Best software · Careers
9 Best Affordable Online MBA Programs of 2026
This list is for working adults who want an accredited online MBA and a total tuition bill under $25,000. We compared nine programs using each school's own program and tuition pages: credit hours, total or per-credit tuition, how fast you can finish, test requirements, concentrations and accreditation. Scores weigh features (curriculum, concentrations, accreditation and support) at 40 percent, and ease (schedule, admissions, pace) and value (published tuition against what you get) at 30 percent each. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not enroll in these programs. Tuition is set each academic year and some totals carry an asterisk for fees or rate changes, so confirm the figure for your start term before you apply.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · 9 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 11, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
WGU is our top pick for most working adults on a budget: tuition is a flat $4,850 per six-month term with no limit on courses, and there are no set login times. LSU Shreveport is the best choice if you want AACSB accreditation and a fixed price, at $14,520 for 30 credit hours with ten concentrations and a finish in as few as 10 months. Southeastern Oklahoma State ($12,090) and the University of Southern Indiana ($13,950) are close AACSB alternatives with no GMAT. Fort Hays State and Georgia Southwestern cost the least per credit hour, Murray State and Jacksonville State cost more but still stay under $18,200, and Quantic sits just under the $25,000 cap with a different model and DEAC accreditation.
Top picks
Best overall
Western Governors University MBA
9.0 / 10
self-directed working adults who want the lowest cost by finishing fast
Read the review →Runner-up
LSU Shreveport Online MBA
8.9 / 10
working adults who want AACSB accreditation at a fixed total price
Read the review →Also great
Southeastern Oklahoma State University Online MBA
8.8 / 10
career changers without a business degree who want a low-cost AACSB MBA
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University MBA | self-directed working adults who want the lowest cost by finishing fast | $4,850 per six-month term, unlimited courses per term | 9.0 |
| 2 | LSU Shreveport Online MBA | working adults who want AACSB accreditation at a fixed total price | $14,520 total program tuition for 30 credit hours ($484 per credit hour) | 8.9 |
| 3 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University Online MBA | career changers without a business degree who want a low-cost AACSB MBA | $12,090 total tuition for 30 credit hours (General Business) | 8.8 |
| 4 |  University of Southern Indiana Online MBA | working adults who want an AACSB MBA with an AI or analytics concentration | $13,950 total tuition for 30 credit hours | 8.7 |
| 5 |  Fort Hays State University Online MBA | students who want many concentration choices and pay-per-credit tuition | $401.17 per credit hour for the online MBA (fall 2026 to summer 2027); about $13,240 for 33 credit hours by our math | 8.6 |
| 6 |  Georgia Southwestern State University Online MBA | budget-first students who want the lowest AACSB total and a steady pace | $9,756 total tuition at $271 per credit hour | 8.5 |
| 7 |  Murray State University Online MBA | students who want an all-in price from a long-accredited business school | $18,180 total tuition for 30 credit hours, fees included ($606 per credit hour) | 8.4 |
| 8 |  Jacksonville State University Online MBA | professionals who want analytics software skills in a one-year MBA | $18,000 total tuition for 30 credit hours | 8.2 |
| 9 |  Quantic MBA | early-career professionals who want a selective global cohort | $24,750 tuition for the 15-month MBA, with merit and need scholarships | 8.1 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
Western Governors University MBA
A competency-based online MBA from Western Governors University with flat tuition per six-month term and no set class times.
wgu.edu9.0
out of 10
Best for: self-directed working adults who want the lowest cost by finishing fast
Western Governors University runs its MBA on a competency-based model: you work through 11 courses one at a time, pass an assessment for each, and move on as soon as you are ready. Tuition is a flat $4,850 per six-month term, and WGU says you can complete as many courses as you are able in a term at no extra cost. That makes the price depend on your pace. WGU markets a one-year MBA in which students finish in two terms, and it notes that anyone who needs longer pays for additional terms. There are no set login times or class meetings, and a Program Mentor helps you build a degree plan each term. WGU says the program has been recognized by ACBSP, but its page does not mention AACSB, which some employers prefer. Transfer credit is limited for most graduate programs. For a disciplined learner, it is the lowest-cost path on this list.
Standout feature
Flat $4,850 per six-month term with no limit on the number of courses you complete.
Use cases
Experienced managers
Use what they already know to pass assessments quickly
Outcome: An MBA in about two terms at roughly $9,700 in tuition
Shift workers
Study without fixed class times
Outcome: Progress on their own schedule each week
Key features
- Flat $4,850 tuition per six-month term, regardless of how many courses you complete
- Program consists of 11 courses
- Competency-based: pass the assessment and move to the next course
- No set login times or class meetings
- A Program Mentor builds your degree plan each term
Pros
- Finishing in two terms keeps tuition near $9,700
- Fully asynchronous schedule fits shift work and travel
- WGU says the MBA program has been recognized by ACBSP
Cons
- Each extra term adds another $4,850
- WGU says many graduate programs do not accept transfer credits
- The program page does not list AACSB accreditation
Rank 2 · Runner-up
LSU Shreveport Online MBA
A 30-credit, AACSB-accredited online MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport, offered through LSU Online with ten concentrations.
lsus.edu8.9
out of 10
Best for: working adults who want AACSB accreditation at a fixed total price
Louisiana State University Shreveport offers its online MBA through LSU Online at $484 per credit hour, or $14,520 in total program tuition with fees for 30 credit hours. The rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, which helps anyone outside Louisiana. The program is accredited by AACSB International and offers ten concentrations, from Accounting and Finance to Data Analytics, Project Management and Hospitality and Casino Management. Courses are accelerated, there are multiple start dates per year, and LSUS says you can finish in as few as 10 months with no required login times. Admission asks for a bachelor's degree and a GMAT score of at least 450 combined with a GPA formula, but a GMAT/GRE waiver is available for qualified applicants. Foundation courses such as Fundamentals of Finance and Fundamentals of Statistics are listed for students who need them. It is the strongest mix of accreditation, choice and price here.
Standout feature
AACSB-accredited MBA with ten concentrations for $14,520 total.
Use cases
Analysts moving into management
Add a Data Analytics or Project Management concentration
Outcome: An AACSB MBA in about 10 to 12 months
Out-of-state students
Avoid nonresident tuition
Outcome: The same $484 per credit hour as Louisiana residents
Key features
- 30 credit hours at $484 per credit hour
- Ten concentrations, including Accounting, Data Analytics, Finance and Marketing
- Finish in as few as 10 months with accelerated courses
- Flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees
- No required login times
Pros
- AACSB accreditation at $14,520 total with fees
- Multiple start dates per year, with the next classes beginning Jan 19, 2027
- GMAT/GRE waiver available for qualified applicants
Cons
- Applicants without a waiver need a minimum GMAT score of 450
- Accelerated courses mean a heavy weekly workload
- Foundation courses in economics, finance and statistics may apply
Rank 3 · Also great
Southeastern Oklahoma State University Online MBA
An AACSB-accredited, 30-credit online MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with 15 concentrations and no GMAT.
se.edu8.8
out of 10
Best for: career changers without a business degree who want a low-cost AACSB MBA
Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers an AACSB-accredited online MBA that its program page prices at $12,090 in total tuition for the 30-credit General Business track, with pay-as-you-go tuition of $345 per credit hour. You can finish in as few as 12 months, and the school lists 15 concentrations, including Accounting and Data Analytics. No GMAT is required. A useful detail for career changers: students without a business bachelor's degree can meet the prerequisites through four 1-week online leveling courses instead of extra semesters. Coursework is fully online. The total carries an asterisk, so ask what fees are included for your term, and the page shares less about class format and faculty interaction than LSU Shreveport or USI. For a non-business graduate who wants AACSB accreditation and a low bill, it is one of the simplest routes on this list.
Standout feature
AACSB MBA at $12,090 total with 1-week leveling courses for non-business majors.
Use cases
Engineers and nurses
Earn an MBA without a business undergrad degree
Outcome: Prerequisites met in four 1-week courses
Accountants
Add an MBA with an Accounting concentration
Outcome: A 30-credit AACSB degree in about a year
Key features
- 30 credit hours, finish in as few as 12 months
- 15 concentrations, including Accounting and Data Analytics
- Pay-as-you-go tuition at $345 per credit hour
- No GMAT required for admission
- Four 1-week online leveling courses for students without a business degree
Pros
- AACSB accreditation at $12,090 total
- Short leveling courses replace full prerequisite semesters
- 100% online coursework
Cons
- The $12,090 total is marked with an asterisk, so check what it includes
- Fewer published details on class format than some rivals
- Smaller regional school name
Rank 4
University of Southern Indiana Online MBA
A 30-credit, AACSB-accredited online MBA from the University of Southern Indiana with 8-week asynchronous courses.
usi.edu8.7
out of 10
Best for: working adults who want an AACSB MBA with an AI or analytics concentration
The University of Southern Indiana lists its online MBA at $13,950 in total tuition for 30 credit hours, and its concentration pages, including Accounting and Artificial Intelligence, show the same total. The program is AACSB-accredited and built for working adults: courses run in accelerated 8-week blocks, coursework is asynchronous and available 24/7, and USI says you can finish in as few as 12 months. No GMAT or GRE is required. The concentration list is broad, with Accounting, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Engineering Management, Healthcare Administration, Human Resources, Marketing, Project Management and Supply Chain Management. Tuition is paid by the course, which spreads the cost over the program. The trade-offs are a heavy weekly load in 8-week courses and little published detail on live interaction. It costs about $1,860 more than Southeastern Oklahoma State, mostly buying a wider choice of modern concentrations.
Standout feature
AACSB MBA with an Artificial Intelligence concentration for $13,950 total.
Use cases
Operations managers
Add Supply Chain Management or Project Management skills
Outcome: An AACSB MBA in about 12 months
Tech-adjacent professionals
Study how to manage AI projects
Outcome: An MBA with an Artificial Intelligence concentration for $13,950
Key features
- 30 credit hours, finish in as few as 12 months
- Accelerated 8-week courses
- Asynchronous coursework available 24/7
- Concentrations include Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Healthcare Administration and Supply Chain Management
- No GMAT/GRE required
Pros
- Same $13,950 total for the general MBA and its concentrations
- AACSB accreditation
- Pay-by-the-course tuition
Cons
- 8-week courses pack a full course into half a semester
- The total is marked with an asterisk for possible changes
- No live sessions listed for building a network
Rank 5
Fort Hays State University Online MBA
A fully online MBA from Fort Hays State University in Kansas with a 24-credit core, 15 concentrations and no GMAT.
fhsu.edu8.6
out of 10
Best for: students who want many concentration choices and pay-per-credit tuition
Fort Hays State University's online MBA combines a 24-credit core with a 9-credit concentration chosen from 15 career areas, or a General MBA built from any mix of concentration courses. FHSU Online lists tuition and fees for the MBA at $401.17 per credit hour for fall 2026 through summer 2027, which works out to about $13,240 for 33 credit hours by our math. Core courses run in 8-week sessions, admission is rolling with multiple start dates, and the school says no GMAT or GRE is required. Unlike several programs here, FHSU does not require foundation courses regardless of your undergraduate degree, which can save a semester for non-business majors. The program is fully online with no campus visits. The MBA page cites the university's Higher Learning Commission accreditation and does not mention AACSB, so check that if your employer cares. It suits people who want a specific concentration at a low per-credit rate.
Standout feature
15 concentrations and no foundation courses at $401.17 per credit hour.
Use cases
Non-business graduates
Start the MBA without foundation courses
Outcome: A 33-credit degree with no leveling semester
Specialists
Pick one of 15 concentrations
Outcome: Nine credits focused on their field
Key features
- 24-credit core plus a 9-credit concentration
- 15 concentration areas, or a General MBA mix
- Core courses taught in 8-week sessions
- Rolling admission with multiple start dates
- No foundation courses required, whatever your undergraduate degree
Pros
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Never a requirement to come to campus
- Career placement help and counseling for life
Cons
- Tuition is quoted per credit hour, so you need to calculate the total
- The MBA page cites Higher Learning Commission accreditation but does not mention AACSB
- Rates are reset each academic year
Rank 6
Georgia Southwestern State University Online MBA
An AACSB-accredited online MBA from Georgia Southwestern State University priced at $271 per credit hour.
gsw.edu8.5
out of 10
Best for: budget-first students who want the lowest AACSB total and a steady pace
Georgia Southwestern State University advertises its online MBA at $9,756 in total tuition, or $271 per credit hour, the lowest published total for an AACSB-accredited program on this list. The school says most students complete the program in five semesters, about 18 months, though the pace is up to the student, and applicants can start in any semester. Admission is straightforward for strong students: a GPA of 3.25 or higher needs only the application, a $25 fee and transcripts. Applicants with a 3.00 to 3.24 GPA add a statement of purpose and resume, and GMAT or GRE scores may be requested. The catch is four prerequisite classes, which add time for students without the background. Concentrations are not a focus of the page, so this is a general MBA. If your top priority is the smallest bill with AACSB accreditation, it is hard to beat.
Standout feature
AACSB-accredited MBA for $9,756 in total tuition.
Use cases
Public sector employees
Earn an MBA with a small tuition benefit
Outcome: An AACSB degree for under $10,000 in tuition
Business graduates with a 3.25 GPA or higher
Apply without test scores
Outcome: Admission based on the application and transcripts
Key features
- $271 per credit hour, $9,756 total tuition
- AACSB-accredited College of Business and Computing
- Most students finish in 5 semesters (about 18 months)
- Students set their own pace
- Admission in any semester
Pros
- Lowest published total for an AACSB program on this list
- No GMAT/GRE needed with a 3.25 GPA or higher
- Applicants can start in any semester
Cons
- Four prerequisite classes are required before the MBA courses
- GPAs from 3.00 to 3.24 need a statement of purpose and resume, and GMAT/GRE scores may be requested
- Slower typical finish than the 12-month programs
Rank 7
Murray State University Online MBA
A 30-credit online MBA from Murray State University's AACSB-accredited Bauernfeind College of Business, with all fees included in tuition.
murraystate.edu8.4
out of 10
Best for: students who want an all-in price from a long-accredited business school
Murray State University in Kentucky prices its online MBA General program at $606 per credit hour, or $18,180 for 30 credit hours, and says all fees are included in that total. Tuition is paid by the course at $1,818 each. The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business has been continuously accredited by AACSB since 1981, longer than most schools on this list state. Courses run in an accelerated format with multiple start dates each year, and the school quotes 12 to 18 months to finish. Admission asks for a bachelor's degree and transcripts, with no GMAT required for qualified applicants, though the admissions committee may ask some applicants for a GMAT or GRE score and a resume. Murray State also offers several specialized concentrations online. The trade-off is price: it costs roughly $4,000 to $8,000 more than the cheapest AACSB options here, in exchange for an all-inclusive figure and a long accreditation record.
Standout feature
All-inclusive $18,180 tuition from a business college AACSB-accredited since 1981.
Use cases
Employees with tuition reimbursement
Submit a single all-in program cost
Outcome: An $18,180 figure that already includes fees
Kentucky and regional professionals
Earn an MBA from a known regional school
Outcome: A 30-credit degree in 12 to 18 months
Key features
- 30 credit hours in 12 to 18 months
- All fees included in the total tuition
- Pay by the course at $1,818 per course
- Accelerated format with multiple start dates each year
- Several specialized MBA concentrations offered online
Pros
- Business college accredited by AACSB since 1981
- No GMAT required for qualified applicants
- Fees are already in the $18,180 figure
Cons
- About $8,000 more than Georgia Southwestern or WGU
- Some applicants may need GMAT or GRE scores
- Tuition rate is subject to annual changes
Rank 8
Jacksonville State University Online MBA
A 12-month, 30-credit online MBA from Jacksonville State University's AACSB-accredited College of Business & Industry.
jsu.edu8.2
out of 10
Best for: professionals who want analytics software skills in a one-year MBA
Jacksonville State University in Alabama lists its online MBA at $18,000 in total tuition for 30 credit hours over 12 months. The College of Business & Industry has been AACSB-accredited since 1998, and the program says it has been industry-proven for more than 55 years. Coursework covers business analytics, global economics, finance, accounting and marketing, and the page names the software you will use to build data-based presentations: Tableau, RStudio and Microsoft 365. Learning outcomes include analyzing international markets and political risk and delivering in-person and virtual presentations. Coursework is 100% online. The program page is short on admissions detail, so check the separate requirements page for test policy. At $18,000 it costs more than LSU Shreveport or USI, so pick it mainly if the one-year timeline and the analytics tool practice match what your employer wants.
Standout feature
12-month AACSB MBA with Tableau, RStudio and Microsoft 365 practice for $18,000.
Use cases
Sales and marketing staff
Learn to present data in Tableau and RStudio
Outcome: An AACSB MBA in 12 months
Alabama professionals
Earn a degree from a regional AACSB school
Outcome: A 30-credit MBA for $18,000 in tuition
Key features
- 30 credit hours in 12 months
- AACSB-accredited since 1998
- Coursework in business analytics, global economics, finance, accounting and marketing
- Practice with Tableau, RStudio and Microsoft 365 tools
- 100% online coursework
Pros
- Clear 12-month timeline
- Hands-on work with named analytics tools
- Published total tuition of $18,000
Cons
- Among the higher totals on this list
- Program page does not list concentrations for this track
- Test and admission details sit on a separate requirements page
Rank 9
Quantic MBA
A selective, 15-month online MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, accredited by the DEAC.
quantic.edu8.1
out of 10
Best for: early-career professionals who want a selective global cohort
Quantic School of Business and Technology runs a 15-month online MBA priced at $24,750, just under this list's cap, and says merit and need-based scholarships and employer tuition benefits often lower that figure. It is licensed in Washington, DC and accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA recognize. Quantic is not a university business school and does not claim AACSB accreditation. Admission is selective, and the school assembles global cohorts of early-career professionals; people with seven or more years of experience are pointed to its Executive MBA at the same price. Beyond the online curriculum, students can attend optional MBA workshops in cities around the world, and Quantic reports more than 21,000 global alumni. Quantic also offers iOS and Android apps. It suits someone who values the cohort and network over a traditional school name, and who can get a scholarship.
Standout feature
Selective 15-month MBA with global cohorts for $24,750 before scholarships.
Use cases
Early-career tech workers
Build a global peer network while working
Outcome: An MBA in 15 months with optional city workshops
Scholarship candidates
Apply for merit or need-based aid
Outcome: A tuition bill below the $24,750 list price
Key features
- 15-month online MBA
- Selective admissions with global cohorts of early-career professionals
- Optional MBA workshops in cities around the world
- Partial merit scholarships and need-based regional scholarships
- Separate Executive MBA for professionals with 7+ years of experience
Pros
- Tuition is often reduced by scholarships and employer benefits, per Quantic
- Quantic reports 21,000+ global alumni
- iOS and Android apps available
Cons
- $24,750 is the highest price on this list
- Accredited by the DEAC, not AACSB
- Selective admissions, so not every applicant gets in
Frequently asked questions
+What is the best online MBA for $25,000?
Western Governors University (WGU) is the best online MBA for $25,000 or less for most working adults. Its tuition is a flat $4,850 per six-month term with unlimited courses, so finishing the 11-course program in one year costs about $9,700. If you need AACSB accreditation, LSU Shreveport charges $14,520 total for 30 credit hours.
+What is the cheapest accredited online MBA?
Georgia Southwestern State University has the lowest published total among the AACSB programs we compared, at $9,756 or $271 per credit hour. WGU can cost less if you finish in one six-month term at $4,850, but most students plan for two terms.
+Which affordable online MBAs are AACSB accredited?
LSU Shreveport, Southeastern Oklahoma State, the University of Southern Indiana, Georgia Southwestern, Murray State and Jacksonville State all state AACSB accreditation on their program pages. Their published totals range from $9,756 at Georgia Southwestern to $18,180 at Murray State.
+Can I get an online MBA without the GMAT?
Yes. Fort Hays State, Southeastern Oklahoma State and USI say no GMAT is required, and Murray State waives it for qualified applicants. LSU Shreveport offers a GMAT/GRE waiver, and Georgia Southwestern does not ask for scores from applicants with a 3.25 GPA or higher.
+How fast can I finish an affordable online MBA?
LSU Shreveport says you can finish in as few as 10 months, and Southeastern Oklahoma State, USI, Jacksonville State and WGU's one-year track quote about 12 months. Georgia Southwestern says most students take five semesters, about 18 months.
+Is an online MBA from WGU respected?
WGU's MBA is a regular graduate degree, and WGU says the program has been recognized by ACBSP. Its page does not list AACSB, so if your employer or a future doctoral program asks for AACSB, choose a school such as LSU Shreveport or USI instead.
+Is Quantic's MBA accredited?
Yes. Quantic is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which the U.S. Department of Education recognizes. It is not AACSB-accredited, and its MBA costs $24,750 before scholarships.
About this list
Updated November 11, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
More best software lists