10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Virginia

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree can be a great investment, and pursuing an affordable online MBA in Virginia can help you save both time and money. Perhaps you'd like to know more about the schools that offer these programs and how much they cost.

If you're a Virginia resident interested in learning about cheap online MBA degrees in your state, keep reading as we explore some top options. We'll also provide general information about getting your MBA online and answer a few questions you may have.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Virginia

The cheapest online MBAs in Virginia often cost just a few hundred dollars per credit hour. Keep reading as we look at our top 10 list of affordable online colleges with MBA degree programs.

1. American National University

American National University is a for-profit online school that offers an online MBA degree program. The total cost for the 56-credit-hour program is $21,896, which works out to $391 per credit hour including all fees and related expenses.

The program offers eight specializations so students can pursue the areas of business that interest them most. MBA graduates are prepared for an array of business career opportunities in fields like information technology, global leadership, and accounting. The school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

2. Longwood University

Longwood University is a public school in Farmville accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its online MBA programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and can be completed in as little as 10 months.

Seven concentrations are available, all of which can be completed entirely online, and coursework is flexible enough to meet the needs of working professionals. Tuition costs for all programs amount to $13,361, or $431 per credit hour for the 31-credit program.

3. Radford University

Radford University is a public school providing an affordable MBA. In fact, it is one of the cheapest online MBAs with no GMAT requirements in the state, as those with significant work experience do not need to submit GMAT scores.

Students can earn a general MBA or pursue a concentration in business analytics, with both programs consisting of 36 credit hours and costing $17,460 ($485 per credit hour). Coursework is flexible and students can transfer up to 12 credits into the program, potentially finishing within 12 months.

4. Bluefield University

Bluefield University is a private, nonprofit school with an enrollment of fewer than 1,000 students. It offers a highly flexible online MBA program with five concentrations and a number of electives which students can combine to create their own specializations.

The program consists of 30 credit hours and is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals. Students complete courses on flexible timeframes and can graduate in as few as 10 months. Tuition for the program costs $495 per credit hour.

5. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school in Richmond with a variety of online programs, including an MBA degree. The AACSB-accredited program costs $499 per credit hour and consists of 45 credits.

Coursework for this program is both synchronous and asynchronous, providing a balance between flexibility and structure that many students find beneficial. It is taught by the same high-quality faculty who teach the MBA in person, ensuring a quality education.

6. Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University is a private school offering a flexible MBA program to meet the needs of many students. Eight program concentrations are available, and students can complete the 30 credit hours required for the degree within 12 months.

Students can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on what works best for them, and highly qualified faculty teach asynchronous courses that allow students to set their own schedules. Tuition costs $499 per credit hour, and the school is one of many accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA; various other financial aid options are also available.

7. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large private university offering hundreds of degree and certificate programs to students in Virginia and throughout the country. MBA students can complete 45-credit-hour MBA programs in two concentrations for $565 per credit.

The school is highly transfer friendly, allowing students to transfer up to 50% of their total credits from another college. Flexible courses are available in eight-week sessions, and the school provides eight start dates each year. Program concentrations are available in criminal justice administration and public administration.

8. Virginia State University

Virginia State University is a public school that offers its MBA program both online and on campus. Online learners can take advantage of a flexible asynchronous format that allows them to get their education in ways that work for them.

Students complete 36 credit hours in this program, including 15 credits of electives that students can use to tailor their education to their interests. Those with a bachelor's degree and at least a 3.0 GPA are admitted into the program unconditionally. Tuition for the program costs $600.

9. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University provides an MBA degree consisting of at least 43 credit hours. Tuition rates cost $620 per credit hour for in-state students.

In this AACSB-accredited program, students can choose between asynchronous and live online courses. They also gain real-world experience since the program culminates with a capstone project.

10. University of Lynchburg

The University of Lynchburg is a private school with MBAs that have general and sport management degree concentration options. Students can complete the program within 12 months, and it costs $630 per credit hour.

The flexible coursework allows for both full-time and part-time study and provides a strong blend of business theory and practical skills that students can begin applying immediately. The general MBA consists of 36 credit hours, while the sport management option comprises 42 credits.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to choose only top schools when creating our rank lists. We used the following criteria when choosing the online colleges above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, typically the SACSCOC, with most of them also maintaining specialized accreditation from the AACSB.
• Affordability: Each school offers an inexpensive online MBA program costing under $700 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: All of the programs are known for providing top-notch education and having strong academic standards.
• Online options: All of the MBA programs featured in this article are available entirely online, often with flexible coursework that students can fit around their schedules.

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

Online MBA students often have the opportunity to enroll either part-time or full-time depending on their schedules. This allows them to continue working while pursuing their business degrees.

Cheap MBA programs online typically feature the same courses, credit hours, and admissions requirements as in-person degrees. Students are expected to have bachelor's degrees and meet minimum GPAs as part of the admissions process, and they may also be asked to submit resumes, letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores.

MBA Concentrations and Coursework

Many MBA programs offer concentrations so students can specialize in the specific areas of business they are most interested in. This can help better prepare them for their specific career goals. Concentrations may include:

• business analytics
• healthcare management
• supply chain management
• international business
• project management

MBA courses cover a variety of topics to help students improve their decision-making and leadership skills in the business world. Topics may vary depending on program specialization, but they commonly include topics such as:

• global business
• financial management
• entrepreneurship
• data analytics
• human resource management

Online courses are typically asynchronous, meaning students can set their own study schedules and have no set class times. Some schools offer a blend of asynchronous and live classes, in which students participate in some sessions virtually at set times. This can provide structure to help students stay on track.

Financial Aid for Online MBA Degree Programs

Even affordable MBA programs can cost a pretty penny; fortunately, there are many forms of financial aid available to help students cover their expenses. These types of aid may include:

• Federal and state aid: You can complete the FAFSA for MBA Degrees to earn grants, loans, and work-study opportunities from federal and state government agencies. Other state-based grants and programs may also be available.
• Scholarships and grants: You can earn a variety of grants and scholarships from many different businesses and nonprofit organizations. These merit- and need-based awards do not need to be paid back.
• Employer tuition assistance: Your company may be willing to cover some or all of the costs associated with your low-cost MBA online, especially if you are seeking a promotion within the company. Check with your employer to find out if tuition assistance benefits may be available to you.
• Military benefits: If you have military experience, you may be eligible to generous tuition benefits through the GI Bill. Schools and outside organizations may also offer scholarships, discounts, and waivers specifically for current or past servicemembers.

FAQs About Cheap Online MBA Degrees in Virginia

If you still have questions about pursuing a cheap MBA program online, you're not alone. Read on for some answers to commonly asked questions.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Virginia?

In terms of hourly tuition rates, the cheapest online MBA program in Virginia is available through American National University. This degree is available for just $391 per credit hour, or $21,896 overall. In terms of total cost, the cheapest program available is from Longwood University. At 31 credit hours long, it costs a total of $13,361.

How Much Does an Online MBA Degree Cost in Virginia?

MBA program costs can vary widely even among the affordable online colleges featured in this article. Per-credit-hour tuition rates range from $391 to $630 per credit hour among the most affordable schools, though other universities in the state may charge well over $1,000 per credit. Additional expenses like books and technology fees can raise the overall cost of the degree program, but again, these vary from school to school.

Are Online MBA Degrees Respected?

Yes, online MBAs are respected as much as in-person MBAs if they come from respected, accredited schools. Online degrees are becoming more common, so employers are getting more used to used seeing them. What's more, online MBA programs give students a flexible educational option, allowing them to continue gaining work experience as they study, which can make them more desirable job candidates once they graduate.

Why Should I Go to College for an MBA in Virginia?

If you aspire to a leadership role in business, getting an MBA is one of the best ways to reach your goals. Many top-level executive and management careers require a master's degree, and an MBA gives students a well-rounded business education that can serve them well in a variety of roles. This advanced degree not only helps students pursue career advancement but can also increase their chances of earning higher salaries.

Discover Online Business Degrees

If you're ready to explore the best online MBA programs, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges today to find out more about the programs they offer and to find the right one for you.