Key takeaways:
- The average tuition and fee cost for an online MBA degree was $10,964, per the most recently released data by the NCES.
- Affordable online MBA programs start at just $9,700, while some programs can cost more than $125,500.
- You can pay for or lower the cost of a graduate degree by completing the FAFSA, applying for scholarships and fellowships, and asking about employer reimbursement.
Online Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) programs can cost anywhere from $9,700 to over $125,000, depending on the school, length of the program, and your desired concentration. To uncover the right institution for you, consider your long-term goals, the strength of the graduate program, and overall cost. Below, we dove into the average costs of an MBA, highlighted some of the most affordable and expensive schools, and provided tips on how to pay for your degree.
How much does an online MBA cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MBA students paid $17,058 a year in tuition and fees on average in 2020. However, the online MBA average was much lower – $10,964 a year. These totals don’t account for other potential costs, such as books, supplies, and transportation, or increasing tuition prices since 2020.
In 2025-2026, some affordable options start at just $9,700, but expensive programs can reach over $125,500.
Affordable online MBA programs
Tuition prices have been rising since 2020, but there are still several online programs you can find below the 2020 average cost – including these more affordable options as of January 2026:
- University of Texas Permian Basin: As low as $10,080
- Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi: Starts at $15,210
- Rogers State University: Total price of $9,879
- Arkansas Tech University: Approximate tuition cost of $9,718
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette: A package price of $12,800
Expensive online MBA programs
Some of the most expensive online MBA programs in the United States include:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Tuition cost of $125,589
- University of Maryland – College Park: Tuition cost of $93,582 (or $1,733 per credit)
- Indiana University – Bloomington: $96,944.42 in tuition and fees
- William & Mary: Tuition cost of $71,932 (or $1,468 per credit)
- University of Utah: Tuition starting at $69,600
Ways to pay for an online MBA
Even at lower prices, paying for a graduate’s degree is out of reach for many. Aside from paying out of pocket, here are some ways you can potentially lower the total cost of your online MBA or make it more affordable:
- Apply for financial aid. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) even as graduates. You can take out loans specifically for your MBA, including direct unsubsidized loans up to $20,500 a year. You might also be approved for work-study.
- Ask about employer sponsorship. Some companies will pay employees’ tuition as an employment benefit and investment. Look into your benefits package or talk to HR to learn more.
- Apply for scholarships. Scholarships and grants aren’t just for undergraduates – there are thousands that are for graduate students and several for those pursuing MBAs through organizations, nonprofits, institutions, companies, and individuals.
- Research fellowships. Universities may offer competitive fellowships. You are often considered simply by applying to the school, but check with the school’s financial aid office to learn more about the program, financial aid benefits, and requirements.
- Use private student loans. Private student loans from financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, can help cover the gap between what you have and what you need. However, they tend to have higher interest rates, fewer protections, and less deferment options than federal student loans.
- Take an accelerated program. Some MBA programs take up to 2 years to complete, while others take a year. You might be able to save some serious cash by opting for an accelerated MBA.
Going beyond cost, you should carefully review your options if you’re pursuing an MBA. Cost is an important factor to consider, but also weigh the strength of each program, the school’s reputation, your desired concentration, long-term goals, job placement after graduation, and more. College Raptor can help you find the right MBA program with College Match. Get started for free here.
