Most affordable online MBA programs 2024

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An online MBA can fit around a full-time job, but prices vary widely. If affordability is your priority, here is how to compare programs without getting misled.

An online MBA can fit around a full-time job, but prices vary widely. If affordability is your priority, here is how to compare programs without getting misled.

Start with total cost, not the per-credit rate. Multiply the per-credit price by the number of credits required, then add fees, books, and technology charges. Two programs with similar per-credit prices can end up thousands of dollars apart.

Check accreditation next. Look for institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and check whether the business school holds program-level accreditation such as AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. Accreditation affects financial aid eligibility and how employers view the degree.

Then look at format and support. Find out whether courses are live or self-paced, how long the program takes at your pace, and what advising, tutoring, and career services are included. Ask how the school connects online students with networking and recruiting.

The earlier version of this article named specific schools as the most affordable options and gave price ranges and salary statistics. Those claims could not be verified and have been removed, because tuition changes often and salary figures need a named source. Compare current published prices yourself before you decide.

Related reading: how to choose an accredited online MBA program, affordable MBA programs with scholarships, the benefits of earning an online MBA, and top online MBA programs.

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