How to Find the Cheapest MBA Programs

A master’s degree in business applications is one that is desired by employers and employees alike. A master’s degree steps up your level of expertise, professionalism and dedication to your career. However, many students wishing to complete graduate school usually have student loans or are trying to juggle an existing job with going back to school. Finding an inexpensive MBA program is as desirable as the degree itself.

• Price the programs of the colleges and universities in your area that offer graduate degrees in business. The price will be listed per credit-hour; make sure you are looking at graduate-level rates as they will be more expensive than undergraduate rates. Multiply the per-hour rate by the credit-hours required for the full course. This will tell you how much the entire course will cost, not counting books or other expenses. State-run schools will usually be cheaper than private schools.


• Price online programs. Make sure that the online program is accredited and that any credits earned will transfer to any other college or university. Use the same math equation from above to determine the entire cost for the degree. Keep in mind that online programs may allow you to take longer to achieve the degree, allowing you to spread the cost out over a longer period of time. There also will be fewer transportation or housing costs.


• Look for special programs that are less expensive because they are accelerated, are partnered with a particular industry or have some other cost-saving measure. Use the Internet as well as requesting information from brick-and-mortar schools in your area to locate special MBA programs.


• Check with your employer to see if they have a program for continuing education for employees. Many companies will pay for or reimburse the cost of your tuition as long as the degree is in the same line of business as your employer. Some companies will pay for part of the tuition, other companies will have a group rate at a particular school or give an automatic raise once the degree is completed to help offset the cost.