10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Minnesota 2025

Minnesota is a beautiful state with a surprising number of Fortune 500 companies, such as 3M and General Mills. As a result, it's a great place to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA), even if you study online.

MBAs are graduate programs for those pursuing roles in business. They can also be expensive, but there are many cheap online MBA programs available to students. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online MBAs in Minnesota.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Minnesota

Although Minnesota can have some expensive tuition costs, there are also quite a few cheap online colleges in the state. Below, we've featured some of the cheapest online MBAs in Minnesota.

Note that all schools listed are accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA.

1. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is a public institution in Bemidji. It offers an online MBA that provides students with the advanced-level skills and understanding required to function effectively in dynamic, technologically complex, and rapidly changing business environments.

The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study. Graduate tuition at Bemidji State is $512.27 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students.

2. Southwest Minnesota State University

At Southwest Minnesota State University, students can earn an MBA online in just one year. Six concentrations are available, including international business, healthcare administration, human resource management, and organizational leadership.

SMSU, a public university, is located in Marshall. It charges a tuition rate of $518 per credit hour for this program, whether the student is a Minnesota resident or not.

3. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University offers an online MBA through its College of Management, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Metro State is a public institution in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

Four concentrations are available for this program: finance, global supply chain management, management information systems, and project management. Master's degree programs at Metro State have a tuition rate of $523.85 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students.

4. College of St. Scholastica

The online MBA in leadership and change at the College of St. Scholastica prepares students to lead strategic change in their organizations, professions, and communities. The unique curriculum is designed for business professionals focused on developing leadership and change-management skills.

CSS, located in Duluth, is a private Catholic institution. The school offers three capstone options for this online program: a study abroad opportunity, a group project, or a research paper. The tuition rate is $619 per credit hour.

5. St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University is a public institution in St. Cloud that It offers an online MBA through its Herberger Business School. Multiple concentrations are available, including:

• information systems
• management and leadership
• professional sales
• supply chain management

The business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Tuition for the online MBA is $620.54 per credit hour for all students.

6. Concordia University, St. Paul

Students at Concordia University, St. Paul can earn an MBA online. The program offers 10 areas of emphasis, including artificial intelligence, business analytics, organizational leadership, and project management.

CSP, a private Christian university, is based in St. Paul. Its online MBA requires 30 credits and costs $625 per credit hour.

7. Herzing University

Herzing University offers an online MBA with an optional specialization in business analytics. The university system is based in Milwaukee but has a campus in Minneapolis in addition to its fully online campus.

This MBA places a special emphasis on the application of AI in standard business operations and employee management. Full-time students can finish in 12 months, and the tuition rate is $630 per credit hour.

8. University of Northwestern

The online MBA at the University of Northwestern offers three concentrations: data analytics, healthcare management, and business management. The private Christian university is based in St. Paul.

This program combines leadership and business administration skills with a faith-infused curriculum. The program can be completed in under two years, and tuition is $640 per credit hour.

9. Crown College

Crown College is a private Christian school in St. Bonifacius. It offers an MBA online with an optional concentration in nonprofit management. Through completely online courses, students can finish in as few as 12 months.

The MBA is designed especially for working professionals and integrates a Christian worldview that prepares students to lead others from a faith-based perspective. The tuition rate at Crown College is $665 per credit hour.

10. Bethel University

Through Bethel University, students can earn an ACBSP-accredited MBA online. The program offers multiple concentrations, including healthcare administration, supply chain management, and statistics and data science.

The program also offers networking and career coaching to help students reach their professional goals. Most students finish in 18 to 24 months, and the tuition rate is $688 per credit.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the inexpensive online MBAs listed above, we focused on:

• Location: All schools on this list are located in or have a campus in Minnesota.
• Accreditation: Each school holds regional institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and many individual programs or Schools of Business hold programmatic accreditation as well.
• Affordability: We looked specifically for schools that offer programs under $700 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: All institutions are either public or private non-profit and have a reputation for solid online programs.

What Can I Expect From an Online Master of Business Administration?

Every online MBA is a little different, however, there are some general consistencies.

You'll likely apply using an online application. MBAs typically require a bachelor's degree and often have a minimum GPA requirement. You may also be asked to submit GRE or GMAT scores, although there are many cheap online MBAs with no GMAT requirements. You may also be asked to submit things like personal essays, letters of recommendation, and a resume showcasing your work experience.

In most cases, online courses for MBA programs are asynchronous. This means that, while you have due dates, you can complete your coursework on your own schedule and do not have to appear on campus.

MBA programs typically have a set of core courses that all students must take. They then offer electives or an area of concentration for students to focus on. Common concentrations include:

• business analytics/data analytics
• entrepreneurship
• healthcare management
• human resource management
• operations management
• project management
• strategic management
• supply chain management

Most online MBAs require 30 to 40 credit hours. Full-time students can usually finish within two years, and some offer one-year programs. Often, part-time schedules are also available.

Financial Aid for Online MBA Degrees

MBAs are some of the most expensive master's degrees, but there are ways to lower your costs. Choosing a low-cost MBA online is a good start, but students should also pursue financial aid for MBA degrees.

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines federal, state, and in some cases, institutional aid. Institutional aid is aid given by your college or university, and some have scholarships and assistantships specifically for MBA students.

You can also look for private scholarship opportunities through sites like the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder. Check to see if your employer offers tuition assistance; many do, even for part-time employees.

Career Paths for Online MBA Students

MBA graduates work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, retail, and tech. They often take on leadership roles such as:

• finance manager
• human resource manager
• marketing manager
• operations manager
• project manager
• sales manager
• supply chain manager

FAQs About Inexpensive Online MBA Degree Programs in Minnesota

We've answered some FAQs about online MBA programs in Minnesota to help you find the perfect choice to reach your career goals.

Is an Online MBA Degree Worth It?

For many students, an online MBA degree is worth it. Holding an MBA can help you develop your leadership and decision-making skills and pursue more advanced roles within your field. MBAs typically earn at least 50% more than those with a bachelor's degree.

Learning online is ideal for many students, especially those who work full-time or have family to care for. You receive the same education but in a much more flexible format.

How Much Does an Online MBA Degree Cost in Minnesota?

All of the schools we listed above offer an MBA degree for less than $700 per credit hour. For a 30-credit program, that's less than $21,000.

However, there are many MBA programs in Minnesota that cost more than this. The University of Minnesota's online MBA costs more than $1,700 per credit hour. That being said, financial aid options may be available to you at higher-cost institutions.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Minnesota?

There are several cheap MBA programs online in Minnesota. The cheapest online MBA from an accredited, non-profit comes from Bemidji State University, which charges $512.27 per credit hour before any financial aid.

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

There aren't any online MBA programs that are inherently completely 100% free. However, by choosing a low-cost school and utilizing your financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, assistantships, and employer tuition assistance, you may be able to significantly lower the cost of your MBA or cover your tuition completely.

Explore Online Business Schools

Start your journey toward becoming a business professional by exploring the affordable online MBA programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to request info on admissions requirements, enrollment, and financial aid.