably.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

9. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private, nonprofit school in Lynchburg, VA. It offers MS and MBA marketing degrees that students can complete online.

The MS program offers several concentrations, allowing students to earn a master's in digital marketing and advertising, project management, sports marketing and media, and more. Students can transfer up to 50% of their total credits and enjoy flexible eight-week course sessions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers various scholarship opportunities and makes it easy for students to apply for other forms of financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school near Manchester, NH. Students at the school can pursue online MBA and MS in marketing degree programs, as well as an MA in communication with a new media and marketing concentration.

Concentrations allow students to earn a digital marketing master's and other tailored degrees. Courses are flexible and offered in 10-week courses, making these programs ideal for busy professionals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides tuition discounts for military servicemembers and accepts various scholarships, employer benefits, and other types of outside aid.
• Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

We strive for excellence in quality when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the programs above:

• Accreditation: Each school is institutionally accredited, and some of the business colleges maintain specialized accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
• Affordability: Each college of business features affordable tuition rates below $700 per credit hour and offers generous financial aid options.
• Program reputation: All of the schools are known for providing quality academic programs for both online and in-person graduate students.

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

Master's in marketing programs help students meet their career goals by providing advanced training and credentials. They often contain between 30 and 36 semester credit hours and can typically be completed in one to two years.

Marketing may be offered as a specialization of a business degree; on the other hand, some marketing programs offer specializations of their own. Common options include digital marketing, public relations, and social media management.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Marketing Master's Programs

If you still have questions about earning an affordable online master's degree in marketing, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is an Online Master's in Marketing Worth It?

If you aspire to a career in marketing management or leadership, earning a master's degree in the field can be beneficial. Many employers prefer candidates who hold master's degrees for high-level, high-paying careers. For this reason, those with master's degrees often earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor's degree.

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

Your marketing master's degree can help you pursue an array of careers in various marketing specializations. Common job titles include:

• marketing manager
• social media manager
• market researcher
• management analyst
• sales manager

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

Many schools offer flexible programs that allow students to complete their program on a full-time or part-time basis; others offer accelerated options that can be completed more quickly. Some accelerated programs take as little as eight months to finish. Most students graduate from full-time programs within one year, while part-time programs may take two or three years of study to complete.

How Much Can I Earn With a Master's in Marketing Degree?

Individual salary expectations can vary widely depending on your work location, experience, and other factors. That said, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earn an average yearly salary of $159,660 per year.

Discover Online Marketing Degrees

If you're ready to become a marketing student at an affordable online college, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools for more information on programs and admission requirements and find the right option for you.