10 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin 2025

Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees are some of the more expensive graduate degrees available. Luckily, several schools offer affordable online MBA degrees that not only save money but provide students with a flexible learning environment.

Over 15 schools in Wisconsin offer online MBAs, but some have much lower tuition rates than others. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online MBAs in Wisconsin.

Cheapest Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to some of the best affordable online colleges in the nation. Several schools in the state offer low-cost online programs, including MBA programs. Below, we've highlighted the cheapest online MBAs in Wisconsin.

Low-cost colleges typically accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help students qualify for grants and student loans. Note that all schools listed below are accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA, which makes it even easier for students to lower their tuition costs.

1. Edgewood College

Edgewood College is a private Catholic school in Madison, WI. It offers a 10-month online MBA program that teaches students key concepts such as strategic management, organizational behavior, and financial analysis.

The MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Tuition is just $500 per credit hour, for a total of $15,000 for the entire program.

2. Herzing University

At Herzing University, students can earn an MBA online with an optional concentration in business analytics. This program places special emphasis on the application of AI in standard business operations and employee management.

Herzing is a private, nonprofit university system headquartered in Milwaukee. Students can finish this 33-credit MBA in as few as 12 months, and the program costs $630 per credit hour.

3. Ottawa University

Ottawa University offers an ACBSP-accredited online MBA with multiple concentrations, including data analytics, human resources, healthcare administration, and strategic innovation. Ottawa University is a nonprofit private school based in Ottawa, KS, with an additional campus in Brookfield, WI.

The MBA curriculum emphasizes a global perspective on business and communication skills for career advancement. The tuition rate is $659 per credit hour, and there are 36 credits total.

4. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The online MBA at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater trains students to think globally, behave ethically, and lead innovation strategically. It offers over a dozen areas of emphasis, including human resource management, information technology management, project management, and supply chain management.

UWW, a public institution in the University of Wisconsin System, is located in Whitewater, WI. The programs in its College of Business and Economics are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and tuition for the MBA is $695 per credit hour.

5. Lakeland University

Lakeland University is a private Christian school in Plymouth, WI. It offers a flexible online MBA that integrates research, case studies, technology, and other learning processes. Nine concentrations are available, including:

• diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• healthcare management
• human services
• project management

All students receive individualized advising and career development support. Tuition is $700 per credit for the 36-credit program.

6. University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside can earn an AACSB-accredited MBA online. The program offers several concentrations, including data analytics, global management, project management, and supply chain management.

UW Parkside, located in Kenosha, WI, charges a tuition rate of $707.80 per credit hour. Students can finish this 30-credit program for $21,234 and one year of coursework.

7. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin offers an online MBA with 14 concentrations, including entrepreneurship, management information systems, operations management, and public relations. CUW is a private Christian university in Mequon, WI.

Full-time students can complete this flexible program in less than two years. The tuition rate is $725 per credit hour, and the program requires 36 total credits.

8. Viterbo University

The online MBA at Viterbo University prepares students to lead organizations through essential areas of business functions while managing diverse teams. The private Catholic institution is located in La Crosse, WI.

An optional concentration in healthcare leadership is available for those wanting to pursue roles in healthcare. The tuition rate for this program is $730 per credit hour, and most students can finish in 18 to 24 months.

9. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is a public institution in Stevens Point, WI. It offers an MBA in applied leadership and decision-making online that helps students develop skills in:

• analytics
• communication
• economics
• finance
• leadership
• management
• marketing

The program, accredited by the AACSB, requires 36 total credits. Tuition is $775 per credit hour for Wisconsin residents.

10. University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Through the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, students can earn an AACSB-accredited MBA online. Three areas of specialization are available: business analytics, innovation and entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership.

UW-River Falls, located in River Falls, WI, charges a tuition rate of $784 per credit hour for this program. The degree requires 30 credits, for a total cost of about $22,680.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the inexpensive online MBAs listed above, we focused on:

• Location: All the schools listed are located in or have a campus in Wisconsin.
• Accreditation: Every school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
• Type: We chose only public or non-profit schools to ensure the programs listed are high-quality.
• Cost: We assessed the cost of all online MBAs in Wisconsin and featured the ten least expensive options.

What To Expect from an Online Master of Business Administration Degree

Every online MBA is a little different, but there are a few general things you can expect, starting with the admissions requirements. Online MBAs nearly always require a bachelor's degree, and many also set a minimum undergraduate GPA.

GRE scores or GMAT scores are also common requirements, but several of the schools above offer some of the cheapest online MBAs with no GMAT requirements. You may also be required to submit letters of recommendation, personal essays, or have work experience in a business setting.

You'll generally have a set of core courses in your program that develop your business knowledge and leadership skills. You may also have the option to choose electives or a concentration.

Typically, online classes are asynchronous, meaning that you have set due dates but can complete your coursework on your own schedule. Some online courses include live meetings over platforms like Zoom.

In general, MBA programs are designed so that students can finish within two years, but some can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study. Others offer part-time options that take longer but spread out the course load.

What Types of Specializations Are Available in an Online MBA Program?

Specializations or concentrations allow students to focus on the area of business they intend to pursue. Common specializations for online MBAs include:

• accounting
• business analytics/data analytics
• entrepreneurship
• finance
• healthcare administration/healthcare management
• human resources management
• information technology
• international business/global business
• marketing
• nonprofit management
• operational management
• organizational management
• project management
• supply chain management

Financial Aid for Online MBA Students

One of the best ways to keep your tuition low is by choosing a low-cost MBA online. However, using FAFSA for MBA degrees can reduce your costs even further.

All students should fill out the FAFSA. This allows you to access federal and state aid, as well as some institutional aid. Institutional aid is offered by your college or university and can include scholarships or assistantship opportunities.

You can also look for private scholarships. There are several scholarship search tools online, including the Scholarship Finder on the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website. Additionally, many employers offer tuition assistance programs to help their employees further their careers.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online MBA Degrees in Wisconsin

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about affordable online MBAs in Wisconsin to help you find the perfect graduate degree.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Wisconsin?

While there are a few cheap MBA programs online in Wisconsin, the least expensive one comes from Edgewood College. It charges $500 per credit hour for its MBA program ?at 30 credits, that's a total of $15,000.

Which Jobs Can I Get With an Online MBA Degree?

Many jobs are available to MBA graduates. These include roles like:

• business analyst
• data analyst
• finance manager
• healthcare manager
• human resources manager
• marketing manager
• operations manager
• project manager
• supply chain manager

These types of roles are available in many different sectors, including healthcare, retail, and technology.

How Much Can I Make With an Online MBA Degree in Wisconsin?

While there is no data that explains how much MBA holders make in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison indicates that the average starting salary for an MBA graduate is $121,051.

Can I Get an MBA Online for Free?

There aren't any schools that offer an MBA online for absolutely no cost at all. However, by choosing an affordable online MBA and partnering that with financial aid, you may be able to significantly reduce or eliminate all your tuition costs.

Discover Online Master's Degrees

Reach your business career goals by exploring the online MBAs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info on things like admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.