10 Most Affordable Online MBA in Marketing Programs 2025

If you're interested in pursuing a marketing career, then a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in marketing can help you get there. Maybe you'd like to know more about this type of degree and are curious about how you can get one on a budget.

Keep reading as we explore some top schools offering affordable online MBA in marketing degrees. We'll also provide general information about this type of program and provide answers to common questions.

What Is a Master of Business Administration in Marketing?

An MBA degree is a type of master's degree program that prepares students for various leadership and management roles in business. These programs often have specializations to help students prepare for specific career paths.

Many schools offer MBAs with marketing specializations. These programs provide a solid foundation in core business topics while offering extra classes geared toward aspiring marketing professionals.

Typically, a marketing MBA takes about one to two years of full-time study to complete. Courses are often available in a flexible online format to help busy working professionals advance their education.

How Much Does an Online MBA in Marketing Cost?

The cost of an MBA marketing online degree can vary depending on the school you attend. Generally, public schools charge lower rates than private schools, though this isn't always the case. Many schools charge several hundred to more than $1,000 per credit hour in tuition.

Among the schools featured in this article, tuition rates range from around $247 to $659 per credit hour, making them some of the most affordable options available. Many online learners pay the same rates regardless of their residency status and are often charged lower rates than on-campus students. There are also specfic scholarships for online students to cover costs.

Cheapest Marketing MBA Online Programs

If you have a bachelor's degree and are ready to start an affordable graduate program in marketing, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some top business schools offering cheap online marketing degrees for MBA students.

1. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a public school in North Carolina known for having some of the lowest in-state graduate tuition rates in the country. One of the programs available is an MBA with a concentration in marketing.

The program can be completed online or in-person and consists of 36 credit hours. Students have opportunities to complete several hands-on projects to help them develop real-world skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $247.30 per credit hour (in-state)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Texas Permian Basin

The University of Texas Permian Basin is a public school in Odessa, TX. Its MBA with an emphasis in marketing features highly affordable tuition rates and flexibility that's ideal for working adults.

Students benefit from a rolling admissions process that makes it easy for them to enroll whenever it's convenient for them. The program helps students develop leadership and decision-making skills that will come in handy in real-life marketing and business scenarios.

• Estimated tuition cost: $274.87 per credit hour
• Program length: As few as four semesters
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a private, for-profit university for online learners. It features various flexible online degree programs, including an MBA in marketing.

The school offers self-paced MBA courses and has a generous transfer policy, making it ideal for those with previous graduate-level credit. Students complete core courses and electives in areas like digital marketing, business to business marketing, and digital analytics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $359 per credit hour
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Emporia State University

Emporia State University is a public school located in Emporia, KS. It offers an online MBA with a marketing concentration designed for busy learners.

Students can choose from six start dates per year and earn their degree in as little as one year. Students supplement their core business courses with marketing-focused electives, preparing them for a variety of career opportunities in just 33 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $363 per credit hour
• Program length: As few as 12 months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University is a public school in Youngstown, OH. Learners at this school can pursue an online MBA in marketing that consists of just 30 credit hours.

This flexible degree can be completed in as little as a year and consists of a solid blend of business and marketing courses. With multiple yearly start dates, students can start and continue their studies whenever it's convenient.

• Estimated tuition cost: $473 to $478 per credit hour
• Program length: As few as 12 months
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Lamar University

Lamar University is a public school in Beaumont, TX. Its 30-credit marketing MBA program is highly affordable and offers the same tuition rates to all students.

Students are prepared to enter the job market with essential skills in business and marketing that apply specifically to the digital age. The flexible program makes it possible for busy adult learners to advance their education without sacrificing other commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $478 per credit hour
• Program length: As few as 12 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Louisiana State University Shreveport

Louisiana State University, Shreveport is a public school in Shreveport, LA. It provides an accelerated MBA in marketing that students can complete in just 10 months.

Students in the program receive a well-rounded business education that places a strong emphasis on marketing. The flexible, affordable program offers GMAT/GRE waivers for qualifying students and provides a great way for learners to advance in their careers quickly.

• Estimated tuition cost: $484 per credit hour
• Program length: As few as 10 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. National University

National University is a private school in California. It offers various online and campus-based degrees, including an MBA with an emphasis in strategic marketing.

Students complete courses in strategic marketing, digital marketing, and product management as part of this MBA specialization. Courses are available in flexible eight-week sessions that help students stay on track while studying when it works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $578 per credit hour
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

9. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private, nonprofit Christian school in Lynchburg, VA. It offers an online MBA program with an array of specializations, including one in marketing.

This transfer-friendly institution allows students to transfer in up to 50% of the total degree requirements. Students enjoy ample flexibility with the school's eight-week course sessions and year-round study options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school with a large body of online learners. One of its remote degree programs is an MBA in marketing.

Students complete 10 courses in this program, with each course running for 10 weeks. Students must meet deadlines to stay on track, but face no scheduled class times ?this allows them to study on whatever schedule works best for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose top programs when creating our school rank lists. Below, we've outlined the criteria we used when selecting each college of business above.

• Accreditation: All of the schools are institutionally accredited, and some of the business schools also maintain specialized accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
• Affordability: Each program features affordable tuition rates of under $700 per credit hour and provides financial aid opportunities.
• Program reputation: Each school of business is known for providing high-quality education to prepare students for real-world administrative and management positions.

What To Expect From an MBA in Marketing Online

Online MBA programs are typically designed for working professionals, with flexible or asynchronous coursework, multiple yearly start dates, and both full-time and part-time options. Many programs allow students to complete their entire degree online, with no in-person components.

Students complete core courses in fundamental business and advanced marketing topics. These topics may include business analytics, marketing strategies, understanding consumer behavior, and more.

Some full-time and accelerated online MBA programs can be completed in as little as 10 to 12 months; students enrolled part-time may take two to three years or longer to graduate. Common tuition rates range from $500 to $1,000 per credit hour, though many schools offer more affordable rates.

FAQs About Online MBA Marketing Programs

If you still have questions about returning to graduate school for an affordable marketing degree, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some questions you may be wondering about.

Is an MBA in Marketing Worth It?

Depending on your career goals, getting an MBA in marketing can be well worth the time and money spent. Marketing professionals are in demand and are often paid well for their expertise. What's more, earning an MBA degree gives you the necessary credentials to pursue numerous career opportunities in business so you aren't just limited to marketing.

What Jobs Can I Get With an MBA in Marketing?

There are many MBA marketing jobs you can pursue. Some specific job titles to consider include:

• marketing manager
• brand manager
• social media manager
• sales manager
• market research analyst

How Much Can I Earn With a Marketing MBA?

Salaries can vary widely depending on factors like location, experience, education, and the company you work for. That said, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average MBA marketing salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is $159,660 per year and $76.76 per hour.

Are Marketing MBA Programs Good for Digital Marketing Careers?

Yes, an MBA in marketing can help you pursue various careers, including those in digital marketing. It provides advanced credentials and training that can prepare you to work as a manager or administrator in a digital marketing setting.

Discover Online MBA Programs

If you're ready to boost your business and marketing skill set, reach out to the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools directly for more information on admission requirements and to find the right marketing MBA program for you.