8 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025

A flexible online Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a good alternative to a traditional on-campus degree for working professionals with little time for in-person classes. But what if a student has budget limitations? Fortunately, many schools offer affordable online MBA degrees with low tuition and financial aid.

If you're looking for a cost-friendly program in Maryland, you can find reputable options at institutions across the state. Below, we'll discuss where you can find an affordable online MBA in Maryland and highlight common careers and salaries for MBA graduates.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Maryland

Low-cost online MBA programs help students earn master's degrees while sticking to their budgets. Explore the affordable online colleges below to learn where to find the cheapest online MBA in Maryland.

1. Salisbury University

The online MBA from Salisbury University's Perdue School of Business prepares students for careers as credit analysts, financial examiners, and statisticians. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), learners enjoy a top academic experience with core courses and a capstone covering decision-making in the supply chain, corporate financial management, project consulting, and more.

Salisbury charges $436 per credit hour for in-state graduate tuition and accepts scholarships to lower expenses. An accelerated track with seven-week semesters helps enrollees finish this program in as little as nine months.

2. Morgan State University

Morgan State University offers an inexpensive online MBA with AACSB accreditation. This two-year program is highly affordable costing just $455 per credit in tuition. It offers concentrations and specializations in:

• accounting
• international business
• marketing
• project management
• human resources
• supply chain management
• entrepreneurship

Core courses and electives cover information technology and supply chain management systems, management information systems in accounting, and more. To apply to this program, students should submit undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

3. Frostburg State University

Students interested in a flexible online MBA can find a reputable program from Frostburg State University's College of Business, Engineering, and Computational & Mathematical Sciences. This degree features seven-week courses and a self-paced format enabling enrollees to navigate coursework on their schedule.

In addition to classes exploring managerial accounting, organizational behavior, and marketing management, enrollees can choose from management, business analytics, and healthcare management concentrations. This AACSB-accredited program costs $474 per credit hour for Maryland residents and $615 for out-of-state students.

4. Capitol Technology University

At Capitol Technology University, students seeking careers in management and leadership can pursue an online MBA with a specialty in fields such as aviation cybersecurity, engineering technology, data analytics, federal acquisitions and contracting, and critical infrastructure. This program offers flexible self-paced study and affordable tuition costing just $630 per credit hour.

Interactions with faculty, peers, and industry experts offer unique opportunities for networking and mentorship. Program enrollees learn about strategic management, organizational behavior, and managerial economics and finish the program with a project-based capstone.

5. Hood College

Hood College in Frederick offers a program for students seeking the cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirements. This graduate degree, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), costs $690 per credit hour. It requires a resume, two letters of recommendation, and official transcriptions when applying; however, students don't need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

The online MBA is a fast-track program learners can pursue part-time and complete in two or fewer years. Enrollees take international management, leadership, and managerial economics courses and can choose from focus areas such as accounting, data analytics, information systems, and more.

6. University of Maryland Global Campus

The online MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus is an affordable program that in-state and out-of-state students can complete in 16 months for $694 per credit hour or $21,000 in total costs. Online courses teach students accounting for managers, innovation, business analytics, and more.

If you're looking for the best online colleges that accept FAFSA, UMGC is a good choice. The university, accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), helps students save on tuition with federal financial aid, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and more.

7. Mount St. Mary's University

The MBA from Mount St. Mary's University is a flexible program for working adults. It offers multiple start dates, part-time and full-time enrollment, on-campus and online learning, and an accelerated pace to help students graduate in one year. Enrollees study financial analysis, management, and strategic marketing and choose from several concentrations and certificate options.

This IACBE-accredited program costs $710 per credit, has no application fee, and helps students save with financial aid. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a 2.75 GPA, five years of relevant work experience, or a minimum 500 GMAT score.

8. University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore is home to an online MBA program students can complete in as few as 18 months. Coursework explores the entrepreneurial mindset, IT for business transformation, leading with integrity, and more.

Enrollees can customize their MBAs or choose from data analytics, finance, leadership and management development, and marketing specializations. The AACSB-accredited degree costs $900 per credit hour; however, full-time students who qualify for the Dean's MBA Scholarship can save up to $3,750 per semester, for up to four consecutive semesters.

Other Affordable Online MBA Programs

Do you want to explore programs outside of Maryland? Review the schools below to discover affordable online MBAs in other states.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University's One-Year MBA is an ACBSP-accredited online program offering accelerated coursework and affordable tuition. Students typically complete the program in 12 months and pay $4,755 per six-month term or $9,510 to complete the entire program. Financial aid is available to increase affordability.

Enrollees interested in the one-year degree can pursue a general MBA or specialize in information technology management or healthcare management. Completing one of these programs can grow students' skills in communication, management and leadership, project management, or innovation.

Eastern University

Eastern University in Pennsylvania offers an online MBA in organizational management that students can earn for just $9,900 in total costs. This 100% online program, accredited by the ACBSP, consists of seven-week courses learners complete at their own pace to graduate in as few as 10 months.

Concentrations include business analytics, human resources, project management, and global sustainable development. To gain admission, applicants must submit an official bachelor's or graduate transcript, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and provide a CV or resume.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in the rank list above to ensure they meet the following criteria for delivering a quality academic experience:

• Accreditation: All schools in this list are accredited by nationally recognized organizations such as the MSCHE and NWCCU.
• Program reputation: We verified that the institutions above offer quality on-campus and online degree programs.
• Affordability: These schools take steps to make learning more affordable with financial aid or lower tuition.
• Accessibility: Some colleges and universities increase access to online programs through self-paced learning, flexible admission requirements, and multiple start dates.

What To Expect from an Online Master of Business Administration Degree

In some ways, pursuing an online MBA is similar to a traditional program. Faculty members teaching on-campus programs often teach online programs using the same coursework. So, what makes online learning different?

Instead of taking in-person classes, online students access course materials (lessons, discussions, assignments, and exams) on a virtual learning platform. While some online programs are synchronous with regular class times and due dates, many have an asynchronous format for students who want to learn on their schedules. You might also encounter online MBAs with a self-paced format offering even more flexibility.

Financial Aid for Online MBA Degree Programs

Alongside low tuition rates, financial aid is one of the best ways to earn a low-cost MBA online. Top financial assistance options for graduate students include the following:

• Fellowships: Schools offering fellowships often fund students' graduate study or research by covering tuition, living expenses, and other related costs.
• Scholarships: This award based on merit, talent, or financial need helps students cover some or all tuition and other school expenses.
• Student loans: Loans are funds students borrow to pay for school and other costs that require repayment.

Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) qualifies students for many financial aid opportunities. As you search for graduate programs in Maryland, consider schools accepting FAFSA for MBA degrees.

Career Paths for Online MBA Students

An online MBA program opens doors to career opportunities in numerous fields. Here are some of the most common career paths for future business leaders with MBA degrees:

• project manager
• supply chain manager
• business administrator
• credit analyst
• healthcare analytics specialist
• accounting director
• economic forecaster
• entrepreneur

How Much Can I Make With an MBA Degree in Maryland?

Graduates of reputable, accredited MBA programs in Maryland qualify for numerous high-paying jobs. The following are some of the top careers for MBA students, according to the May 2023 median annual wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• chief executive: $206,680
• marketing manager: $157,620
• financial manager: $156,100
• medical and health services manager: $110,680
• general or operations manager: $101,280
• management analyst: $99,410

FAQs About Affordable Online MBA Degrees in Maryland

Are you interested in finding the best online MBA programs with affordable tuition in Maryland? Review the frequently asked questions below before starting the process.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Maryland?

In Maryland, students can choose from several schools offering cheap MBA programs online. However, one of the most affordable in the state comes from Salisbury University. The AACSB-accredited online MBA costs just $436 per credit hour for in-state students. Enrollees can also reduce the cost of this program with scholarships and other financial aid.

What Types of Specializations Are Available in an MBA Program in Maryland?

A specialization enables students to deepen their knowledge of a particular field while earning their MBA. Adding one to a major can give students an edge over the competition when pursuing jobs post-graduation. Common specializations in Maryland MBA programs include:

• entrepreneurship
• finance
• supply chain management
• global business
• human resources
• marketing
• project management
• nonprofit management

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

Earning an MBA online free of charge isn't a common occurrence, but this doesn't mean you can't significantly reduce the cost of your program. As you search for online MBAs, consider schools with tuition discounts for alumni, corporate partners, and employees that make learning more affordable. Also look for institutions with scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships that cover most or all MBA costs.

Explore Online Master's Degrees

Take the next step toward a fulfilling career in business leadership by exploring the degree programs offered on Learn.org. Contact a school of interest directly to learn how their programs can help you achieve your career goals.