10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Michigan

Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs help students further their business careers by honing their skills and teaching advanced business concepts. Unfortunately, MBAs can be expensive, often upwards of $60,000. However, there are many affordable online MBA degrees in the U.S. that give students both financial and scheduling flexibility.

In Michigan, over two dozen colleges and universities offer online MBAs, by some are far less expensive than others. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online MBAs in Michigan.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Michigan

Michigan is in the top 10 most expensive states for colleges in the U.S. Despite that, there are still several cheap online colleges, especially as many Michigan colleges provide robust financial aid packages. Some of these schools offer inexpensive online MBAs. Below, we've featured the cheapest online MBAs in Michigan.

Please note that all schools listed below are online colleges that accept FAFSA, which can help you further lower your tuition cost.

1. Grace Christian University

Grace Christian University is a private Christian school in Wyoming, MI. It offers an online MBA with courses on:

• financial stewardship
• global and economic theory
• organizational leadership
• social entrepreneurship

Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 20 months. The degree requires 36 credit hours, and the cost is just $495 per credit hour.

2. Baker College

At Baker College, students can earn an MBA online and learn the skills and concepts needed to take their careers to the next level. Concentrations are available in areas like business intelligence, healthcare management, human resources management, and leadership studies.

Baker College, a private institution, is located in Owosso. Its MBA is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), and most students finish within two years. Tuition is $600 per credit, and students will need 36 credit hours.

3. University of Olivet

The University of Olivet offers an online MBA with four optional concentrations: accounting, insurance, enterprise risk management, and sport and recreation management. The private Christian college is based in Olivet.

A total of 33 credits are required for this program, during which online students will have plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate with classmates. The cost of tuition is $600 per credit hour.

4. Cornerstone University

The MBA at Cornerstone University is available 100% online to help students manage their busy schedules. It offers six concentrations, including human resource management, healthcare, strategic marketing, and project management.

Cornerstone University, located in Grand Rapids, is a private Christian school. Its MBA programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and cost $610 per credit hour.

5. Andrews University

Andrews University is a private Christian institution in Berrien Springs. It offers an online MBA that integrates business concepts with Christian ethical principles to prepare students for leadership roles.

Tuition for this program is $660 per credit hour. A minimum of 33 credit hours is required, and many full-time students can finish the program in just one year.

6. Calvin University

Students at Calvin College can earn their MBA online with a concentration in applied communication, finance, marketing, or nonprofit management. The program takes 13 to 25 weeks to complete and requires two one-week summer residencies on campus.

Calvin University, a private Christian school, is located in Grand Rapids. It requires 36 credit hours for this program at a rate of $673 per credit.

7. Concordia University Ann Arbor

Concordia University Ann Arbor offers an online MBA with over a dozen concentrations, including human resources management, management information systems, nonprofit management, and operations management. CUAA is a private Christian school and is the Ann Arbor campus of Concordia University Wisconsin.

The program requires 36 credits, and most students can finish in less than two years. The tuition rate is $725 per credit hour.

8. Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers an online MBA with concentrations in entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare administration, and marketing. SVSU is a public university in University Center, MI.

The program is run through the Scott L. Carmona College of Business and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It has the lowest tuition rate of any public university in Michigan, at $765 per credit.

9. Ferris State University

Ferris State University is a public institution in Big Rapids, MI. It offers an online MBA that includes courses on data analytics, global business, organizational change, and strategic decision-making.

The tuition rate at Ferris State is $770 per credit hour. The online MBA is accredited by the ACBSP and is listed in the top 100 MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report.

10. Siena Heights University

Through Siena Heights University, students can earn an MBA online that provides in-depth exposure to business theories. An optional specialization in healthcare administration is available.

SHU is a private Catholic university in Adrian, MI. Its online MBA costs $790 per credit hour and is accredited by the IACBE. The degree requires 11 courses or 33 total credits.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the low-cost MBAs online listed above, we focused on:

• Location: All schools listed above are based in Michigan.
• Accreditation: Each college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and many have business programs with programmatic accreditation as well.
• Cost: We looked for the least expensive online MBAs in Michigan, and all have a tuition rate that's less than $800 per credit.
• Reputation: All colleges and universities are either public or nonprofit, and all have a reputation for strong online learning programs.

What To Expect From an Online Master of Business Administration

Although every online MBA is a little different, there are some things you can typically expect. To start, one of the primary admissions requirements is a bachelor's degree. Some schools may require a bachelor's in a business field, but many do not.

Other admissions requirements may include:

• a minimum undergraduate GPA
• GRE or GMAT scores
• letters of recommendation
• personal essays
• resume with work experience

Most online MBAs can be completed in one two two years, although some schools offer accelerated paths and others offer part-time program options.

MBA Concentrations and Coursework

Most online programs are asynchronous, meaning that while students have due dates for assignments, they complete their coursework at their own pace on their own schedule during the week. There aren't set meeting times, and students usually don't have to appear in person on campus.

Typically, you'll have a curriculum of core courses you'll need to complete that cover the basics of business leadership and how to solve business problems. You may also have some electives you can choose from or be asked to select a concentration or specialization. Common options include:

• accounting
• business analytics/data analytics
• cybersecurity management
• entrepreneurship
• financial management
• global business/international business
• healthcare management
• human resources management
• information systems
• marketing management
• nonprofit management
• operations management
• organizational management
• project management
• supply chain management

Can You Get Financial Aid for Online MBA Degrees?

Financial aid is available for MBA students, even if you're pursuing a cheap MBA program online. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Filling out the FAFSA for MBA degrees allows you to access federal and state aid, as well as some institutional aid. Institutional aid comes from your college or university and may include scholarships, grants, waivers, or assistantship opportunities.

Additionally, look for private scholarships through independent organizations and check to see if your employer offers any sort of tuition assistance program. These can help significantly reduce your tuition costs.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online MBA Degrees in Michigan

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions to help online MBA students as they pursue their master's degrees.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Michigan?

The cheapest online MBA program in Michigan comes from Grace Christian University, with a tuition rate of $495 per credit hour. In addition to being the cheapest in Michigan, it's also the cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirements.

All of the programs listed above cost less than $800 per credit, with several costing less than $700.

How Much Does an MBA Cost in Michigan?

As we mentioned above, all the programs on this list cost less than $800 per credit. But this list only includes the least expensive colleges. There are many with a higher tuition rate, including:

• Central Michigan University: $860 per credit hour
• Eastern Michigan University: $888 per credit hour
• Michigan Tech: $1,334 per credit hour
• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor): $1,915 per credit

Note that the prices listed are for in-state students and do not reflect financial aid that an MBA student may receive.

Is an Online MBA Degree Worth It in Michigan?

Many MBA graduates find that earning their MBA is worth it. Having an MBA can increase your salary by 50% over having a bachelor's degree. An MBA can fast-track your path toward becoming a business leader and reaching your career goals.

The online format gives students the freedom to continue working or caring for family while going to school. Online programs are extremely common for MBA students.

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

Although there are no online MBAs that are inherently 100% free, there are ways to significantly lower your costs. By choosing an inexpensive online MBA and combining it with financial aid, you can reduce or even completely cover your tuition.

Explore Business Degree Programs

Find the best online MBA for you by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific business programs to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.