Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Houston

Busy professionals can benefit from online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs because of their flexibility and affordability. Don't let high out-of-state tuition rates discourage you from pursuing your dream career as a business professional.

Enrollment in a business graduate program after earning a bachelor's degree can help advance your career and boost professional credibility. Many online graduate schools are available to help you achieve your higher education goals. Keep reading to discover programs at some of the best online colleges in Houston.

Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Houston

Houston graduate students have many in-state online MBA programs to choose from. Some of the course topics that MBA students should expect to study include:

• data analytics
• international business practices
• human resource management
• financial management

It is important to note that affordable online MBA programs may be offered in person or on campus. Students pursuing this graduate degree should fill out the FAFSA to see what options they are eligible for.

Here are MBA programs from the best online colleges in Houston.

1. University of Houston

The University of Houston offers an online MBA through the C.T. Bauer College of Business. Students will learn business fundamentals and enhance their leadership skills. A priority scholarship is available for those interested.

You can take courses in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Whether you prefer attending a live online class or studying at your own pace, the choice is yours. Some of the core courses here include:

• Supply Chain Management Concepts
• Ethical Leadership and Critical Reasoning
• Quantitative Analysis for Business Decisions
• Organizational Behavior and Management

2. University of Houston Clear Lake

Students can complete the University of Houston-Clear Lake's online MBA in as little as 14 months by taking two courses per eight-week session. GMAT waivers are available for learners who prefer not to take this graduate admission exam.

This program, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), offers concentrations in areas like finance, leadership, and sustainability. Students should expect to take courses such as:

• Business Analysis for Managerial Decision Making
• Managing Opportunities and Risks in International Business
• Introduction to Building Effective Teams
• Marketing Management

3. University of St. Thomas Houston

The University of St. Thomas Houston offers an online MBA through the Cameron School of Business. This 30-credit program mixes core and elective courses so students can customize their programs.

You can choose between healthcare, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management concentrations. Learners may complete this degree within one or two years depending on how many courses they take per semester. Courses here include:

• Introduction to Business Communications
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Business
• International Finance
• Financial Institutions and Markets

4. University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown offers an online MBA through its Marilyn Davies College of Business. As the University of Houston System's most affordable option, UHD gives students a choice of nine distinct MBA pathways to match their career goals, including:

• Finance
• Leadership
• International Business
• Supply Chain Management

Students can also pursue Accounting, Business Intelligence, Human Resource Management, Project Management and Process Improvement, and Sales Management and Business Development pathways. Each path is built around a similar core curriculum, with the number of required credit hours varying by concentration.

5. Houston Christian University

Houston Christian University offers an online MBA program through the Archie W. Dunham College of Business. This program is taught from a Christian perspective and focuses on global concerns and financial principles.

Learners may pursue tracks like general management, marketing, healthcare administration, and more. Courses here include:

• Innovation and New Offering Development
• Organizational Theory
• Power and Negotiation
• Transformational Leadership and Change

Other Online MBA Degree Programs in the U.S.

In addition to Houston schools, there are online MBA degree programs available nationwide to all graduate students. Each institution has its own prerequisites, so make sure you do some research before enrolling.

Check what each program offers and which financial aid options may be available. Some schools also offer unique opportunities, such as studying abroad. Speak with an academic advisor if you have any questions.

1. Washington State University

Washington State University offers a standard online MBA and an executive MBA through the Carson College of Business. Qualified applicants don't need to submit GMAT scores and can explore an optional international field study.

Students can choose from concentrations such as marketing, finance, international business, and more. Core coursework here includes:

• Strategy Formulation and Organizational Design
• Managerial Leadership and Productivity
• Accounting, Performance Management, and Controls
• Business Analytics

2. University of Louisiana Lafayette

The University of Louisiana Lafayette provides an online MBA through the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration. Students can complete this program within 15 months of study and choose from multiple concentrations.

A GMAT waiver is available for those who don't want to submit scores. Some of the courses here include:

• Foundations of Accounting
• Management of Information Technology
• Analytical Methods for Planning and Control
• Advanced Financial Management and Policy

How We Rank Schools

To identify the most affordable online MBA programs available to Houston students, we evaluated schools using the following factors:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited, and several also hold specialized business accreditation from the AACSB.
• Affordability: We prioritized programs with competitive tuition rates and flexible payment options to make earning an MBA more accessible.
• Online format: Every program on this list is available fully online, though some also offer synchronous or hybrid options for students who prefer additional structure.
• Program reputation: Each school has an established track record of academic quality in both its on-campus and online offerings.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

FAQs About Low-Cost MBA Online Programs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about low-cost MBA online programs.

Are Online MBA Programs Worth It?

Whether or not an online MBA program is worth it depends on your career goals and aspirations. Evaluate your interests and passions to determine whether an MBA is worth it. Some things to consider include the career path you want to pursue and your financial situation.

Fortunately, many financial aid options are available to help you complete this advanced degree. Some career paths for MBA graduates include:

• human resources manager
• product manager
• entrepreneur
• operations manager

How Long Does It Take To Complete an MBA Degree?

The time it takes to complete an MBA typically ranges from one to two years, depending on the program format. Part-time and full-time programs take longer than accelerated ones. Enrolling in an accelerated program may be favorable if you want to complete an MBA in a shorter time frame.

An MBA will take the longest to complete for part-time students because they are studying at their own pace. While this format is easier for workers struggling to balance work and their studies, it will take longer to graduate.

How Can I Make My MBA Affordable?

You can make an MBA more affordable by enrolling in an institution with lower tuition rates and fewer expenses. You can also utilize financial aid options such as:

• scholarship and grant opportunities
• work-study programs
• employer tuition reimbursement
• military tuition assistance

Complete the FAFSA form early to maximize your benefits package. Check back regularly to see your application status. You will receive a student aid report (SAR) that lists all the financial aid you can use toward tuition and other educational expenses.

Start an Online MBA Program Today

Obtaining an MBA online is the first step toward a rewarding and lucrative career in business. With this program, you can learn about essential business analytics and strategic management skills to succeed in various industries. Contact one of the featured institutions on Learn.org for more information.