10 Most Affordable Online MBA in Finance Programs 2025

Although MBAs have a reputation for being expensive, many colleges and universities offer affordable online options to help students reach their goals.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees are some of the most common master's degrees. An MBA in finance provides students with a general business education and helps them to develop competencies in finance.

While MBAs can often be some of the most expensive degrees a school offers, many institutions keep their tuition rates low for students. Keep reading to discover some of the most affordable online MBAs in finance.

What Is a Master of Business Administration in Finance?

MBAs are master's degrees focusing on business studies. Many business schools offer them online, and many allow students to choose a concentration.

Online MBA finance programs will include core courses in business as well as coursework that helps students develop their financial management skills. Depending on the school, your online courses may be completely asynchronous, allowing you to complete them at your own time, while some may require you to meet on Zoom.

Another option for those seeking a finance career is a master's degree in finance. When considering an MBA versus a master's in finance, know that an MBA provides a more rounded business education while a master's in finance focuses specifically on finance topics.

How Much Does an Online MBA in Finance Cost?

Multiple factors affect the pricing of an online MBA, such as how many credits you need, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and what financial aid (including grants and scholarships you qualify for. The cost of an online MBA can range from under $20,000 to over $100,000.

Cheapest Online Finance MBA Programs

While the cost of an online finance MBA can be hefty, many schools offer affordable options. Below, we've highlighted some of the least-expensive online MBAs in finance.

1. University of the People

University of the People is a nonprofit, private online school in Pasadena, CA. It offers an online MBA with an option to specialize and earn a certificate in finance.

UoPeople is unique because it does not charge for tuition, just an assessment fee per course. The online MBA requires 12 courses, with an assessment fee of $450 for each course, meaning students can earn their degree for less than $5,500.

  • Estimated tuition cost: No tuition (exam fees apply)
  • Program length: Less than a year
  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

2. Fayetteville State University

At Fayetteville State University, students can earn an MBA online with a finance concentration through the Broadwell College of Business. This concentration includes courses on financial institutions, international finance, risk management, and finance in entrepreneurship.

FSU is a public historically Black university (HBCU) located in Fayetteville, NC. It requires 29 total credits for this online program, as well as a capstone project.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $280.30 per credit (in-state); $616.30 per credit (out-of-state)
  • Program length: Less than two years
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (WASCOC) and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

3. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University offers an online MBA with accounting and finance concentrations. ENMU is a public university in Portales, NM.

The MBA in finance requires 33 credits. Core courses are focused on topics like managerial accounting, information systems, and operations management, while the finance specialization includes courses on international finance, capital markets, and portfolio management.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $317 per credit hour
  • Program length: As little as one year
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

4. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The online MBA at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers eight concentrations, including one in finance and another in financial services. The finance concentration covers topics like investment theory, portfolio management, and financial decision-making, while the financial services option focuses more on financial planning and risk management.

UNCP, located in Pembroke, NC, is a public university. It requires 36 credit hours for both the finance and financial services MBA options.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $342.59 per credit hour (in-state); $659.49 (out-of-state)
  • Program length: As little as one year
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

5. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is a public research institution in Wichita, KS. It offers an online MBA with a finance concentration that prepares students for careers in corporate finance, investment management, or with financial institutions.

The degree requires 36 credits and requires prerequisites in finance and accounting fundamentals. Full-time and part-time study schedules are available to MBA students.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $350.73 per credit hour
  • Program length: 12 to 24 months (full-time)
  • Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Nebraska at Kearney

Students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney can earn an MBA online and fulfill their elective requirements with courses from a pre-set financial analysis cluster. This cluster offers various course options in areas like tax accounting, auditing, investment analysis, and accounting information systems.

UNK, a public university, is located in Kearney, NE. It requires 21 credits of core classes and 12 hours of electives for this degree program.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $354 per credit hour (in-state); $567 per credit hour (out-of-state)
  • Program length: As little as one year
  • Accreditation: HLC and AACSB

7. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas offers an MBA online with a concentration in finance. UCA is a public university in Conway, AR.

The program includes courses in bank management, investments, international finance, derivatives, and entrepreneurial and small business finance. It requires 30 credit hours, with full-time and part-time study options and multiple start dates each year.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $363 per credit hour
  • Program length: As little as one year
  • Accreditation: HLC and AACSB

8. Texas A&M International University

The online MBA at Texas A&M International University includes a concentration in international banking and finance. This program provides courses on international financial markets and investments, and prepares students for jobs such as international financial analyst or global investment banker.

TAMIU, located in Laredo, TX, is a public university. It requires 30 credits for this online program and offers six start dates each year.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $367 per credit hour
  • Program length: As little as one year
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

9. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public institution in Durant, OK. It offers an online MBA program with several concentration options, including one in finance.

The 30-credit program includes core courses on management information systems, managerial accounting, and more. Within the finance specialization, students take two courses, one on securities investments and the other on international financial management.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $391 per credit hour
  • Program length: As little as one year
  • Accreditation: HLC and AACSB

10. National University

Through National University, students can earn an online MBA with a concentration in financial management or financial technologies (FinTech). The financial management option includes topics on portfolio management and international finance, while the FinTech option has courses on data analytics and FinTech regulations.

National University, a nonprofit, private institution, is based in San Diego. It offers this program in a 45-quarter-credit, group-based learning model and a 30-semester-credit individual learning model.

  • Estimated tuition cost: $578 per credit (class-based); $867 per credit (individual-based)
  • Program length: As little as one year
  • Accreditation: WASCUC, AACSB (individual-based), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) (class-based)

How We Rank Schools

To choose the best MBAs for finance for this list, we focused on options that met the following criteria:

  • Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited, and many are from business schools that are accredited by entities like the AACSB
  • Affordability: We searched to find the lowest-cost options. Most degrees listed above are less than $400 per credit.
  • Program reputation: All programs are well-established, high-quality degrees.

What To Expect From an Online MBA in Finance Program

An online MBA in finance will start by covering key business topics. These specific topics often vary by school, but usually include topics such as strategic management and organizational behavior.

Then, you'll take courses focused on finance. These may cover topics such as:

  • capital structure and capital markets
  • corporate finance
  • derivatives
  • financial management
  • financial markets
  • financial and investment analysis
  • investment banking
  • mergers and acquisitions
  • portfolio management
  • risk management
  • valuation

If the degree is an MBA in accounting and finance, you may focus more on different types of accounting and prepare to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

FAQs About Online MBA in Finance Programs

Earning an MBA in finance is a great option for many students. We've answered some frequently asked questions about these degrees below.

Is an MBA in Finance Worth It?

For many students, an MBA in finance is worth it. It opens doors to numerous MBA finance jobs, such as financial analyst, financial manager, investment manager, or investment banker roles.

Can I Get a Job in Investment Banking With an Online MBA in Finance?

Yes, it's possible to get a job in investment banking with an online MBA in finance.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Finance MBA?

Most online MBAs take between one and two years of full-time study to complete. Some may take less time if you have transfer credits, while others may offer longer but less-intensive part-time options.

Are Online MBA Degrees in Finance Respected by Employers?

Online MBAs in finance are respected by employers. Many schools now offer online MBAs so that students can continue gaining work experience while earning their master's degrees.

How Much Can I Earn With an Online MBA in Finance?

The average MBA in finance salary varies based on your specific role; however, many earn around or over $100,000 per year. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for financial analysts is $101,910, and the median for financial managers is $161,700. Roles like chief financial officer can earn more.

Discover Online MBA Programs

Find the perfect online MBA in finance by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info on admissions requirements, enrollment, and financial aid.