For graduate students juggling work and family obligations, affordable online business graduate degrees can be an excellent option for opening an endless number of career opportunities. By earning a graduate business degree online, working professionals can build their leadership skills and industry connections without putting their job on the back burner.
Since individuals who have a solid business education are poised to start their own business or excel in a variety of positions in the industry of their choice, pursuing a graduate business degree is an excellent investment. There are many universities that offer a top-ranked accredited online business degree program with an affordable tuition price so that students can achieve their fullest potential in business, no matter their financial situation.
Ranking Methodology
In order to showcase the top-ranked online graduate degree programs, we searched through the top 100 ranked Online MBA Rankings by the U.S. News and World Report. Then, we found the average in-state graduate school tuition rate at each of these schools with the College Navigator of the National Center for Education Statistics. Finally, we sorted the list from high tuition to low tuition and chose the 25 most affordable online business graduate degrees from those with the lowest overall graduate tuition price tag.
Ranking the Top 25 Most Affordable Online Business Graduate Degrees
25. Southeast Missouri State University: Cape Girardeau, MO
Donald L. Harrison College of Business
With a comprehensive high-quality curriculum that maintains full accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Harrison College of Business gives graduate students the opportunity to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science in Organizational Management fully online. Students can further concentrate their studies with various concentrations offered, ranging from Health Administration and Sports Management to Human Resource Management and Accounting.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #87
Tuition: $5,983
_________________________
24. Jackson State University: Jackson, MS
College of Business
Including the Departments of Accounting; Economics and Finance; Entrepreneurship and Professional Development; and Management and Marketing; the College of Business is highly respected for providing students the opportunity to interact with top researchers, executives, and managers from businesses in the Jackson metropolitan area. In addition to the traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA), and the Ph.D. in Business programs, working professionals can also pursue a flexible fast-track 12-month MBA online.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #58
Tuition: $5,888
_________________________
23. Columbia College: Columbia, MO
Department of Business Administration
As a top-ranked professional school recognized for its excellence in graduate business education, the Department of Business Administration at Columbia College is focused on providing students with the opportunity to develop key leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills. Graduate students can pursue a 36-credit Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree online with an emphasis in Accounting or Human Resource Management, depending on future professional business goals.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #95
Tuition: $5,836
_________________________
22. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide
College of Business
Although Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is most renowned for specialized aviation and aerospace engineering programs, the College of Business is also recognized for having exemplary professional business education programs on its innovative Worldwide campus. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the College offers graduate students Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Aviation Management, Master of Science in Engineering Management, Master of Science in Leadership, and Master of Science in Management programs online.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #70
Tuition: $5,760
_________________________
21. West Virginia University: Morgantown, WV
College of Business and Economics
Recognized among the top 100 business schools in the nation by the Bloomberg Businessweek, the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University is highly regarded for preparing students for today’s competitive marketplace to excel in research, innovation, and scholarship. Along with the online Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program, students can pursue a traditional MBA, Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA), Master of Science in Industrial Relations (MSIR), or Master of Arts in Economics.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #23
Tuition: $5,632
_________________________
20. University of Houston – Clear Lake: Houston, TX
School of Business
With numerous student-centered, community-minded, and partnership-oriented programs providing more than 90 online courses, the School of Business is part of the largest metropolitan university system in Texas in the thriving Houston-Galveston region. For graduate students seeking virtual learning opportunities accredited by the AACSB, the School offers the ability to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Human Resource Management, and Master of Science in Finance degree fully online.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #91
Tuition: $5,616
_________________________
19. University of Illinois – Springfield: Springfield, IL
College of Business and Management
Within the fourth best public university in the entire Midwest, the College of Business and Management has the mission of preparing traditional and non-traditional learners for challenging business careers in both the private and public sectors. While a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are offered on-campus, the College only provides a Master of Science in Management Information Systems degree program for completion fully online at this time.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #43
Tuition: $5,544
_________________________
18. University of North Texas: Denton, TX
College of Business
Among the twenty largest business schools in the nation, the College of Business at the University of North Texas has been continuously accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) since 1961. Along with traditional on-campus offerings, the College enables graduate students to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in Finance, Marketing, or Strategic Management fully online in a flexible and affordable format of eight-week sessions.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #17
Tuition: $5,242
_________________________
17. Columbus State University: Columbus, GA
D. Abbott Turner College of Business
Boasting smaller class sizes, a dedicated experienced faculty, quality education accredited by the AACSB, and reasonable tuition rates, the Turner College of Business has been recognized as a best buy in higher education in Columbus, the Atlanta metropolitan area, and the entire Southeast by GetEducated.com. For traditional and non-traditional students seeking an online graduate business degree, the College offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree through the innovative Georgia WebMBA consortium.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #46
Tuition: $4,980
_________________________
16. Georgia College and State University: Milledgeville, GA
J. Whitney Bunting College of Business
As part of the state’s only public liberal arts institution with over 6,600 students, the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business is a leader of business education in the region with the goal of developing capable business professionals who are responsible citizens grounded in the liberal arts. Along with two full-time on-campus graduate degree programs leading to a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and Liberal Arts Master of Business Administration (MBA), the College provides online MBA and Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS) programs.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #17
Tuition: $4,950
_________________________
15. University of Nevada – Reno: Reno, NV
College of Business
Founded in 1956 with a long and storied history as a builder of business experts for success nationwide, the College of Business at the University of Nevada – Reno is fully accredited by the AACSB to be a premier provider of affordable business education in the region. Graduate students have the opportunity to pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Arts in Economics, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Finance, and Master of Science in Information Systems as well as an online Executive MBA.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #75
Tuition: $4,878
_________________________
14. University of South Dakota: Vermillion, SD
Beacom School of Business
Ranking exceptionally high in academic achievement with an impressive 92 percent placement rate, the Beacom School of Business is among the top five percent of business schools worldwide to achieve AACSB accreditation. Along with a slew of undergraduate business degree programs, the School offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) program fully on-campus or online for developing high-quality executive business leaders.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #27
Tuition: $4,723
_________________________
13. University of Louisiana – Monroe: Monroe, LA
College of Business and Social Sciences
Offering AACSB-accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs within a student-centered learning environment, the College of Business and Social Sciences is seeking ever-increasing excellence in business education to prepare graduates for productive careers and responsible citizenship. For qualified graduate students seeking a flexible delivery format, the College hosts an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with concentrations available in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, or Marketing.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #87
Tuition: $4,466
_________________________
12. Oklahoma State University: Stillwater, OK
Spears School of Business
Home to seven academic departments, a growing number of research institutes, and a population of over 5,200 students, the Spears School of Business is committed to offering high-quality boundary-less learning opportunities as a top-tier business education provider. For those seeking a convenient alternative to on-campus study, graduate students can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Dental MBA, Master of Science in Management Information Systems, Master of Science in Telecommunications Management, and Master of Science in Entrepreneurship completely online.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #91
Tuition: $4,272
_________________________
11. Sam Houston State University: Huntsville, TX
College of Business Administration
Fully accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the College of Business Administration is based in Huntsville, Texas to provide an excellent education to a diverse student body through traditional and online business programs. Although the main focus is on undergraduate education, there is the option of pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), Master of Science in Project Management, and an online Executive MBA in Banking and Financial Information.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #43
Tuition: $4,266
_________________________
10. Arkansas State University – Jonesboro: Jonesboro, AR
College of Business
Proud of its international reputation for providing individual attention to students who hail from around the world, the College of Business at Arkansas State University – Jonesboro is committed to preparing a new generation of intelligent, ethical, and well-trained business leaders through AACSB-accredited programs. Within the top-tier school, graduate students have the opportunity to earn a Master of Accountancy, Master of Business Administration (MBA), online MBA, and Master of Science in Education for Business Technology.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #14
Tuition: $4,140
_________________________
9. East Carolina University: Greenville, NC
College of Business
Enjoying a rich tradition of being one of only two institutions in North Carolina to be continuously accredited by the respected AACSB International, the ECU College of Business has the mission of challenging students with the necessary skills to think, act, and lead in today’s ever-evolving business world. For both business and non-business undergraduates, the College offers an online or hybrid Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and an on-campus Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #58
Tuition: $4,009
_________________________
8. West Texas A&M University: Canyon, TX
College of Business
At West Texas A&M University, the College of Business is dedicated to maintaining high standards for classroom performance to prepare graduates for intelligent, active, and productive participation in today’s competitive business marketplace. Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the AACSB International, the College awards Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA), Master of Science in Finance and Economics (MSFE), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees online.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #27
Tuition: $3,914
_________________________
7. Western Carolina University: Cullowhee, NC
College of Business
Included among the nation’s “Best 296 Business Schools” by the prestigious Princeton Review, the WCU College of Business is focused on providing a solid foundation of core theories, principles, and practices along with broad practical opportunities to produce business ready graduates. For graduate students, the College is best known for offering the nation’s top-ranked Master of Project Management (MPM) and Master of Entrepreneurship (ME) fully online for completion anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #82
Tuition: $3,794
_________________________
6. University of West Georgia: Carrollton, GA
Richards College of Business
As part of one of the “Best Southeastern Colleges” recognized by the Princeton Review, the UWG Richards College of Business is renowned as a high-quality top-tier source of quality graduates with business expertise for serving the West Georgia and Atlanta metropolitan areas. Along with the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA), Master of Education in Business Education (MED), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) offered in the traditional on-campus format, the College provides an exclusively online MBA program too.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #4
Tuition: $3,366
_________________________
5. University of Texas – Brownsville: Brownsville, TX
School of Business
Renowned for taking part in the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) University Partnership Program, the UTB School of Business is committed to preparing a diverse student body for success in all academic, career, professional, and personal endeavors. Fully accredited by the AACSB International, the School provides the chance to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) fully online for non-traditional students seeking positions in mid or upper-level management, business consulting, and small business management.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #75
Tuition: $3,347
_________________________
4. Fayetteville State University: Fayetteville, NC
School of Business and Economics
Within the historically black regional public institution that is recognized as the second oldest state-supported school in North Carolina, the School of Business and Economics is committed to providing high-quality affordable business education to prepare a diverse student population for meeting the challenges of the changing business environment. Graduate students can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) fully online with a focus area in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, Marketing, or International Business (a great choice for those interested in business degrees with the greatest return on investment).
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #82
Tuition: $3,008
_________________________
3. Fort Hays State University: Hays, KS
College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Ranked fifth in the nation for Student Services and Technology by the U.S. News and World Report, the FHSU College of Business and Entrepreneurship has aimed to prepare industry leaders with its “can-do” culture for innovation. The College provides the opportunity for graduate students to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) fully online with a concentration in Finance, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, Information Assurance, International Business, Leadership Studies, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Sports Management, or Tourism and Hospitality Management.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #64
Tuition: $2,913
_________________________
2. University of Massachusetts – Amherst: Amherst, MA
Isenberg School of Management
Situated within a resource-rich public research institution in one of America’s best college towns, the Isenberg School of Management places a strong emphasis on providing hands-on real-world learning through innovative multi-disciplinary projects, internships, study abroad opportunities, and networking events. Fully approved by the AACSB International, the School offers an innovative flexible online learning format for earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or Marketing.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #64
Tuition: $2,913
_________________________
1. Texas Southern University: Houston, TX
Jesse H. Jones School of Business
By far the most affordable university offering online graduate business degree programs with a tuition rate of just $1,836, the Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University is on the forefront of the nation’s business schools with cutting-edge innovative programming to business students worldwide. For graduate students seeking a convenient and cheap online business degree, the School hosts online Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) in Energy Finance or General Business, Dual MBA/Juris Doctorate, and Master of Science in Management Information Systems programs.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #80
Tuition: $1,836
_________________________
Honorable Mention
Indiana University – Bloomington: Bloomington, IN
Kelley School of Business
With the #1 best accredited graduate online business degree programs according to U.S. News and a fairly low tuition rate, the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University – Bloomington is definitely worth a mention for being an elite leader in delivering online business education. Along with an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the School also hosts Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management, Master of Science in Marketing, and Master of Science in Strategic Management programs online through Kelley Direct.
U.S. News Online Business Graduate Degrees Rank: #1
Tuition: $7,726
In today’s competitive global business marketplace, it is becoming increasingly important for aspiring business leaders to pursue a graduate degree in their chosen area of expertise for the best career opportunities. Since attending traditional college courses while jump-starting your professional career can be challenging, many top-ranked universities are now offering flexible graduate business degrees fully online. In order to advance your career and reduce the financial burden of doing so, be sure to check out these affordable online business graduate degrees for the greatest return on your investment.
Sources:
- US News and World Report
- College Navigator
- School Websites
Related Resources:
- 20 High Patent-Awarded Universities Where You Can Get a Degree Online
- Top 10 Online Colleges for a Healthcare Administration Degree
- Top 10 Online Colleges for Adults
- Top 10 Online Colleges for Active Duty Military
- Top 10 Online Colleges for Business
- 10 Surprising Degrees You Can Get Online
- 25 Great Scholarships Sponsored or Inspired by Celebrities
- 5 Great Jobs for MBA Graduates
- 5 Careers with an MBA in Energy
- What is the AACSB?
- What is a Master of Science in Organizational Management?
- Is a Ph.D in Business Worth it?
