Cost of an Online MBA

There's no doubt that getting your online MBA is an investment in both time and money. However, it may not be as expensive as you think.

Tuition for online MBA programs varies greatly depending on whether you're attending a public or private institution, how well known the school and business programs are and what type of online MBA program you've chosen.

Keep in mind that there are also many financing options available to help defray the costs of your education.

Average Cost

Like traditional campus-based MBA programs, distance learning MBAs run the gamut in price. You can pay as little as $5,600 for a solid name-brand MBA or as much as $115,000 according to a March 2006 survey of 130 distance learning master's programs by GetEducated.com.

Regional vs. AACSB Accredited

Out of 130 accredited online MBA degrees in a survey by GetEducated.com, the average cost of a regionally-accredited MBA is $14,486 while programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) average $27,644. Learn more about accreditation by visiting our business school accreditation page.

Public vs. Private

Among AACSB-accredited distance learning programs, Penn State's Online MBA will cost you $46,000, Carnegie Mellon's FlexMode MBA is $78,144, and Duke University's program is priced at $115,000. Public universities offering AACSB-accredited distance learning programs are a bargain in comparison: in-state residents can pay as little as $5,760 at Ball State University, $13,200 at Oklahoma State University or up to $17,500 (Florida State University) for their MBA.

Financial Aid Options

In 2006, the federal government enacted new legislation that enables students enrolled in online degree programs to become eligible for federal financial aid programs. As long as you are enrolled in a degree-granting program, such as an MBA, you can apply for the same financial aid programs as traditional classroom students. Private loans, scholarships and grants are also available to help you finance your online education. Learn more about your financial aid options by visiting our Financial Aid Resource Center.