8 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Colorado 2025

If you live in Colorado and are planning to attend business school, you're probably aware of the many benefits of Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. These types of programs can prepare you for career advancement and potentially lucrative pay increases. But before you take the plunge and commit to an expensive program, you may be wondering if any schools offer affordable online MBAs in Colorado.

Keep reading as we explore some top low-cost online MBA degrees in your state. We'll also provide general information about getting an online MBA and answer some questions you may have.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Colorado

Some of the best-value online colleges can be found in Colorado. Let's take a closer look at our list of cheapest online MBAs in Colorado and the schools offering them.

1. Adams State University

Adams State University is a public school in Alamosa and one of many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA. It offers a variety of fully online programs, including an MBA.

Students can choose from five program concentrations to personalize their degrees. The program requires 36 credit hours for graduation and is designed to be completed within two years. Tuition is some of the most affordable in the state, costing just $420 per credit hour.

2. Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University is a public school located in Grand Junction. It offers one of the cheapest online MBAs with no GMAT requirements in the state, and the program costs $565.54 per credit hour.

This program allows students to choose an area of emphasis depending on their course selection and is completed in 36 to 45 credit hours. It features numerous learning methods like lectures, simulations, case studies, and research. Most full-time students complete the degree within two to three years.

3. Colorado State University Pueblo

Colorado State University Pueblo is a small member of the Colorado State University System. Its MBA program teaches various business fundamentals and provides an optional healthcare emphasis.

Students complete 36 credit hours in accelerated eight-week course sessions that provide added flexibility. Tuition for the program is $575 per credit hour, and students typically graduate in about two to three years.

4. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public school that seeks to make education accessible for students from all walks of life. Its MBA program can be completed online or in-person and costs about $601.33 per credit hour.

The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB), making it one of the top business programs in the world. It is highly flexible and designed to cater to the needs of busy working professionals. It offers four specializations that students can choose from.

5. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University is a private, for-profit school providing highly flexible degrees in many areas of study. One of the programs is an online MBA degree that costs $610 per credit hour and is eligible for various financial aid options.

Students can choose from nine concentrations to prepare them for work in numerous business environments. The program consists of 48 quarter credits, and students complete all coursework in accelerated 5-week blocks.

6. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is a private school known for its flexible online degree programs. The school offers an online MBA consisting of 39 credit hours and costing $628 per credit hour.

Students in this program enjoy flexible five- and seven-week courses, a generous transfer credit policy, and the ability to graduate in as few as 18 months even while continuing to work. All students must choose from seven areas of emphasis, and optional graduate certificates can also be paired with the program for added credentials.

7. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a fully online college affiliated with the Colorado State University System. It provides flexible online graduate and undergraduate degrees; one of the programs available is an MBA.

This program costs $675 per credit hour and comprises at least 30 credits. Students can pair their degrees with one of 10 specializations as they work through practical courses and develop essential skill sets. The program features monthly start dates, so students can begin the program whenever it's convenient for them.

8. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado is a public school in Greeley. It offers an accelerated MBA program that students can complete within 12 months.

This flexible full-time program consists of 36 credit hours and features seven-week course sessions. No GMAT is required for students with a 2.5 undergraduate GPA or better. Tuition for the entire program costs $25,038, which works out to $684 per credit hour.

Other Affordable Online MBA Programs

When studying online, Colorado students can also enroll in inexpensive online MBAs at out-of-state schools. Let's look at a couple of top options.

1. Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University offers one of the most affordable online MBA programs in the country. Students at this school pay just $263 per credit hour for a total tuition cost of around $9,503.

The program helps students develop real-world skills in business for decision-making, marketing strategies, and financial management. The program is AACSB-accredited and taught by expert faculty, making it an exceptional value for the money put into it.

2. Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University is a small public school in Oklahoma. Students at this school can pursue an online MBA degree with nine concentrations, giving various options to choose from.

The program comprises 36 credit hours, including 24 credits for core courses and 12 for each specialization. Coursework is flexible and designed to let students take control of their education. Tuition for out-of-state students enrolled in exclusively online courses is $291.92 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

It is our goal to include only top colleges in our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the cheap MBA programs online featured above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and many of the programs have received specialized accreditation from the AACSB.
• Affordability: All of the programs featured have highly affordable tuition rates of under $700 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for providing high-quality academics through its on-campus and online programs.
• Online options: All of the schools featured above have at least one online MBA option; many of them have multiple options, allowing students to choose specializations.

What To Expect from an Online Master of Business Administration Degree

Online MBA programs typically feature a highly flexible curriculum that students can complete on a schedule that works for them. Coursework is usually asynchronous, or self-paced, though some programs also feature live online sessions to provide structure.

Prospective MBA students should hold a bachelor's degree in business or another related field. They are often expected to meet minimum GPA requirements, have passing GMAT or GRE scores, and submit documents like resumes or letters of recommendation.

Once students have enrolled in a program, they can typically graduate within one to two years. Some accelerated programs allow for quicker completion times, while part-time learners may take three years or more to graduate.

Financial Aid for Online MBA Degree Programs

Even affordable MBA programs can get pricey; fortunately, there are many sources of financial aid available to help online students pay for their graduate degrees. These sources may include:

• Scholarships and grants: Numerous private organizations and businesses provide scholarships and grants for graduate programs, including MBAs. These types of awards vary in amount and do not need to be paid back.
• State and federal aid: Students should consider completing the FAFSA for MBA degrees, as it is necessary for obtaining most forms of federal and state aid. Types of aid available through the FAFSA include grants, work-study programs, and student loans.
• Assistantships and fellowships: Assistantships and fellowships are programs that allow graduate students to earn money for school through on-the-job training. They are highly competitive as they often cover most or all costs associated with attending graduate school.
• Military benefits: If you have served or are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for tuition assistance through your GI Bill. You may also want to check with your school or outside organizations for scholarships, waivers, and tuition discounts available to military students.
• Employer tuition assistance: Some employers provide tuition assistance programs to cover some or all of employees' education costs. Businesses may be especially willing to do this if a current employee is seeking advancement within the company they already work for.

Career Paths for Online MBA Students

MBA graduates can work in all areas of business and often hold leadership roles within their respective companies. They may specialize in areas such as:

• human resources
• digital marketing
• supply chain management
• data analytics
• international business

Students may pursue their respective career goals by completing MBAs with concentrations in their areas of interest. They may also enroll in programs that allow for various electives, essentially creating their own specializations.

FAQs About Affordable Online MBA Degrees in Colorado

If you still have questions about pursuing a low-cost MBA online, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Colorado?

The cheapest online MBA program in the state is available through Adams State University. This small public school in Colorado provides its online MBA at just $420 per credit hour for total program tuition costs of $15,120.

What Types of Specializations Are Available in an Online MBA Program in Colorado?

Many of the online MBA programs in Colorado provide specializations so students can tailor their business education to their unique career goals. Common concentrations available in business programs include:

• entrepreneurship
• healthcare management
• cybersecurity
• project management
• supply chain management

What Is the Average Cost of an Online MBA Degree in Colorado?

Many schools in Colorado charge higher tuition rates than the affordable colleges featured in this article. For this reason, the total average cost of all online MBA programs in the state is around $39,700.

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

Though all MBA programs require payment for tuition, fees, and other expenses, it's possible for students to earn MBAs with no out-of-pocket expenses. Students who earn financial aid from various sources can potentially earn enough to cover most or all of their costs, helping them effectively earn their degrees for free.

Explore Online Master's Degrees

If you're ready to reach for your professional goals and become a business leader, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their MBA programs, admission requirements, and more today.