5 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Ohio

Over 30% of Ohio residents have earned at least an undergraduate degree. If you've earned your bachelor's in business administration, you might be wondering about the next step in your career goals.

You'll be glad to know that there are many options for earning an affordable online MBA in Ohio. That way, you can elevate your career without breaking the bank or even leaving the comfort of your home. Read on to learn more about specific cheap online MBA degrees that are worth your time and money.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Ohio

There's no reason to take on a significant amount of debt when you can pursue the cheapest online MBA in Ohio instead. The following affordable online colleges are promising options worth considering.

1. Kent State University at Stark

Kent State University at Stark's MBA program is not only 100% online, but it can also be completed in a flexible timeframe. Aspiring business leaders can choose from five enrollment months, including January, March, May, August, and October.

On average, tuition costs just $9,850. In addition to this affordable tuition, about half of Kent State students have also received federal loans.

You'll be glad to know that the college's program was among the top 50 online MBA programs of 2025 according to the Princeton Review. Plus, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has accredited the program.

2. Youngstown State University

Anyone who's searching for the cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirements should consider applying to Youngstown State University. You can choose a general MBA degree or choose from four specializations, such as marketing. While you can learn at your own pace, you could earn your MBA in as little as 12 months.

In-state learners only have to spend $450 per credit hour; however, 47% of learners here also receive federal loans, which makes their expenses even lower. YSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Lakewood University

Lakewood University, accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, has no in-person programs�instead, it's completely virtual. This applies to both the MBA program itself as well as the e-books that are included with your tuition. A great benefit of this program is that each MBA student has their own success coach who guides them through the business environment.

The estimated tuition for a given year is, on average, just under $10,500. Best of all, the total amount awarded from grants and scholarships for the 2022-23 school year was just under $130,000.

4. University of Akron

Ohioans searching for a low-cost MBA online can enroll in the University of Akron's (UA) program for $482.75 per credit hour. The program's flexibility allows learners to finish in as little as one year, but they're allowed to take up to six. Students have the opportunity to earn private scholarships, College of Business scholarships, and other types of financial aid.

During your studies at UA, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, you'll take 10 courses to get a well-rounded education. Some classes focus on leadership skills, financial accounting, and strategic marketing.

5. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University (CSU) is another fantastic institution to earn an inexpensive online MBA. The average annual cost is $11,341.68, which is quite reasonable. Considering that 70% of their students receive financial aid, your final cost could be much lower.

CSU's academic team can help you fine-tune your schedule so that you work at a comfortable pace and study topics that will benefit your unique career path the most. Some courses include Information Systems, Integrative Business Strategy, and International Business.

Plus, CSU is among the 7% of AACSB-accredited schools, so you can feel great about securing a high-quality degree.

Other Affordable Online MBA Programs

The beauty of long-distance learning is that you can even attend business education schools outside of Ohio. Having more options means you won't have to settle for a school that doesn't fit your precise needs.

Abraham Lincoln University

If you are one of the 44.3% of college students who work a full-time or part-time job, the online MBA program at Abraham Lincoln University (ALU) is a great option. It's designed with the utmost flexibility for business professionals. Like all official online programs, the one offered by ALU has been approved by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Overall, the tuition tends to cost around $10,440. Almost half of the students enjoy the added benefit of Pell Grants. Plus, it's one of many online colleges that accept FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Our Selection Criteria

With so many schools to choose from, sifting through the options can feel overwhelming. That's why the following criteria were used to highlight the best of the best:

• Accreditation: The above programs are either accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission or the AACSB.
• Affordability: While affordability is a relative term, we've ensured that most of the schools cost less than $12,000 a year.
• Program reputation: Each program featured is either ranked as one of the best of its kind or known for its flexibility.
• Support: When you get an online degree, you should still have the same dedicated support team of teachers and peers that you'd get in person. This kind of support is another stand-out of the programs listed above.

Financial Aid for an Online Master of Business Administration

Even affordable degrees come with financial responsibilities. The best way to lighten your load is by looking into the following financial aid opportunities.

FAFSA

Filling out the FAFSA for MBA programs can unlock opportunities for federal grants, loans, and work-study jobs. Filling out this government form will take some time, but the effort could lead to thousands in savings for potential MBA graduates.

Scholarships and Grants

Every university you apply to will reference your FAFSA form to offer you scholarships. You can also seek out other scholarships and grants to apply to, such as Ohio's Second Chance Grant Program. This specific grant supports students who are re-enrolling in college to pursue a higher degree.

Loans

Taking out loans gives you the chance to enroll in graduate programs despite limited funds. That way, you can pursue higher-paying jobs in the future.

What To Expect From an Online MBA Degree Program in Ohio

Earning an affordable online MBA in Ohio doesn't mean that you'll get left behind compared to in-person learners. Your professors will always be available to discuss your coursework or other concerns. Many universities also have staff who can email, send text messages, or talk on the phone to address support issues or recommend electives.

Learning online is more flexible as well, which means you're in control of your pace. Universities want their online MBA students to succeed, so you can always reach out to your professor if you have an issue with a deadline.

MBA Concentrations and Coursework

People who earn an MBA can take all kinds of career paths. If you already know what you'd like to pursue, specializing can make you stand out to employers. Some common MBA concentrations include healthcare management, human resources, and project management.

For example, if you specialize in healthcare management, you can learn how to lead a team in a way that saves more lives. You can keep the business profitable without sacrificing the quality of care even as costs rise.

Specializing in HR means you'll learn how to find and retain employees with high-quality work experience. You'll also hone your abilities to train employees and study business analytics to make smarter decisions about growth.

A project management specialization enhances hard and soft skills that will help you thrive in the business world. From creating detailed project scopes to learning how to be more adaptable, you can become an invaluable asset for any team.

FAQs About Cheap Online MBA Degrees in Ohio

Finding the right online MBA degree from the right university can feel daunting. That's why we have you covered with answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Ohio?

The cheapest online MBA in Ohio is Kent State University at Stark. Not only is the average tuition $9,850, but you could further reduce the price with grants, loans, and scholarships.

Is the GMAT or GRE Required for an Online MBA Program in Ohio?

Fortunately, higher education institutions have become more lax, often waiving the GMAT or GRE requirements. However, schools like the University of Akron still require them and specify that the tests must have been completed within the last five years. As such, it's worth double-checking the requirements of your chosen university before finalizing your decision.

How Can You Pay for an MBA Degree?

Since most online classes also boast high flexibility, it's easier than ever to work a full-time job to help offset some or all of a degree's cost. Additionally, you can apply for loans, GPA-based scholarships, and grants, such as the Pell Grant, which is offered by the federal government.

Explore Accredited Master's Degrees

Now that you've seen how many affordable options there are for cheap MBA programs online, it's just a matter of careful decision-making. The sooner you apply to your favorite schools, the sooner you can start considering the academic possibilities. Be sure to browse Learn.org to get even more valuable information.