- April 02, 2026
- 5 min read
What are the most affordable Online MBA programs in the US?
The cheapest Online MBAs in the US start from as little as $9,000. Here we breakdown 10 of the most affordable Online MBA programs available at top US business schools
Nick Harland
Published in
Explore Programs
University of Texas Permian Basin is home to one of the most affordable Online MBA in the US ©University of Texas Permian Basin / Facebook
Growth in online learning in recent years has made quality education both more affordable and more accessible than ever before. Today, this means you can study an accredited MBA for a fraction of the cost of a full-time, in-person program. This is particularly important in the US, one of the world's most expensive study destinations.
So, which US business schools offer the most affordable degrees? According to data reported by US News and World Report, these are currently the top 10 most affordable accredited Online MBA programs in the US.
10. University of Central Arkansas (Arkansas)
Out-of-state tuition: $13,068
US News rank: 272-355
US News rank: 272-355
An AACSB-accredited program, the most notable feature of the Online MBA at the University of Central Arkansas is its flexibility. Besides the prerequisite business courses that all MBA students must take, they can also choose to pursue a track in Health Care Administration, Information Management, or Finance. And at just $13,000, it’s also one of the most affordable Online MBAs in the US.
9. Fitchburg State University (Massachusetts)
Out-of-state tuition: $13,080
US News rank: 272-355
Fitchburg State University has a range of Online MBA programs that cover everything from healthcare management to marketing. The school's accelerated format means you can finish faster than you might in a traditional on-campus MBA program—you could graduate in less than 12 months.
8. Arkansas Tech University (Arkansas)
Out-of-state tuition: $12,577
US News rank: 172
Ranked inside the top 200 Online MBAs in the US by US News, the program at Arkansas Tech University offers three possible concentrations for students: General Business, Business Data Analytics, or Digital Marketing. The degree generally takes between 12 and 18 months to complete, and is notable for offering a flat tuition rate for in-state, out-of-state, and international students.
US News rank: 172
Ranked inside the top 200 Online MBAs in the US by US News, the program at Arkansas Tech University offers three possible concentrations for students: General Business, Business Data Analytics, or Digital Marketing. The degree generally takes between 12 and 18 months to complete, and is notable for offering a flat tuition rate for in-state, out-of-state, and international students.
7. Florida Gulf Coast University (Florida)
Out-of-state tuition: $12,322
US News rank: 182
Accelerated and affordable, the Online MBA at Florida Gulf Coast can be completed in as little as 12 months and costs just over $12,000. It is ranked inside the top 200 Online MBAs in the US and has been accredited by AACSB—a real seal of approval for the quality of this program.
US News rank: 182
Accelerated and affordable, the Online MBA at Florida Gulf Coast can be completed in as little as 12 months and costs just over $12,000. It is ranked inside the top 200 Online MBAs in the US and has been accredited by AACSB—a real seal of approval for the quality of this program.
6. Sam Houston State University (Texas)
Out-of-state tuition: $11,990
US News rank: 119
The Online MBA at Sam Houston State University may be one of the most affordable programs in the country, but that takes nothing away from the quality of the course. It’s ranked just outside the top 100 online programs in the US by US News, while the high-quality faculty comprises business leaders and experienced academics.
Students develop their critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills through real-world case studies and collaborative projects, making it ideal for both early-career professionals and experienced leaders.
US News rank: 119
The Online MBA at Sam Houston State University may be one of the most affordable programs in the country, but that takes nothing away from the quality of the course. It’s ranked just outside the top 100 online programs in the US by US News, while the high-quality faculty comprises business leaders and experienced academics.
Students develop their critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills through real-world case studies and collaborative projects, making it ideal for both early-career professionals and experienced leaders.
5. University of Texas Permian Basin (Texas)
Out-of-state tuition: $11,729
US News rank: 150
The Online MBA at the University of Texas Permian Basin is the highest ranked program in this list, yet one of the cheapest. Depending on how many credits you want to take, it could cost as little as $11,729 in tuition. You could also complete it in just 12 months, with the program’s AACSB accreditation proving it is as high-quality as it is affordable.
US News rank: 150
The Online MBA at the University of Texas Permian Basin is the highest ranked program in this list, yet one of the cheapest. Depending on how many credits you want to take, it could cost as little as $11,729 in tuition. You could also complete it in just 12 months, with the program’s AACSB accreditation proving it is as high-quality as it is affordable.
4. Northeastern State University (Oklahoma)
Out-of-state tuition: $11,540
US News rank: 272-355
The Northeastern Online MBA comprises 36 credit hours. Its core curriculum includes courses on finance, supply chain management, accounting, and marketing, with students able to specialize in one of eight electives. They range from Business Analytics to Native American Enterprise. It’s also the second-most affordable Online MBA in the United States.
US News rank: 272-355
The Northeastern Online MBA comprises 36 credit hours. Its core curriculum includes courses on finance, supply chain management, accounting, and marketing, with students able to specialize in one of eight electives. They range from Business Analytics to Native American Enterprise. It’s also the second-most affordable Online MBA in the United States.
3. Eastern University (Pennsylvania)
Out-of-state tuition: $9,900 total
US News rank: 272-355
With tuition fees totaling less than $10,000, the Online MBA offered by Eastern University in Pennsylvania is one of the cheapest online programs in the United States to feature in the US News ranking.
But don’t be fooled by the low price: this is a very respectable MBA offered by a private university established more than 100 years ago. What’s more, students can pay for each course on a per-credit basis—making it a truly affordable US Online MBA.
US News rank: 272-355
With tuition fees totaling less than $10,000, the Online MBA offered by Eastern University in Pennsylvania is one of the cheapest online programs in the United States to feature in the US News ranking.
But don’t be fooled by the low price: this is a very respectable MBA offered by a private university established more than 100 years ago. What’s more, students can pay for each course on a per-credit basis—making it a truly affordable US Online MBA.
2. American College of Education
Out-of-state tuition: $9,109
US News rank: 243
The Online MBA at American College of Education in Indianapolis is a 15-month program that can be completed in as little as 12 months if you’d prefer.
During the course you’ll study the core business fundamentals such as financial decision marketing, marketing management, economics analysis, human resources, and leadership. Costing just over $9,000 in tuition, it’s also the second most affordable Online MBA in the US.
US News rank: 243
The Online MBA at American College of Education in Indianapolis is a 15-month program that can be completed in as little as 12 months if you’d prefer.
During the course you’ll study the core business fundamentals such as financial decision marketing, marketing management, economics analysis, human resources, and leadership. Costing just over $9,000 in tuition, it’s also the second most affordable Online MBA in the US.
1. Valdosta State University
Out-of-state tuition: $8,970
US News rank: 136
With a history stretching back over 100 years, Valdosta State University offers an MBA program that can be studied either in-person, completely online or a mix of the two.
Students can also choose to begin in any semester they would like, meaning the program offers a level of flexibility that can’t be matched at other schools.
What’s more, the Online MBA at Valdosta State University is AACSB-accredited and the most affordable online MBA in the US, with out-of-state tuition fees coming in at just $8,970. And with a US News ranking of 136, the program represents excellent value for money.
*Where applicable, we have used the fees for out-of-state or international students. In some cases, the program may be cheaper for in-state residents. Where applicable, the total cost refers to the minimum amount of credits required to pass the course.
US News rank: 136
With a history stretching back over 100 years, Valdosta State University offers an MBA program that can be studied either in-person, completely online or a mix of the two.
Students can also choose to begin in any semester they would like, meaning the program offers a level of flexibility that can’t be matched at other schools.
What’s more, the Online MBA at Valdosta State University is AACSB-accredited and the most affordable online MBA in the US, with out-of-state tuition fees coming in at just $8,970. And with a US News ranking of 136, the program represents excellent value for money.
*Where applicable, we have used the fees for out-of-state or international students. In some cases, the program may be cheaper for in-state residents. Where applicable, the total cost refers to the minimum amount of credits required to pass the course.
Nick Harland
Published in
Explore Programs
Nick Harland is a freelance writer and contributor to GMAC, specializing in business education. His work has been published by organizations including the AACSB, MBAGRADSCHOOLS, INSEAD Business School and the University of Sheffield.
