This is Top Colleges Online’s ranking of the best online value MBA programs for under $50,000. We’ve tried to balance between quality of education and affordable, low-cost tuition to show you how you can get the best bang for your buck. This is not a ranking of the cheapest MBA programs available. If you go that route, you will very likely end up getting a cheap degree from a sketchy school. Instead, our list contains all highly respected, regionally accredited MBA programs, all of which are rooted in real, traditional programs at reputable schools.
So what’s more important to you in choosing an online MBA degree program: high prestige or low cost? Choosing a highly regarded program will generally cost you more pfront in tuition and fees, but may pay off with better job prospects and higher earnings in the long run. Choosing a less prestigious, lower ranked program will probably save you money in terms of tuition and fees, but may cost you more over time if you’re unable to get the position or salary you would be able to demand with a degree from a higher ranked program.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed either way. Many students graduate from the top MBA programs in the country and struggle for years to pay off their debt because they can’t land a job. Other students earn their degree from second and third tier programs and become CEOs of major corporations. Indeed, a recent study showed that less than half of the highest-paid CEOs have an MBA degree at all! Finding an online MBA program with the right balance between reputation and cost is key.
The programs in our best value online MBA ranking offer the best combination of prestige and affordability we could find. All of the business schools on our list are accredited by the AACSB (the premier accreditation for business schools) and are nationally ranked. They also all offer an online MBA for less than $50,000. With the hiring of MBAs on the rise and the average starting salary for an MBA graduate now over $91,000 (having risen each of the last three years), these programs may be an excellent investment in your future.
#1. Florida International University (Chapman Graduate School of Business)
The Chapman Graduate School of Business at top-ranked Florida International University in Greater Miami, FL is an AACSB accredited leader in international business and entrepreneurship.
Program information
FIU offers an online Corporate MBA Program. Taking two classes each term, this accelerated distance MBA can be completed in as little as 18 months of dedicated study. Admitted students will be assigned to a peer cohort that they will stay with for the duration for the program. No GMAT is required for admission and no travel is required.
Financial information
$37,500 will cover tuition and fees for the entire program. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#2. University of Massachusetts Amherst (Isenberg School of Management)
The University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, MA is among the best public universities in the U.S. and the AASCB accredited Isenberg School of Management frequently earns top business school rankings.
Program information
UMass Amherst offers the Isenberg Online MBA for part-time students. The entire program can be completed in as little as two and a half years of part-time study. Students are allowed to take up to two courses before deciding whether the program is a good fit for them or not. An asynchronous class format allows students to access courses at their convenience. No travel is required.
Financial information
$27,750 will cover tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#3. Washington State University (College of Business)
The nationally ranked Washington State University College of Business in Pullman, WA brings over twenty years experience in distance education to its AACSB accredited online MBA program.
Program information
WSU’s Online MBA Program is designed to be completed in two years. With an emphasis on entrepreneurship, students in the program must complete a full business plan in order to graduate. WSU also offers the Online Executive MBA Program for student with significant business experience. Travel is not mandatory, but students may attend graduation ceremonies at WSU’s campus.
Financial information
$29,250 is enough to cover tuition and fees. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#4. University of Scranton (Kania School of Business)
The University of Scranton’s AACSB accredited Kania School of Management is a top-ranked Jesuit business school in Scranton, PA with an emphasis on ethics and responsibility.
Program information
The University of Scranton’s Online MBA Degree can be completed in about two years and requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. In addition to the general track, students may choose from concentration tracks in Enterprise Resource Planning, Healthcare Management, and Operations Management. No travel is required.
Financial information
$30,312 covers tuition and fees for the minimum 36 credit hours. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#5. Quinnipiac University (School of Business)
Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT has taken its AACSB accredited and nationally ranked School of Business to new heights with significant recent investments in academic infrastructure and facilities.
Program information
Quinnipiac University offers a 46 credit hour online MBA program for working adults. Students can choose from electives in Computer Information Systems, Finance, Health Care Management, General Management, and Marketing. An intensive Health Care Management Track is offered for those planning to enter management in the health care industry. No campus visits are required.
Financial information
$39,330 will cover your tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#6. University of Florida (Hough Graduate School of Business)
The University of Florida’s globally ranked Hough Graduate School of Business in Gainesville, FL was one of the first AACSB accredited business schools to put a complete MBA program online.
Program information
The University of Florida offers its Internet MBA Program in one-year (16 month) and two-year (27 month) options. The one-year option is only open to students who earned a bachelor’s in business within the last seven years. Both formats require students to travel to the University of Florida campus one weekend each term to meet with faculty and other students.
Financial information
$46,000 (1 yr.)/$52,500 (2 yr.) covers tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#7. University of Texas at Dallas (Jindal School of Management)
The AACSB accredited Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas in Dallas, TX perennially ranks among the very best business schools in America.
Program information
UT-Dallas offers their Online Professional MBA as a part-time, 53 credit hour program. Students are given 24 hours of electives with which to craft their own specialization. Courses can be completed at the student’s own pace. No travel is required.
Financial information
$45,000 covers tuition and fees. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#8. Auburn University (College of Business)
Auburn University’s AACSB accredited College of Business in Auburn, AL has been moving up in the business school rankings in the last few years, establishing itself as a top public school for business degrees.
Program information
Auburn University offers a 36 credit hour Distance Learning MBA that can typically be completed within three years. All instructions, assignments and tests are identical to the campus-based MBA program. Students must attend a mandatory five day residency at the Auburn campus before graduating.
Financial information
$26,064 covers tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#9. Oklahoma State University (Spears School of Business)
The AASCB accredited Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK is an established leader in business education with a history of offering innovative distance learning opportunities.
Program information
Oklahoma State University offers its Distance Learning MBA as a part-time, 36-48 credit hour program. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork and team building throughout. Professional experience is preferred but not a requirement for admission. Travel is not mandatory, but graduates of the program are invited to campus for commencement ceremonies.
Financial information
$14,000 (in-state)/$37,000 (out-state) covers tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
#10. Florida State University (College of Business)
Florida State University’s AACSB accredited College of Business in Tallahassee, FL is among the highest ranked public business schools in the country with an excellent job placement and minority graduation record.
Program information
Florida State University offers its Online MBA as a 39 credit hour program designed to be completed in a little over two years. Students can specialize in Marketing, Management Information Systems, Real Estate, or Risk Management and Insurance. Travel is not required.
Financial information
$28,350 covers tuition. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
