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50 Affordable Online MBA Programs with No GMAT

May 5, 2021 8:01 am0 commentsViews: 156237

By earning a master’s degree in business administration, you will enjoy a ton of exciting job possibilities. As the global economy expands and competition increases, more companies want their employees to have an advanced business management education.

Today there is a huge number of online MBA degree programs available in many specializations – with no GMAT exam required or a waiver option. Below are some of the most affordable online MBA programs, some cheapest others most expensive, in the most exciting specializations and concentrations today. You can easily request more information from each school by clicking on their direct link.

Note: All MBA degree programs mentioned have a No GMAT requirement or waiver and is AACSB, ACBSP or regionally accredited. *Indicates Featured School Partner.

Are you a school or University with an MBA program which should be included on this page? Contact us now.

Narrow by MBA Specialization

✔ MBA in Accounting/Finance

Earning an MBA in accounting will provide you with a complete, in depth review of accounting theories and taxation. You can expect to explore tax ethics, estate planning, research, auditing, forensic accounting and personal and corporate income taxation. The most popular career choices with an MBA in accounting are public accountant, auditor and bookkeeper. Job demand for accountants will rise by 4% by 2029, and the median salary is $73,560.

Per Credit Cost: $627
Minimum Time: 15 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP + NEASC
Work Experience: None
This program is designed to enhance business and financial management knowledge and skills in such topics as capital budgeting, portfolio management, information technology, quantitative analysis and taxation.
Per Credit Cost: $860
Minimum Time: 24 months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: None
For the second year in a row, CTU’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs were ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News and World Report. An online MBA that will prepare you for advanced accounting roles in businesses, government organizations, and nonprofit groups. Ranked as top program by US News & World Report

*Liberty University

Online MBA in Accounting

Per Credit Cost: $565
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: Regional
Work Experience: Some
Prepare yourself for accounting and business leadership positions in the corporate world. Master auditing and tax skills, accounting information systems and accounting theory. This accounting MBA program has been consistently ranked as a top online MBA program. It is available both online and on campus.

✔ MBA in Information Technology

Getting an MBA in information technology is the ticket to make you a highly in demand IT manager or analyst. You will learn how modern technology and information technology today is being used to best support essential organizational needs in data, research and communication. These types of MBA programs will give you the skills to increase the efficiency and profitability of your employer. Job demand will increase by 10% by 2029, and the median salary is $151,150.

*Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA in Information Technology

Per Credit Cost: $627
Minimum Time: 15 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP + NEASC
Work Experience: None
This program is designed to provide strong foundation in business management while combining expertise in information technology. Earn your MBA by taking courses in Management of Information Technology, Telecommunications for Business, Digital Commerce and e-Business.

*Colorado Technical University

Online MBA Information Tech

Per Credit Cost: $860
Minimum Time: 24 months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: None
For the second year in a row, CTU’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs were ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News and World Report. With this 32 credit hour master of science degree, you will learn the advanced principles of modern information technology systems, as well as the latest project management theories.

*Abilene Christian University

Online MBA in Information Technology Leadership

Per Credit Cost: $700
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: 1+ Year
Ranked among the top 20 Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report. Listed as one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes Magazine.

West Texas A&M University

Online MBA in Information Technology

Per Credit Cost: $318
Minimum Time: 18 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: Some
This online MBA has been ranked #47 overall in the US according to US News and World Report. Also, it was ranked #23 in the US for veterans; this was the highest ranking program for veterans in Texas. US News and World Report also ranks it #7 for affordability.

✔ MBA in General Business

Students who want to earn a degree that will build excellent, general business and managerial skills should consider getting an MBA in general business. The general business MBA is built upon the essential business areas of finance, management, economics and marketing. While many students choose to specialize in a certain area for their MBA, earning a general MBA will provide you with the foundational skills you need to succeed in most businesses. All business operations occupations will see an 5% increase in demand by 2029, and the median salary for all positions is $72,250.

Per Credit Cost: $627
Minimum Time: 15 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP + NEASC
Work Experience: None
In High Demand: 75% of large companies will hire an MBA graduate in the coming year according to BLS.gov. Earn your MBA Online and take such courses as Business Environment, Innovations and Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Strategy, Finance, Economics and Decision Making, and Leading in an Organization.

Post University

General Online MBA

Per Credit Cost: $680
Minimum Time: 14 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: 3-5 Years
At Post University, our students learn the practical techniques for developing and delivering new and innovative products and services that you and your company need for future growth. Ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Per Credit Cost: $585
Minimum Time: 24 months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: None
For the second year in a row, CTU’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs were ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News and World Report. Learn new skills and knowledge in this 32 semester hour program to succeed in the global business environment. You may focus on one of eight concentrations.
Per Credit Cost: $970
Minimum Time: 15-18 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: None
The program prepares students to become strategic, service-oriented leaders by applying real-world skills in face-to-face online classes, self-paced course work and in-person immersion experiences. Most students can complete the program in as few as 15–18 months. Students who hold a recent undergraduate degree in business or related field may be eligible for the one-year online MBA program.
Per Credit Cost: $1,185
Minimum Time: 21 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: None
This online marketing MBA offers a fast track option that is a two year cohort program that allows you to continue to work full time yet complete the program in only 21 months. Take your courses along with a class of peers. Or, choose flex track option that will finish your degree in three years.

*California University of Pennsylvania

General Online MBA

Per Credit Cost: $815
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: Regional
Work Experience: None
We are ranked as one of the best schools in the northeast for 11 consecutive years by the Princeton Review. Ranked among the Best Online Programs by the US News & World Report.
Per Credit Cost: $540
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: Some
You will strengthen management skills, stretching your knowledge to such areas as corporate responsibility, entrepreneurship, and legal issues in business or non-profit management. Programs ranked in Best Online Programs by US News and World Report.
Per Credit Cost: $1500
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: 5+ Years
Designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers, MBA@Syracuse features immersive coursework and live classes taught online by Syracuse faculty. Program allows students to focus their MBA education by selecting courses from six specializations of study including Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing Management, Supply Chain Management. GMAT Waiver option if work experience requirement met.

✔ Executive MBA

For business professionals with at least 7-10 years of business experience, the best MBA option may be an executive MBA. This type of business degree is exclusively designed for senior professionals and executives who want to continue working full time while they earn their master’s degree. Professionals in this high level MBA program will learn both from their professors and from their fellow business professionals. Many who earn this MBA become top executives; this job position will increase 4% in demand by 2029, and the median pay is $107,680.

*Liberty University

Online MBA for Executives

Per Credit Cost: $565
Minimum Time: 24 months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: None
Our experienced faculty believes that maintaining high ethical standards breeds great business leaders, so all courses emphasize the importance of applying ethics to management practices. Programs ranked in Best Online Programs by US News and World Report.

*Washington State University

Online Executive MBA

Per Credit Cost: $750
Minimum Time: 24 months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: 7+ Years
GMAT Waiver available if the following conditions are met: 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, current graduate degree or 7+ years of work experience.

*Grand Canyon University

Online MBA for Executives

Per Credit Cost: $560
Minimum Time: 24 months
Accreditation: Regional
Work Experience: Some
Founded in 1949 as a private, accredited, nondenominational Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona.

✔ MBA in Human Resources Management

An MBA in human resources management is a good fit for a business professional who wants to enhance her business and interpersonal skills to advance in an HR setting. An MBA focused on HRM will deal with all types of employee-related subjects, such as hiring, recruiting, benefits, training, OSHA compliance, company culture and compensation. US News and World Report states that HR is the #15 best job in the US, and employment growth is 15% or more. HR managers earn a median of $104,000 per year.

*Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA in Human Resource Management

Per Credit Cost: $627
Minimum Time: 15 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP + NEASC
Work Experience: None
In addition to our core MBA course, the HR-related courses in our online program include Strategic Human Resource Management, Total Rewards and Leading Change.

*Colorado Technical University

Online MBA Information Tech

Per Credit Cost: $535
Minimum Time: 24 months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: None
For the second year in a row, CTU’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs were ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News and World Report. Made for students with business experience who want to hone their skills in human resource management so they can eventually move into HR leadership roles.

*Liberty University

Online MBA (Human Resources Concentration)

Per Credit Cost: $540
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: Some
Stands as the largest private, nonprofit university in the nation with 100,000+ students. All courses emphasize ethical management practices. Potential Career Fields: Mediator, HR Consultant, Training Specialist, Recruitment Specialist, Labor Relations, Arbitrator

✔ MBA in Healthcare Management

Getting an MBA in healthcare management provides healthcare and/or business professionals with the essential leadership and business skills that they need to be effective leaders of all types of healthcare facilities and systems. This also is a good choice for an experienced business manager who wishes to transition into the healthcare field. Typical workplaces with this degree are hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices and outpatient care centers. Job demand in this field will rise 32% by 2029, and median pay is $104,280.

*Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA in Healthcare Management

Per Credit Cost: $627
Minimum Time: 15 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP + NEASC
Work Experience: None
This program will help you gain a better understanding of the business of healthcare, current trends and practices. You’ll take such courses as Healthcare Informatics, Social and Organizational Issues in Healthcare, and Topics in Healthcare Administration.

*Colorado Technical University

Online MBA Healthcare Management

Per Credit Cost: $585
Minimum Time: 24 months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: None
For the second year in a row, CTU’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs were ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News and World Report. This online MBA program teaches a core set of business administration principles as well as how to apply those skills in the health care management field.

*University of Saint Mary

Online MBA in Healthcare Management

Per Credit Cost: $595
Minimum Time: 12 Months
Accreditation: IACBE
Work Experience: Preferred
The Health Care Management MBA offers in-depth knowledge of business concepts and skills applied specifically to the health care industry. Coursework prepares students to become effective managers and leaders in the health care management field.

*Abilene Christian University

Online MBA in Healthcare Management

Per Credit Cost: $700
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: 1+ Year
Ranked among the top 20 Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report. Listed as one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes Magazine.

Ohio University

Online MBA in Healthcare Management

Per Credit Cost: $1,004
Minimum Time: 12 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: 3+ Years
U.S. News & World Report recognized Ohio University on its lists of “Best Business Schools,” “Best Education Schools,” and ‘Best National Universities.” Ranked 3rd best MBA value as seen in Fortune.

✔ MBA in Marketing & Advertising

An MBA in marketing is becoming increasingly popular, as global competition in the business world requires the latest marketing and advertising acumen to stay on top. Your marketing MBA will teach you many skills that you can apply to most business leadership roles. Common career goals for MBA in marketing students include marketing management, operations management, sales force management and marketing channels strategies. Marketing managers will see 6% increase in job demand by 2029, and the median salary is $141,490.

Per Credit Cost: $627
Minimum Time: 15 Months
Accreditation: ACBSP + NEASC
Work Experience: None
This program will help you understand human behavior and create effective strategies for creating, building and managing brands. Curriculum in this program includes Promotions Management, Relationship Selling Strategies, Ethical and Legal Issues in Marketing, and Corporate Communications.
Per Credit Cost: $700
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: 1+ Year
Ranked among the top 20 Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report. Listed as one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes Magazine.

*Washington State University

Online MBA Marketing Concentration

Per Credit Cost: $750
Minimum Time: 24 Months
Accreditation: Yes
Work Experience: 7+ Years
Ranked among the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Designated as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. Our online MBA program can be completed in as few as 22 months and is delivered in a flexible, 100% online format, making it especially accommodating for those who will be balancing military, family and professional obligations with their academic responsibilities.

*Villanova University

Online Marketing & Advertising MBA

Per Credit Cost: $1,185
Minimum Time: 21 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: None
This online marketing MBA offers a fast track option that is a two year cohort program that allows you to continue to work full time yet complete the program in only 21 months. Take your courses along with a class of peers. Or, choose flex track option that will finish your degree in three years.

University of Kansas

Online MBA in Marketing & Advertising

Per Credit Cost: $606
Minimum Time: 16 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: 2+ Year
This is a 16 month MBA program in marketing that will provide you with the necessary skills to be a management of marketing and advertising leader. Consists of 50 credit hours, three semesters, and a summer of career exploration with a marketing and advertising internship. Also features case study learning and study abroad opportunities.

✔ MBA in Supply Chain Management

An MBA in supply chain management will prepare you for many exciting positions in the growing field of supply chain management or SCM. Companies all over the globe need to have excellent supply chain managers with solid operations skills. They need to be able to pay close attention to detail, but also be able to take a few steps back and see the larger picture. Strong supply chain managers help their organizations deliver products less expensively, faster, better and cheaper. This field will increase in demand 25% by 2029, and the median salary is $86,200.

*Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA (Supply Chain Concentration)

Per Credit Cost: $627
Minimum Time: 12+ Months
Accreditation: ACBSP
Work Experience: None
Learn the latest topics in the field, preparing you to make critical management decisions. Our knowledgeable faculty brings real-world expertise and applications to both operations management and supply chain management courses.

✔ MBA in Entrepreneurship

Many employers today are putting more of an emphasis on their business hires having entrepreneurial talents and skills. While many people who earn an MBA in entrepreneurship to start their own companies, earning this type of master’s degree will give you the skills to find revenue in difficult economic times. Earning this degree also will teach you how to handle many different areas of business and to be a team player. But an MBA is also very well suited to anybody interested in being the head of the next big start up or simply launching a small business of their own.

  1. *Online MBA Innovation EntrepreneurshipNortheastern University – Customize your Online MBA in Entrepreneurship. Ranked #4 for its Online MBA in the U.S. by the Financial Times. Accredited by AACSB International-the hallmark of excellence in management education.
  2. Online Entrepreneurship MBABall State University – Muncie, Indiana – The entrepreneurship program here has been ranked among the top in US News and World Report for years. Complete hands-on work in this program to teach you how to solve problems for your company and customers. Learn how to innovate and manage projects that you devise. Also learn how to manage great change and bring new solutions to market.
  3. Online Entrepreneurship MBAFayetteville State University – Fayetteville, Arkansas – This entrepreneurship MBA program is designed for experienced business professionals who seek hands on learning about how to most effectively run a thriving small business. The degree also is appropriate for those who wish to introduce leading entrepreneurial principles into their workplace.
  4. Online Entrepreneurship MBAUniversity of Florida –  Gainesville, Florida – This entrepreneurship MBA is ranked number 16 among public universities according to US News and World Report. It was one of the first programs to offer an online MBA that was fully accredited. It also is highly ranked by Financial Times, offering students a one year and two year online option. Students come from Fortune 500 companies, government and non profits.

✔ MBA in Operations Management

An MBA in operations management has become a very in demand degree as more organizations are trying to streamline their operations for maximum efficiency. This type of degree is focused on learning how to plan, organize and supervise production, manufacturing or how services are provisioned. An MBA in this field will focus largely on supply chain management and logistics principles. The field of operations management will grow by 25% by the end of 2029, which is much faster than average. The median salary is $86,200.

  1. *Online Operations Management MBAUniversity of Scranton – Scranton, Pennsylvania – This operations management MBA arms you with the analytical and problem solving tools that you need to be successful in a technology and IT intensive field. Courses are focused on supply chain management, production control and planning, and other vital subject areas in operations management. Ranked among the Top 10 Universities in the North and Top 20 Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
  2. Online Operations Management MBAUniversity of Alabama – Birmingham, Alabama – Earning your operations management MBA online will provide you with the credentials and the skills that you will need to provide effective oversight of people, resources, equipment and materials that businesses need to deliver goods and services. This program provides both an operations management and decision analytics track.
  3. Online Operations Management MBAUniversity of South Dakota – Vermillion, South Dakota – This online MBA program is ranked as one of the best programs according to US News and World Report. It also has been ranked as the #12 online MBA program according to Princeton Review. GetEducated.com has ranked it as the best affordable MBA as well.

✔ MBA in Leadership Management

A leadership management MBA teaches the business professional about how to develop and execute the most creative strategies for managing change in the fast paced business world today. Graduates of this type of MBA will know how to transcend routine decision making methods so that they can better capitalize on the latest, innovative business opportunities. This MBA specialty is also very useful for professionals who want to work in management consulting. This field will expand by 11% in the years leading up to 2029. The median salary is $87,660.

  1. Online Executive MBAHoward University – Washington, DC – This executive MBA has been ranked as the #1 school of business for minority students for 12 years in a row by the Princeton Review. This program is renowned for its offering its students a stellar management education in a highly dynamic and stimulating environment that prepares graduates to compete in the global economy.
  2. Online Executive MBAGeorge Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia – For professionals who have worked for years in business management, this online MBA is designed with the flexibility and strength that most experienced business executives need. This is a 20 month MBA program that is focused on global, national security and infrastructure protection that allows you to finish the degree in two years.
  3. Online Executive MBAUniversity of Nevada – Reno, Nevada – This program has been ranked as one of the top online business programs according to both the Princeton Review and US News and World Report. It is a 12 course curriculum that is being offered as a two year, full time cohort program. This means that you will take your classes live with your fellow students. This provides a highly stimulative learning environment and excellent networking.

✔ MBA in Information Security

This MBA specializes in teaching you skills and technology to maintain the privacy of company and/or client information. You will be required to take classes in disaster recovery, network security, forensics, and IT governance. This type of graduate degree will teach you how to best protect personal information and sensitive material from being hacked and getting into the hands of criminals. Much of this MBA program will be about increasing your knowledge of technology and computers and the most current cybersecurity measures. Many professionals in this field will work as a type of computer and information systems manager. This field will see strong growth in the coming years at 10% by 2029. The median salary is $151,150.

  1. *Online MBA in CybersecurityFlorida Tech University Online – Ranked by Forbes among America’s Best Colleges + Ranked a Tier 1 Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. Gain specialized knowledge regarding the interconnections between security solutions and the enterprise, security-related aspects of host-based computer security, as well as secure networks and communications.
  2. Online Information Systems MBAStevens Institute of Technology – Hoboken, New Jersey – This prestigious online MBA in information systems is only a few minutes from downtown New York City. This university has been ranked #11 in the US by Princeton University for colleges that pay you back. It also has been ranked as #12 in the nation for colleges that pay you back over 20 years, according to Payscale.com.
  3. Online Information Systems MBACameron University – Lawson, Oklahoma – This online MBA is made for working professionals in information systems to finish in two years. It consists of 33 credit hour that will give you the skills needed to enjoy a successful information systems career. Core courses include Applied Business Statistics, Managerial Finance, Accounting for Management, and Applied Business Strategy.
  4. Online Information Systems MBADallas Baptist University –  Dallas, Texas – This MBA will prepare you for a visionary and exciting career in information systems, so that you can enjoy maximum success in a global business environment. This MBA features a highly experienced team of educators and practitioners who are dedicated to helping you to grow into the best information systems professional that you can be.

✔ MBA in Big Data Analytics

With the growing importance of big data and business analytics, businesses require smart, experienced managers who have a good grasp of how to handle and interpret massive amounts of data. An MBA in big data analytics is critical because  you will understand how to sort, collect and understand the implications of large amounts. This degree program will then allow you to grasp how you can leverage the data to meet your company’s strategic goals. The field for financial analysts with this degree is strong, with 5% increase in demand anticipated by 2029, and a median salary of $83,660.

*Southern New Hampshire University

Online MBA in Business Intelligence

Per Credit Cost: $627
Minimum Time: 15 Months
Accreditation: NEASC
Work Experience: None
This program will help develop you into a savvy leader with an enterprise wide perspective on data. It will teach you to analyze patterns, put them into context, and draw a direct line between information and results.

*Abilene Christian University

Online MBA in Data Analytics

Per Credit Cost: $1,658
Minimum Time: 21 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: None
Listed as one of America’s Best Colleges by Forbes Magazine. Gain a solid understanding of data’s impact on corporate decision-making and innovation while also considering the role of faith and ethics in every stage of the process. Be a part—request more information.

*Villanova University School of Business

Online MBA (Analytics Concentration)

Per Credit Cost: $1,185
Minimum Time: 21 Months
Accreditation: AACSB
Work Experience: None
Ranked #1 on the list of Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News and World Report. Ranked #1 on the list of Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report. Choose the top ranked Villanova MBA and you can do more than expand your essential business knowledge. You can cultivate the professional acumen and ethical decision-making skills to become a responsible and respected leader within your organization and community.

✔ MBA in International Business

One of the most rapidly growing MBA specialties currently is the international business MBA. A strong MBA in this discipline will prepare you to compete in a highly global world of business. These programs will provide you with complete business management training from an international perspective. Typically these programs cover complex economic, financial and management challenges of doing business abroad. International business management analysts will see 11% rise in job demand by 2029; median salary is $87,660

  1. *Online MBA International Business Concentration – Washington State University – Ranked among the Best National Universities in 2015 by U.S. News & World Report. Designated as a Military Friendly School by Victory Media. Our online MBA program can be completed in as few as 22 months and is delivered in a flexible, 100% online format, making it especially accommodating for those who will be balancing military, family and professional obligations with their academic responsibilities.
  2. Online International Business MBAUniversity of North Dakota –  Grand Forks, North Dakota – This affordable, online MBA in international business will provide you with the business management skills in planning, organizing, and operating an international business enterprise. Ranked #1 by TopManagementDegrees.com as most affordable online MBA program.
  3. Online International Business MBAUniversity of Wisconsin Oshkosh –  Oshkosh, Wisconsin – This international business MBA can be completed by meeting each Saturday and finishing in 16 months, or by taking classes online and part time in the evenings. Work with a group of 25-30 colleagues who work in your business area. You also can participate in international study tours of 10-12 days that offer an insider look at international companies.
  4. Online International Business MBAUniversity of Michigan Dearborn – Dearborn, Michigan – This international MBA program is ranked #5 in the US for admissions selectivity by US News and World Report; #1 in Michigan online MBA programs; #2 in Michigan part time MBA programs; and #68 overall for online MBA programs according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

What Makes a Great Online MBA Program

Students and professionals who choose to earn an online MBA need to ensure that they are investing in a high quality program. It is important that the MBA program provides you with an excellent business management education so that you can improve your career prospects.

To ensure that you choose a good online MBA program, experts recommend looking at the below factors:

Affordability

Whether or not going to MBA school is worth it depends in part upon what the degree costs and what your starting and mid-career salary will be. While most professionals who attended MBA school state that they think it was worth it, the financial value of the degree varies tremendously from place to place.

In some MBA programs, the average business graduate will have more student loan debt than their starting salary. On the other hand, there also are online MBA programs where one’s starting salary is much higher than the MBA student debt load.

One of the interesting aspects of MBA affordability is that some of the best-known MBA schools may have a very high debt-to-income ratio. Meanwhile, schools that are not as well known may turn out to be excellent choices in terms of total debt compared to starting salary after graduation.

U.S. News and World Report recently had a report that showed the top 10 schools where salaries often dwarfed the debt load graduates had.

Accreditation

It is important to select an online MBA program that has been accredited by a highly respected education accreditation organization. Accreditation organizations look closely at business programs to determine if they meet a high level of academic quality.

In business education at the bachelor’s and master’s level, the primary and best-known accreditation agency is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB. This organization was begun in 1916, and is the oldest business education accreditation agency. It is recommended that when possible to attend an online MBA program that has been accredited by the AACSB.

Faculty

A high quality faculty also is critical for online MBA programs. Students should prefer faculty who are very well educated and experienced in the business management field. A large number of instructors should preferably possess a Ph.D. in business or a related field. They also should have extensive, successful work experience in the business world.

It is advised that students should beware of an online MBA program where the teachers are more like course managers than actually are teaching the business class.

Students also should expect that the instructors are experienced in teaching online courses; they should be mostly the same instructors that are teaching the business program on campus.

Many good online MBA programs make very strong efforts to ensure that all instructors are properly trained so that they use all of the available technology and tools to teach online MBA students.

After you find a program that is of interest, conduct some research about the professional and educational backgrounds of the professors you may have in the MBA program.

Curriculum

A high quality, online MBA program should have the identical business curriculum as the campus-based program. It should have the same types of assignments, readings, projects, papers, research and activities. While the manner of delivery for the material will differ, the material should be substantially the same.

Students should not be under the impression that an online MBA is less work. It may in fact require more effort from the student because the entire learning process is up to the drive and discipline of the individual.

You may verify if the online MBA program has the same curriculum quite easily. Simply review the required courses for the school’s online and campus-based MBA programs to see if the material is the same. You also may inquire with the director of the MBA program to see if the same curriculum is used for the online and campus MBA.

Program Ranking

Each year, major publications and websites release lists of top-performing MBA programs. These lists include both online and on campus programs, as well as MBA programs in specific specialities.

These rankings are intended to demonstrate how MBA programs compare to each other in terms of curriculum, cost, quality of instructors, peer reputation and diversity of the student body.

Each publication will use its own specific formula or methodology to determine what rank it assigns a particular MBA program. Common factors used to determine rankings include:

  • Admissions selectivity
  • Faculty quality
  • Instruction methods
  • Technology use
  • Satisfaction of past students
  • Employment results
  • Debt load at graduation

No student should choose an online MBA just by the ranking, but it is a helpful tool to consider. Top ranking publications include The Princeton Review and US New and World Report.

Research that is focused on the above factors will help you to choose the ideal online MBA program. As you review various online MBA options, make sure to review the above attributes so that you can make the best choice for your business career.

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Here is a summary of the MBA programs listed above by affordability:

MBA ProgramPer Credit CostAACSBMin TimeWork ExperienceGPA
University of Maryland at College Park$1,658Yes21 MonthsNone2.8
Howard University$1,488Yes18 Months7+ years3.0
Northeastern University$1,467Yes24 Months5+ years3.0
Stevens Institute of Technology$1,450Yes18 Months2+ years3.2
University of Florida$1,244Yes27 Months2+ Years3.0
Villanova University$1,185Yes21 MonthsNone3.0
George Mason University$1,181Yes18 months2+ years3.2
University of Michigan Dearborn$1,158Yes24 MonthsNone3.0
Ohio University$1,004Yes12 Months3+ Years3.0
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh$965Yes24 MonthsNone2.2
University of Scranton$887Yes24 MonthsSome3.0
University of Nevada$833Yes24 Months2+ years2.75
Ball State University$756Yes24 MonthsNone2.75
Washington State University$750Yes24 months7+ Years3.0
Dallas Baptist University$747Yes24 Months5+ years3.0
Abilene Christian University$700Yes24 Months1+ year3.0
Southern New Hampshire University$627No12 MonthsNone3.5
University of Kansas$606Yes16 Months2+ years3.0
University of Saint Mary$595No12 MonthsNone2.75
Grand Canyon University$560No24 monthsSome2.8
Liberty University$540No24 MonthsSome3.0
University of South Dakota$442Yes24 MonthsNone2.7
Fayetteville State University$413Yes12 MonthsNone2.75
Western Governors University$382No24 MonthsSomeN/A
University of Alabama$367No21 MonthsNone2.75
Cameron University$365No24 NonthsNone3.5
Emporia University$318Yes18 MonthsSome2.75
West Texas A&M University$318Yes18 MonthsSome3.0

References

May 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market information for Accountants and Auditors, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Marketing Managers, Operations Managers, Market Research Analysts, Management Analysts, Top Executives, Medical and Health Services Managers, and Financial Analysts based on national data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2021.