10 Most Affordable Online MBA in Leadership Programs 2025

You can earn an MBA in leadership online through several accredited universities across the country. It's a terrific opportunity to master all the skills, duties, and responsibilities associated with mid-to-upper-level corporate management. We'll show you how you can pursue an online degree in this field and prepare yourself for rewarding roles, such as corporate officer, operations manager, marketing manager, project manager, and more.

What Is a Master of Business Administration in Leadership?

A leadership MBA helps students sharpen their skills to reach higher levels of business management. This works best for working professionals who already possess significant managerial experience in the private sector. The leadership concentration covers other diverse concentrations, including supply-chain management, strategic management, and other advanced competencies required for senior-level leadership in any business environment.

How Much Does an Online MBA in Leadership Cost?

An online MBA in leadership may cost $30,000 or more in total tuition, depending on which MBA concentration you pursue and which business school you attend. Fortunately, many universities offer slightly cheaper rates for online bachelor's degrees and master's degrees, which could bring your total bill below $20,000. There are also diverse scholarships for online students that can reduce costs.

Cheapest Online Leadership MBA Programs

These are some of the cheapest online MBA leadership programs. While keeping enrollment costs low, these universities still offer a high-quality business education.

1. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University offers one of the most affordable ways to obtain an MBA in leadership and management. The program admission process requires students to have a 3.0 GPA in all other college work, but does not require standardized tests like the GMAT or GRE. Its fall start date begins in October, and it's possible to complete this 33-credit degree in as little as 12 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $373 per credit hour
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

2. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University has a fast-track online MBA in organizational leadership, which costs about $18,000 in total tuition. Although it takes only 10 months to complete, the coursework is fast-paced and involves applying quantitative analysis to various aspects of advanced business leadership. This degree requires 16 credit hours of courses to fulfill the organizational leadership concentration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $410 per credit hour
• Program length: 10 to 16 months
• Accreditation: AACSB

3. Lamar State University

Lamar State University offers an MBA in leadership and management. Its total tuition comes out to roughly $14,340, and some students can complete all course requirements within 12 months. Lamar State focuses on several outcomes in its leadership courses, including communication techniques, decision-making, collaboration, and problem-solving.

• Estimated tuition cost: $438.43 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 to 16 months
• Accreditation: AACSB

4. National University

National University has an MBA concentration in leadership studies, which involves developing change-oriented future business leaders. This leadership degree involves course topics like 21st-century leadership, power dynamics, and organizational development. You can begin this degree program anytime since National University permits online enrollment year-round.

• Estimated tuition cost: $442 per credit hour
• Program length: 18 to 20 months
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

5. St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University has an MBA in leadership and management. It's also one of the fastest to complete anywhere in the country, permitting full-time students to finish within just 10 months.

This normally works best if students complete graduate-level courses while still finishing undergrad to get a head start. Program admission requires students to prove they've earned at least a 2.75 GPA by sending official transcripts to the college of business.

• Estimated tuition cost: $448 per credit hour
• Program length: 10 to 24 months
• Accreditation: AACSB International

6. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University's online MBA program has a leadership focus, emphasising core concepts like ethical practice, financial responsibility, international business, and human resource management. This program requires 39 credit hours and allows students to transfer up to nine hours from another higher education institution.

• Estimated tuition cost: $494 per credit hour
• Program length: 18 to 24 months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Liberty University

Liberty University promises to help students transform themselves ''from manager to leader'' in its online MBA program. It specializes in flexible online coursework and allows graduate students to transfer up to 50% of previous coursework from similar programs. This program also teaches future business leaders valuable skills related to global business, organizational change, managerial accounting, and improving work-life balance for all team members.

• Estimated tuition cost: $545 per credit hour
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) focuses on student-friendly admissions and course delivery. The MBA in leadership is 100% online, and there are no application fees anywhere in the admissions process. You can complete this degree by taking two courses per term within as little as 12 months of full-time study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: ACBSP

9. Southern Utah University

Although Southern Utah University's cost-per-credit-hour is a little higher than some of the other programs, it still offers you a chance to earn an online MBA in just one year for less than $20,000. This degree program prepares graduates to enter challenging administrative roles such as senior manager, marketing director, finance director, and even chief executive officer.

• Estimated tuition cost: $799 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 to 24 months
• Accreditation: AACSB

10. Indiana University

Indiana University has an MBA in strategic leadership with 12 core courses in leadership, along with 24 open elective credits. This program reports that 85% of its students received a new job or promotion while still enrolled. Other online coursework includes topics in the fields of business analytics, marketing, finance, digital technology and management, and supply-chain management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $916 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: AACSB International

How We Rank Schools

These are the criteria we used to rank online MBA schools with leadership concentrations. This considers academic accreditation, program affordability, and academic reputation.

• Accreditation: All schools on our list are AACSB-accredited or receive audits and program review from other accrediting groups.
• Affordability: These programs charge less than $1,000 per credit hour for attendance.
• Program reputation: This list includes universities with programs recognized for effective leadership training through courses taught by credentialed faculty members and experienced business professionals.

What To Expect From an MBA in Leadership Online

Each college of business offers competitive tuition, but there are other expenses, such as online textbooks, fees, and living expenses. Most of these degree programs last between one and two years with core courses in executive decision-making, financial management, human resource management, and organizational behavior.

FAQs About Online MBA in Leadership Programs

Check out these frequently asked questions (FAQs) for online MBA leadership programs. This section discusses career opportunities for advanced business leaders, whether this degree concentration is worth it, and opportunities for teamwork projects with other business students.

Is an MBA in Leadership Worth It?

Yes, it is well worth it for students who possess great business acumen for executive-level leadership. If you do not see yourself advancing to higher positions in your company or elsewhere, then this may not be ideal for you. However, many graduates use an MBA in leadership to accelerate their career advancement and earn salaries over $150,000.

What Careers Can I Pursue With an MBA in Leadership?

These degree programs will develop your leadership skills enough to move into top positions within your company. This could be everything from human resource manager or marketing manager to corporate vice president or operations director. Most of these roles include very high salaries, but require lots of hard work and responsibility.

Do Online Leadership MBA Programs Include Team or Project-Based Work?

Yes, most MBA programs emphasize teamwork for various assignments throughout your degree. Since business leaders rarely operate alone in the business environment, it's essential for them to develop better problem-solving skills while working with other team members.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Leadership MBA Online?

Most MBA degrees take one to two years to finish. Some MBA students can complete the degree in about 10 to 15 months by entering an accelerated program. You can also complete an MBA faster by taking graduate coursework while finishing your undergraduate degree.

Should I Pursue an MBA or a Master's in Leadership?

The choice between getting an MBA versus a master's in leadership usually depends on which career field you intend to pursue. Some students may wish to earn a master's in leadership to specialize in organizational leadership, human resources, or prefer to focus on leadership in the nonprofit sector.

The MBA in leadership could be a lucrative option for students with significant work experience in lower-level leadership roles, who wish to climb the career ladder in a specific industry.

Are Online MBA in Leadership Programs Accredited?

Yes, all the degrees we consider must have academic or program accreditation. You should only enroll in an MBA program at an accredited institution if you want to be sure that employers will respect your credentials. These online MBA leadership programs undergo extensive coursework reviews to ensure students receive an authentic business education.

Discover Online MBA Programs

Learn.org can help you find reputable online business schools with lower tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and reasonable admission requirements. Check out the rest of our website to find the best online graduate program for you.