Top 10 Affordable MBA Programs in the US

BYU’s MBA program is currently ranked by both Businessweek and the Financial Times, and costs less than half of what some other ranked MBA programs cost. This budget-minded MBA includes concentration options in Global Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship and Marketing, among others, with graduates most commonly finding jobs in the local technology and manufacturing industries. The school’s MBA programs are accredited by AACSB.

This school is ranked in Businessweek, the Financial Times, and the Economist, where its Executive MBA is also ranked. Wisconsin’s highly affordable MBA is offered with 10 specializations, ranging from Arts Administration to Applied Security Analysis, plus Risk Management, Real Estate and Marketing Research. The university’s Big 10 football status lends a spirited atmosphere to the campus.

At 16 months long, Mays’ full-time MBA program is shorter than many others in the US, which can help minimize living expenses. With a solid ranking in Businessweek – and its EMBA ranked in the Financial Times – Mays’ MBA remains imminently popular with international students on a budget. Offering proximity to both Austin and Houston, the program regularly places graduates in roles in consulting, financial services and technology industries.

Although for many Illinois-bound MBA applicants, Chicago is a preferred destination, the city can be exactly the opposite of affordable. A couple of hours south is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which offers an value MBA ranked by both Businessweek and the Financial Times, as well as lower cost of living than the Windy City. The MBA is customizable: students can choose electives outside the College of Business. This affordable MBA offers various concentrations, including Healthcare Management, Corporate and Social Responsibility and Strategic Management.

The two-year MBA program at the University of Florida is ranked in both Businessweek and the Economist. For budget-minded students, the school also offers an accelerated one-year MBA with the same range of majors: Finance, Human Capital, Marketing, Real Estate, Strategy and Supply Chain Management. At only one year long, this MBA is popular with those who don’t want to budget for two years of living expenses. The school is accredited by AACSB.

Although smaller in size than neighboring cities St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia has a lot going for it: it was recently selected by Forbes magazine as one of the best small places in the US for business and careers. And for many international students, Trulaske’s affordable MBA program can provide a launch pad for landing careers in the city and neighboring areas. Alongside the two-year MBA and EMBA, the school also offers a handful of dual degrees: the MBA/Master of Health Administration, the MBA/MS in Structural Engineering and the MBA/JD.

Terry is in Athens, Georgia, which is much smaller and more affordable than neighboring Atlanta. The school’s full-time MBA program, which is ranked in both Businessweek and the Economist, sits alongside its equally well-regarded Executive MBA. Entrepreneurship and Marketing are just two of the concentrations available within the school’s MBA program.

New York state-bound MBA applicants who don’t want to shoulder the cost of living right in New York City might consider Buffalo’s Businessweek-ranked full-time MBA program, which is accredited by AACSB. Indeed, Buffalo features more affordability in terms of cost of living than the Big Apple! For those looking for customization, Buffalo’s affordable MBA program also features a broad selection of concentrations, including Supply Chains and Operations Management.

Knoxville’s full-time MBA program is substantially more affordable than many other ranked programs in Tennessee. The program has very strong placement stats in supply chain management roles, and has been accredited by AACSB. The school is also known for its specialist Aerospace & Defense MBA.

The school's Businessweek and Economist-ranked MBA program is good value, compared to some others in North Carolina. This budget MBA offering includes two interesting concentrations in Biosciences Management and Entrepreneurship & Technology Commercialization. The school’s Online MBA is also highly regarded: it was ranked 18th in the world in the Financial Times’ Online MBA Ranking 2017.