10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Georgia

If you've been thinking about pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA), you may be curious about finding an affordable option. In particular, you'd like to know which schools offer the cheapest online MBAs in Georgia.

If this sounds like you, keep reading. Below, we'll explore a list of the cheapest online MBA programs in your state, provide general information about affordable online MBAs in Georgia, and answer a few questions you may be wondering about.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Georgia

Georgia is home to many affordable online colleges, including several private schools that provide very reasonable tuition rates for MBA students. Keep reading as we explore our top 10 list of accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and provide affordable MBA programs.

1. Georgia Southwestern State University

Georgia Southwestern State University offers the most affordable online MBA in Georgia. Students pay just $263 per credit hour for the program, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The program is typically completed within 18 months, but online learners have the option to study at whatever pace works for them. Students gain crucial leadership and decision-making skills throughout the program and learn real-world skills through hands-on practice in simulated business environments.

2. Albany State University

Albany State University is a public school offering an MBA program students can complete either online or in person. It offers five program concentrations in areas such as healthcare management, accounting, and public administration to help students gain business skills for specific fields.

The program ranges from 30 to 33 credit hours depending on the concentration and costs $300 per credit hour. Flexible online coursework gives students the option to work their studies around other commitments. Dedicated full-time learners can graduate within 12 months.

3. Columbus State University

Columbus State University is a public school offering two MBA degrees. Online learners can choose between the collaborative Georgia WebMBA program, which costs $757 per credit hour, or the school's own MBA, offered online or in person for $309 per credit hour.

This is one of the cheapest online MBAs with no GMAT requirements; however, students are welcome to submit their scores to improve their admission chances. The degree consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed within one year.

4. University of North Georgia

The University of North Georgia is a public school in the University System of Georgia. It provides an affordable MBA program for $311 per credit hour.

Students can specialize their degree programs by pursuing certificates in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship and innovation, and more. The program consists of mostly asynchronous coursework with some synchronous components. At least 32 credit hours are required to graduate, more if you pursue a specialization.

5. Clayton State University

Clayton State University is another top public school in Georgia offering an affordable MBA degree online. Its College of Business provides an AACSB-accredited MBA that students can complete within 12 months.

The program costs $12,705 overall, which works out to about $385 per credit hour. Students can choose from seven concentrations and enjoy flexible online coursework. All classes are offered in convenient and accelerated eight-week sessions.

6. Truett McConnell University

Truett McConnell University is a private Christian school that provides both a general MBA and an MBA with an accounting specialization. Both programs are available online and cost $516 per credit hour.

Students must complete 36 credit hours to graduate and can finish the program within a year. Students gain a broad range of skills in marketing, finance, business analytics, and more through courses taught from a Christian worldview.

7. Shorter University

Shorter University is a private Baptist college with an enrollment of under 1,500 students. It provides an online MBA program that costs $565 per credit hour, and various financial aid opportunities are available.

Students can pursue a general MBA or earn concentrations in healthcare management or sport management. Each program consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed in 12 months. Those who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-business-related field may need to complete prerequisites before being admitted into the program.

8. Reinhardt University

Reinhardt University offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the programs available is a highly practical MBA degree that students can complete for $600 per credit hour.

The program focuses on building real-world skills through business simulations and case studies. Students gain hands-on skills that will serve them well in a multitude of business environments and have the opportunity to demonstrate these skills through a capstone project at the end of the program.

9. Thomas University

Thomas University is a private school offering a flexible online MBA degree program that costs $635 per credit hour. Students from any bachelor's degree background are welcome to apply as long as they submit official transcripts demonstrating undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 or higher.

The program can be completed within a year through flexible, eight-week course sessions. Asynchronous courses cover topics like business law, organizational behavior, and marketing management to help students develop well-rounded skills in business leadership.

10. South University

South University is a private school providing an online MBA that consists of 48 quarter credit hours. The program costs $695 per credit, though students can reduce their financial burden through various financial aid opportunities.

Courses cover many topics like project management, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and economics. Students complete flexible online courses during 10-week quarters and wrap up the program by completing a capstone project.

Our Selection Criteria

Since we endeavor to choose only high-quality schools for our college rank lists, we used the following criteria when selecting the above cheap MBA programs online:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and several also maintain specialized accreditation from the AACSB.
• Affordability: All of the schools feature affordable graduate tuition rates of under $700 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for its commitment to quality and high academic standards among both its on-campus and online programs.
• Online options: All of the schools provide at least one inexpensive online MBA option, with some also offering MBAs with a variety of concentrations.

What To Expect From an Online Master of Business Administration

MBAs are like other graduate programs in that they require all candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. Most programs also require students to meet minimum GPA requirements, submit GMAT or GRE scores, and present resumes and letters of recommendation.

Online MBA programs often provide high levels of flexibility, making them ideal for busy professionals who plan to keep working while going to school. They often feature asynchronous coursework and allow students to choose whether they want to study full-time or part-time.

Students pursuing low-cost MBAs online will complete a variety of assignments like reading and writing projects, video lectures, and virtual class discussions. Some degree programs may also require live video conferencing at select times and may offer opportunities for capstones, internships, and other hands-on learning opportunities.

How Is Online Program Coursework Taught?

Online classes typically allow students to set their own study schedules as long as they meet all program deadlines. Other classes may require virtual participation at set times. Either way, students log into their school's online platform, typically Canvas or something similar, to complete assignments.

Online coursework often consists of core business courses and business-related electives. Some programs provide concentrations to help students prepare for specific career paths within business. Coursework and concentrations focus on many facets of business, including:

• entrepreneurship
• human resources management
• supply chain management
• international business
• operations management

Financial Aid for Online MBA Degrees in Georgia

Though even affordable online MBAs can cost a lot of money, there are many financial aid options to help students cut costs. These options include:

• Federal and state aid: Students can complete the FAFSA for MBAs to see if they qualify for government aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs.
• Scholarships and grants: Many nonprofits and businesses offer scholarships and grants, which are merit- or need-based awards that students don't have to pay back.
• Tuition assistance: Employers sometimes provide tuition assistance benefits for their employees, and some businesses may be willing to finance MBA programs for employees seeking advancement within their current companies.
• Military benefits: Students with military backgrounds may be able to receive full or partial tuition coverage through their GI Bill benefits. Others may receive tuition discounts or waivers at certain schools or may qualify for specific military scholarships.
• Fellowships and assistantships: Graduate students can often apply for fellowships and assistantships, which are programs that allow them to gain work experience while earning money toward their program costs.

FAQs About Affordable Online MBAs in Georgia

If you still have questions about attending an accredited institution for a cheap online MBA, you're not alone. Read on as we answer some common questions you may be curious about.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Georgia?

The cheapest online MBA program in the state of Georgia is available through Georgia Southwestern State University. Students in this program pay just $263 per credit hour, for a total of $9,503 in tuition for their degrees.

Is an MBA in Georgia Worth It?

Yes, getting an MBA in Georgia can be well worth the time and money you put into it. Business degrees generally lead to high-paying and high-demand careers in finance, management, and other specializations. Those who earn a master's degree are generally seen as more desirable job candidates, and they often receive more advanced positions and higher salaries than those with bachelor's degrees alone.

How Can You Pay for an MBA Degree?

There are many different ways to pay for the costs associated with your MBA. Options include government aid, scholarships, grants, military or employer tuition assistance, and fellowship or assistantship programs.

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

All schools in Georgia charge tuition, incur fees, and have other related expenses, raising the price of even affordable programs into the thousands of dollars. That said, with so many financial aid options available, it is possible for students to earn enough aid from enough sources to cover most or all of their expenses. Those with no out-of-pocket costs effectively earn their online MBAs for free.

Explore Accredited Business Schools

If you're ready to start your path to becoming an MBA graduate, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools that interest you to find out more about their programs and admission requirements and to find the best option for you.