Top 50 Best Value Online MBA Programs 2018

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.

Photo creditSaint Joseph’s University’s Erivan K. Haub School of Business offers an online Master’s of Business Administration featuring a specialization in General Business, Business Intelligence, Finance, International Business, Leading, Managing Human Capital, or Marketing. Qualifying students can waive up to 24-credit hours of coursework and complete this entire degree by only taking 11 courses. “Saint Joseph’s University is one of only 142 schools nationwide with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, and has been recognized by Beta Gamma Sigma for five consecutive years with Outstanding Chapter Awards, including the 2010 Gold Chapter Award.” Priced at $1,023 per credit, this degree features a total tuition rate of $33,759. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $70,200 showing a healthy return on the investment of education. Core courses for this program include Creating & Measuring Shareholder Value, Business Analytics, Shareholder Value Management, Excellence in Organizations, and Marketing Strategy, while electives include International Marketing, Research in Marketing, Human Resource Fundamentals, Career Management in Organizations, Estate Planning, Portfolio Management, and Financial Institutions & Capital Markets.

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.

Photo creditA best value online Master’s of Business Administration as a general degree or with a focus in Applied Management, Geographic Information Sciences (Computer Systems with Geographical Data), or Accountancy is featured at the School of Business at Eastern Illinois University. This 33-credit hour program has been designed for students needing flexibility and the option to graduate in just two calendar years taking two courses for six consecutive semesters. Courses within this degree include Organizational Behavior and Group Dynamics, Operations Management, Management Simulation, Quantitative Modeling, Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Systems Security, Project Management, and Accounting from a Management Perspective. This degree is priced at $600 per credit hour making the total cost of the program an attractive $19,800. Some students of the School of Business have reported an average early career salary of $41,500 upon graduating revealing a strong return on the investment of education. The School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

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.

Photo creditThe Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University features an online Master’s of Business Administration as a general degree or with a specialization in Digital Marketing, Human Resources Management, Marketing, or Project Management. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $697 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an affordable $25,099. An average early career salary of $52,700 has been reported by some students of the business school upon graduating revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. Receiving its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Feliciano School of Business has been recognized as offering the most-affordable online Master’s of Business Administration degree in the state of New Jersey. Applicants for this program are encouraged to submit official transcripts, standardized test scores, essays and statements, letters of recommendations, and a $60 application fee into the admissions office in order to begin the acceptance process.

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.

Photo creditThe School of Business at Liberty University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis 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. The School of Business has designed this 100% online program to train graduate students for the career fields of global management, cultural advising, international transportation and shipping, missions ministry, tour industry, and federal, state, and local government specialty. With a price tag of $615 per credit hour, this 45-credit hour program features a total tuition rate of $25,425. An average early career salary of $53,600 has been reported by some students of the School of Business upon graduating showing a healthy return on the investment of education. Recognized as offering the 127^th best online MBA in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the School of Business at Liberty receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Applicants for this program are encouraged to submit an online application with $40 fee, copies of unofficial transcripts, and proof of an accredited undergraduate degree with a cumulative 3.0 GPA into the admissions office to be considered.

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

Photo creditDavenport University offers a best value online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, or Strategic Management at the Donald W. Maine College of Business. While qualifying students can waive up to nine credit hours and complete all requirements for this degree by taking as few as 10 courses, this 30-credit hour program is priced at $765 per credit hour making the total tuition rate an attractive $22,950. Some students of the Donald W. Maine College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $48,400 after graduation revealing a strong return on the investment of education. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the business school has designed this program to be completed in as few as 12 months when students sign up for two courses each seven-week session. Core courses for this program include Managerial Accounting, Quantitative Business Analysis, Managerial Economics, Corporate Finance, Ethical and Legal Framework for 21^st Century Business, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.

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

Photo creditThe School of Business and Management at National University offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Integrated Marketing Communication, International Business, Management Accounting, Marketing, Mobile Marketing and Social Media, Organizational Leadership, or Supply Chain Management. Featuring a price of $416 per quarter unit, this 63 quarter-unit, 100% online Master’s of Business Administration comes in at $26,208 in total tuition. An average early career salary of $58,100 has been reported by some graduates of the business school showing a healthy return on the investment of education. Students interested in applying for this program are encouraged to submit an application with $60 fee, turn in transcripts showing a GPA of at least 2.5, and sign up for an interview with an admissions advisor. Core courses for this degree include Organization Management and Leadership, Marketing Management, Global Business, Statistics for Business, Managerial Accounting, Economics for Managerial Decisions, Managerial Support Systems, and Seminar in Financial Management. This 63-quarter unit degree includes two modules of core coursework followed by 18 quarter units of General Electives. The remaining 18 quarter units are required specialized courses within the chosen concentration. The School of Business and Management receives its business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

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

Photo creditThe College of Business Administration at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, Health Care Administration, Innovation Management, International Business, or Management. This 36-credit hour 100% online MBA is priced at $2,369 per course making the total tuition rate a competitive $28,428. An average early career salary of $63,300 has been reported by some students of the business school upon graduating making this degree a smart choice for the budget-minded professional. Courses within this program include Accounting for Decision Making, Corporate Financial Management, Information Systems, Leading & Managing in Changing Times, Marketing Strategy, Operations: Competing Through Capabilities, and Strategic Management, one Global Perspective elective, and four specialization-specific elective courses. Recently recognized as offering the 32^nd best online Master’s of Business Administration in the world by Quacquarelli Symonds, the College of Business has also been deemed as the 47^th best online Master’s of Business Administration in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The College of Business Administration receives its excellent business accreditation through the AACSB.

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 51^st best among the public and private schools in the west.

Estimated Program Tuition: $28,428

#43 University of Colorado Denver Business School – Denver, Colorado

Photo creditThe University of Colorado Denver’s Business School offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with concentrations in Finance, Enterprise Technology Management, Information Systems, or Managing for Sustainability. This 48-credit hour program is priced at $612 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition a competitive $29,808. Some students of the Business School have reported an average early career salary of $67,600 after graduation revealing a strong return on the investment of education. The Business School, which receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, has designed this program to train its students in the areas of “ability to think analytically and strategically, greater communication aptitude, and refined leadership and diplomacy skills.” Courses within this program include Fraud Examination, Leading Individuals and Teams, Data Analysis for Managers, Legal and Ethical Environment of Business, Analyzing and Interpreting Accounting Information, Marketing Management, and Information Systems Management and Strategy.

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

Photo creditA best-value Executive Online Master’s of Business Administration as well as an online MBA with a specialization in Marketing, Finance, International Business, or Hospitality Business Management is featured at the Carson College of Business at Washington State University. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, U.S News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 27^th best online MBA in the nation. This 100% online program has been designed around the four principles of Global Outlook, Research, Professional Perspectives, and Innovation. Students interested in this program are encouraged to submit a completed online application, all official transcripts with proof of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university featuring a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, a score of 550 or better on the GMAT, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a current resume to the admissions office. Core courses for this degree include Strategy Formulation and Organizational Design, Managerial Leadership and Productivity, Administrative Control, Problems in Financial Management, Information Systems Management, Marketing Management and Administrative Policy, and Business Analytics. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $750 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition a competitive $27,000. An average early career salary of $61,600 has been reported by some of the students of the Carson College of Business after graduating 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

Photo creditThe College of Business and Management at Cardinal Stritch University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Cyber Security, Healthcare Management, Justice Administration, or Marketing. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $665 per credit hour making the entire cost of tuition a reasonable $23,940. Coupling the low cost of tuition with some students of the business school reporting an average early career salary of $55,000 show this program to be a healthy return on the investment of education. The College of Business and Management receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. While the business school offers the chance for students to take courses in the classroom, fully online, or in a combination of the two, there are also five start times featured each calendar year. Students interested in this program are encouraged to submit transcripts showing an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, a GPA of at least 2.5, two-three years of professional work experience, and a completed online application to the admissions office in order to be considered for acceptance.

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

Photo creditThe School of Business at Southern New Hampshire University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with concentration 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. This 12-course, 100% online degree is divided between nine core courses and three concentration-specific courses. Core courses for this degree include Ethics, Corporate Culture, and Social Responsibility, Finance, Economics, and Decision Making, Government Impact on Business, Operations Management and Technology, Leading in an Organization, and Marketing and Strategy. By completing two courses each 10-week term, students can expect to graduate in just 15 months. This degree “provides an examination of how to research and analyze new business ventures along with a foundation of time-tested business strategies.” Two benefits the School of Business offers is a GMAT/GRE score waiver for all incoming students and a staff of admission counselors accessible to all applicants throughout the admissions process. This 12-course degree features a price of $1,881 per course making the total cost of tuition an accessible $22,572. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $52,600 after graduating revealing a strong return of the investment of education. The School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the ACBSP.

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 12^th 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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, Marketing, Strategic Management, or Organizational Behavior is offered at University of North Texas’ College of Business. Among this online MBA’s recent recognitions includes U.S. News & World Report’s naming it as the 55^th best in the nation while the Princeton Review hails it as the 21^st among the nation’s top programs. This 36-credit program is divided between 18 hours of core courses, 12 hours of required courses, and two elective courses chosen through consultation with the departmental advisor. The core courses within this degree include Accounting for Management, Introduction to the Business Decision Process, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Organizational Behavior and Analysis, and Administrative Strategy. With three acceptance deadlines advertised, candidates for this program are encouraged to complete an online application with $75 fee, submit GMAT/GRE results, a 600-word essay, current resume, and two letters of recommendation into the Graduate Programs office. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $701 per credit-hour making the total cost of tuition an accessible $25,237. An average early career salary of $59,900 has been reported by some students of the College of Business revealing a strong 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

Photo creditThe Ross College of Business at Franklin University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $659 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an affordable $23,724. Some students of the Ross College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $57,000 after graduation revealing a solid return on the investment of education. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the business school touts “academic & industry experts, relevant & consistent curriculum, hands-on learning experience, and continuously evolving programs” as the keys to success for this program. Courses for this degree include MBA Foundations, Business Environment, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Managerial Economics, and Operations Management. Applicants interested in this program are encouraged to fill out an online application in order to begin the admissions process.

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

Photo creditWayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting, Auditing, Corporate Governance, Finance, Financial Accounting, Global Supply Chain Management, Human Resources, Information Systems Management, Internal Audit, International Business, Management, Marketing, or Taxation. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $741 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an accessible $26,698. An average early career salary of $64,200 has been reported by some students upon graduating from the Mike Ilitch School of Business showing a solid return on the investment of education. The Mike Ilitch School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Benefits to this program include a GMAT waiver for qualified students, accelerated course options for a quicker coursework completion, and access to the Career Planning and Placement Office. This 36-credit hour program is evenly divided between six core courses and six specialization-intensive elective courses. The six core courses are Managerial Accounting, Corporate Financial Management, Managing Organizational Behavior, Marketing Strategy, Social Perspectives on the Business Enterprise, and Strategic Management.

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

Photo creditThe College of Business Administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a best-value online Professional Master’s of Business Administration. Students looking to travel will be excited to know this program includes a week-long international business experience. While most of the degree’s content is delivered as a distance learning program, students are required to visit the school’s campus for cohort-based learning one weekend each month over the 21-month duration of the program. Courses within this program include Managerial Communications, Management Information Systems, Organizational behavior and Administrative Processes, Financial and Managerial Accounting, Law, Ethics, and Business, Financial Management, and Contemporary Marketing Concepts. This 45-credit hour program is priced at $466 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an attractive $21,001. The College of Business Administration receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.  Students interested in this program are encouraged to submit all original transcripts, a resume revealing at least three years of professional experience, a GPA of at least 3.0, GMAT score of 500, a stamen of employer support, and two letters of recommendation to the admissions office to start the acceptance process.

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

Photo creditLindenwood University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, Entrepreneurial Studies, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Nonprofit Administration, or Supply Chain Management at the Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship. Qualifying students with the proper academic experience can waive up to 15-credit hours of foundational courses and complete all requirements for this degree by taking as few as 39-credit hours. Priced at $500 per credit, the total tuition rate for this program is an accessible $19,500. Receiving its excellent accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Plaster School of Business & Entrepreneurship allows students to complete coursework in the classroom, online, or as a combination of the two. The nine core courses associated with this degree are Managerial Accounting, Financial Policy, International Business Operations, Management Practices, Business Law and Ethics, Statistics and Quantitative Analysis, Business Policies and Strategies, Management Information Systems, and Marketing Principles and Issues.

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

Photo creditThe College of Business and Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Data Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Management, Supply Chain and Operations Management, Human Resources, Information Technology Management, International Business, Project Management, or a customized specialization. Breadth Requirement courses for this degree include such courses as Persuasion and Negotiation Strategies, Business Valuation Using Financial Statements, Strategic Technology and Innovation Management, Leadership Development, Quantitative Analysis for Business, and Marketing Strategy. Priced at $637 per credit hour, this 36-credit hour degree features a total tuition rate of $22,947. Recently recognized as the 16^th best program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the College of Business and Economics receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. An average early career salary of $56,900 has been reported by some students upon graduating from the business school revealing a solid return on the investment of education. One directive of this online program includes the production of “business people who are capable of thinking globally, behaving ethically, and leading innovation.”

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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration is featured at the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $595 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an impressive $21,420. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $53,500 after graduation revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. The School of Business Administration, which receives it excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, has designed this program with flexibility in mind as it can be completed in as few as two years or students may take as long as six years to graduate. This 100% online MBA has been recognized as the #15 Best Value Online MBA by DiscoverBusiness.us for 2018 and ranked as the 21^st best in the nation in 2017 by U.S. News & World Report. Courses for this program include Leadership and Ethics, Managerial Economics, Financial Analysis, Managerial Accounting, Organizational Behavior, Business Planning and Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain Management, Project Analysis, and Management of technology and Innovation.

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

Photo creditA best-value general online Master’s of Business Administration is offered at the Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno. The business school has designed the curriculum for this program to be completed fully online, in the classroom, or as a combination of the two. Core courses for this program include Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Management Information Systems, Financial Management, Managerial Accounting, and Marketing Management. While students enrolled in a graduate or another post baccalaureate program will pay a tuition fee of $7,176 for more than six units and $4,164 for six or fewer units, this 33-credit hour program features a total tuition rate of $24,984. An early career salary of $63,300 has been reported by some students of the Craig School of Business upon graduation revealing a solid return on the investment of education. The Craig School of Business, which receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, employs the Blackboard Learning System as the conduit for curriculum delivery. Students interested in this program are encouraged to submit a GMAT score of at least 550, all previous transcripts including a GPA minimum of 2.5, two letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and a $55 application fee into the admissions office in order to initiate the acceptance process.

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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with emphasis choices in 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, or Supply Chain Management is offered at the College of Business at Bellevue University. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $565 per credit hour making the total tuition rate an accessible $20,340. Some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $52,200 upon graduating revealing a solid return on the investment of education. This 100% online program is divided between 27 credit hours of core courses and nine hours of specialization-intensive courses. Core courses include Business Performance Management, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Human Capital & Organizational Performance, Business Analysis for Decision Making, Marketing & New Media Strategy, and Accounting for Performance Management. The College of Business at Bellevue University receives its business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Students e=interested in applying for this program are encouraged to submit an online application along with an application fee, an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, a GPA of at least 2.5 within the last 60 hours of coursework, and letters of recommendation and essays to the admissions office in order to be considered.

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

Photo creditThe University of Houston-Clear Lake features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with concentration options in Environmental Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, or Management of Technology at the College of Business. Receiving its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the College of Business has replaced the standard 16-week long courses with eight-week long classes which allow an accelerated pace for this degree. By taking two classes per term, a student can now complete all coursework in just 14 months. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $1,739 per course making the total cost of tuition an affordable $20,868. An average early career salary of $54,400 has been reported by some students of the College of Business after graduating revealing a strong return on the investment of education. Core courses within this program include Accounting for Administration Control, The Global Environment of Business, Management Science and Operations, Managerial Economics, Corporate Finance, Human Behavior in Organizations, Strategic Management Seminar, and Executive Decisions in Marketing.

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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration is featured at the University of Maryland University College. While all courses within this 36-credit hour program are offered online, some may be available on campus as well. Qualifying students can transfer up to six transfer credits from other programs. Priced at $694 per credit hour, this 36-credit hour program features a total tuition fee of $24,984. “Courses in the MBA curriculum use comprehensive online learning resources and emphasize teamwork, information literacy, technology fluency, systems thinking, ethics, communication, problem solving, and critical thinking.” Core courses within this program include Communicating, Problem Solving, and Leading in Professional Fields, Leading Organizations and People, Financial Decision Making, Leading in the Multicultural Global Environment, Innovation Through Marketing and Technology, and Strategic Decision Making. Receiving its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the university recommends students utilize such courses as Graduate Writing Skills and Basic Information Technology in order to prepare for the demands of this program. Some students have reported an average early career salary of $66,700 upon graduation 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

Photo creditThe University of Wyoming’s College of Business offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration. This 30-credit hour program is priced at $750 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an affordable $22,500. Some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $60,900 showing a solid return on the investment of education. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the College of Business has designed this program “for professionals that are interested in enhancing their understanding of business disciplines and applying them to decision-making in the workplace.” This cohort-based degree begins each year in the fall and most students complete all coursework in as few as 24 months. Core courses for this degree include Marketing Analysis, Financial Management, MBA Managerial Accounting, Decision Sciences for Managers, Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management, New Ventures, and The Global Business Environment.

Founded in 1886, the University of Wyoming is a four-year public university which predates Wyoming’s being established as the 44^th 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

Photo creditThe College of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $1,511 per three credit course making the total cost of tuition an affordable $18,141. In addition to this low tuition rate, an average early career salary of $51,500 has been reported by some students of the College of Business Administration after graduating revealing a strong return on the investment of education. Receiving its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the business school has designed this program to emphasize “the integration and synthesis of various disciplines to develop a student’s ability to function in a dynamic environment and make sound administrative decisions that maximize the value and contributions of an organization. This program is suited for qualified students from any academic discipline.” Specified courses within this degree include Accounting for Management, Techniques of Statistical Analysis, Managerial Communication, Financial Management, seminar in Team Leadership, Seminar Operations Management, and Marketing Management.

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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting, Finance, Leadership, Information Technology, Marketing, International Business, or Public Administration is featured at the College of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The College of Business, which receives its stellar business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs has designed this program “to help prepare graduates for leadership and management roles in the business industry and teach critical analytic skills in accounting, economics, international business, marketing, finance, operations research, and statistics.” Priced at $640 per credit hour, the total tuition rate for this degree is an attractive $21,120. Some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $60,900 after graduating showing a solid return on the investment of education. Business core courses included in this 33-credit hour program include Strategic Marketing Management in Aviation, Managerial Accounting for Decision Making, Managerial Finance, Business Research Methods, Advanced Aviation Economics, and International Business Administration. The College of Business has recently been recognized as the 100^th best online MBA program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

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

Photo creditCentral Michigan University’s College of Business Administration offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with specialization choices in ERP Emphasis using SAP Software, Human Resource Management, Logistics Management, Marketing, or Value-Driven Organization. Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 42^nd best online MBA in the nation, the College of Business Administration receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Featuring a price of just $600 per credit hour, the total tuition rate for this degree is an accessible $21,600. An average early career salary of $62,800 has been reported by some students of the business school after graduation showing a healthy return on the investment of education. Core courses within this degree include Managing Information Systems in a Global Economy, Managerial Accounting: A Management Perspective, Managing and Leading Individuals and Groups in Organizations, Data Analysis for Managers, Global Business and Sustainability, Financial Analysis and Risk management, and Global Economic Environment. Qualifying students with the proper academic experience can waive up to seven hours of prerequisite courses and complete only 36-credit hours to satisfy the program’s requirements.

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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a Certificate in Modeling, Simulation and Visualization; Maritime, Ports and Logistics Management; Public Procurement and Contract Management; or Business Analytics and Big Data is offered at Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business. This 40-credit hour program is priced at $496 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an affordable $19,840. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $59,800 after graduating showing a healthy return on the investment of education. Core courses within this program include Leadership Dynamics, Statistics for Managers, Managerial Economics, Fundamentals of Contemporary Marketing, Managerial Accounting, Managing in Contemporary Organizations, Financial management, and Information and Knowledge Management. Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 55^th best online Master’s of Business Administration in the nation, the Strome College of Business receives its exemplary 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

Photo creditWright State University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with specialization choices in Economics, Finance, Healthcare Management, International Business, Interdisciplinary Business, Investments, Management, Innovation and Change, Marketing, New Venture Creation, or Project Management at the Raj Soin College of Business. Priced at $640 per credit hour, this 11-course program features an attractive total tuition rate of $19,200. Along with this low cost of tuition, some students of the Raj Soin College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $58,600 showing a solid return on the investment of education. Students interested in waiving the GMAT requirement for this degree are encourage to submit transcripts from all previous education revealing an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0. Students with a lower GPA may seek acceptance on a conditional basis. Strategic Cost Management, Economics for Managers, Financial Analysis and Decision Making, Leadership and Ethics, International Business Management: Operations and Environments, Developing and Implementing Competitive Strategies, Marketing Strategy, and Supply Chain Management are the core courses included in this degree. The business school has been recently recognized by U.S. News & World report as offering the 124^th best online MBA in the country.

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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or a specialization in International Business is featured at the College of Business and Public Administration at the University of North Dakota. This 43-credit hour program is priced at $410 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition a low $17,635. An average early career salary of $56,400 has been reported by some students of the College of Business and Public Administration after graduating revealing a solid return on the investment of education. The business school has recently been recognized as featuring the nation’s 29^th best online Master’s of Business Administration by U.S. News & World Report. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the College of Business and Public Administration offers three start times each year. This 100% online degree can be completed in just two years and features a live web-based class held one evening per week.

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

Photo creditThe Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis features a best-value online Professional Master’s of Business Administration. “Designed for ambitious professionals whose demanding schedule and/or geographic location makes it difficult to attend classes in-person at the University of Memphis”, the core courses for this program include, Seminar in Leadership, Creativity and Innovation, Corporate Governance and Business Ethics, Financial and Managerial Accounting for Managers, Economics for the Global Executive, and Information Systems in the Global Enterprise. This 33-credit hour program, which features no prerequisite courses and no concentrations, is offered at an accessible $18,900 in total tuition fees. Some students of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics have reported an average early career salary of $61,800 upon graduation showing a healthy return on the investment of education. Recently recognized as offering the 95^th best online Master’s of Business Administration in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and the 25^th best in the country by the Princeton Review, the business school receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Students interested in this degree are encouraged to complete an online application and submit a $35 fee, GMAT or GRE score, transcripts, current resume, statement of personal interest, essay, and two letters of recommendation into admissions office in order to be considered for acceptance.

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

Photo creditThe University of West Florida’s College of Business features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or concentrations in Accounting, Supply Chain Logistics Management, and Entrepreneurship. This 36-credit hour program is divided between 27 credits of Master’s of Business Administration Core courses and nine credits of specialization-intensive courses including New Ventures, Venture Development, and Small Business Management Consulting. Students seeking the general MBA can complete all coursework by taking just 33-credit hours and can expect to graduate in just 14 months, while students seeking a specialization will take 36-credit hours and can expect to graduate in 16 months. The 33-credit hour general program features a total tuition rate of just $15,065, while the 36-credit hour concentration-focused degree is priced at $16,434. Some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $49,300 after graduating showing a healthy return on the investment of education. The College of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

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

Photo creditThe College of Business and Public Management at West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration degree with a Certificate in Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, and Project Management. Recently recognized as offering the nation’s 82^nd best online MBA program by U.S. News & World Report, the College of Business and Public Management receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This 30-credit hour program is priced at $1,500 for each three-credit course making the total cost of tuition an affordable $15,000. Some students have reported an average early career salary of $49,300 after graduating from the College of Business and Public Management showing a healthy return on the investment of education. The three graduate level certificates of Entrepreneurship, Project Management, and Business Analytics can be taken separately or in addition to the MBA curriculum. This 10-course program features seven core courses including Strategic Cost Management, Financial Analysis and Valuation, Global Operations and Supply Chain Management, Components of Effective Leadership, Business, Society & Environment, Innovation and Marketing Strategy, and Strategic Management and Planning. The College of Business and Public Management uses the Desire2Learn courseware for this online format.

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 18^th 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 – University Park, Illinois

Photo creditGovernors State University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or a concentration in Supply Chain Management is offered at the College of Business. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $406 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an affordable $14,616. Remarkably, some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $51,500 upon graduating revealing a strong return on the investment of education. Receiving its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the business school offers this degree as a 100% online experience. Core courses within this program include Strategic Management Accounting, Managerial Economics and Forecasting, Financial Management, Operations Management: Strategies and Techniques, Organizational Behavior in the Global Context, International Business, Strategic Marketing, and Information Systems and Technology.

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

Photo creditA 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 is offered at the College of Business at Wilmington University. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $466 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition $16,776. An early career salary of $59,700 has been reported by some students after graduating from the College of Business showing a healthy return on the investment of education. Core courses within this degree include Organizational Behavior and Ethical Leadership, Managerial Accounting, Quantitative Business Analysis, Economic and Financial Environment of Business, Financial Management, Global Marketing Management, and Business Strategy. The College of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Schools of Business. Students seeking a hybrid experience may also be interested in attending classes at the university’s Wilson Graduate Center or in Georgetown.

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

Photo creditRadford University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration at the College of Business Economics. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the College of Business and Economics has designed this program to be completed 100% online and in just two years. This 36-credit hour program is priced at a low $347 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition a very affordable $12,492. Coupling this low tuition rate with an average early career salary of $45,300 reported by some graduates of the business school reveals a strong return on the investment of education. 21 credit hours of this degree are core courses while 15 are from the concentration courses. Core courses within this program include Accounting for Decision Making and Control, Organizational Behavior and Managerial Skills, Operations Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Managerial Economics, and Strategic Management.

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

Photo creditThe Robert J. Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell features a best-value general online Master’s of Business Administration with the option of concentrations in Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, and Marketing. Qualifying students with the proper academic background can waive up to 12-credit hours and complete all coursework for this 30-credit hour Master’s of Business Administration in a 100% online format. This 30-hour program is priced at $575 per credit hour making the total tuition price an accessible $17,250. Some students of the Robert J. Manning School of Business have reported an average early career salary of $67,300 after graduation revealing a solid return on the investment of education. Candidates interested in this degree are encouraged to complete an online application with a fee, submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a professional resume to admissions office in order to be considered for acceptance. Core courses for this program include Operations Management, Current Topics in Marketing, Organizational Behavior, International Financial Management, International Marketing, Sustainable/Green Marketing, Financial Derivatives, Fixed Income Securities, Digital Marketing, and Advanced Portfolio Management.

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

Photo creditThe College of Business at Mississippi State University offers a best-value general online Master’s of Business Administration and one with an emphasis in Project Management. This 30-credit hour program is one of the most affordable on our list. Priced at just $456 per credit hour, the total tuition fee for this degree is an accessible $13,680. An average early career salary of $53,400 has been reported by some students of the College of Business after graduating showing a healthy return on the investment of education. This program is comprised of 27 hours of core courses and three hours of the Project Management-specifics coursework. Core courses include Leadership Skills, Strategic Marketing Management, Economics for Managers, Corporate Finance, Financial & Accounting Report Analysis, Management Information Technology & Systems, Quant Analysis & Business Research, and Strategic Business Consulting. The College of Business receives its exemplary accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. U.S. News and World Report has recognized the business school as offering the 18^th best online MBA in the country.

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

Photo creditThe Miller College of Business at Ball State University offers an 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. This 30-credit program is priced at $402 per credit making the total cost of tuition a very affordable $12,060. An average early career salary of $49,400 has been reported by some students after graduating from the business school showing a healthy return on the investment of education. The Princeton Review has recently recognized the Miller College of Business as offering the 24^th best program in the country while U.S. News & World Report has awarded it as the 12^th best in the nation. Featuring three start times throughout the calendar year, this program puts flexibility and accessibility at the top of the list in distance learning by allowing students the opportunity to complete courses on-campus, online, or a combination of the two. The 30-credit hours required for this 100% online MBA include eight core courses including Entrepreneurial Leadership, Statistics and Quantitative Methods, Information Systems, Accounting and Decision Making, Economic Analysis for Managers, Managerial Finance, Marketing Management, and Global Strategic Management and two electives chosen within the concentration-focused courses.

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

Photo creditThe College of Business at East Carolina University features 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. Qualifying students with the proper academic experience can waive up to 21 credit hours and complete all coursework for this online degree with as few as 33-credit hours taken. Priced at just $1,122 per three-credit course, the total tuition rate for this program is an accessible $12,350. An average early career salary of $52,300 has been reported by some students after graduating from the College of Business showing a solid return on the investment of education. While the College of Business has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 86^th best online MBA in the nation, it receives it excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance collegiate Schools of Business. Core courses within this degree include Collaboration, Conflict and Negotiation, Organizational Behavior, Project Leadership and Communication, Marketing Management, International Financial Management, Supply Chain Systems, Principles of Accounting and Finance, and Topics in Operations Management.

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

Photo creditThe College of Business and Technology at Western Illinois University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or a specialization in Supply Chain Management. “The mission of the MBA program at Western Illinois University is to prepare individuals for leadership and socially responsible managerial roles in an interdependent, multicultural, and diverse business world.” Students with the proper academic experience can waive up to 21-credit hours and complete all requirements for this degree by taking only 11 courses. This 33-credit hour program is priced at just $323 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition a highly affordable $10,680. Some students of the College of Business and Technology have reported an average early career salary of $45,500 revealing a strong return on the investment of education. This program is offered as a fully-online experience, in the classroom, or as a hybrid with the combination of the two. The business school also encourages mentoring relationships between faculty and students and maintains an average class size of 16. The College of Business and Technology receives its remarkable business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration in General Management is offered at the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University. This 31-credit hour program is priced at just $417 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an accessible $12,927. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $55,900 after graduating revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. This program has been designed to train students in “problem-solving and decision-making abilities necessary to understand and cope with the challenges faced by business and organizational leaders in a dynamic, global workplace and to use written and verbal skills effectively to communicate the results of (their)problem-solving analyses and decisions.” Potential candidates interested in applying for admission into this program are encouraged to complete an online application and submit all official transcripts, standardized exams scores, a letter of recommendation, and other documentation into the admissions office in order to be considered. The Sorrell College of Business receives its top-notch business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

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

Photo creditThe School of Business at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics, Management Information Systems, or Project Management. This 42-credit hour program is priced at $951per three-credit course making the total cost of tuition an affordable $13,322. An average early career salary of $58,300 has been reported by some students after graduating from the School of Business showing a solid return on the investment of education. This program is divided between 30-credit hours of core courses and 12-credit hours of specialization-specific classes. Core courses within this degree include Accounting for MBAs, Information Systems and Technology, Managerial Economics, Corporate Finance, Quantitative Analysis, Decision Making in Organizations, Negotiation & Interpersonal Skills for Managers, and Strategic Management. Students interested in this degree are encouraged to submit an application with $40 fee, transcripts revealing an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, a minimum GPA of 2.5, GMAT score, and personal history information into the admissions office in order to begin the acceptance process.

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

Photo creditThe Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University offers 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. This 100% online program has been designed by the business school with flexibility in mind as all courses can be taken on a part-time basis. Priced at $405 per credit hour, this 42-credit hour program features a total tuition rate of just $17,012. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the AACSB International, the Spears School of Business requires its applicants to “have a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college, possess a competitive GMAT score and at least a 3.0 GPA. Work experience is preferred but not required.” Some graduates of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $75,000 revealing a healthy 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

Photo creditLamar University’s College of Business offers an online Master’s of Business Administration with concentration options in Criminal Justice Management, Healthcare Administration, Enterprise Resource Planning (tech), Management, or Construction Project Management. The College of Business receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This 36-credit hour program features a total tuition rate of just $13,092, making it one of the most affordable high-quality online Master’s of Business Administration degrees in the nation. An average early career salary of $59,900 has been reported by some students of the business school after graduating revealing a solid return on the investment of education. This 100% online program utilizes an eight-week course format and allows students with the proper academic experience the opportunity to graduate in just 14 months. This program is spread between core and specialization specific courses. Core courses included in this degree are Managerial Accounting, Managerial Decision Making, Managerial Economics, Financial Management, Marketing Management, International Business, and Strategic Management. The business school was recently recognized as offering the 168^th best online MBA in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

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

Photo creditThe College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a choice of specializations in Digital Marketing, Global Challenges in Business, and Innovation: From Creativity to Entrepreneurship. This 72-credit hour program is priced at $250 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition an accessible $18,000. Some students of the business school have reported an average early career salary of $88,000 after graduating revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. Core courses within this program include Everyday Leadership, Designing & Managing Organizations, Strategic Management, Firm-Level Economics, Country Level Economics, Business Statistics, Data Analysis & Decision Making, Managerial Accounting, Process Management, and Marketing Management. Among the business school’s recognitions includes Poets & Quants awarding this 100% online MBA as a top 50 program for less than $20,000 in tuition. The College of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

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

Photo creditMissouri State University’s College of Business features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration 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 is offered at Missouri State University’s College of Business. This 33-credit hour program is divided between 24-credit hours of core coursework and nine credits of specialization-specific courses. Core courses for this program include Management Information Systems, Advanced Financial Management, Organizational Behavior, and Quantitative Methods in Business Decision Making, followed by nine-credit hours offered for the Graduate Certificate in Finance. Students interested in this degree are encouraged to submit the following items to the Program Director at the College of Business, official transcripts, GMAT/GRE score. Students are also to be mindful of acceptance deadlines as program slots often fill quickly. This 33-credit hour program is priced at $285 per credit making this one of the most-affordable online degrees in our ranking at just $9,405 in total tuition fees. Pairing the low tuition rate with an average early career salary of $47,300 reported by some students upon graduating from the College of Business makes this a viable option for students seeking a solid return on the investment of education.

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

Photo creditA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration is offered at the College of Business at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Students with the proper academic background can waive up to 18 hours of foundational coursework and complete this degree with as few as 30 credit hours taken. This 10-course program is priced at just $1,238 per three-hour course making the total cost of tuition an affordable $12,380. An early career salary of $66,900 has been reported by some students of the College of Business after graduation revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. The College of Business offers its online Master’s of Business Administration with a selection of minors, however students are warned not all courses are offered within the online format. Core courses for this general online MBA include Advanced Managerial Accounting, Statistical Methods, Applied Business Research, Managerial Economics, Macroeconomics for Managers, Financial Management, and Management and Organization Behavior. The business school receives its exemplary business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

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

Photo creditThe School of Management at Texas Women’s University features a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with a general focus or Accounting emphasis. This 36-semester credit hour degree is priced at $259 per credit hour making the total tuition rate an accessible $9,344. Some students of the business school have reported an early career salary of $52,200 after graduating revealing a strong return on the investment of education. Students interested in the Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting are not require to have an undergraduate degree in Accounting, however the business school will determine what prerequisites are necessary per student on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit all transcripts revealing a GPA of at least 3.0, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to the School of Management. This 100% online MBA is divided between 15 credits of required courses, one elective course, and 18 credits of Accounting-intensive courses. The five areas of emphasis for this program are in management, accounting, business analytics, health care administration, and human resources management. The School of Management receives its business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

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

Photo creditNew Mexico State University offers a best-value online Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Agribusiness, Finance, Information Systems, or Public Utility Regulation at the College of Business. This 36-credit hour program is priced at $243 per credit hour making the total cost of tuition a remarkable $8,780. This tuition rate is the second-lowest price of our ranking. Some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $57,400 after graduation revealing a healthy return on the investment of education. This program has been designed as a cohort-based education delivered with a synchronous component which “allows for interaction between the instructor and students and among the students. While the program begins and ends with on campus orientations in Las Cruces, all other coursework is completed online as students take two courses per semester for a total of two years.

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

Photo courtesy of Louisiana Tech UniversityA best-value online Master’s of Business Administration is offered at the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University. Applicants interested in this program are encouraged to complete an online application and submit all official transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores, and a $40 application fee to the admissions office. This 30-credit hour program is priced at just $774 per three-hour course making it one of the most affordable highly-accredited online MBAs in the country with a total cost of tuition at $7,740. Some students of the College of Business have reported an average early career salary of $55,000 after graduating, showing a healthy return on the investment of education. The business school, which receives its excellent accreditation though the AACSB, reports a 93% job-placement rate within six months of graduating. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the online MBA as the 105^th best program in the nation. Core courses within this 100% online MBA include Strategic Management, Global Perspectives in Management, Managerial Economics, Contemporary Management, Marketing Management, Information Resource Management, Financial Management, and Accounting Analysis for Decision Making.

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