Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in Tennessee

If you live in Tennessee and you're thinking about going back to school for a Master of Business Administration, you may be wondering about your options. Maybe you'd like an affordable online MBA program, or you'd like an on-campus program that's not going to break the bank. Is there any such thing as an affordable MBA?

Many local schools, including affordable online colleges in Tennessee, offer MBA programs through their respective college of business. Some degree programs feature flexible online coursework, while others are offered exclusively on campus. Still, others provide a hybrid learning format, the ability to study part-time or full-time, and the opportunity to choose from various program concentrations.

Keep reading for more information about affordable MBA programs.

Top Affordable MBA Programs in Tennessee

It's important to choose an MBA degree from an accredited school. All the programs discussed below hold at least institutional accreditation and offer low tuition or various financial aid options. Let's explore each program in further detail.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a public historically Black school in Nashville. It enrolls around 9,200 students in various undergraduate and graduate school programs. The school offers a general MBA program with three different options that each comprise of 36 credit hours.

Students can complete the traditional program by taking weekday evening classes, typically finishing in about two years. They can also complete the same program in an accelerated online format, finishing in one year. Finally, working professionals with real-world business experience can enroll in the executive MBA program, which is also completed within a year.

King University

King University is a private school located in Bristol. This small school enrolls under 1,400 students but offers various degree programs and learning formats.

MBA students can complete this degree online or on campus. It is an accelerated program designed to be finished in 12 months. The degree consists of 33 credit hours and features an additional two-credit internship, which helps students gain hands-on experience that will benefit them after graduation.

Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University is a private school located in Harrogate. It boasts a greater enrollment of graduate students than undergraduates, enrolling a total of around 5,100 students. It offers some of the most affordable graduate tuition rates in the state.

Students can pursue an online MBA program through Lincoln Memorial's School of Business. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months and features a variety of concentrations. Some of the options available include:

• healthcare administration
• business analytics
• supply chain management
• digital marketing
• technology management

East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University is a public school enrolling around 13,500 students. It is located in Johnson City and offers both online and in-person classes.

The school offers several MBA programs. Some are completed online in an accelerated timeframe, while others are traditional campus-based programs. Concentrations are available in the following areas:

• healthcare marketing
• business analytics
• cybersecurity management

University of Tennessee Martin

The University of Tennessee Martin belongs to the University of Tennessee System. It enrolls around 6,900 students in many bachelor's and master's degree programs.

The school features an AACSB-accredited MBA program that can be completed within a year and a half. The program is available online, and the following four concentrations are available:

• general business
• human resources
• sport business
• agricultural business

University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is a large public university enrolling around 22,000 students. Various academic programs are available online and in person.

The MBA program can be completed online or on campus and consists of 36 credit hours. Students can choose from an array of concentration options, including:

• data analytics for management
• healthcare management
• executive leadership
• taxation
• business information assurance

Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University enrolls around 20,000 students and is located in Murfreesboro. This school offers more than 300 programs in a wide variety of areas.

The business school offers a flexible MBA program designed to fit the needs of as many students as possible. As an AACSB-accredited program, it can be completed online or in a hybrid format. Several concentrations are available, including:

• music business
• strategic marketing analytics
• risk management
• legal and ethical governance
• human resource management

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the flagship school of the University of Tennessee System. It is the largest school in the state by enrollment with more than 36,000 students.

The school offers several business programs including a traditional MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, and several dual degree programs. Students can also choose from various program concentrations, including:

• entrepreneurship and innovation
• consulting
• aerospace and defense
• physician executive
• business analytics

Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University, commonly known as Tennessee Tech, is a public school in Cookeville. It enrolls around 10,100 students in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

An AACSB-accredited MBA program is available that can be completed in as little as one year. It is available online or in a hybrid format and consists of 30 credit hours. Students have the option to take additional courses to complete graduate certificates in the following areas:

• cyber management and analytics
• agribusiness
• banking and financial services
• healthcare informatics

Lee University

Lee University is a private school in Cleveland. This small institution enrolls under 4,000 students in various undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Students can complete the MBA on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. The flexible program offers seven-week course sessions, which are taken one at a time. The 32-credit program can be finished in as little as 20 months.

FAQs About Affordable MBA Programs

If you still have questions about getting an affordable MBA in Tennessee, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Does an MBA Cost in Tennessee?

Each school charges different tuition rates and fees for their MBA programs, and online MBAs may not cost the same as traditional programs. Among the schools outlined above, total tuition costs range from a little over $17,000 to around $32,000, before financial aid is applied.

Is an MBA Worth It Financially?

Graduate degrees in business fields provide an array of core courses, electives, capstone projects, and other learning opportunities. These opportunities help them develop business skills along with soft skills like leadership and decision-making, which can make them more desirable job candidates and may help them earn higher salaries.

With this in mind, those who pursue a campus-based or online Master of Business Administration often find the degree is well worth the investment.

How Can I Make My MBA Affordable?

Graduate programs can be pricey, even those that are considered relatively affordable. Financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and tuition assistance can relieve some of the financial burden.

Graduate students who combine different types of aid may be able to eliminate their college costs, earning their business degree with no out-of-pocket expenses.

What Is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in Tennessee?

Those who earn an MBA have different salaries depending on their job title, employer, and various other factors. That said, the average MBA salary in Tennessee ranges between about $79,000 and $119,000 a year.