10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Tennessee 2025

Busy working professionals who want to further their business education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can find flexible online programs through the state of Tennessee. Plus, many of these programs are affordable. Many online schools offer lower tuition rates and financial aid to help students on a budget earn their MBA.

Are you interested in earning the cheapest online MBA in Tennessee? Below, we'll highlight some of the best affordable online MBA degrees. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about low-cost programs in Tennessee.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Tennessee

Students looking for an affordable online MBA in Tennessee can find accredited programs statewide. Review the list below to discover degrees at the most affordable online colleges in Tennessee.

1. Carson-Newman University

The MBA from Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City is a flexible program that students can complete online or on campus. The degree offers two pathways to completion. Enrollees can choose the 10-course MBA or try the 12-course MBA, which offers specialization options in healthcare entrepreneurship, operations management, nonprofit leadership, and more.

Graduate students enjoy benefits such as affordable $455 per credit hour tuition, access to the full Microsoft Office suite, and guidance from a personal faculty advisor. Applicants seeking admission to the program need a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA and a professional resume.

2. Tennessee Tech University

Tennessee Tech University's self-paced, fully online MBA features eight core courses, two electives, and a capstone exploring marketing, finance, business management, data analytics, and comprehensive business strategy. This business program results in a degree and professional certificates in banking and finance, cybersecurity management and analytics, or healthcare and informatics.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), this inexpensive online MBA costs $550 per credit for in-state learners and $690 for out-of-state students. Fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and other financial aid make this business degree even more affordable.

3. Tennessee Wesleyan University

Students interested in pursuing a 100% online MBA with flexible asynchronous coursework can find a reputable program at Tennessee Wesleyan University. The 30-hour program explores strategic management and promotion, includes a capstone focused on consulting and venture planning, and offers concentrations in accounting, management, marketing, and information technology.

Tuition is $560 per credit hour or $17,250 in total costs after fees. To enroll, students must submit official baccalaureate transcripts and show they earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 from an accredited school.

4. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University's College of Business in Nashville offers an accredited program for students seeking the cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirements. In-state learners pay $575 per credit and can waive their GRE and GMAT scores if they have one of the following:

• at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• five years of professional/managerial work experience
• a graduate/professional degree
• five years of U.S. military experience

In this 12-month graduate degree program, students can earn a general MBA or add a concentration in accounting, finance, management of information systems, or supply chain management. Online courses explore statistical decision-making, operations management, managerial finance, and more.

5. Johnson University

Knoxville is home to Johnson University's 100% online MBA, which prepares students for Christian leadership in business, education, government, and nonprofit sectors. This program teaches advanced business analytics, business law, and advanced operations management and offers concentrations in leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and beyond.

Tuition costs an affordable $580 per credit hour, regardless of residency. To help learners save even more, the School of Business and Public Leadership offers the Missionary Missions Scholarship to help missionary recruits finish their graduate programs and the International Christian Work Scholarship for international students living outside the U.S.

6. Bryan College

The MBA at Bryan College in Dayton prepares students for leadership roles by integrating a Christian worldview with practical, real-world applications. Learners study managerial economics, strategic marketing, and quantitative business methods. Concentrations in healthcare administration, marketing, ministry, sport management, and human resources can help enrollees focus their studies.

Whether learners attend in-state or out-of-state, they pay the affordable tuition rate of $595 per credit hour. The Academic Resource Center, along with peer tutoring and career development resources can help students excel during enrollment and beyond.

7. Lincoln Memorial University

Learners interested in an MBA from one of the best online colleges that accept FAFSA can find an ACBSP-accredited degree at Lincoln Memorial University. In this program, students pay a low tuition rate of $599 per credit hour and can use financial aid to boost savings.

The fully online degree teaches business analytics, digital marketing, general business, strategic management, and more. When applying, students should provide previous work experience, their undergraduate or graduate GPA, completed coursework, a writing sample, and references.

8. Tusculum University

Tusculum University offers a 30-credit MBA designed to help working adults grow their decision-making skills as they advance in business-oriented fields. This program delivers coursework combining various synergistic business topics and ends with a comprehensive business research project.

Students pursuing this ACBSP-accredited degree can take classes in person or learn online. The MBA at Tusculum costs $18,000 per academic year. However, since students can generally complete all credits in 12 months, they can expect to pay this affordable price to complete the entire program.

9. King University

The MBA for Professionals (PMBA) from King University is a fully online program designed for students interested in management and leadership roles in industries such as:

• healthcare
• operations
• finance
• human resources

Enrollees study theoretical systems, ethical practices, research, and management and can choose from concentrations in healthcare administration and management.

Flexible courses with terms as short as five weeks help learners complete their studies in just 12 months. This program costs an affordable $605 per credit hour and helps students save with financial aid and military benefits.

10. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, students interested in a reputable program with affordable tuition can pursue the AACSB-accredited 100% online MBA. This program costs $2,086 per three-credit course after technology, online support, library, and other fees have been applied.

Learners gain practical and strategic skills by exploring coursework in organizational behavior, information technology, marketing management, and more. Concentrations in business analytics, finance, accounting, and healthcare administration let students enhance their MBA with a specific area of focus.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team selected the colleges and universities in the rank list above using a rigorous vetting process designed to ensure that schools have met the following criteria for delivering quality education:

• Accreditation: Each school has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a nationally recognized organization.
• Program reputation: We verified that the institutions in the above list offer quality academic experiences for on-campus and online learners.
• Affordability: These schools make learning affordable through lower tuition, financial aid, and other savings opportunities.
• Accessibility: Some colleges and universities increase accessibility to higher education by offering flexible schedules, waiving entrance exams, and accelerating degree completion.

What To Expect from an Online Master of Business Administration

Students who enroll in an online MBA program can expect to explore the same concepts taught in traditional programs and possibly learn from the same faculty members. Online degrees can be ACBSP- or AACSB-accredited, offer full-time and part-time enrollment options, and prepare learners for the same careers as on-campus degrees.

Some online MBAs require synchronous class meetings, while others offer an asynchronous or self-paced learning format that enables learners to study on their schedules. Coursework is typically found on a virtual learning platform where students access lectures, complete assignments, take exams, and more.

Financial Aid for Online MBA Degree Programs

Applying for financial aid is one of the best ways students can earn a low-cost MBA online. Here are some financial aid options for MBA graduates:

• Fellowships: These funds pay for tuition, living expenses, and more to support students' graduate study, research projects, or other academic endeavors.
• Scholarships: Scholarships may be based on talent, need, or merit. They help students pay some or all tuition and fees without repayment requirements.
• Student loans: Students borrow these funds to cover tuition and other school expenses but must repay them, often with interest.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal aid and some scholarships. When you're ready to find a program, search for schools accepting FAFSA for MBA degrees.

Career Paths for MBA Students

Career opportunities are plentiful for students who graduate with an MBA. Individuals can pursue leadership roles in fields ranging from healthcare to information technology. Here are some of the most common career paths for MBA graduates:

• product operations manager
• human resources manager
• medical and health services manager
• financial manager
• brand owner
• benefits manager
• entrepreneur

FAQs About Low-Cost Online MBA Degrees in Tennessee

Are you ready to enroll in a low-cost online MBA program in Tennessee? Review the FAQs below before taking the next step.

What Is the Average Cost of an MBA Degree in Tennessee?

The cost of earning an MBA degree in Tennessee varies based on factors like the school you attend, your enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), and your residence (in-state vs. out-of-state). Some programs cost a thousand or more per credit hour, and others cost a few hundred per credit.

If you're looking for affordable rates, consider schools like Tennessee Tech, which charges $550 per credit hour.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Tennessee?

Tennessee is a good place to find a cheap MBA program online. Schools throughout the state help their enrollees save through affordable tuition, financial aid, and other methods.

Students looking for the cheapest online MBA degree can find a budget-friendly program at Carson-Newman University. The school's flexible MBA costs just $455 per credit hour and accepts aid to increase savings.

Which Concentrations Are Available for MBA Students?

Concentrations in MBA programs enable students to focus their studies on specific areas of interest and showcase expertise in more than one area when competing for roles in the job market. Popular concentrations for MBA students include the following:

• healthcare administration
• project management
• entrepreneurship
• marketing
• data analytics
• human resource management
• financial management

Are Online MBA Degrees Respected?

Yes, employers respect online MBA degrees. Research shows that many executives believe online degrees from institutions with good reputations have the same value as their on-campus counterparts.

When searching for online MBAs, confirm that they are accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Also, look for U.S. News & World Report-ranked programs or business schools accredited by the AACSB or the ACBSP.

Explore Online Business Schools

Begin your journey in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs found on Learn.org. Contact a school of interest today to discover how these programs can help you reach your career goals.