Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina offers many MBA programs, which can often be completed online or in person, that provide students with an affordable education. Affordable degree programs are a great option if you want to advance your education without accumulating a large amount of student debt.

The following schools offer high-quality Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees and provide flexible course options, such as an online MBA, for both part-time and full-time business professionals.

Top Affordable MBA Programs in North Carolina

By attending one of these schools and earning an affordable graduate degree you can have access to more career opportunities, increase your salary, and qualify for higher-level roles. We've highlighted several affordable MBA programs below.

1. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University, located in Raleigh, offers an affordable MBA program that covers topics like globalization, ethics, and communication through courses such as economic analysis, global business, managerial statistics, and project management.

Graduate students can expect to be prepared for careers requiring advanced business knowledge and leadership skills. The university's business degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring students receive a reputable education.

2. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University (AppState) offers an MBA through its Walker College of Business, with a focus on data analytics, technology, sustainability, and globalization.

The program helps students gain specialized skills by offering eight concentrations, such as supply chain management and business management. AppState's affordable MBA is designed to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for various leadership roles in business environments.

3. Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University's MBA program includes courses on blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

The curriculum also includes courses like organizational behavior and strategic management. Students can complete the coursework online in about two years, making it a flexible and affordable option for working students.

4. University of North Carolina Greensboro

The MBA program at the University of North Carolina Greensboro offers several concentrations like information technology and allows students to choose between on-campus or online courses.

Graduates have the potential to become chief operating officers, portfolio analysts, and even CEOs. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through live case studies and collaborations with local businesses, ensuring students gain real-world experience.

5. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University's MBA program offers flexibility with options to learn on-campus, online, or through a hybrid schedule. Students have the option to add specializations by combining elective courses in areas like engineering technology or healthcare administration.

Scholarships such as the Wayte and Freda Russel Rayburn Graduate Scholarships are available to help offset tuition costs.

6. East Carolina University

East Carolina University, located in Greenville, has an AACSB-accredited MBA program that provides flexibility with options to earn the degree online, on campus, or through a hybrid model. The program includes 18 courses, covering core topics like financial and strategic management.

There are seven foundational courses for students without a business background, making it accessible to those with degrees in unrelated fields. Students with a bachelor's degree in business can receive course waivers for the foundational courses and complete the program in just 11 core courses.

7. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University offers an affordable, AACSB-accredited MBA with specializations in business intelligence, health informatics, and entrepreneurship. The advanced degree program offers both affordability and customization.

Students can benefit from the convenience of flexible course structures and a single scholarship application that automatically considers them for all available funding.

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The MBA program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is STEM-focused to strengthen students' analytical and data-driven decision-making skills. The program offers five learning formats to fit students' schedules, experiences, and career goals.

MBA students participate in real-world learning experiences, like internships, to enhance their education in areas like human resources management or information systems. The school offers financial aid, scholarships, and even fellowships that cover part of the tuition for MBA students.

9. Montreat College

Montreat College's affordable MBA covers more than just business principles. It prepares students to become business leaders by focusing on character development, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students can focus on areas like cybersecurity or marketing management. The school helps students with financial aid sources like the North Carolina Need-Based Scholarship.

Additionally, Montreat College partners with local corporations through its Corporate Advantage Program, offering a 10% tuition discount to students gaining work experience with participating organizations.

10. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke's School of Business has an MBA program that offers seven concentrations, including financial services, forensic accounting, and business analytics.

The school provides numerous scholarships, such as the Mazda Foundation Scholarship, which offers full tuition coverage to students who demonstrate leadership potential. If you are applying for a graduate degree and have a GPA of 2.7 or higher, UNC Pembroke will waive the GMAT and GRE score requirements.

North Carolina State University

FAQs About Affordable MBA Programs

Here are some answers to questions prospective students often have about graduate school and affordable MBA programs in North Carolina.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online MBA Program in North Carolina?

The average cost of an online MBA program in North Carolina can be between $200 and $400 per credit hour and may vary widely based on whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. State-based financial aid can also help lower the cost and make earning your online masters more affordable.

How Much Can I Make with an MBA Degree in North Carolina?

Earning an MBA opens the door to higher-level positions and increased earning potential. In North Carolina, MBA graduates often earn significantly more than their peers with only a bachelor's degree, with salaries varying based on industry and experience.

What Career Paths Are Available for MBA Graduates in North Carolina?

The flexibility of an MBA allows graduates to enter various fields and take on numerous roles. MBA graduates in North Carolina can pursue many career paths, including roles in financial management, healthcare management, international business, and operations management.

How Much Does an MBA Cost in NC?

MBA program costs in North Carolina vary depending on the school and program structure. Generally, attending an in-state public university will result in lower tuition rates compared to private or out-of-state options.

For example, the tuition cost for a business master's degree at Fayetteville is about $13,000 for in-state students and about $37,000 for out-of-state students.

How Can I Make My MBA Affordable?

You can make your MBA more affordable by attending an in-state university, filling out the FAFSA form for federal financial aid, and researching school-specific scholarships and grants. Many schools mentioned above offer scholarships and graduate assistantships to help offset tuition costs.