Cheapest Accredited Online MBA Programs You Can Consider
Pursuing an MBA is often a costly venture, but several quality programs offer accredited education at remarkably affordable rates. Whether you prioritize global recognition, budget savings, or flexibility, here are some of the best cost-effective, accredited online MBA programs to consider.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation ensures that a program meets recognized standards of academic excellence and that employers regard the degree as credible. The gold standard in business education accreditation is AACSB, though ACBSP, IACBE, and national bodies like DEAC or WASC also offer valid accreditation. Choosing a program with recognized accreditation ensures better career prospects and peace of mind.(GetEducated, Accredited Online Colleges, Wikipedia)
Top Affordable AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs
1. Georgia Southwestern State University
- Total Tuition: Approximately $7,710(GetEducated, Online MBA Programs News)
- Details: Fully online with AACSB accreditation, flexible slots, and strong ROI.(GetEducated, Online MBA Programs News)
2. Fayetteville State University
- Total Tuition: Around $6,500–$9,000, low in-state rate(Accredited Online Colleges, Online MBA Programs News)
- Details: AACSB accreditation, customizable concentrations like Business Intelligence, Healthcare Management, International Business.(Online MBA Programs News, Accredited Online Colleges)
3. East Carolina University
- Total Tuition: Approximately $9,500(GetEducated)
- Details: AACSB-accredited, modular format, adaptable to part-time learners.(GetEducated)
4. University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB)
- Total Tuition: Around $9,700–$15,000(GetEducated, Digital › Digital Marketing Business, Accredited Online Colleges)
- Details: Accelerated 8-week course format, various specializations, no GMAT required, part of UT System.(GetEducated, Digital › Digital Marketing Business)
5. Texas A&M International University (TAMIU)
- Total Tuition: Approximately $10,600, among lowest in Texas system(GetEducated)
- In-State Pricing: As low as $11,000(MBA Programs Online)
- Details: AACSB accreditation, 30-credit program, multiple concentrations available.(MBA Programs Online)
6. Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU)
- Total Tuition: About $8,680 (in-state); $9,340 (out-of-state)(Accredited Online Colleges)
- Details: AACSB-accredited, flexible scheduling, one of the cheapest options in Texas.(Accredited Online Colleges)
7. University of West Georgia
- Total Tuition: Approximately $9,512(Accredited Online Colleges)
- Details: 100% online, 8-week course cycles, low online student cost.(Accredited Online Colleges)
8. Missouri State University
- Total Tuition: Around $13,730(Accredited Online Colleges)
- Details: AACSB-accredited, low cost, strong academic reputation.(Accredited Online Colleges)
9. Southern Arkansas University
- Annual Cost: $6,582 per year, AACSB-accredited(Best Colleges Online, College Learners)
- Details: One of the cheapest accredited online MBAs in Arkansas.(College Learners)
10. Texas A&M University–Commerce
- Tuition: Approximately $3,630–$15,210 range depending on source(The Best Master’s Degrees, Accredited Online Colleges)
- Details: AACSB accreditation, online and hybrid options, strong alumni network.(The Best Master’s Degrees, Accredited Online Colleges)
Other Affordable Accredited Options (Non-AACSB, but Worth Noting)
University of the People (UoPeople)
- Total Estimated Fees: About $5,260–$5,460 for MBA(Wikipedia)
- Accreditation: Accredited by DEAC and WASC(Wikipedia)
- Summary: Tuition-free model (assessment fees only), global accessibility, but lacks AACSB.(Wikipedia)
Honorable Mention & Community Insights
Midwestern State University, Angelo State, Nicholls State
These are noted among the most affordable AACSB online MBA programs, all located in the Southern U.S., with tuition under $7,000.(PR Newswire)
Prairie View A&M, University of Wyoming, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, Sam Houston State
Historic listings show these schools offering some of the lowest AACSB MBA tuition, ranging from approximately $3,978 to $4,572. While prices may have changed, they remain noteworthy for their affordability.(The Best Master’s Degrees)
Student Experiences (Reddit Highlights)
From a user who graduated from LSU Shreveport:
“LSUS was the cheapest AACSB accredited program (around $12k for the whole program)… I’ve since doubled my income.”(Reddit)
Regarding Western Governors University (WGU):
“WGU… you pay a flat fee of ~4.7k per 6-month period… I finished in about 11 months.”(Reddit)
Both provide notable examples of flexible, cost-efficient pathways—even though WGU’s MBA may fall under different accreditation standards.
Summary Table: At-a-Glance Comparison
| Institution | Approx. Tuition | Accreditation | Format & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Southwestern State University | ~$7,710 | AACSB | Fully online, flexible pacing |
| Fayetteville State University | ~$6,500–$9,000 | AACSB | Multiple concentrations |
| East Carolina University | ~$9,500 | AACSB | Modular, part-time |
| UT Permian Basin (UTPB) | ~$9,700–$15,000 | AACSB | 8-week cycles, fast-track options |
| Texas A&M Int’l University (TAMIU) | ~$10,600 (in-state) | AACSB | Multiple concentrations |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University | ~$8,680 (in-state) | AACSB | Flexible scheduling |
| University of West Georgia | ~$9,512 | AACSB | Online, 8-week cycles |
| Southern Arkansas University | ~$6,582/year | AACSB | Highly affordable |
| Texas A&M-Commerce | ~$3,630+ | AACSB | Online/hybrid, highly affordable |
| University of the People | ~$5,260–$5,460 total | DEAC, WASC | Tuition-free model, global access |
| WGU (via Reddit) | ~$4,700 per 6 months | — | Flat fee, self-paced flexible model |
Final Takeaways
- If AACSB accreditation is your priority and you want the lowest cost, consider Fayetteville State, Georgia Southwestern, or Southern Arkansas University.
- To maximize flexibility with speed, UTPB and SOSU offer accelerated formats.
- TAMIU stands out for Texas residents with below-$11,000 in-state tuition.
- University of the People is the most affordable overall—especially for global learners—though non-AACSB.
- Community insights highlight LSU Shreveport and WGU as budget-friendly options with real ROI.