10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Missouri 2025

Missouri's most affordable online MBA programs help students save on the cost of graduate business degrees through lower tuition rates, financial aid, and more.

Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs from accredited institutions are popular alternatives to traditional on-campus programs for working professionals. However, for some, paying for a master's degree can seem overwhelming when factoring in the financial responsibilities of everyday life.

Fortunately, students looking for an affordable online MBA in Missouri can find reputable programs at schools throughout the state. Below, we'll share institutions offering cheap online MBA degree programs and answer frequently asked questions about low-cost online MBAs in Missouri.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Missouri

Are you looking for the cheapest online MBA in Missouri? Review the following list of affordable online colleges to find the best online MBAs for students on a budget.

1. Missouri State University

Students attending Missouri State University in Springfield can pursue a 100% online MBA accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This 34-credit program costs just $12,900 in tuition and accepts institutionally funded and donor-funded scholarships to help students save.

Coursework explores managerial accounting, advanced financial management, and quantitative methods in business decision-making. Enrollees can also pursue graduate certificates in data analytics, entrepreneurship, international business, and more. Full-time enrollment enables learners to graduate in one year, while part-time students need two or three years to finish their studies.

2. Southeast Missouri State University

The MBA at Southeast Missouri State University is a flexible online program with multiple start dates, short eight-week terms, and no undergraduate business degree requirements. Enrollees enjoy affordable tuition costing $382.94 per credit and other opportunities to save with financial aid and prior learning credits.

This AACSB-accredited program focuses on organizational behavior, strategic marketing, research methodologies, and the financial environment. After graduating, students will have the skills to excel in chief executive, sales management, financial management, and other exciting roles.

3. Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University offers an online MBA program that students can complete in as little as 12 months. Concentrations include healthcare management, accounting, finance, human resource management, and geographic information systems.

This program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), is a good choice for students seeking the cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirements. Students can waive their GMAT and GRE scores by meeting work experience or GPA criteria. Tuition for in-state and out-of-state learners is $446 per credit or $13,730 total.

4. Missouri Baptist University

Learners interested in earning an online MBA through courses taught with a Christian perspective can find a reputable program at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. Coursework focuses on ethical strategies business leaders use to grow profits, productivity, and long-term organizational success.

Enrollees can choose the general MBA or one of several concentrations, including accountancy, strategic leadership, sports marketing, and healthcare management. This degree costs just $475 per credit hour and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

5. University of Central Missouri

At the University of Central Missouri's Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies, students can pursue an AACSB-accredited MBA 100% online in a synchronous or asynchronous format?r at the Warrensburg campus. This graduate degree program offers seven concentrations and internships for learners interested in gaining real-world work experience.

Enrollees can enjoy affordable $515 per-credit tuition and other perks, including no GRE/GMAT requirements and the ability to graduate in as few as 12 months. Gaining admission requires an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisites in college algebra and statistics.

6. Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University's MBA is a low-cost degree students can earn for just $540 per credit hour regardless of residency. Learners can pursue this degree onsite or take courses 100% online full-time and finish their studies in 12 months.

The MBA is recognized as one of the best programs accredited by the AACSB that doesn't require a GMAT or entrance exam. Enrollees study organizational theory, applied strategic management, and customer relationship management and choose from concentrations in general business, engineering technology management, and forensic accounting.

7. William Woods University

William Woods University offers an online MBA with flexible scheduling that students can complete in 12 months. Courses help students grow their knowledge of strategy development and implementation, economics for managers, integrated systems in business administration, and managerial ethics.

Admission requires a completed application and an official transcript showing a 2.5 bachelor's degree GPA from an accredited school. William Woods helps students save by charging no application fee, offering low tuition at $550 per credit hour, and guaranteeing tuition won't increase after starting the program with the Tuition Promise.

8. Lindenwood University

The ACBSP-accredited online MBA at Lindenwood University explores advanced leadership, business management, and strategic planning to help learners prepare for roles as marketing directors, startup founders, and human resources managers. Learners can focus their studies with concentrations in supply chain management, accounting, project management, and more.

Lindenwood makes this program affordable through low $551 per-credit tuition, a 20% discount per credit hour for returning alumni, and several scholarships. A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, resume, and letter of intent are a few of the program's admission requirements.

9. Avila University

Avila University, accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), offers an online MBA with concentrations in finance, executive leadership, strategic human resources, international business, and more. In this 30-credit program, students enjoy flexible learning, no prerequisites or entrance exams, and the option to graduate in 12 months.

Multiple start dates allow learners to apply anytime and enroll in the program when ready. Students pay as little as $18,000 total to earn this graduate degree.

10. University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is home to a 100% online AACSB-accredited MBA program that students taking a typical course load can finish in two years. Enrollees study business analytics, marketing management, and global supply chain with electives covering accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, public administration, and more.

UMKC is a good choice for students interested in enrolling at one of the best online colleges that accept FAFSA. Eligible students enjoy access to over $200 million in aid alongside low tuition (plus fees) costing $689.70 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team rigorously vetted the colleges and universities in the rank list above to ensure they have met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality experience in higher education:

  • Accreditation: Each institution has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a nationally recognized organization.
  • Program reputation: We confirmed that the schools in the above list offer quality academic experiences for on-campus and online learners.
  • Affordability: These colleges and universities offer lower tuition, financial aid, and other opportunities to make online learning affordable.
  • Accessibility: Some institutions take steps to make online learning more accessible by having flexible schedules, no entrance exam requirements, or multiple start dates.

What To Expect From an Online Master of Business Administration

Online MBA programs have more similarities to on-campus programs than many think. Colleges and universities often share the same coursework explored in traditional in-person programs and use the same faculty members to present the materials.

The primary difference between an online and on-campus degree is how courses are delivered. Online programs place learning materials on a virtual platform usually accessible anytime. This is where learners find lectures and assignments, participate in discussions, and take quizzes and exams. Courses might follow a traditional synchronous format, a flexible asynchronous format with regular deadlines, or a self-paced format with no schedules or due dates.

Financial Aid for Online MBA Degree Programs

Students interested in earning an inexpensive online MBA can use financial aid to make their program more affordable. Options for learners seeking financial assistance include:

  • Fellowships: A fellowship typically covers tuition, living expenses, and other costs to support students pursuing graduate study or research.
  • Scholarships: These free awards help students cover some or all tuition without concerns about repayment.
  • Student loans: Learners borrow student loans to pay tuition and school costs; however, these funds must be repaid.

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) qualifies students for most financial aid. If you're looking for assistance to cover your business program, search for schools accepting FAFSA for MBA degrees.

Career Paths for Online MBA Students

An online MBA opens doors to numerous top-paying job opportunities for business professionals. Here are career paths MBA graduates can consider:

  • marketing manager
  • financial manager
  • chief executive
  • accounting manager
  • sales manager
  • accounting director

FAQs About Low-Cost Online MBA Degrees in Missouri

Earning a low-cost MBA online helps students prepare for leadership roles while sticking to a budget. Browse the FAQs below to learn more about these degree programs.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Missouri?

Missouri is home to numerous schools offering cheap MBA programs online. One of the most affordable degrees is offered at Missouri State University. Students enrolled in the school's AACSB-accredited online MBA program pay just $12,900 in total tuition and can make the degree more affordable by applying for financial aid and scholarships.

Are Online MBA Degrees Respected?

Yes, online MBAs are respected. Many employers believe online degrees are as valuable as on-campus degrees when earned from schools with good reputations. The key is picking programs accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Also, consider applying to institutions with ACBSP or AACSB accreditation.

Which Concentrations Are Available for MBA Students?

Concentrations are specialized areas of study within a degree program that allow students to zero in on a specific area of interest. The following are some of the most common (and a few unique) MBA program concentrations:

  • executive leadership
  • cybersecurity
  • airport management
  • information systems
  • healthcare administration
  • sport management
  • human resources management
  • strategic leadership
  • data analytics

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

A free online MBA program is rare; however, low-cost degrees aren't. If you want to reduce the cost of your degree, consider these tips:

  • Look for schools with tuition discounts for alumni, employees, and corporate partners.
  • Consider institutions offering assistantships that cover most or all tuition.
  • Research schools with scholarships that pay most school costs.
  • Pursue a fellowship that pays full tuition and offers a stipend to support graduate study.

Explore Business S With Accreditation

Begin your journey toward an exciting career in organizational leadership by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest directly to learn how they can help you achieve your career goals.