Low-Cost MBA from the US
By: Ashwini Jain
Tags: Education Reform, Higher Education, Education, Study Abroad, Students

For many students who aspire to pursue an MBA in the US, affordability is often one of the primary concerns. The tuition costs of many renowned courses are far above many applicants’ budgets. Affording an MBA can be challenging for international candidates, who may or may not be able to arrange for loans to cover tuition fees.

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

However, there are still affordable MBA programs, and some business schools in the US do offer internationally-accredited MBA programs at a reasonable cost. When looking for an affordable MBA, it’s advisable to look beyond the prominent cities as living expenses in places like New Chicago and York swiftly multiply. Make sure to aim for scholarships while you’re looking for MBA programs on a budget. Mentioned below is a list of the top affordable MBA programs in the US:

The University of Wisconsin, Madison

QS Rank (2021): 65

The University of Wisconsin is a highly affordable MBA and offers students ten specializations, ranging across Applied Security Analysis, Arts Administration, Risk Management, Real Estate, and Marketing Research. With 9,000-plus courses (200-plus undergraduate majors and certificates, 250-plus master’s, doctoral, and professional programs, 2,000-plus faculty experts), the institution provides limitless academic growth opportunities.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Gies College of Business

QS Rank (2021): 82

Although Chicago is a preferred destination for many Illinois-bound MBA applicants, the city isn’t exactly affordable for everyone. The University of Illinois at Champaign provides aspirants a value MBA ranked by both Businessweek and the Financial Times. The living cost is lower than that of Windy City, and the MBA is customizable. Candidates enrolled in the program can choose electives outside the College of Business. This affordable MBA offers various specializations, including Healthcare Management, Strategic Management, and Corporate and Social Responsibility.

The University of Florida, Warrington College, Hough Graduate School of Business

QS Rank (2021): 162

The two-year MBA program at the AACSB-accredited University of Florida is ranked in both Businessweek and the Economist and is a perfect solution for budget-minded students. The institution also offers an accelerated one-year MBA with the same variety of majors, including Human Capital, Finance, Real Estate, Marketing, Strategy, and Supply Chain Management.

Texas A & M University — Mays Business School

QS Rank (2021): 169

The 16-month-long MBA program is shorter than many others in the US, helping minimize living expenses. With a solid ranking in Businessweek and its EMBA ranked in the Financial Times, Mays Mays’ MBA degree remains popular among international students on a budget. The university offers proximity to Austin and Houston and regularly places graduates in financial services, consulting, and technology industries.

North Carolina State University, Poole College of Management

QS Rank (2021): 295

The institution’s Businessweek and Economist-ranked MBA courses are quite affordable compared to some others in North Carolina. This budget MBA program includes two interesting specializations in Entrepreneurship and Technology Commercialization and Biosciences Management. The school also provides a well-known Online MBA course.

University at Buffalo — School of Management

QS Rank (2021): 346

MBA aspirants who don’t wish to carry the cost of living in New York City must definitely consider Buffalo’s AACSB-accredited full-time MBA program. It features more affordability in terms of living costs and is suitable for those looking for customization. Buffalo’s affordable MBA program offers a broad selection of subjects, including Operations Management and Supply Chains.

The University of Tennessee, Haslam College of Business, Knoxville

QS Rank (2021): 432

The institute’s full-time MBA course is more economical than several other ranked programs in Tennessee. The system has reassuring placement stats in supply chain management roles and has been accredited by AACSB. The university is also known for its specialist Defense and Aerospace MBA.

The University of Missouri, Columbia — Trulaske College of Business

QS Rank (2021): 483

Despite the city’s relatively smaller size than neighboring cities, Columbia remains an affordable choice for students. The city was recently selected by Forbes magazine as one of the best small places in the US for careers and business. Trulaske’sTrulaske’s cost-effective MBA program can provide a launchpad for many international students who wish to secure employment in the city and neighboring areas. Besides the two-year MBA and EMBA, the university offers a handful of dual degrees like the MBA/MS in Structural Engineering, the MBA/Master of Health Administration, and the MBA/JD.

University of Georgia (UGA), Terry College of Business

QS Rank (2021): 501–510

The institution’s full-time MBA course is ranked in both Businessweek and the Economist and sits alongside its equally well-known Executive MBA. The university provides diverse learning opportunities, including a student-managed investment fund, a sales lab, study abroad programs, internships, certificate programs in entrepreneurship, actuarial science, music business, legal studies, sustainability, workforce diversity, and leadership development.