10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs 2025

The most affordable online MBA programs help students earn graduate business degrees at a reduced cost by offering lower tuition rates, financial aid, and more.

An online Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a popular choice for busy students who want to advance their careers but don't always have time to attend in-person classes. These graduate programs explore managerial decision-making, data analytics, global business, and more while allowing students to learn from anywhere with internet access.

Are you interested in pursuing an MBA but concerned about the cost of online classes? Many colleges and universities nationwide offer cheap MBA programs online. Below, we'll highlight some of the most affordable online MBA programs in the U.S. and answer frequently asked questions about these degrees.

Cheapest Online MBA Degree Programs

Students ready to enroll in an advanced business program who need to stay on a budget can find MBAs at affordable online colleges. Review the following list to discover some of the nation's cheapest online MBA degrees.

1. Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen offers an affordable MBA program accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Coursework is available on-campus, online, or in a blended format and it explores areas like:

marketing management
organizational behavior
financial management

Once enrolled, learners follow the program's general track or choose from certificate/emphasis areas such as business sustainability and healthcare administration. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the university charges just $297.39 per credit hour for residents and offers financial aid to increase affordability.

2. University of North Georgia

The University of North Georgia's MBA from the Mike Cottrell College of Business teaches professionalism in business, strategic management in a global environment, leadership, and more through fully online asynchronous classes with some synchronous components. In this AACSB-accredited program, learners choose from specializations in entrepreneurship and innovation, compliance and ethics, cybersecurity, and technology leadership.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and at least two years of professional work experience. UNG, accredited by the SACSCOC, charges enrollees $311 per credit hour and helps them save with financial aid.

3. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University has one of the nation's least expensive online MBA programs with in-state and out-of-state graduate students paying just $314.50 per credit hour. This AACSB-accredited degree offers general business, business data analytics, and digital marketing concentrations to help MBA students prepare for various careers, from financial analyst to marketing manager to operations director.

In addition to low tuition costs, Arkansas Tech offers scholarships and other financial aid to make learning more affordable. The university, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), waives the GMAT/GRE requirement for students with managerial experience and select certifications.

4. Eastern University

Students seeking a flexible, low-cost online MBA can find a reputable program at Eastern University in Pennsylvania. This degree, recognized as one of the most affordable in the nation, costs just $9,900 in total tuition. Federal financial aid and military benefits make this program even more cost-friendly.

Enrollees can personalize their MBAs with concentrations in human resources, business analytics, project management, and other areas. Self-paced online courses with seven-week terms help students graduate in as little as 10 months. This university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

5. Northeastern State University

The MBA program at Northeastern State University, located in northeastern Oklahoma, is a reputable program with classes available online, in a blended format, or face-to-face on the Broken Arrow campus. This MBA requires eight core courses and lets learners choose one of four electives.

Coursework explores managerial finance, supply chain management, healthcare administration, and beyond. At this HLC-accredited school, MBA students residing in Oklahoma pay $343 per credit hour (or $12,340 for the entire program) and can use financial aid to lower costs.

6. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University offers an MBA degree that students can earn for as little as $12,322 (or $373 per credit hour). Coursework in this AACSB-accredited online program explores:

strategic leadership
marketing management
global supply chains
data management

Enrollment requires an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA or a 450 GMAT score for students with lower GPAs; however, GMAT waivers are available for students who meet specific criteria. Multiple start dates provide flexibility for busy learners interested in an online MBA at the SACSCOC-accredited institution.

7. University of Texas Permian Basin

The AACSB-accredited online MBA at the University of Texas Permian Basin is an affordable, accelerated graduate degree program preparing students for management and chief executive roles in numerous fields. Courses focus on accounting analysis, international business, human resource management, financial derivatives, and more.

Students attending the SACSCOC-accredited institution enjoy total tuition as low as $11,729.70 and no out-of-state tuition costs. Rolling admissions and a self-paced learning experience help students graduate in as few as 12 months.

8. Longwood University

Longwood University, accredited by the SACSCOC, offers a best value online MBA ranked among the nation's most affordable programs. Tuition costs just $13,361 regardless of location, and qualified applicants can save more with financial aid.

Learners enrolled in the AACSB-accredited MBA program are prepared to become effective business leaders with coursework exploring managerial economics, leadership, and financial management. It offers tracks in general business, accounting, data analytics, and real estate. A flexible format helps working professionals earn their degrees in as few as 10 months.

9. Fitchburg State University

Students looking for the cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirements can pursue Fitchburg State University's online degree for $436 per credit hour (or $13,080 in total tuition). A bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA (or work experience with a lower GPA) is required, but learners don't need to provide a GMAT score to enroll.

Fitchburg, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), offers MBA concentrations in accounting, finance, healthcare management, and beyond. MBAs at this institution provide flexible learning options and multiple start dates to help students complete their studies in as few as 12 months.

10. Lamar University

Lamar University's 100% online AACSB-accredited MBA is an accelerated program for students who want to graduate and advance their careers in one year. Coursework explores international business, managerial economics, financial management, team leadership, and more.

Tuition is $13,153 for learners with a background in business. Students with no previous undergraduate study in business who need leveling courses pay $15,784. Financial aid, including grants and loans, makes the online MBA more affordable at this SACSCOC-accredited school.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team used a thorough vetting process to ensure institutions in the rank list above have met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality experience in higher education:

Accreditation: Each school has received accreditation from a nationally recognized organization, such as the HLC or SACSCOC.
Affordability: All institutions above take steps to make online learning more affordable through lower tuition or financial aid.
Program reputation: We verified that the colleges and universities in this list provide quality on-campus or online programs.
Accessibility: Some schools in this list make learning accessible for busy online students through asynchronous courses, self-paced learning, or multiple start dates.

Financial Aid Options for Low-Cost MBAs Online

If you're looking to reduce the cost of an MBA, applying for financial aid is the way to go. Colleges and universities with online MBAs commonly offer the following opportunities to lower tuition costs:

Scholarships: A scholarship is financial assistance based on merit or need that doesn't require repayment.
Fellowships: Fellowships are merit-based and usually cover tuition, living expenses, and other financial needs to support a student's graduate study, research, or other academic activities.
Student loans: Students can use these borrowed funds to reduce tuition costs but must repay them with interest.

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is often required to qualify for financial aid. When searching for low-cost MBAs, consider affordable online colleges that accept FAFSA.

Benefits of an Inexpensive Online MBA

Enrolling in an inexpensive online MBA program offers numerous benefits. Reputable low-cost schools enable students to earn a graduate degree for less than $500 per credit hour and save even more with help from financial aid.

But the benefits don't stop there. Many online business schools offer affordable programs with AACSB accreditation, which places them among the nation's best online MBA programs.

Flexible scheduling, full-time and part-time enrollment options, and multiple program start dates are benefits of many low-cost online MBAs. However, qualifying for a high-paying career is arguably the greatest return on investment for students who complete these programs.

FAQs About Accredited MBA Programs and Coursework

Do you want to learn more about earning a low-cost MBA online? Explore the following FAQs to gain greater insight into these degrees.

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

While schools generally don't offer free online MBA programs, students can take steps to reduce the cost of their program. Here are some tips to consider:

Pursue scholarships covering a portion or all tuition costs.
Consider assistantships that allow students to work in exchange for full tuition.
Look for schools offering fellowships that can cover the total cost of your program.

How Does an Online MBA Program Compare To an On-Campus MBA Program?

Online MBA programs are generally more flexible than on-campus programs. Instead of commuting to the school for in-person class sessions, students access all lectures, class discussions, assignments, and exams in one convenient location from anywhere with an internet connection.

Some online programs offer synchronous courses that meet on scheduled days like traditional classes; however, others are asynchronous enabling students to learn at their own pace.

Are Online MBAs Respected By Employers?

Yes, online MBAs are respected by employers. Research shows that most executives believe online degrees from well-known institutions have the same value as on-campus degrees.

When choosing programs, consider those from institutions ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report. Also, look for online degrees from business schools with accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) or the AACSB.

Where Can I Work With an Online MBA Degree?

An accredited online MBA degree helps students qualify for the same career opportunities as brick-and-mortar programs. Whether you want to work in a traditional business environment or pursue roles in international business or healthcare management, these programs prepare MBA graduates for roles with top organizations across the globe.

Explore Accredited Business Schools

Begin an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs featured on Learn.org. Contact colleges today to learn how these business schools can help you reach your career goals. To find local online MBA programs, click your state below: