Online MBAs are more popular than ever. According to a GMAC Application Trends Survey, 30% of Online MBA programs saw a growth in applications in 2021. Distance learning MBA programs are attractive both for their flexibility and the fact they allow you to simultaneously work and develop core business skills.
There’s also a menu of affordable Online MBA programs that’ll give you a business education without breaking the bank. But do lower fees mean poorer quality?
No they don’t. Many accredited Online MBA programs are among those carrying fees lower than full-time programs. Accreditation—from the likes of industry bodies AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS, or EFMD—is typically a stamp of approval, and a guarantee that you’re paying for a quality business school degree.
Here are 10 accredited Online MBA programs with the most affordable price tags*.
10) University of Bradford School of Management ($26,100)
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The Financial Times ranked this program number one in the world for value for money, second for salary increase three years after graduation, and fourth for its percentage of international students. The school is also triple accredited by AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS, a gold standard as far as accredited Online MBA programs go.
The course can be completed part-time within two to three years. Core modules include Competitiveness through Technology and Innovation, Leadership for Transformational Change, Digital Marketing, Branding and Strategy, and Accounting and Economics for Decision Making.
You can also choose to take electives in Corporate Finance and Crowdfunding, Marketing Communications, and Diversity, Scale and Development.
9) University of South Florida: Muma ($24,800)
South Florida’s program is among the accredited Online MBA programs accredited by industry body AACSB. The distance learning MBA allows you to customize your studies with one of five optional concentrations in Finance, Healthcare Analytics, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or Compliance, Risk, and Anti-Money Laundering. It also has core courses with modules in Financial Management, Marketing Management, and Accounting Concepts for Managers.
The program’s asynchronous courses can be completed any time, and, for students who also want to build a network with their peers, there are weekly discussions and collaboration sessions.
8) University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ($23,500)
This AACSB-accredited Online MBA has 13 concentrations and over 50 electives. Concentrations range from Accounting and Cybersecurity Management, to Environmental Health and Safety.
To be eligible, you either need to have four or more years of professional work experience or two or more years of work experience with a 3.0 GPA.
7) James Madison University ($21,500, in-state)
Another AACSB accredited program, the James Madison Online MBA program is ranked the best in Virginia by the US News & World Report. Students who take this program come from a wide range of employers, such as Deloitte, America’s Charities, and the FBI.
When enrolled, you can choose to take one of three concentrations in Executive Leadership, Information Security, or Innovation.
6) Oxford Brookes Business School ($20,800)
The Oxford Brookes Online MBA is a 30-month, flexible, part-time program. You’re eligible to apply with a minimum of three years of professional experience, a good degree (or GPA equivalent), and two written references. Students in this program are a little more experienced than other cohorts—the average student usually has 13 years of professional work experience.
Core modules include Entrepreneurial Behaviours & Practices, Global Strategy & Innovation, and Developing Leadership Capability. You can also choose to take electives in Strategic Accounting & Finance, Global Strategy Marketing, Planning New Business Ventures, and Digital Strategy & Leadership.
At the final stage of the MBA, you’ll be asked to complete your capstone project in the form of a dissertation, an individual consultancy project, a group consultancy project, or a business start-up plan.
The school’s MBA is accredited by both AMBA and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).
5) EU Business School ($19,500)
This 15-month program has courses in Transformational Management & Leadership, Negotiation, Global Economics, Legal Issues & Business Ethics, and Communication for Success.
It boasts one of the highest percentages of female students among Online MBA programs, with 56% of its class being women. You’ll also find yourself immersed in a diverse cohort, with 100% of the class being international students who have on average 10 years of professional experience.
The program is accredited by ACBSP, IACBE, IQA, and is certified by eduQua.
4) SBS Swiss Business School ($17,800)
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This two-year Online MBA program has 15 modules, with one module running every eight weeks. The program aims to improve students’ leadership qualities, international business acumen, and sustainability efforts.
It has five specializations in Entrepreneurship, Global Finance and Banking, Human Resource Management, International Management, and Marketing.
This year’s class has an average of nine years’ professional experience. 52% of the Online MBA class are female.
The school holds accreditation from the likes of the Swiss Accreditation Council, British Accreditation Council, ACBSP, and IACBE.
3) Ball State University: Miller ($16,520)
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Indiana’s Miller College of Business is among the accredited Online MBA programs with a stamp of approval from AACSB.
This distance learning MBA allows students to customize their degree by choosing one of ten concentrations in topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Healthcare Administration, Sales Management, or Healthcare Administration.
Some courses are offered in asynchronous format, so you can undertake weekly assignments and deadlines at your own pace.
2) Fayetteville State University ($15,600)
This AACSB-accredited, fully flexible program can be completed in as little as 12 months, but you can take up to 72 months if you want. It consists of 27 credit hours and nine to 12 elective credit hours. The program is even cheaper if you’re studying in-state, at $6,900.
You can also choose between concentrations in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, Healthcare Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management.
To be eligible to apply, you will need a minimum GMAT score of 400 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. The average age of candidates is 35 years old, with 45% of students women.
1) Georgia Southwestern State University ($15,420)
Another of the accredited Online MBA programs stamped by AACSB, Georgia Southwestern State University’s distance learning MBA provides a broad base of business knowledge in finance, ethics, international business, management, and marketing.
The curriculum includes core courses in Managerial Economics, Organizational Theory & Behaviour, Strategic Management, and International Business Practice.
Applications open three times per year, in June, November, and April.
Next read:
Top 10 Most Affordable MBA Programs in the UK
* Tuition fees data sources from the BusinessBecause Online MBA Guide, and from business school websites in 2021
https://www.businessbecause.com/news/online-mba/7965/accredited-online-mba-programs-affordable
