5 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Washington

If you live in Washington and are interested in pursuing or advancing a business career, then a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the best degrees you can earn. Perhaps you'd like to learn more about this type of program; in particular, you're curious about which schools offer affordable online MBAs in Washington.

Keep reading as we look at some top affordable online MBA degrees in your state and the schools that offer them. We'll also answer some questions you may have and provide general information about inexpensive online MBAs.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Washington

Washington has several affordable online colleges, but not all of them offer online MBAs. Let's take a closer look at the five cheapest online MBAs in Washington and the colleges where you can earn them.

1. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers the most affordable online MBA programs in Washington. The school is also one of many online colleges that accept FAFSA and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The program offers general business and data analytics concentrations, each of which consist of 44 quarter credit hours. The programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and coursework is highly flexible so students can study when and where they want. Total tuition for each program is $17,600, which works out to about $400 per credit hour.

2. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle is a private school offering various accessible and flexible online degrees for working adults. One of these is an executive MBA, and another is a general MBA program with 10 concentrations. In Washington, the latter of these two programs is the cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirements, costing $745 per credit hour.

This higher education program consists of 39 to 51 credits depending on the student's chosen area of emphasis. Students develop problem-solving and leadership skills while preparing for career opportunities in many business environments and graduating in as little as 18 months. The school maintains accreditation from the NWCCU.

3. Washington State University

Washington State University is a public school accredited by the NWCCU and provides online MBA and executive MBA programs. The traditional MBA degree is more affordable, costing $868 per credit hour.

The program can be completed in as little as 36 credit hours, though five concentrations are available and coursework requirements may vary depending on the chosen specialization. All coursework is online and flexible, and nine yearly start dates make it easy for students to get started when it's convenient for them.

4. Northwest University

Northwest University is a small Christian school with an enrollment of around 1,000 students. It is accredited by the NWCCU and offers an online or in-person MBA program with concentrations in leadership and project management.

Online learners complete coursework remotely while attending weekly virtual class sessions in real-time, allowing them the convenience of online education with the structure of a traditional classroom setting. The program consists of 36 credit hours, can be completed in two years, and costs $950 per credit hour.

5. Central Washington University

Central Washington University is a public school preparing to launch a new MBA program in the fall semester of 2025. The program will be available both online and on-campus, with total tuition costs expected to be around $21,700. Depending on exact credit hour requirements, this should work out to around $400 to $500 per credit.

This program aims to provide an affordable, flexible MBA option and will also allow students to finish in an accelerated timeframe: as few as 12 months. Students will gain a well-rounded foundation in business strategies and fundamentals while also having options to pursue a variety of concentrations and stackable certificates. The school is accredited by the NWCCU.

Other Affordable Online MBA Programs

Online MBA students have the freedom to pursue cheap MBA programs online through out-of-state colleges as well as in-state. Keep reading to find out more about five highly affordable online MBAs available to students throughout the country.

Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University is a public school providing a highly affordable online MBA program. In fact, it is one of the most affordable programs of its kind in the nation, costing just $263 per credit hour for a total tuition price of $9,503. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

This program is AACSB-accredited and is commonly completed within 18 months, though students can study at whatever pace works for them. The program is designed to build on students' existing knowledge and work experience to help them become strong leaders in the business world.

Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University is a public school in Oklahoma accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It provides various online undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a flexible MBA with nine different concentrations.

Out-of-state students studying exclusively online can earn this degree for $291.92 per credit hour. Students complete a total of 36 credit hours, including 24 core course credits and 12 emphasis area credits. The wide variety of concentrations allows students to personalize their education and pursue specific career opportunities.

Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University is a public school offering highly affordable tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. Out-of-state learners enrolled in its online MBA degree can complete the program on a part-time basis (six credit hours per semester or less) for $317 per credit hour; full-time learners are charged $415.50 per credit hour.

The program is delivered in convenient eight-week class sessions and offers five start dates each year. Coursework is flexible enough for working professionals, and accounting and finance concentrations allow students to tailor their education to their career goals. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian school in Pennsylvania accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It provides a highly flexible MBA in organizational management designed to meet the needs of busy adults.

The program consists of 30 credit hours and costs a total of $9,900, which works out to $330 per credit hour. New start dates are available every seven weeks, and course terms are seven weeks long. Students can study at whatever pace works for them but have the option to accelerate their studies, potentially graduating within just 10 months.

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University is a public school providing a 33-credit-hour MBA program. Tuition at this SACSCOC-accredited school costs $373 per credit hour, and students can graduate from the program in as few as 12 months.

The MBA program is accredited by the AACSB, making it a top business program in the world. The program provides a variety of electives to choose from, enabling students to design their own areas of emphasis or study more of the business topics that interest them.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to choose only high-quality schools when creating our rank lists. We considered the following when selecting the schools in this article:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are accredited by nationally recognized accrediting bodies, and many of the MBA programs are AACSB-accredited.
• Affordability: The Washington programs are the most affordable online MBAs in the state, while the out-of-state programs provide some of the lowest tuition rates among MBA programs in the country.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for having strong academic standards and providing top-notch on-campus and online degree programs.
• Online options: Each school offers at least one low-cost MBA online; some of the schools provide several MBA degrees with multiple concentration options.

Financial Aid for Online MBA Degree Programs

Even the most affordable MBAs available can be pretty pricey; fortunately, there are many types of financial aid for MBA degrees. Consider some of the following options to help cover your educational expenses:

• Fellowships and assistantships: These programs are similar to paid internships because they allow students to earn money for college while gaining hands-on experience. They may cover most or all of your costs and, as a result, are very competitive.
• Scholarships and grants: Students can earn these merit- and need-based awards from a variety of businesses and nonprofit organizations. Schools may also offer them.
• State and federal aid: Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for various state and federal government funding programs. These may include need-based grants, student loans, and work-study programs.
• Employer tuition assistance: Sometimes companies and businesses pay for their employees to advance their education. This may be especially true if the employees are planning to pursue career advancement within their existing companies.
• Military benefits: Students with a military background can qualify for free or reduced tuition coverage through the GI Bill. Schools and other organizations may also offer scholarships, discounts, and waivers to help veterans and servicemembers afford their education.

What To Expect From an Online Master of Business Administration Program

Online MBAs are often designed with busy working professionals in mind. They typically provide asynchronous coursework with flexible scheduling options; students may have the freedom to study whenever they want as long as they meet all program deadlines.

Online MBAs vary in length but usually take one to two years to complete. Part-time students may need three years or more, while full-time students enrolled in accelerated programs can finish in a year or less.

Students in online MBA programs must hold a bachelor's degree in any field and are often asked to submit GMAT or GRE scores. They must meet minimum GPA requirements and may be asked to demonstrate their work experience by submitting a resume and letters of recommendation.

MBA Concentrations and Coursework

MBA programs commonly feature concentrations so students can tailor their business education to their career goals. Common concentrations that lead to specific job opportunities include:

• healthcare management
• international business
• human resources management
• marketing management
• project management

Some programs offer a broad range of business electives rather than specific concentrations; this enables students to create their own specializations. Coursework helps students develop advanced competencies and decision-making skills essential to their roles as business professionals. Courses cover topics like:

• financial management
• global business
• business management
• operations management
• business information systems

Students complete online coursework like reading and writing assignments, video lectures, and collaborative projects as they work toward their degrees. These assignments are typically available through a central, user-friendly platform like Canvas.

FAQs About Affordable Online MBA Degrees in Washington

If you still have questions about getting a quality education with an affordable online MBA, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may be curious about.

How Much Does an Online MBA Degree Cost in Washington State?

MBA degree costs vary widely from school to school in Washington. The programs featured in this article range from around $400 to more than $1,000 per credit hour; other schools in the state charge even more.

Are Online MBA Degrees Respected?

Yes, the vast majority of employers respect online degree programs as long as they come from accredited and reputable schools. Online MBAs are becoming increasingly popular because they allow business leaders to continue working as they advance their education. Employers may see the hard work that online MBA graduates put in and, in some cases, may even be more likely to hire them on this basis.

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

All schools charge for tuition, fees, book costs, and more; that said, students can obtain enough financial aid to cover most, if not all, of their college expenses. If you can obtain sufficient financial aid to avoid paying anything out-of-pocket, you will have essentially earned your MBA degree for free.

What Types of Specializations Are Available in MBA Programs in Washington?

The MBA programs available at Washington schools provide an array of specializations, concentrations, and emphasis areas for students to choose from. Some popular options include:

• data analytics
• marketing
• project management
• finance
• supply chain management

Explore Online Business Degrees

If you're ready to explore the best online MBA programs at affordable prices, consider the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about the programs they offer and to find the right one for you.