Compiled and Written By TopManagementDegrees.com Staff
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2020
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects managerial occupations to experience a 7% growth in employment from 2018-2028. With more than 700,000 new jobs potentially available, individuals who seek to advance into leadership roles may consider pursuing an MBA. With a focus on business and management, MBA programs benefit professionals across industries. The degree advances knowledge and skills related to finance, accounting, and marketing, while also fostering leadership and managerial abilities.
MBA degrees vary in curricula, format, and affordability. Students interested in earning an MBA should investigate which programs best meet their personal and professional goals. Rankings such as those below provide insight into what individual programs have to offer.
Recommended Online MBA Programs
The 10 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
| 2 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA |
| 3 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ |
| 4 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA |
| 5 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA |
| 6 | Boston University | Boston, MA |
| 7 | Creighton University | Omaha, NE |
| 8 | University of North Carolina at Chapel HilL | Chapel Hill, NC |
| 9 | Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia, PA |
| 10 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA |
Top Affordable MBA Programs and Schools for 2020
#1 Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
Established in 1876, Johns Hopkins honors the mission of its benefactor, philanthropist Johns Hopkins, serving as a world leader in teaching, research, and scholarship. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins enrolls more than 24,000 students annually, offering undergraduate and graduate programs through nine academic divisions.
The online MBA program at Johns Hopkins includes 54 credit hours of coursework, which learners can complete in less than three years. The comprehensive curriculum blends lecture and project-based coursework, with minimal residency requirements to meet the needs of working professionals.
Thirty credit hours of business foundations courses emphasize leadership, decision-making, and analytics, while concentration classes allow learners to focus on business in specific contexts. Specialization areas include healthcare management, marketing, interdisciplinary business, and entrepreneurship. Students can also concentrate their degrees in financial business and leading organizations.
Applicants submit transcripts, a resume, formal essays, a letter of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores for consideration.
Average Net Price: $27,868
#2 University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA
Established in 1880, USC provides undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 4,000 enrollees. USC's online MBA program, provided through the Marshall School of Business, blends synchronous and asynchronous coursework.
The 51-credit-hour curriculum begins with a one-week, on-campus residency, followed by coursework in business fundamentals during the first semester. The second semester explores managing external resources, while the third semester focuses on internal organizational processes, policies, and practices.
During their fourth semester, students learn to identify and facilitate business opportunities. The final semester emphasizes business leadership strategies.
Admission requires an undergraduate degree and at least two years' work experience. Candidates submit transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Average Net Price: $36,161
#3 Stevens Institute of Technology – Hoboken, NJ
Stevens, endowed by its namesake Edwin A. Stevens, began offering engineering programs in 1870. Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens now houses four academic schools and colleges, providing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and science, systems thinking, business, and the humanities.
The online MBA at Stevens integrates business and technology content. Students explore finance, management, analytics, and leadership through a technological perspective. Through elective coursework, learners can customize the curriculum to meet their professional goals. Degree concentrations include corporate innovation, finance, information systems, and project management.
For the culminating capstone requirement, degree-seekers can choose to complete a practicum, field consulting program, or a high-intensity, business simulation technology management integration activity.
Learners can graduate in 18 months. Applicants to the 39-credit-hour program submit transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. Candidates also undergo an admission interview.
Average Net Price: $39,862
#4 Villanova University – Villanova, PA
Established by the Order Of Saint Augustine in 1842, Villanova houses six academic colleges on its Villanova, Pennsylvania, campus. Home to more than 11,000 students, Villanova stays true to its origins, emphasizing the Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition throughout its educational community.
Villanova's online MBA program allows learners to focus on finance, marketing, or analytics. Additional specializations include strategic management and international business. Students can complete the 48-credit-hour program in two years.
Functional core courses emphasize performance measurement, business operations, and team leadership. Business pillar classes cover information technology, innovation and creativity, and ethical business practices. The capstone requirement allows students to synthesize degree content with practicum and immersion activities.
Additional requirements include two weekend residencies. To apply, degree-seekers submit a resume, two essays, two letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores.
Average Net Price: $36,958
#5 Lehigh University – Bethlehem, PA
Located on land donated by founder Asa Packer, Lehigh occupies a main campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Established in 1865, Lehigh offers its nearly 7,000 enrollees a 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio across about 200 academic programs.
Lehigh's online MBA emphasizes leadership, ethical and social responsibility, and decision-making essentials. Students explore extensive and inclusive thinking and communication as they build a comprehensive understanding of domestic and global business.
At the beginning of the 36-credit-hour program, learners attend an on-campus orientation. The final capstone course reunites students during a culminating residency requirement.
Core courses include financial and physical resource management, financial reporting, and statistics for business and industry. Degree-seekers can choose from specializations in international business, supply chain management, project management, and corporate entrepreneurship.
To apply, individuals submit resumes reflecting at least two years of professional experience. They must also provide GMAT or GRE scores, an essay, and three letters of recommendation.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $26,782
#6 Boston University – Boston, MA
BU received its university charter in 1869, built upon the foundations of a Methodist biblical institute previously located in Vermont and New Hampshire. The nonsectarian institution now enrolls more than 35,000 students, offering over 300 academic programs from three campuses in Boston, Massachusetts.
BU's online MBA program includes 45 credit hours of coursework. Students complete six semester modules, taking modules one through three in sequence and the remaining requirements in any order. Each week, degree-seekers participate in one two- to three-hour synchronous session.
Before beginning their first module, learners participate in an online orientation and introduction course. Module one of the business administration curriculum focuses on creating value for business and society, while the second module emphasizes managing performance with data. After module three on leading with integrity, students complete additional modules in managing risk, leveraging global opportunities, and fostering an innovative mindset.
To apply, individuals submit one written essay, one letter of recommendation, a resume, and GRE or GMAT scores.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $29,154
#7 Creighton University – Omaha, NE
One of 27 Jesuit institutions of higher education in the United States, Creighton traces its origins to 1878. Dedicated to its heritage, Creighton offers undergraduate and graduate programs infused with Catholic values and traditions to nearly 9,000 students each year.
The online MBA at Creighton includes 33 credit hours of core, functional, and concentration coursework. The MBA core emphasizes leadership and organizational behavior, business policy and managerial action, and business intelligence and analytics. Functional classes focus on financial reporting, economic analysis, and managerial finance.
Students can pursue specializations in areas including leadership, personal financial planning, financial psychology, and behavior finance. Additional concentration areas include finance, business intelligence and analytics, and accounting.
Applicants must hold bachelor's degrees with a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply. Individuals without prerequisite statistics coursework may need to complete a noncredit tutorial. Application materials include two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $31,317
#8 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, NC
The first and only public university in the United States to award degrees in the 18th century, UNC-Chapel Hill enrolls more than 30,000 students annually. Established in 1789, the school is one of 17 institutions within the University of Carolina System.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers an online MBA through its Kenan-Flagler Business School. Students participate in two in-person summits in addition to core and elective or concentration coursework.
Most degree-seekers complete the online MBA program in 18-36 months. Core courses enhance understanding of business communication and strategy, analytical tools for decision-making, strategic economics, and leadership in business.
Students can choose from more than 25 elective options. They can also pursue concentrations in finance, strategy and consulting, or data analytics and decision-making. Additional specializations include entrepreneurship and marketing.
Applicants provide a resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores before taking part in a personal interview conducted by webcam.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $11,649
#9 Saint Joseph's University – Philadelphia, PA
Steeped in Jesuit Catholic heritage, SJU's campus sits in Philadelphia and Lower Merion, Pennsylvania. Established in 1851, SJU houses three academic schools and colleges, providing more than 130 undergraduate and graduate programs.
SJU's online MBA includes 33-53 credit hours of coursework. Full-time students can complete the online MBA program in 1-2 years, while part-time learners can earn the degree in 2-3 years.
Gateway, foundation, and core coursework accompany classes from eight possible degree paths. Learners can earn a general MBA or specialize in marketing, leading, international business, or health and medical services administration. Additional concentrations include business intelligence, real estate, and finance.
Applicants submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement for considerations. SJU may waive GRE or GMAT score requirements depending on applicants' academic performance, professional work experience, professional licensure, and previously earned graduate degrees.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $35,344
#10 Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, PA
CMU began as a technical institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1900. Named for its benefactor Andrew Carnegie, CMU now provides undergraduate and graduate programs through seven academic schools and colleges.
Offered through CMU's Tepper School of Business, the online MBA program combines synchronous and asynchronous courses. Between semesters, cohorts participate in weekend residencies to interact with faculty, classmates, and industry professionals.
The online MBA emphasizes analytics, leadership development, and strategic decision-making through core, concentration, degree track, and capstone courses. Learners can choose from 12 concentrations, with optional internships woven into the curriculum.
Capstones serve as immersive experiences, allowing degree-seekers to put theory into practice through management simulations, real-world consulting, or study abroad opportunities.
Application materials include GMAT or GRE scores, a resume, one professional recommendation, and one essay.
Average Net Price: $30,847
#11 Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA
Born out of the vision of financier Anthony J. Drexel, his namesake university began as an institute of art, science, and industry in 1891. Drexel grew to house 15 academic schools and colleges, with a main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Drexel's online MBA, offered through the LeBow College of Business, includes required courses in leadership in dynamic environments, financial reporting, business problem-solving, and statistics for business analytics.
Students can choose from concentrations in business analytics, finance, or marketing. All degree-seekers participate in two intensive residencies. They can also take part in an optional international experience.
Applicants provide transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay alongside GMAT scores.
Average Net Price: $36,727/strong>
#12 George Washington University – Washington, DC
Chartered by an act of Congress in 1821, GW provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs from three campuses in the Washington, D.C., area. With 14 academic schools and colleges, GW serves more than 26,000 enrollees each year.
GW's online MBA includes 55.5 credit hours of coursework. Degree-seekers participate in weekly live classroom sessions. Core classes include decision-making and data analysis, microeconomics for the world economy, and organizations and managing human capital. Students take 27 credit hours of elective coursework, which they can use to pursue up to two 12-credit concentrations.
To apply, candidates submit one recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants with seven or more years of professional work experience may receive GRE or GMAT waivers.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $39,600
#13 Purdue University – Main Campus – West Lafayette, IN
Based in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue began offering classes in 1874. The flagship institution of the Purdue University System, Purdue provides more than 250 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through 13 academic schools and colleges.
Offered through the Krannert School of Management, Purdue's online MBA includes 48 credit hours of foundation, core, and specialization coursework. Foundation classes emphasize business analytics, strategic design-making, accounting, and economics, while core courses build managerial and leadership skills applicable across industries.
Degree-seekers choose from specializations in business analytics; innovation and technology commercialization; and leadership, negotiation, and change management. During the second half of this two-year program, learners take part in an experiential project course and a capstone simulation.
To apply, individuals submit one required essay, one optional essay, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts from previous college coursework.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $11,898
#14 Rice University – Houston, TX
Boasting a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Rice occupies a 300-acre campus in Houston, Texas. Chartered by William Marsh Rice in 1891, Rice houses 11 residential colleges and eight academic schools.
The 54-credit online MBA blends live, weekly virtual classes with online assignments, simulations, and collaborative projects. Students participate in intensive learning and global field experiences, hosted on Rice's campus and in locations around the world.
Core coursework emphasizes functional business knowledge and business schools. Students can pursue optional concentrations in corporate finance, corporate strategy, investment management, or marketing.
Application materials include essays and GRE or GMAT scores. Candidates participate in a virtual interview as well.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $23,202
#15 University of Virginia – Main Campus – Charlottesville, VA
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, UVA houses 12 academic schools on its main Charlottesville, Virginia, campus. UVA enrolls nearly 25,000 students annually, with an additional 2,000 enrollees at its Wise, Virginia, location.
The executive MBA at UVA integrates online coursework with weekend, global, and leadership residencies. The core curriculum includes coursework in business ethics, decision analysis, global economies and markets, and strategic thinking and action.
Monthly weekend residencies bring learners to campus to interact with peers and faculty, while online interaction through shared screens, real-time questions and comments, and conference call discussions facilitate continued engagement.
Candidates must submit a resume, transcripts, one recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $17,845
#16 North Carolina State University at Raleigh – Raleigh, NC
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, NC State provides more than 300 academic degrees to over 36,000 students annually. Learners can complete NC State's professional online MBA degree in as few as 21 months. The degree combines online content with two required three-day residencies throughout the program.
Nineteen credit hours of core coursework emphasize finance and markets, analyzing the value chain, and managing the organization. Learners complete additional quantitative classes alongside elective or concentration courses.
Emphasis areas allow degree-seekers to focus their studies in biosciences management, financial management, innovation management, or marketing management. Additional specializations include supply chain management and technology entrepreneurship and commercialization.
Applicants submit a personal statement, essays, two recommendations, and GMAT or GRE scores for consideration. Candidates also take part in an admission interview.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $14,771
#17 College of William and Mary – Williamsburg, VA
Chartered in 1693, W&M holds distinction as the second-oldest higher learning institution in the United States. Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, W&M also offers academic programs at locations in Gloucester Point and Washington, D.C., and online.
W&M's online MBA includes 49 credit hours of coursework. During the first year of the two-year curriculum, learners study financial and managerial accounting, business analytics, organizational behavior, and global managerial economics. The second year emphasizes leadership, integrated technology, and strategy.
A revolutionary leader practicum serves as a supervised business workshop during which learners provide detailed problem-solving actions to a project of their choosing. The curriculum also allows degree-seekers to pursue an optional business analytics certificate.
To apply, individuals must hold bachelor's degrees from regionally accredited institutions, plus at least two years of professional work experience. Application materials include a resume, two personal essays, and two letters of recommendation.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $15,622
#18 Bentley University – Waltham, MA
Initially an accounting school, Bentley bears the name of its founder, Harry C. Bentley. Established in 1917, Bentley remains true to its business-oriented heritage, now providing undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 5,300 students.
Bentley's accelerated online MBA features foundation courses in managerial statistics, economics, accounting, and financial analysis. The MBA core emphasizes strategic information technology, responsible leadership, global strategy, and business process management.
Degree-seekers can choose four elective courses to earn a general MBA or complete one of the program's eight concentrations in areas such as information systems and technology, law and taxation, business analytics, or leadership. Learners can complete the degree in as little as 18 months.
Applicants may receive waivers for foundation coursework based on previous educational performance. The program also offers an optional international global skills trip.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $38,270
#19 University of Scranton – Scranton, PA
A Jesuit institution located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Scranton infuses Catholic faith and tradition into its undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded in 1888, Scranton enrolls nearly 5,000 students each year.
Scranton's 36-credit-hour online MBA includes a general curriculum, with optional specializations in accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource-planning, and finance. Learners can also concentrate their degrees in healthcare management, human resources, international business, or operations management.
Scranton's MBA core covers decision-making concepts and tools, accounting analysis and business law, economics and finance, and management and marketing. Cornerstone and capstone requirements bookend the curriculum, introducing learners to responsibility, sustainability, and justice. Learners synthesize degree content through a strategic business policy project.
Applicants must hold at least three years of relevant work experience and a regionally accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $36,725
#20 University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL
Established in Coral Gables, Florida, in 1925, UM hosts 11 academic schools and colleges. The online professional MBA at UM includes 42 credit hours, which students can complete in 24-28 months.
Degree-seekers can optionally specialize in corporate finance or financial decision-making, in which case they complete 47 credit hours of coursework. Accounting practice MBA learners complete a 51-credit-hour curriculum.
UM's MBA core examines marketing management, finance and accounting, and economic theory. The university's online MBA incorporates an optional week-long residency, during which learners take accelerated coursework.
Applicants submit transcripts, two professional recommendations, a resume, and a personal statement alongside GMAT scores. Individuals with appropriate academic and professional experience may receive GMAT waivers.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $43,305
#21 Molloy College – Rockville Centre, NY
Founded by the Sisters of St. Dominic in 1955, Molloy offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs infused with Catholic faith and ideals. Located in Rockville, New York, Molloy enrolls roughly 5,000 students annually.
Molloy's online MBA includes 33-36 credit hours of coursework, which learners can complete in as little as one year. Learners pursuing specializations in finance, marketing, or management take 33 credit hours, while healthcare MBA students complete a 36-credit-hour curriculum.
The MBA core integrates classes in marketing and management, strategic perspectives, and financial statement analysis. A culminating capstone requirement asks students to work in teams, developing solution-driven business ideas, products, processes, or services in consultation with local business partners.
To apply, individuals submit essays, transcripts reflecting a minimum 3.0 GPA from previous college coursework, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Applicants interview with the graduate associate dean, as well.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $29,1891
#22 Santa Clara University – Santa Clara, CA
From its 106-acre campus in Santa Clara, California, SCU enrolls 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. With a long Jesuit heritage, SCU offers more than 50 academic programs that emphasize Catholic faith and educational excellence.
SCU's online MBA program integrates 42 credit hours of core content with 26 credit hours of elective coursework. The MBA core includes classes in economics, marketing strategies, leading strategic change, and analytical decision-making.
The flexibility of SCU's online MBA allows students to customize their degrees to meet personal and professional goals. Learners can choose from electives in real estate finance, global business perspectives, social benefit entrepreneurship, and new product development.
Degree-seekers participate in live video and audio activities to interact with classmates and faculty. Applicants must hold bachelor's degrees, plus three or more years of professional work experience. Application materials include three essays, two letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, and a resume.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $41,545
#23 Xavier University – Cincinnati, OH
With more than 130 academic programs and roughly 6,500 students, Xavier emphasizes Catholic values alongside academic rigor. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the school is the fourth-oldest Jesuit-based higher learning institution in the United States.
The online MBA at Xavier includes 39-45 credit hours of coursework. Foundation courses in financial accounting and business statistics precede a 27-credit-hour MBA core. Core classes explore managerial economics, business information systems, strategy and organizations, and operational analysis.
Nine credit hours of elective courses allow students to customize their programs in anticipation of a global strategic-thinking capstone requirement. Learners may participate in a global immersion trip, as well.
Applicants submit transcripts from previous college coursework, plus a resume and GMAT or GRE scores. They may also provide optional letters of recommendation and essays.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $31,240
#24 University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
A member of the State University system of Florida, UF enrolls more than 56,000 students through 16 academic colleges. UF's online MBA includes one-year and two-year tracks.
The one-year online MBA is available to individuals with undergraduate degrees in business. The 24-month program integrates business fundamental, core, and advanced coursework for students with or without previous business coursework.
The one-year online MBA program includes 32 credit hours of coursework in operations management, professional writing, entrepreneurship and venture finance, and economics and organizations. The 48-credit-hour, two-year online MBA integrates additional classes in financial and managerial accounting, statistics, and economics of business decisions.
All learners participate in an on-campus residency requirement. Applicants to both programs need two years of work experience and an undergraduate degree. Application materials include two recommendations, written essays, and transcripts.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $11,313
#25 Drake University – Des Moines, IA
Named for Civil War General Francis Marion Drake, Drake University began offering academic programs in 1881. The university hosts more than 4,800 undergraduate and graduate students at its main campus in Des Moines, Iowa, and online.
The online MBA at Drake combines foundation, core, and elective classes with professional development seminars. Students can complete the 39-credit-hour curriculum in two years.
Foundation courses in corporate governance and data-based decision-making precede core coursework in financial reporting, customer value and marketing, information technology, and leadership and human capital development. Elective classes allow degree-seekers to pursue optional specializations in healthcare or business analytics.
Professional development seminars emphasize interaction, communication, and global awareness through collaborative activities and weekend sessions. Applicants submit a resume, an essay, two professional recommendations, and GRE or GMAT scores for consideration.
Avg. Net Price of Program: $29,511
What Can You Do with an MBA?
The knowledge and skills gained in an MBA program transcend industrial boundaries. MBAs explore fundamental business expertise, theories, and practice that benefit individuals in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and government. Many MBA programs offer specializations focused on specific subsets of the field. Degree concentrations include supply chain management, entrepreneurship, sports management, and marketing.
Entry-level professionals can earn an MBA in order to advance within their current company or organization. Financial analysts, for example, earned an annual median salary exceeding $85,600 as of 2018, according to the BLS, while their managerial counterparts earned almost $128,000.
MBAs also provide opportunities for learners transitioning from one industry to another. Above-average growth rates in financial management, medical and health service management, and computer and information systems management bode well for students entering these professions.
MBA programs cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills. Learners develop the ability to work collectively while applying strategic and creative techniques for success. MBA students also sharpen their public speaking abilities, enhance their verbal communication techniques, and hone nonverbal communication skills. Additionally, MBA programs promote clarity and conciseness in written communication.
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What Do the Best Affordable MBA Programs Have in Common?
MBA programs vary in specific courses, format, and cost, but their core objective remains relatively consistent. MBAs build expertise in business fundamentals while preparing learners to excel as leaders. Core courses in MBA programs emphasize topics such as finance, accounting, and human resource management. Students may concentrate their program in a specific field, such as healthcare, information technology, or supply chain management.
Traditional MBA degrees feature 30-45 credit hours of coursework. Full-time learners typically earn their degree in two years. Hybrid programs blend online coursework with face-to-face interactions, bringing students together on the weekends or at scheduled times throughout the year.
Ideal for working professionals who want to complete coursework while building personal networks, hybrid and online MBAs allow students to earn their degree while working full time. Some online programs also let students take classes on an accelerated schedule, which enables them to earn their MBA in 12-18 months. Part-time students can complete their degree in 3-5 years.
MBA programs create opportunities for learners to advance their professional credentials. Managerial coursework prepares students to complete certifications offered through organizations such as the Project Management Institute or the Society for Human Resource Management..
How Long Does It Take to Get an MBA?
MBA programs include 30-45 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete coursework in two years, often completing a research thesis or comprehensive project in the process. Online MBA programs may include accelerated options for learners. By taking additional classes each semester or in eight-week sessions, students can earn their MBA in 12-18 months. Part-time students can take their courses at a slower pace, completing their degree in 3-5 years.
MBA learners may participate in an internship or practicum. They can often do so at their current place of work, blending education and practice. Many MBA programs require students to complete a final project, either independently or with a group. Programs with research components may result in a thesis, for which learners present findings based on data related to a concept or topic within a specific industry. Such experiences may lengthen time to completion, depending on learners' schedules.
Rankings Methodology
This ranking is designed to find the best and most affordable online Master's of Business Administration degrees available. A list of over 470 schools was obtained and evaluated first on their MBA program's distance format. Then each program was vetted based on their accreditation. Accreditation directly affects a degree's value and program brand recognition, and thus the competitive advantage of each alumni in the job market. Every program included in this ranking is regionally accredited by one of the six accrediting agencies recognized by the US Department of Education, and additionally holds an accreditation by one of the top three business school accrediting institutions: IACBE, ACBSP, and AACSB-International. Then the ranking order is 100% reliant upon the estimated tuition cost of the program. The tuition information was gathered from the most recent data available on each online MBA program or school website. This financial data was calculated for the entirety of the degree, but does not included fees, books, or room and board, with the exception of programs that only offer all-inclusive figures. In the event that a school offers a lower in-state tuition cost, the in-state pricing was used. The average tuition cost from this affordability ranking is $10,239.
Professional Organizations in Business Management and Administration
Professional organizations in business management and administration provide networking, educational, and information resources to students and practitioners alike. Business management and administration organizations offer advocacy opportunities, research updates, and information on trends in the field.
Groups that specialize in subsets of business — such as finance, accounting, and human resources — bring together like-minded individuals to collaborate and exchange ideas.
American Management Association
AMA offers training and certificate programs in management and supervision, project management, and communication. Resources include articles, webcasts, updates on trending topics, and an extensive online library. Members gain access to exclusive seminars, publications, and discounts on events.
American Finance Association
The AFA is an academic organization focused on the study and promotion of financial economics. It holds annual meetings and publishes a journal. Members benefit from additional resources such as a job board, financial directory, textbooks, and access to an ombudsperson.
American Accounting Association
As the largest group of accountants in academia, AAA strives to build on established practices and advance scholarship, education, and approaches to accounting. Member benefits include access to a digital library, a career center, and discounts on events and continuing education programs.
Society for Human Resource Management
SHRM focuses on fostering workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. More than 300,000 members in 165 countries worldwide enjoy access to an exclusive online community; templates and samples for common policies, forms, and presentations; and human resource advising. SHRM also provides educational resources, industry certifications, and events to bring together human resource students and practitioners.
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
Dedicated to supporting healthcare administrators in matters such as reimbursement, admission and registration, and patient records, AAHAM provides scholarships, awards programs, and educational resources to its members. Additional member benefits include access to the AAHAM directory, publication subscriptions, and event discounts.