There are many factors to consider when researching the best fit for an online Master’s of Business Administration program. While some programs require students to travel to a brick and mortar campus to begin the coursework, others may require a monthly onsite cohort-based project. These specifics of a degree make a difference on the over-all price the students will pay over the year to three years most programs take to complete. Many graduate programs rise and fall on attributes like the business school’s reputation, recognitions awarded by esteemed national ranking entities, program formats and delivery modules. It is not always easy to know what business schools will look more impressive than others in a highly competitive global business market.
What Makes an Online MBA a Good Value?
Online education has given students across the globe instant access to robust curriculums and respectable staffs of instructors. But with so many colleges and universities of varying sizes and academic qualifications at our fingertips it can become almost dizzying to consider how to rank one over another. Since the beginning, one of the most popular and practical components of an online MBA to consider is overall tuition cost. However, how can one know if a low-budget program will result in a valuable education with a solid pool of networking relationships and a favorable resume builder? Does spending more on a higher education always translate into a solid return on the investment? What kind of salary can one choosing an affordable MBA look forward to?
Ranking Best Value Online MBA Programs
With these questions in mind, we have put together a comprehensive ranking of the very best-value online Master’s of Business Administration offered by some of the finest business and management schools in the nation. By combining the factors of accreditation, program length, tuition rates, and return on the investment with graduates’ average early career salaries, we have been able to stack programs up to each other and provide those researching a best-value online MBA the very best these schools have to offer.
For more information about other online MBA programs, check out our article on the top MBA specializations and explore our other Online MBA Rankings.
Ranking Methodology
This ranking highlights the top Online MBA degrees that offer the most value. A list of almost 450 online MBA programs was obtained and then vetted based three factors:
Accreditation: Accreditation should always plays a major part in vetting future degrees. Accreditation directly affects value and program brand recognition, which in turn affects the competitive advantage of each alumni in the job market. Every program included in this best value ranking is regionally accredited by one of the six accrediting agencies recognized by the US Department of Education, as well as accredited by one of the top three business school accrediting institutions: IACBE, ACBSP, and AACSB-International.
Estimated Tuition Cost: Each MBA was ultimately ranked on the estimated total base tuition of the program, giving the cost of investment in an ROI equation. The tuition information was gathered from the most recent data available on each MBA program or school website. The lowest tuition on the list is $7,740.00, the highest came in at $33,759, with the average resting at $19,152.09.
PayScale Early Career Salary: This data is collected from the 2016-17 PayScale College Salary Report. This figure fills in as the gain from investment in the ROI equation. The highest early career salary reported in this ranking is $88,000, the lowest came in at $41,500, with the average resting at $57,250.
Each program was ranked based on their Return on Investment. By calculating the ROI, prospective students can quantitatively calculate the Online MBA programs with the best value. Here is our list of the Top 50 Best Value Online MBA Degrees.
#50 Saint Joseph’s University Erivan K. Haub School of Business – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in General Business, Business Intelligence, Finance, International Business, Leading, Managing Human Capital, or Marketing is offered through the Erivan K. Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University. An average early career salary of $70,200 has been reported by some graduates of the business school revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. |
Receiving its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Saint Joseph’s University is a four-year private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school currently offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 8,415 students currently enrolled there. Featuring a motto of Spirit, Intellect, Purpose, St. Joe’s dates back to 1851 when it was established by the Society of Jesus as Saint Joseph’s College. Currently known as the seventh-oldest Jesuit university in the nation, the school is one of only 28 within the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Home of the Hawks, the athletic department at SJU supports both men’s and women’s varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Atlantic-10 Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $33,759
#49 Eastern Illinois University School of Business – Charleston, Illinois
 The School of Business at Eastern Illinois University offers a best value online Master’s of Business Administration as a general degree or with an emphasis in Applied Management, Geographic Information Sciences (Computer Systems with Geographical Data), or Accountancy. This 33-credit hour program features an accessible tuition rate of just $19,800. |
Founded in 1895, Eastern Illinois University was originally named Eastern Illinois State Normal School with the mission to train students for two years to become public school teachers in the region. Classes began meeting on a 40-acre plot in Charleston, Illinois with a student enrollment of 125 and an 18-member faculty. Today, the school exists as a four-year, public university which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to the 7,415 students currently enrolled there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the mascot, Billy the Panther energizes the crowds at sporting events while wearing the school colors of blue and grey. The athletic department at the school maintains both men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Ohio Valley Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $19,800
#48 Montclair State University Feliciano School of Business – Montclair, New Jersey
 Montclair State University’s Feliciano School of Business offers an online MBA as a general degree or with a specialization in Digital Marketing, Human Resources Management, Marketing, or Project Management. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $52,700 upon graduating revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Featuring the school motto of “Carpe Diem”, Montclair State University is commonly known as the second-largest university in the state of New Jersey. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Montclair State is a four-year public institution of higher learning which offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 20,987 students currently enrolled there. Established in 1908, the university was first developed as a training school for public school teachers and named New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair. In 1958, the school merged with Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene and became a “comprehensive multi-purpose institution” just eight years later. Home of the Red Hawks, the men’s and women’s varsity teams at Montclair State wear the official school colors of red and white while competing at the NCAA Division III level within the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $25,099
#47 Liberty University School of Business – Lynchburg, Virginia
 Liberty University’s School of Business offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting, American Legal Studies, Criminal Justice Administration, Finance, Healthcare Management, Human Resources, International Business, International Legal Studies, Leadership, Marketing, Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Project Management, Public Administration, Public Relations, Strategic Management, Supply Chain Management, or Logistics. This 45-credit hour program is priced at $615 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an accessible $25,425. |
Founded by Jerry Falwell in 1971 and originally named Lynchburg Baptist College, Liberty University is a four-year, private not-for-profit Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school obtained university status in 1984 and is commonly known as the largest evangelical Christian university in the world. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the school currently offers associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 75,000 students currently enrolled there. Home of the Flames and featuring the official school colors of blue and red, Liberty maintains an athletic program that supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Big South Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $25,425
#46 Davenport University Donald W. Maine College of Business – Grand Rapids, Michigan
 A best value online MBA with a concentration in Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, or Strategic Management is offered at the Donald W. Maine College of Business at Davenport University. Students with the proper academic experience can satisfy all requirements for this program by completing as few as 30-credit hours. |
From its humble beginnings in 1866 as the Grand Rapids Business College established by Union Army soldier, Conrad G. Swensburg, Davenport University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning featuring a main campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The school began with a total student body of just 16 and offered courses in math, business law, bookkeeping, and penmanship. Today, the university offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the 7,733 students currently enrolled there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, Davenport features an athletic department which consists of 25 men’s and women’s varsity teams competing at the NCAA Division II level amid the NAIA.
Estimated Program Tuition: $22,950
#45 National University School of Business and Management – La Jolla, California
 National University’s School of Business and Management offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with concentration options in Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Integrated Marketing Communication, International Business, Management Accounting, Marketing, Mobile Marketing and Social Media, Organizational Leadership, and Supply Chain Management. Students with the proper academic experience can waive three hours and complete this degree with as few as 16 courses taken. |
National University is a four-year, private not-for-profit university which maintains a main campus in the coastal Southern California city of La Jolla and features education centers throughout the state of California, in Nevada, and online through distance learning. Founded in 1971 by retired United States Navy lieutenant commander David Chigos, the school currently consists of the College of Letters and Sciences, the School of Business and Management, the Sanford College of Education, the School of Engineering and Computing, the School of Health and Human Services, and the School of Professional Studies. With an average age of its students being an established 32, the university is known as being one of the largest graduate student universities in the United States. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, National reports a 33% graduation rate.
Estimated Program Tuition: $26,208
#44 University of Colorado Colorado Springs College of Business and Administration – Colorado Springs, Colorado
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance, Health Care Administration, Innovation Management, International Business, or Management is offered at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs’ College of Business Administration. Some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $63,300 after graduation revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a four-year public university which offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to the 12,559 students currently enrolled there. Home of the Mountain Lions, the school’s athletic department consists of 13 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams competing at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The school’s official colors of black and gold are shared with Colorado University-Boulder. Receiving its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, UCCS was founded in 1965 and today is a member of the University of Colorado system. While the school reports a graduation rate of 47% among its students, U.S. News & World report named it the 51st best among the public and private schools in the west.
Estimated Program Tuition: $28,428
#43 University of Colorado Denver Business School – Denver, Colorado
 The Business School at the University of Colorado Denver features a best-value online MBA with concentrations in Finance, Enterprise Technology Management, Information Systems, or Managing for Sustainability. The business school receives its excellent business accreditation through the AACSB and offers this degree as a 48-credit hour program. |
With its official school colors of black and gold, the University of Colorado Denver is a four-year, public research institution of higher learning featuring one campus in downtown Denver and another just ten miles away at the Anschutz Medical Campus in neighboring Aurora, Colorado. Established in Denver in 1912, the school can trace its roots back to 1883 when the University of Colorado planted the Department of Medicine and Surgery in the Old Main on the campus in Boulder. Today, this four-year, public university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 23,960 students currently enrolled there. “CU in the City”, as its commonly known, receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
Estimated Program Tuition: $29,808
#42 Washington State University Carson College of Business – Pullman, Washington
 The Carson College of Business at Washington State University offers a best-value Executive Online Master’s of Business Administration as well as an online MBA with an emphasis in Marketing, Finance, International Business, or Hospitality Business Management. Some students of the Carson College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $61,600 upon graduation, revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Offering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 30,142 students currently enrolled there, Washington State University receives its regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Maintaining satellite campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver, the university reports a high graduation rate of 64%. Founded in 1890, Washington State University is the state’s largest land-grant university. Today this four-year, public institution of higher learning, featuring a main campus in the Pacific Northwest city of Pullman, Washington, is widely known as one of the top research universities in the country. Wearing the official school colors of crimson and grey, the athletic department at the university supports both men’s and women’s varsity sports teams competing as the Cougars within the NCAA Division I-FBS.
Estimated Program Tuition: $27,000
#41 Cardinal Stritch University College of Business and Management – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Cyber Security, Healthcare Management, Justice Administration, or Marketing is featured at the College of Business and Management at Cardinal Stritch University. While the total tuition fee of this degree is an accessible $23,940, an average early career salary of $55,000 has been reported by some graduates of the business school, showing a strong ROI. |
Though featuring a main campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cardinal Stritch University also offers centers for learning in Brookfield and Madison. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, Cardinal Stritch was established in 1937 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi under the original name of St. Clare College. The name was changed in 1946 to honor Cardinal Samuel Stritch, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Today, this four-year, private not-for-profit Roman Catholic university oversees 2,464 students seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Home of the Wolves, the athletic department at Cardinal Stritch supports both men’s and women’s varsity teams which compete at the NAIA level within the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $23,940
#40 Southern New Hampshire University School of Business – Manchester, New Hampshire
 Southern New Hampshire University’s School of Business features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with specialization choices in the fields of Accounting, Business Intelligence, Economics, Engineering Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology Management, Internet Marketing, Leadership, Project Management, Public Administration, Social Media, Sport Management, and more. While this 12-course program features a competitive tuition rate of just $22,572, some graduates of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $52,600. |
Consisting of three schools and two colleges, Southern New Hampshire University receives its regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Under the school motto of, “The Greatest and the Best”, Southern New Hampshire University’s athletic department supports men’s and women’s varsity teams competing at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Eastern College Athletic Conference. SNHU is a four-year, private, not-for-profit university with a 300-acre campus along the Merrimack River in Manchester, New Hampshire. The school currently oversees 73,177 students seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Founded in 1932 by Harry and Gertrude Shapiro as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science, the school has been recently recognized as the 12th most innovative organization in the world by Fast Company, joining the ranks of other noteworthy innovators such as Apple and Google.
Estimated Program Tuition: $22,572
#39 University of North Texas College of Business – Denton, Texas
 The College of Business at University of North Texas offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance, Marketing, Strategic Management, or Organizational Behavior. An average early career salary of $59,900 has been reported by some students upon graduating from the College of Business revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. |
Originally named the Texas Normal College and Teachers Training Institute, the University of North Texas was founded in 1890 as a music conservatory and private teacher’s college. Today, this four-year, public research school in Denton, Texas is made up of two schools and ten colleges. With educational centers in nearby Dallas and Fort Worth, the school’s main campus is situated in Denton, Texas. Home of the “Mean Green”, the varsity sports teams at North texas wear green white and black as they compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Conference USA. UNT offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 38,145 students currently enrolled there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the university reports a graduation rate of 52%
Estimated Program Tuition: $25,237
#38 Franklin University Ross College of Business – Columbus, Ohio
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration is offered at the Ross College of Business at Franklin University. This well-accredited, 36-credit hour program features an affordable total tuition rate of $23,724. |
Featuring five campuses in Ohio and Indiana, the main campus of Franklin University is located in Columbus, Ohio. This four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning currently offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 5,006 students currently enrolled there. Operating under the motto of “Finish. Advance. Succeed.”, the school was first established in 1902 at the Columbus YMCA by serving adult students. In 1969 the university constructed its first building, Frasch Hall, and earned its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools just seven years later.
Estimated Program Tuition: $23,724
#37 Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business – Detroit, Michigan
 The Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with concentration choices in Accounting, Auditing, Corporate Governance, Finance, Financial Accounting, Global Supply Chain Management, Human Resources, Information Systems Management, Internal Audit, International Business, Management, Marketing, and Taxation. The business school, which features exemplary business accreditation through the AACSB, has priced this program at an affordable $26,698. |
Home of the Wayne State Warriors, the athletic department at Wayne State University supports men’s and women’s varsity teams competing at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Established in 1868, Wayne State maintains a reputation as Michigan’s most diverse institution of higher learning as the university’s current student enrollment of 27,140 represents every state in the United States and more than 70 foreign countries. Recognized as the third largest university in Detroit, WSU is also one of the 100 largest universities in the nation. Reporting a 35% graduation rate, the school receives its exemplary regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. This four-year, public university currently offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 27,238 students currently enrolled there.
Estimated Program Tuition: $26,698
#36 University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Business Administration – Saint Louis, Missouri
 The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a best-value online Professional Master’s of Business Administration at its College of Business Administration. This 45-credit hour program is priced at an affordable $21,001 and requires only one weekend visit per month for the 21 month-duration of the program. |
The University of Missouri-St. Louis is not only one of four universities within the University of Missouri System, it is also the newest. Founded in 1963, the school began on what once was the 125-acre Bellerive Country Club. Classes began meeting on the campus in 1965. Today, under the motto of “Salus Populi” (The Welfare of the People), UMSL exists as a four-year, public institution of higher learning which offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 16,989 students currently enrolled there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, the school today is situated on 350 acres within an urban setting. The school’s official colors are red and gold, while the athletic department supports both men’s and women’s varsity teams which compete as the Tritons at the NCAA Division II level.
Estimated Program Tuition: $21,001
#35 Lindenwood University Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship – Saint Charles, Missouri
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, Entrepreneurial Studies, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Nonprofit Administration, or Supply Chain Management is offered at Lindenwood University’s Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship. While some graduates of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $47,600, this 39-credit hour program features an affordable total tuition fee of just $19,500. |
Home of the Lions, the athletic department at Lindenwood University is comprised of 15 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete while wearing the official school colors of black and gold at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Established in 1827 by George and Mary Sibley as the Lindenwood School for Girls, Lindenwood is the second-oldest university west of the Mississippi River and currently the Midwest’s fastest growing university. Featuring the motto “like No Other”, Lindenwood receives its accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. Featuring a main campus in Saint Charles, Missouri, the university currently offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 10,750 students currently enrolled there.
Estimated Program Tuition: $19,500
#34 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics – Whitewater, Wisconsin
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Data Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Supply Chain and Operations Management, Human Resources, Information Technology Management, International Business, Project Management, or a customized emphasis is offered at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $56,900 upon graduation revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Home of the Warhawks and wearing the official school colors of purple and white, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater compete at the NCAA Division III level within the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, UW-Whitewater is a four-year public institution of higher learning which offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level to the 12,657 students currently enrolled there. Established in 1868 as Whitewater Normal School, the school was originally designed to train potential educators for careers as teachers in Wisconsin. After the University of Wisconsin merged with Wisconsin State University in 1971, the school became part of the University of Wisconsin System. Currently, the university maintains over 170 student clubs and organizations, and is nestled on 400 acres in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Estimated Program Tuition: $22,947
#33 University of Mississippi School of Business Administration – University, Mississippi
 The School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration. This 36-credit hour program has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 25 online programs in the nation. |
Widely referred to as “Ole Miss”, the University of Mississippi is a four-year public institution of higher learning located in University, Mississippi. Currently, the university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 23,610 students enrolled there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the sea-grant and space-grant school is the largest university in the state. While over half of the school’s undergraduate students hail from Mississippi, 23% of Ole Miss students are minorities and 90 foreign countries are represented among the school’s international students. Home of the Rebels, the sports teams compete at the NCAA Division I level while wearing the school colors of cardinal red and navy blue.
Estimated Program Tuition: $21,420
#32 California State University, Fresno Craig School of Business – Fresno, California
 California State University, Fresno’s Craig School of Business features one of the nation’s best-value general online Master’s of Business Administration programs. With a total tuition rate of just $24,984 in tuition, some graduates of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $63,300, revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
The University of California, Fresno is a four-year, public university currently offering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 24,405 students enrolled there. Founded as the Fresno State Normal School in 1911, the school was first established to train educators within the California public school system. Widely referred to as Fresno State, California State University, Fresno is one of 23 schools within the California State University System. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the campus of the school, which features a planetarium, vineyards, and a commercial winery, sits less than an hour drive away from the Yosemite National Park entrance at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Estimated Program Tuition: $24,984
#31 Bellevue University College of Business – Bellevue, Nebraska
 The College of Business at Bellevue University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with such concentration choices as Accounting, Acquisition and Contract Management, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, Executive Coaching, Finance, Global Economic Threat Environment, Human Resource Management, Information Security Management, Interdisciplinary Business, Marketing, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management. While this program offers a total tuition rate of only $20,340, some students have reported an average early career salary of $52,200 upon graduating from the College of Business, revealing a positive return on investment. |
Bellevue University is a four-year, private not-for-profit university currently offering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 8,896 students currently enrolled there. While the school receives its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, the picturesque main campus of Bellevue U, located in Bellevue, Nebraska, has recently been upgraded with remodeled residential and classroom buildings and many improved roads and parking lots. Home of the Bellevue Bruins, the athletic program at the university supports nine men’s and women’s varsity sports teams and competes at the NAIA level. Established in 1966, Bellevue University is commonly known as an institution of higher learning marked by a cultural and academic relevance which offers students the best educational experience possible both in the classroom and online through distance learning.
Estimated Program Tuition: $20,340
#30 University of Houston-Clear Lake College of Business – Houston, Texas
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with concentration options in Environmental Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, or Management of Technology is offered at the College of Business at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. This 36-credit hour program utilizes an eight-week course format allowing distance learners to graduate in just 14 months. |
Existing as one of the four distinct campuses within the University of Houston System, the over-500-acre campus of the University of Houston-Clear Lake is in southeast Houston. Founded in 1971, the establishment of the university was in response to the growing need for graduate programs within NASA and the space-related industry that was booming in the area of the state since the early 60’s. Land for the construction of the campus was donated by Humble Oil and the Friendswood Development Corporation. Today, this four-year, public university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 8,665 students currently enrolled there. Home of the Hawks, U of H-Clear Lake receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Estimated Program Tuition: $20,868
#29 University of Maryland-University College – Adelphi, Maryland
 The University of Maryland University College offers distance learners a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration. While this 36-credit hour program is priced at a competitive $24,984, some students within the program have reported an early career salary of $66,700 upon graduating, revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
During the 1920’s the University of Maryland began offering evening courses for working adults. In 1947, the university established the College of Special and Continuation Studies which would become the University of Maryland University College just 12 years later. Today, UMUC exists as a four-year, public institution of higher learning in Adelphia, Maryland where it offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 57,529 students who attend class there, whether on campus or through distance learning. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University of Maryland University College’s official school colors are navy and goldenrod.
Estimated Program Tuition: $24,984
#28 University of Wyoming College of Business – Laramie, Wyoming
 The College of Business at the University of Wyoming features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration. This 30-credit hour program is delivered as a 100% online cohort-based experience and features an attractive total tuition rate of $22,500. |
Founded in 1886, the University of Wyoming is a four-year public university which predates Wyoming’s being established as the 44th state by four years. The university, which consists of the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Health Sciences, and Law, currently offers nearly 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to the 12,366 students currently enrolled there. With a main campus in Laramie, Wyoming, the school receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. Home of the Cowboys and Cowgirls, the athletic department at “U Dub” consists of men’s and women’s varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Mountain West Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $22,500
#27 Sam Houston State University College of Business Administration – Huntsville, Texas
 Sam Houston State University’s College of Business Administration offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration. Priced at an accessible $18,141, this 36-credit hour program is divided between 27 core credits and nine hours of electives. |
Founded in 1879 as the Sam Houston Normal School, today’s Sam Houston State University is the third-oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas. SHSU currently offers 80 bachelor’s, 59 graduate, and 8 doctoral programs to the 20,477 students currently enrolled at the four-year public university. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Sam Houston is a member of the Texas State University System. Widely known for its excellent criminal justice program, the university is also classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. Sam Houston State University is located in Huntsville, Texas, just north of Houston.
Estimated Program Tuition: $18,141
#26 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide College of Business – Daytona Beach, Florida
 The College of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, Finance, Leadership, Information Technology, Marketing, International Business, or Public Administration. The College of Business, recently recognized as the 100th best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, delivers this 33-credit hour program at the affordable tuition rate of $21,120. |
With a main campus situated in Daytona Beach, Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University oversees 14,221 students currently seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Embry Riddle, named after Talton Embry and John Riddle, is a four-year private, not-for-profit university which receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Established in 1926, the school stemmed from the founding of the Embry-Riddle Company based in Cincinnati, Ohio at Lunken Airport. In 1939, the school was moved to Miami and trained many WWII pilots under the Civilian Pilot Training Program. Today the school houses the second-largest fleet of aircraft in the country at 67 planes.
Estimated Program Tuition: $21,120
#25 Central Michigan University College of Business Administration – Mount Pleasant, Michigan
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with concentration choices in ERP Emphasis using SAP Software, Human Resource Management, Logistics Management, Marketing, or Value-Driven Organization is offered at Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration. Some students of the College of Business Administration have reported an average early career salary of $62,800 after graduation, revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Home of the Chippewas and wearing the official school colors of maroon and gold, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at Central Michigan University compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Mid-American Conference. With a main campus in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, this four-year, public research institution of higher learning currently maintains a student body of 25,986 seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Established in 1892, Central Michigan operates under the motto of “Wisdom, Virtue, Friendship”. As one of the state’s largest universities and as a member of the top 100 largest schools in the nation, the university offers over 200 academic fields of study and is best known for its audiology, entrepreneurship, journalism, music, psychology, and teacher education programs.
Estimated Program Tuition: $21,600
#24 Old Dominion University Strome College of Business – Norfolk, Virginia
 The Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with Certificates in Modeling, Simulation and Visualization; Maritime, Ports and Logistics Management; Public Procurement and Contract Management; or Business Analytics and Big Data. Offering an excellent degree with a total tuition rate of just 19,840, the Strome College of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. |
Currently offering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 24,322 students enrolled there, Old Dominion University receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Founded in 1930, the school was primarily focused on educating engineers and teachers. Under the motto of “Idea Fusion”, ODU exists today as a four-year, public university which features a main campus in Norfolk, Virginia and two education centers in the Hampton Roads area. Home of the Monarchs, the athletic department at ODU supports 18 varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level. The College of Arts and Letters, the Strome College of Business, the Darden College of Education, the Batten College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Health Sciences and the College of Sciences all make up the colleges at Old Dominion.
Estimated Program Tuition: $19,840
#23 Wright State University Raj Soin College of Business – Dayton, Ohio
 The Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with concentration choices in Economics, Finance, Healthcare Management, International Business, Interdisciplinary Business, Investments, Management, Innovation and Change, Marketing, New Venture Creation, or Project Management. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $58,600 revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Named after trailblazing aviators and inventors Orville and Wilbur Wright, who lived in Dayton, Wright State University is nestled in the suburb area of Fairborn, Ohio. Established in 1964, this four-year public university originated as a branch of Ohio State University and Miami University. Today, Wright State University oversees 16,655 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Home of the Raiders, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams wear the official school colors of green and gold as they compete within the Horizon League at the NCAA Division I level. Wright State receives its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
Estimated Program Tuition: $19,200
#22 University of North Dakota College of Business and Public Administration – Grand Forks, North Dakota
 The University of North Dakota’s College of Business and Public Administration offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or a concentration in International Business. While this 43-credit hour program features an attractive total tuition rate of just $17,635, some graduates of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $56,400 showing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Proudly featuring the North Dakota Museum of Art on its campus, the University of North Dakota got its start in 1883 by teaching students in Old Main situated on just a few acres north of downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota. The four-year, public university predates North Dakota being established as a state in the Union by six years. Today the institution of higher learning maintains a student body of 14,648 seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels both in the classroom and online through distance learning. Home of the Fighting Hawks and wearing the school’s official colors of green and white, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Big Sky Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $17,635
#21 University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business and Economics – Memphis, Tennessee
 The University of Memphis’ Fogelman College of Business and Economics offers a best-value online Professional Master’s of Business Administration. This 33-credit hour program is one of the top programs in the nation under $20,000, at $18,900 in total tuition. |
Founded in 1912 as the West Tennessee Normal School, the University of Memphis can trace its roots all the way back to 1909 when the Tennessee Legislature passed the General Education Bill which directed three new colleges to be built in Tennessee. Today, this four-year, public research university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 21,301 students enrolled there. Home of the Tigers and wearing the official school colors of blue and gray, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at U of M compete at the NCAA Division I level within the American Athletic Conference. Located on an 1,100-acre campus just five miles from downtown Memphis, Tennessee, the school reports a graduation rate of 42%.
Estimated Program Tuition: $18,900
#20 University of West Florida College of Business – Pensacola, Florida
 The College of Business at the University of West Florida features offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or concentrations in Accounting, Supply Chain Logistics Management, and Entrepreneurship. This program’s low tuition rate of $15,065 is even more attractive with some graduates of the business school reporting an average early career salary of $49,300. |
Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the University of West Florida features a main campus resting on 1,600 acres near the Escambia Bay and two rivers in sunny Pensacola, Florida. Founded in 1963, the establishing of the school followed a study revealing the need for an institution of higher learning in northwest Florida. Today, this four-year public university offers associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to the 12,966 students currently enrolled there. UWF is a comprehensive research, space-grant institution which boasts the third largest campus in the State University System of Florida and retains a direct connection to space exploration and the coast, revealed in the school’s Argonaut mascot and official logo, the Chambered Nautilus.
Estimated Program Tuition: $15,065
#19 West Chester University of Pennsylvania College of Business and Public Management – West Chester, Pennsylvania
 West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s College of Business and Public Management features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration degree with a Certificate in Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, and Project Management. Backed by the business school’s excellent business accreditation, this 30-credit hour program features an affordable total tuition rate of just $15,000. |
West Chester University of Pennsylvania was first established in 1871 and named West Chester Normal School. The school’s original intent was to help meet the demand for trained public school teachers in the surrounding counties. West Chester University has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence revealed by its recently being named the 18th Top Public School in the Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report’s Best College Rankings. Widely known as the fourth-largest university in its region, WCUPA sits on 400 acres in the Borough of West Chester, just 25 miles west of Philadelphia. Reporting a strong graduation rate of 71%, the university receives its regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school oversees a student body of 17,005 seeking over 118 undergraduate and 103 graduate degrees within 50 fields of study to choose from.
Estimated Program Tuition: $15,000
#18 Governors State University College of Business and Public Administration – University Park, Illinois
 A best-value Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or a concentration in Supply Chain Management is offered at the College of Business and Public Administration at Governors State University. While some graduates of the business school report an early career salary of $51,500, the total tuition rate for this program is an attractive $14,616. |
Home of the Jaguars, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at Governors State University wear the official school colors of black and white while competing as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. This four-year, public institution of higher learning features a 750-acre main campus in the suburbs of University park, Illinois, just 30 miles south of Chicago. With a current enrollment of 5,819, GSU offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels within the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Health and Human Services. Founded in 1969, the university was one of the nation’s first “Universities Without Walls” granting competencies in place of traditional grades and featuring interdisciplinary studies instead of departments. Governors State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Estimated Program Tuition: $14,616
#17 Wilmington University College of Business – New Castle, Delaware
 Wilmington University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration choice in Accounting, Business Technology Management, Environmental Sustainability, Finance, Health Care Administration, Homeland Security, Management Information Systems, Marketing Management, Nonprofit Management, or Organizational Leadership at the College of Business. While this 36-credit hour program is priced at just $16,776, some students graduating from the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $59,700 revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Wilmington University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institute of higher learning which offers almost 100 degrees and certificate programs at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 15,316 students enrolled there. The student body at the university is currently 64% female to 36% male. In addition to the main campus in New Castle, Delaware, the school also features centers of education in Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. Wilmington University reports an interactive student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to one and a graduation rate of 23%. The school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Home of the Wildcats, the five men’s varsity sports teams and six women’s varsity sports at Wilmington compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $16,776
#16 Radford University College of Business and Economics – Radford, Virginia
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration is featured at the College of Business and Economics at Radford University. This 36-credit hour, 100% online degree is one of the most affordable programs on our list with a total tuition rate of just $12,492. |
From its beginnings in 1910 when it was established as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford, Radford University today exists as a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a 204-acre main campus in Radford, Virginia. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Radford is one of only eight doctoral-degree granting public universities in the state. The school currently oversees 9,401 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The school strives for quality interaction with students by maintaining a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 34. Home of the Highlanders, the sports teams at Radford wear the official school colors of red, white, and gray while competing at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Big South Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,492
#15 University of Massachusetts, Lowell Robert J. Manning School of Business – Lowell, Massachusetts
 The University of Massachusetts, Lowell offers a best-value general online Master’s of Business Administration with the option of concentrations in Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, and Marketing at the Robert J. Manning School of Business. This 100% online, 10-course Master’s of Business Administration is priced at an affordable $17,250. |
Wearing the official school colors of blue and black, the seven men’s varsity teams and eight women’s varsity teams at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell compete as the River Hawks at the NCAA Division I level within the America East Conference. UMass Lowell currently oversees 17,849 students seeking degrees among a total of 122 undergraduate programs, 43 master’s degrees, and 36 doctoral programs. Receiving its regional accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, the university reports a graduation rate of 56%. The athletic department’s mascot, Rowdy the River Hawk is I recognition to the university’s geographical location along the Merrimack River in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Estimated Program Tuition: $17,250
#14 Mississippi State University College of Business – Mississippi State, Mississippi
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus, along with an emphasis in Project Management, is offered at the College of Business at Mississippi State University. Some students have reported an average early career salary of $53,400 upon graduating from the business school, revealing a solid return on the investment of education. |
Mississippi State University is a four-year, public university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to the 21,622 students currently enrolled there. Established as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi in 1878 once Congress passed the Hatch Act, the Agricultural Experiment Station was built the following year. After further development in programming and infrastructure, the school achieved its university status in 1958 and began offering graduate degrees. The university, which receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, reports a 60% graduation rate. The nickname for MSU is the Bulldogs and official school colors are maroon and white.
Estimated Program Tuition: $13,680
#13 Ball State University Miller College of Business – Muncie, Indiana
 This best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurship, Finance, Health Economics, Policy, and Administration, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, or Sales Management and a Certificate in Business Essentials for Professionals, Health Economics, Policy, and Administration, or Professional Sales Management is featured at the Miller College of Business at Ball State University. The 30-credit hour program is one of the most affordable degrees in our ranking at a total tuition rate of just $12,060. |
Ball State University can trace its roots back to when two successful businessmen and owners of the Ball Corporation, the Ball brothers, donated the school’s first buildings to the state of Indiana. Originally founded as the Indiana State Normal School in 1918, the university began meeting for classes with a student body of 235 with the primary purpose of educating public school teachers. The school’s name was changed to Ball State University when it achieved university status in 1965. Today, this four-year public research university, with a main campus in Muncie, Indiana, offers programs at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 21,998 students currently enrolled there.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,060
#12 East Carolina University College of Business – Greenville, North Carolina
 East Carolina University’s College of Business offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a Certificate in Business Analytics, Finance, Health Care Management, Hospitality Management, International Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Project Management, Security Studies, and Supply Chain Management. With a total tuition rate of just $12,350, some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $52,300, revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, East Carolina University exists as a four-year public university oversees 28,962 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Nestled on a 530-acre urban residential campus near downtown Greenville, North Carolina, the school’s official colors are purple and gold. Home of the Pirates, the athletic program at ECU supports men’s and women’s varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the American Athletic Conference. Established in 1907, the school’s original name was the East Carolina Teachers Training School founded to educate both men and women yet it would be 1932 before there was a male graduate of the school.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,350
#11 Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology – Macomb, Illinois
 Western Illinois University’s College of Business and Technology offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or a specialization in Supply Chain Management. With a total tuition rate of just $10,680, this 33-credit hour program is among the top five most affordable programs on our list. |
Western Illinois University is a four-year public institution of higher learning located in Macomb, Illinois and currently overseeing 10,373 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Founded in 1899, WIU got its start like many other school of its time as a training school for public school educators. Originally known as Western Illinois State Normal School, the school’s grounds were donated by the Freemason’s in Macomb. Today the campus consists of over 50 buildings spread on over 1,000 acres. Home of the Leathernecks, the school colors are purple and gold. One interesting piece of trivia surrounding WIU is the school is the only non-military university in the U.S. given permission by the Department of the Navy to use the official seal and mascot of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Estimated Program Tuition: $10,680
#10 Troy University Sorrell College of Business – Troy, Alabama
 Troy University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration in General Management at the Sorrell College of Business. With a total tuition fee of just $12,927, some graduates of the Sorrell College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $55,900, revealing a solid return on the investment of education. |
Featuring a main campus in Troy, Alabama, Troy University exists as a four-year, public university which oversees a student body of 17,855 currently seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Home of the Trojans, the men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at Troy University wear the official colors of cardinal, silver, and black and compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Sun Belt Conference. The football team at Troy has a long-standing tradition of winning. They have been victorious as national champions in 1968, 1984, and 1987. The university got its start in 1887 as a normal school focused on educating public school teachers and today receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,927
#9 Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville School of Business – Edwardsville, Illinois
 This best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Analytics, Management Information Systems, or Project Management is offered at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville’s School of Business. The 42-credit hour program consists of 30 credits of core courses and 12 hours of elective or specialization-specific coursework and is priced at $13,322 in total tuition fees. |
Established in 1957, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville was founded in part by the result of a 1950 study showing a great need for higher education in the region surrounding Edwardsville, Illinois. With the expectation of taking on only 800 students during the first year of existence, school officials were surprised to enroll over 1,700 the inaugural year and seeing the number double within two years. Today, this four-year public university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 14,142 students currently enrolled there. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, SIUE maintains a main campus covering over 2,600 acres in Edwardsville. Home of the Cougars, the school’s official colors are red and white.
Estimated Program Tuition: $13,322
#8 Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business – Stillwater, Oklahoma
 Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or a specialization in Business Sustainability, Data Science, Energy Business, Entrepreneurship, Global Marketing, Human Resource Management, Information Assurance, Marketing Analytics, or Non-profit Management. Some students of the Spears School of Business have reported an average early career salary of $75,000, revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Oklahoma State University is a four-year land-grant, sun-grant, public university in Stillwater, Oklahoma which receives its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Home of the Cowboys and Cowgirls, OSU currently oversees 25,622 students seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Established in 1890 as a direct result of the Morrill Act of 1862, Oklahoma State University was founded before Oklahoma became a state. The institution of higher learning was originally named the Oklahoma Territorial Agricultural & Mechanical College. Renamed in 1957 to better represent the vast array of educational opportunities the school offered, OSU today reports a graduation rate of 63%. The athletic department of OSU supports both men’s and women’s varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Big 12 Conference. The University of Oklahoma Sooners are Oklahoma State University’s major athletic rivalry.
Estimated Program Tuition: $17,012
#7 Lamar University College of Business – Beaumont, Texas
 The College of Business at Lamar University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with specialization options in Criminal Justice Management, Healthcare Administration, Enterprise Resource Planning, Management, or Construction Project Management. While some graduates of the College of Business have reported an early career salary of $59,900, the total tuition rate of this 36-credit hour program is just $13,092. |
From its unassuming origins in 1923 of offering classes on the third floor of South Park High School in Beaumont, Texas as South Park Junior College, today’s Lamar University exists as a four-year, public institution of higher learning offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 15,001 students currently enrolled there. Receiving it regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the school’s namesake is Mirabeau B. Lamar, poet, soldier, diplomat and most-well known as the second president of the Republic of Texas. Home of the Cardinals and Lady Cardinals, the seven men’s varsity sports teams and eight women’s varsity sports teams wear the official school colors of red and white while competing at the NCAA Division I level within the Southland Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $13,092
#6 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Business – Champaign, Illinois
 The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Business features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a choice of concentrations in Digital Marketing, Global Challenges in Business, and Innovation: From Creativity to Entrepreneurship. As this program features an accessible tuition rate of just $18,000, an average early career salary of $88,000 has been reported by some graduates of the College of Business revealing a strong return on the investment of education. |
Commonly known as the founding member of the Big Ten Conference and the flagship university within the University of Illinois State System, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was established as a land-grant institution within the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. Today the school oversees a massive student body of 46,951 seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels both on-campus and online through distance learning. Receiving its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, this four-year, public university reports a solid graduation rate of 85%. The men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign wear the school’s official colors of Illinois blue and Illinois orange while competing at the NCAA Division I level.
Estimated Program Tuition: $18,000
#5 Missouri State University College of Business – Springfield, Missouri
 The College of Business at Missouri State University offers a best-value online MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Financial Analysis, Forensic Accounting, International Business, Leadership, Management, Marketing, or Tax Accounting. This 33-credit hour Master’s of Business Administration features a total tuition rate of just $9,405, making it one of the lowest-priced programs in our ranking. |
Founded in 1906 as the Fourth District Normal School and first established to train regional students to become public-school system educators in the nearby region, Missouri State University is the second largest university in the state. With a main campus situated in Springfield, Missouri, MSU maintains a student body of 22,273 from all 50 states in the U.S. and 83 foreign countries seeking degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. is a four-year, Today, this four-year, public university receives its regional accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and reports a graduation rate of 52%.
Estimated Program Tuition: $9,405
#4 Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Business – Commerce, Texas
 Texas A&M University-Commerce’s College of Business features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration. The College of Business, which receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, offers this program at a total tuition rate of just $12,380. |
Texas A&M University-Commerce was founded as the East Texas Normal College in 1889 in Cooper, Texas. The school’s original purpose was to train students to become public school teachers in the region. Acquired by the state of Texas in 1917 and modified into a public school, the university was renamed again in 1996 after becoming a member of the Texas A&M University System. Operating under the motto of “Ceaseless Industry, Fearless Investigation, Unfettered Thought, Unselfish Service to Others”, the university receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. This four-year public university offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 13,514 students currently enrolled there. Home of the Lions, the athletic department at Texas A&M University-Commerce consist of five men’s varsity sports teams and seven women’s varsity sports teams wearing the official school colors of blue and gold and competing at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Lone Star Conference.
Estimated Program Tuition: $12,380
#3 Texas Woman’s University School of Management – Denton, Texas
 A best-value online Master’s of Business Administration, with a general focus or a concentration in Accounting, is offered at the School of Management at Texas Women’s University. With a low tuition rate of just $12,224, some students of the School of Management have reported a favorable average early career salary of $52,200. |
Founded in 1901, Texas Women’s University has remained autonomous since its inception and is one of only four Texas public universities without any affiliation to a public university system. Offering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, TWU exists as a four-year public university situated in Denton, Texas, less than 40 miles to the northwest of the Dallas area. The school receives its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and currently oversees 15,655 students on campus and online through distance learning. While male students are accepted into all the programs offered by the school, TWU is best known for being the largest state-supported institution of higher learning for women in the United States. The school reports a graduation rate of 41%.
Estimated Program Tuition: $9,344
#2 New Mexico State University College of Business – Las Cruces, New Mexico
 This best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Agribusiness, Finance, Information Systems, or Public Utility Regulation is featured at the College of Business at New Mexico State University. The 36-credit hour degree includes an attractive total tuition rate of just $8,780 and allows students to complete all coursework in as few as 24 months. |
Recently recognized as a top 200 national university by U.S. News & World Report, New Mexico State University is a four-year, public, land-grant, research university featuring a 900-acre main campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Originally named Las Cruces College and established in 1888, NMSU is the oldest university in New Mexico and the second-largest in the state. Home of the Aggies, the school also maintains centers for learning in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Dona Ana County, and Grants. The men’s and women’s varsity sports teams at New Mexico State wear the official school colors of crimson and white while competing at the NCAA Division I level within the Western Athletic Conference and Sun Belt Conference. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, this four-year, public university offers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 14, 852 students currently enrolled there.
Estimated Program Tuition: $8,780
#1 Louisiana Tech University College of Business – Ruston, Louisiana
 Louisiana Tech University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration in their highly regarded College of Business. While this program features a total tuition rate of just $7,740, an average early career salary of $55,000 has been reported by some students upon graduating, showing the best ROI in this list. |
Receiving its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, Louisiana Tech University is a four-year public university located in Ruston, Louisiana. 12,672 students are currently seeking degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. First named the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana, Louisiana Tech dates to 1894 when it was founded with the express intent to educate students in the arts and sciences following the Second Industrial Revolution. Tech’s athletic department consists of nine women’s varsity teams and seven men’s varsity teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the Conference USA. Some of the most popular sports programs at the school include the Bulldogs football team and the Lady Techsters basketball team which has appeared in the Final Four tournament 134 times and won three national championships in 1981, 1982, and 1988.
Estimated Program Tuition: $7,740
