10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in California 2025

Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can help you further your career and increase your salary, but MBA programs are notoriously expensive. Luckily, there are many affordable online MBA programs programs that offer flexibility and affordability to busy students.

Even in California, one of the states with the highest cost of living, there are several schools that offer low-cost MBA programs. These programs still provide a quality education, just at a fraction of the cost. Keep reading to discover affordable online MBAs in California.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in California

California is home to several cheap online colleges, and the state also has several best-value online MBA programs. These allow students to earn their MBAs without breaking the bank. Below, we've highlighted some of the cheapest online MBAs in California.

Please note that all institutions listed are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC) unless otherwise stated.

1. University of the People

The least expensive MBA in California comes from the University of the People, a private, nonprofit, online institution based in Pasadena. Tuition here is free for all degree programs.

That doesn't mean the program is completely free; there's a $60 application fee and a $400 assessment fee per course. In total, students pay about $4,860 for the entire degree, which is far less than the cost at most universities. Students also have the option to specialize their degree in areas like finance or entrepreneurship.

2. Humphrey's University

Humphrey's University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Stockton. It offers an online MBA with two optional concentrations: information technology or organizational leadership.

Tuition for this program is $460 per credit hour, and the degree requires a total of 52 credits. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

3. Touro University Worldwide

At Touro University, students can earn an MBA online and choose from 11 concentrations, including artificial intelligence management, finance, human resources management, and nonprofit management.

Touro University, a private Jewish university system, is headquartered in New York City, but its Worldwide campus is based in Los Alamitos, CA. The online MBA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and costs $500 per credit before any scholarships are applied.

4. California State University, Chico

California State University, Chico offers an online MBA with two optional concentrations: health services administration and project management. The MBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It can be completed in as few as 18 months and has a tuition rate of $575 per credit hour for in-state residents. Several scholarships specifically for MBA students are available.

5. National University

The online MBA at National University offers over a dozen specializations in areas like entrepreneurship, financial technology, global business management, and supply chain management. The tuition rate is $578 per credit hour.

National University, based in San Diego, is a private nonprofit institution. It offers two learning models for the MBA: an individual option accredited by the ACBSP and a group or cohort option accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

6. Columbia College

Columbia College is a nonprofit private school based in Columbia, MO, but with several campuses across the U.S., including one in San Diego and one in Imperial, CA. It offers an online MBA with several specialization options, including:

• human resources management
• information technology project management
• international business
• supply chain management and logistics

Online MBA students pay a rate of $585 per credit hour. Because the university is headquartered in Missouri, it's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission rather than the WASCUC.

7. The Master's University

Students at The Master's University can earn an MBA online and specialize in management or sports management. The business degree includes courses on business law, corporate finance, organizational behavior, operations management, and more.

The Master's University, a private Christian school, is located in Santa Clarita. It charges a tuition of $595 per credit hour for this inexpensive online MBA.

8. Los Angeles Pacific University

Los Angeles Pacific University offers an MBA online that covers topics like:

• strategic management
• marketing in the 21st century
• organizational finance
• accounting
• capacity
• business intelligence
• innovation
• ethics
• behavior

The online Christian school is based in San Dimas. The MBA costs $680 per credit hour, and 36 total credits are required. Students can use financial aid to help them pay for their program, including scholarships and grants.

9. Azusa Pacific University

The online MBA at Azusa Pacific University offers several concentration options, including business analytics, entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and international business. Tuition is $690 per credit.

Azusa Pacific University, located in Azusa, is a private Christian institution. Its School of Business and Management is accredited by the IACBE and is a member of the AACSB.

10. Simpson College

Simpson University is a Christian liberal arts college in Redding. It offers a low-cost MBA online that includes coursework on data analytics, decision-making, business information systems, conflict resolution, and more.

This program is available in both a full-time and part-time schedule to accommodate students no matter where they're at on their career path. The tuition cost is $690 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the cheap MBA programs online featured above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All programs come from schools that are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: We focused specifically on programs that cost $700 or less per credit hour.
• Online format: The programs we listed all have fully online classes and do not require students to attend classes in person.
• Program reputation: The schools we chose are not only accredited but are also known for offering solid online programs.

Financial Aid for Low-Cost MBAs Online

Most financial aid programs, especially federal and state programs, are geared toward students earning associate or bachelor's degrees. Despite that, there are a few opportunities for students who are looking for financial aid for their MBA.

Many graduate schools offer scholarships, grants, or fellowship opportunities to help MBA students pay for their programs. If you're currently employed, check to see if your employer offers tuition assistance as well. You can also look at private financial aid options, such as Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowships and scholarships through the National Black MBA Association.

What Can I Expect From an Inexpensive Online MBA Degree in California?

Every degree program is a little different, but there are a few things you can generally expect from an affordable online MBA in California.

Admissions requirements for online MBAs may include:

• an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• a minimum undergraduate GPA
• GMAT or GRE scores
• letters of recommendation
• personal essays
• work experience in a business environment

Not all schools require test scores for their business programs. The cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirements is from the University of the People.

Once in your degree program, you can expect it to take one to three years to complete depending on if you're studying full-time or part-time. Courses will likely be asynchronous, meaning that you complete your coursework on your own schedule with no set meeting time.

You'll have a set curriculum of courses that you'll need to take to fulfill your degree. You may also have elective course options or the opportunity to choose a concentration.

Benefits of an Accredited Online MBA

There are several benefits to pursuing an accredited online MBA. Accreditation shows that the school and program meet specific educational requirements.

No matter what, the school you choose should be accredited, preferably regionally accredited. While institutional accreditation isn't a requirement, choosing an IACBE, ACBSP, or AACSB-accredited school can further boost your resume.

Online programs are highly convenient for working professionals trying to further their careers. They allow you to pursue your education while working or caring for your family, meaning you don't have to derail your career goals.

Finally, earning an MBA in general can come with a huge pay boost. According to Forbes, MBA graduates often earn at least 50% more than those who only have undergraduate degrees.

FAQs About Online MBA Programs in California

Determining the best online MBA program for you can be tricky. To help, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online MBA programs in California below.

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

While online MBA degrees aren't inherently free (even the University of the People charges a little something), there are ways you can earn your MBA without paying out-of-pocket. Some strategies for making your degree as affordable as possible include:

• choosing a low-cost program
• applying for financial aid, including private scholarship opportunities (look for online colleges that accept FAFSA)
• taking advantage of tuition assistance programs through your employer, if applicable
• participating in a fellowship

Often, combining a few of these options together can significantly reduce your tuition costs.

How Much Does an Online MBA Cost in California?

All of the above programs have a tuition rate of under $700. However, there are many online MBA programs that cost more than this, even at public schools. A few MBA programs in California are over $1,000 per credit hour, but there are also several that range between $700 to $1,000 per credit.

Where Can I Work With an Online MBA Degree?

Graduates who earned their MBAs online can work in the same types of jobs as graduates who earned their MBAs in person. Companies across multiple sectors, including business, healthcare, and tech, need MBAs for roles like:

• financial manager
• human resources manager
• marketing manager
• operations manager
• sales manager

Explore Online Business Schools in California

Start your career path toward becoming a business leader by exploring the cheapest online MBAs in California featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about enrollment, financial aid, and their career services.

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