Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in San Jose

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a master's degree that covers multiple business-related subjects, including marketing, management, finance, strategic planning, and entrepreneurship. Earning an MBA creates opportunities for great careers in information technology, healthcare, consulting, and beyond.

If you live in and around San Jose and want to earn an online MBA, California State University, Stanislaus and California State University, Monterey Bay offer affordable programs. Below, we'll review the most affordable online MBA programs at top colleges near San Jose and nationwide. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about low-cost MBA degrees.

Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in San Jose

Earning an MBA doesn't have to break the bank. The following online colleges in San Jose offer online MBAs with help from low tuition rates, financial aid, or scholarships. Below, we've included some of the best affordable MBA programs in California for San Jose residents.

California State University, Stanislaus

California State University, Stanislaus offers a fully online MBA that students can complete in less than two years. The AACSB-accredited program offers three concentrations: finance, human resource management, and digital and social media marketing, with a business analytics concentration launching soon.

This 10-course online MBA is one of the most affordable near San Jose. Total tuition is $27,600, or $920 per unit. Financial aid is available to students who meet enrollment and part-time status requirements, and no GMAT or GRE scores are required to apply.

California State University, Monterey Bay

The 100% online, asynchronous MBA from California State University, Monterey Bay teaches students business fundamentals as they prepare for senior-level positions in global businesses, Silicon Valley, and beyond. The cohort-based, one-course-at-a-time format helps students stay focused while avoiding burnout, and students can complete the program in as little as 16 months. No GMAT is required to apply.

The total cost of this degree is $36,000, or $1,200 per unit across 30 credits. Books and the international consulting project are included in tuition, and MBA grad students might qualify for grants, scholarships, and other federal aid.

San Francisco Bay University

San Francisco Bay University, based in Fremont about 25 minutes from San Jose, offers a fully online MBA in general business built for ambitious professionals who want to advance their careers without pausing their current commitments. The program is delivered entirely online, letting students learn at their own pace from anywhere.

Tuition is $450 per credit hour, for a total program cost of $16,200 across 36 credit hours. SFBU also recently launched MBA Pro+, an even more affordable online MBA option priced at $10,000 total, built around AI-assisted instruction with human faculty focused on mentorship and career advising.

California State University, East Bay

Cal State East Bay, located in Hayward about 30 minutes from San Jose, offers a fully online MBA in general business through its AACSB-accredited College of Business and Economics. The asynchronous format lets working professionals complete coursework on their own schedule while staying connected to a supportive online cohort.

The 42-credit program costs approximately $32,000 total for California residents. Cal State East Bay has also been recognized as a "Best Business School" by the Princeton Review.

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University, about an hour from San Jose, offers an MBA through its Lam Family College of Business with a hybrid format that combines in-person and online coursework, though some courses are offered fully online or fully in-person depending on a student's schedule. This flexibility makes it a good option for students who want some in-person connection without a fully on-campus commitment.

Depending on the specific track, the program costs between $18,614 and $28,694 total. Elective areas include accounting, finance, information systems, international business, marketing, and more.

Other Affordable Online MBA Degrees in California

You can find affordable MBA degrees in other parts of the state and country. Keep reading to explore schools offering the best online MBAs at lower costs.

University of the People

University of the People is a private, nonprofit, tuition-free online institution based in Pasadena. Rather than charging per-credit tuition, the school charges a modest assessment fee per course, making its MBA one of the most affordable options anywhere in the country. Students can specialize their degree in areas like finance or entrepreneurship while learning entirely at their own pace.

At $490 per course across 12 courses, the total program cost comes to about $5,940.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide, based in Los Alamitos, offers a fully online MBA with 11 concentrations, including artificial intelligence management, finance, human resources management, and nonprofit management. The program gives students the flexibility to tailor their degree toward a specific career path while studying entirely online.

This ACBSP-accredited program costs $500 per credit hour.

Humphreys University

Humphreys University, located in Stockton, offers a fully online MBA designed to help working professionals build specialized business expertise without disrupting their careers. Students can choose from four concentrations to focus their coursework on the area most relevant to their goals.

Tuition for this program is $460 per credit hour.

Eastern University

Eastern University, in Pennsylvania, offers a fully online MBA in organizational management with self-paced coursework delivered in seven-week terms. Concentrations include business analytics, healthcare administration, project management, and more.

Tuition and fees for the general track total $9,900, and students can complete the program in as few as 10 months.

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University, in Kansas, offers a fully online MBA that students can complete for less than $12,000 regardless of residency. The program includes a general track along with concentrations in accounting, marketing, international business, human resources, and other disciplines.

Ideal candidates have at least three years of relevant work experience, or a Bachelor of Business Administration earned within the last three years.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online MBA Programs

Are you eager to earn your online Master of Business Administration? Before enrolling, explore these FAQs about low-cost online MBA programs.

How Much Should I Pay for an Online MBA?

The amount you should pay for an online MBA program depends on your circumstances. Your priority might be to pay the lowest amount possible. In this case, you can find programs costing less than $12,000.

But what if school location, program ranking, specialization, or other factors impact your decision? You might find a program with higher tuition that you can attempt to make more affordable.

How Can I Make My Online MBA More Affordable?

Many colleges and universities offer resources to lower tuition costs for online graduate students. Some include:

• grants
• student loans
• work-study
• scholarships
• military benefits
• employer tuition reimbursement

The most recent National Center for Education Statistics data revealed that about three-quarters of graduate students receive financial aid. Grants, graduate assistantships, and loans are common forms of assistance for graduate students.

Are Any Online MBA Programs in California Worth It?

Yes, online MBA programs in California can be worth it. Some degrees have received distinguished accreditations and high rankings. After graduating, you can pursue a doctoral degree or a career like the following:

• auditor
• budget analyst
• marketing manager
• purchasing manager
• IT analyst
• product manager
• chief executive officer (CEO)

Find an MBA Program Online Today

If you're ready to begin your journey toward a successful career by becoming an MBA graduate, explore the accredited degree programs offered by schools featured on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges directly and discover how their programs can help you reach your career goals.