By TBD Staff
August 2017
Earning an affordable online master’s in business can be a great way to accelerate your career on a budget. Students with an advanced degree in business earn more money and have an easier time finding jobs and climbing the corporate ladder. Business degrees can include degrees in finance, economics, leadership, accounting, and management and can be found in colleges across the country. We created our list of the best affordable online degree programs in business by searching College Navigator and U.S. News and World Report, and then we ranked them by their per credit tuition rate. We excluded MBA programs from our list. Our list below highlights the top best affordable online master’s in business for 2017.
Our Selection of Top Best Affordable Online Degree Programs 2017
#20. Lindenwood University-St. Charles, Missouri
Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration Online
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $476
What’s Unique
The Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration online program at Lindenwood University is designed for students who want a career improving the lives of others. Faculty come from a variety of backgrounds including research, management, and consulting. This 37 credit top affordable online master’s in business can be completed in about two years of study. Unique course offerings include grant writing, nonprofit governance and law, marketing for nonprofits, and fundraising and planning.
#19. Concordia University-St. Paul, Minnesota
Master of Arts in Leadership and Management Online
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $475
What’s Unique
Concordia University in St. Paul features a 36 credit hour online Master’s in Leadership and Management with no on-campus residency requirements. Courses are seven weeks long and include Strategic Organizational Research, Project and Quality Management, Finance Management for Leaders, and Legal Issues. CSP boasts a 92% job placement rate for graduates. Students in this top online master’s in business program will learn to motivate their staff to further develop the mission and vision of their organization.
#18. Georgia College and State University-Milledgeville, Georgia
Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $467
What’s Unique
Georgia College is home to the oldest Logistics and Supply Chain Management program in the state of Georgia. This accredited affordable online master’s in business can be completed by taking 30 credit hours of coursework. This cohort based program allows students to take two courses each semester in lock-step with other LSCM students. New cohorts are accepted every fall and spring. Courses cover areas such as purchasing, logistics processes, distribution and inventory control, and leadership.
#17. Johnson and Wales University-Providence, Rhode Island
Master of Science in Finance
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $463
What’s Unique
Johnson and Wales University features an online master’s in Finance with two tracks designed to help students become either a Chartered Financial Analyst or a financial planner. Students can complete their degree in just 15 months. Courses are 11 weeks long and taught by industry leaders. The curriculum is career focused and designed to meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing business environment. This top online master’s in business features courses in financial management, personal financial planning, and retirement planning.
#16. Cornerstone University-Grand Rapids, Michigan
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership Online
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $460
What’s Unique
The online master’s in Organizational Leadership program at Cornerstone University is an 18-20 month accelerated program using a cohort model. Students will learn to apply practical solutions to workplace dilemmas and lead their organization in a positive direction. Courses cover areas like conflict management, business law, organizational change, and decision making. Cohorts begin throughout the year so students do not have to wait a full year to begin the program.
#15. Southern Utah University-Cedar City, Utah
Master of Accountancy
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $436
What’s Unique
The online Master of Accountancy program at Southern Utah University is designed to prepare students to pass the CPA exam to work in areas such as taxation, auditing, and controllership. SUU boasts a nearly 100% job placement rate for MAcc graduates of this top online affordable business master’s program. This 30 credit hour program can be completed in about two years of study. Students can take coursework in areas of emphasis including a Managerial Emphasis, Public Accounting Emphasis, and Tax Emphasis. An optional internship experience is available for students who desire additional hands-on experience.
#14. Mississippi State University-Mississippi State, Mississippi
Master of Science in Information Systems
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $426
What’s Unique
Mississippi State University is the oldest business school in the South and features an online Master’s in Information Systems. The program is accredited by both the AACSB and the SACS. Courses are eight weeks long and are offered entirely online for maximum flexibility. Ranked #43 by U.S. News and World Report in its list of the Best Online Graduate Business Programs, this affordable online master’s in business includes courses in Information Technology, Database Design, Business Telecommunication, and more.
#13. Greenville College-Greenville, Illinois
Online Masters of Science in Business Management
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $418
What’s Unique
The online Master’s in Business Management program at Greenville College is both affordable and flexible. Students work closely with other aspiring managers and leaders to learn how to best strategically position and lead an organization. The program utilizes management theory to teach students how to address daily challenges and implement long term strategic solutions. Students learn how to help staff members achieve their greatest potential to further an organization’s mission. Courses include Group and Team Dynamics, Values Based Leadership, Human Resource Strategies, and Managing Change.
#12. National University-San Diego, California
Master of Global Management Online
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $416
What’s Unique
As more and more companies conduct business overseas, it is more important than ever for a business to have leadership with experience in global management. Students learn to predict global impacts to their organization, solve complex problems, and recognize and react to ethical dilemmas. This top online affordable business master’s program is comprised of 13 core courses, or replace one core course with an international experience elective option. Courses cover areas such as culture and socialization, service management, performance management, and finance.
#11. Georgia Southern University-Statesboro, Georgia
Master of Science in Applied Economics
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $410
What’s Unique
The online Master’s in Applied Economics program at Georgia Southern University is flexible enough for the working professional and affordable enough for students to attend without going broke. Students can complete the program in about two years of study through simulations, discussions, and multimedia presentations. There are no on-campus residency requirements. Coursework covers areas such as market analysis, quantitative analysis, regulatory industry analysis, and economic development. Accredited by the AACSB International, GSU offers a quality online master’s in business that will be recognized around the globe.
#10. University of Illinois-Springfield, Illinois
Online Master’s in Management Information Systems
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $403 out of state
What’s Unique
Considered one of the best graduate programs in business according to U.S. News and World Report, the online Master’s in Management Information Systems program at the University of Illinois is a great buy. This 36 credit hour affordable online master’s in business includes core courses in MIS, systems analysis and design, project management, and technical foundations. Students can choose to complete a thesis and seminar or an additional elective and graduate project/seminar or a capstone.
#9. Indiana Institute of Technology-Fort Wayne, Indiana
Online Master of Science in Management
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $396
What’s Unique
The online Master’s in Management program at Indiana Institute of Technology is designed to help students develop practical skills for effective management. Coursework covers areas such a quality management, workforce diversity, leadership processes, and organizational change. This affordable online master’s in business can be paired with an MBA through the dual MBA/MSM option. Graduates are prepared for a variety of positions including entry level, mid-management, senior management and consultants.
#8. Emporia State University-Emporia, Kansas
Online Master of Accountancy
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $371
What’s Unique
Emporia State University features an online master’s in accountancy designed to prepare students to sit for the CPA exam. The program is tailored to working adults who need a flexible program. It is one of the most affordable online master’s in business in the country, so students can earn their degree without breaking the bank. Courses are offered in a variety of areas including fraud examination, international accounting, business analytics, and tax planning and research. This 30 credit hour program is offered entirely online with no on-campus residency requirements.
#7. University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Master’s Degree in Management (Global Business Management)
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $367 out of state
What’s Unique
Students seeking a career in Global Business Management should check out the affordable online master’s in business program at the University of Alabama. Accredited by the AACSB and ranked highly by U.S. News and World Report, the online Master’s in Management is designed to develop management skills while focusing on the global business area. This 30 credit hour program is offered entirely online and was developed for the working professional. The curriculum focuses on areas such as managerial economics, accounting, international marketing, and global leadership.
#6. West Texas A&M University-Canyon, Texas
Master of Science in Finance & Economics
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $365 out of state
What’s Unique
West Texas A&M University offers one of the most affordable online master’s in finance and economics in the country. This 36 credit hour program can be completed in just one to two years of study. Coursework is available entirely online. Students select coursework from each of the following areas, including: Theory of Households and Firms; Monetary and Fiscal Policy; Corporate Governance; Corporate Finance; Asset Valuation, International, and Quantitative Analysis. There is no thesis requirement but students are required to pass a comprehensive examination.
#5. University of South Dakota-Vermillion, South Dakota
Online Master of Professional Accountancy
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $365
What’s Unique
The AACSB accredited online Master’s in Professional Accountancy program at the University of South Dakota provides students with the training in accounting students need to sit for the CPA exam. This top affordable online master’s in business is designed for students seeking careers in a variety of settings from government to accounting education. Program objectives include assisting in the development of professional competence and the production and use of accounting information.
#4. University of North Dakota-Grand Forks, North Dakota
Master of Science in Applied Economics
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $360
What’s Unique
The online Master’s in Applied Economics program at the University of North Dakota is a 31-32 credit hour program that can be completed entirely online. Considered one of the best online business schools in the country, UND is accredited by the AACSB. Students gain hands-on experience in economic theory, mathematical economics, and statistical methods. Ideal for working professionals who are unable to come to campus, students can watch recorded lectures and view course material at their own convenience.
#3. Southeast Missouri State University-Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Master of Science in Management Online
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $325
What’s Unique
The AACSB accredited online Master’s in Management program at Southeast Missouri State University provides students with a broad management perspective throughout the program. SMSU is one of only four institutions in the country to be accredited by the Network of International Business Schools for a deep internationalization of all program components. This top affordable business master’s degree can be completed by taking 39 credit hours of coursework in areas such as entrepreneurship, business planning, talent management, international management, and legal and union issues.
#2. Minot State University-Minot, North Dakota
Master of Science in Management
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $286
What’s Unique
Minot State University features an online Master’s in Management designed to be applied in just about any industry. Students can complete the program in anywhere from nine to 18 months of study. Most of the faculty at MSU hold a doctorate level degree in their field and have real world experience that they pass on to their students. This online affordable master’s in business prepares students to make effective decisions, communicate in a professional manner, and utilize technology to enhance decision making. Students have the option to complete either a thesis or a capstone experience depending on future professional goals.
#1. Sam Houston State University-Huntsville, Texas
Online Master of Science in Project Management
Per Credit Tuition Rate: $286 out of state
What’s Unique
The most affordable online master’s in business program to make our list is the Master of Science in Project Management at Sam Houston State University. This 36 credit hour program teaches students to manage the project lifecycle as new products and services are introduced into the work environment. Students are prepared for certification by the Project Management Institute, an in-demand certification for the industry. Courses cover topics such as staffing, organizational change, quality management, operations planning and control, and team leadership.
This concludes our selection of the top 20 accredited online business degree programs 2017.