Taking an MBA program is good, it can improve your employability, link you to high-paying jobs and make you more valuable in the career space.
However, most MAB programs are costly, especially for international students.
Fortunately, many universities are beginning to help out, they are making provisions for affordable online MBA programs.
These programs are cheap, yet can be concluded online, which means you can take the program from anywhere.
That is, you can juggle it with other engagements you have.
Examples of these affordable online MBA programs that are open to international students include:
Affordable online MBA programs for international students
Top on the list is:
1. University of North Dakota (UND) Nistler College of Business and Public Administration
The University of North Dakota has an online MBA program that is designed to accommodate working professionals and international students.
The program requires 43 credit hours for completion, with each credit hour priced at approximately $500 for non-residents, bringing the total estimated tuition to around $21,500.
Students can complete the program in as few as 16 months, depending on their course load and schedule flexibility.
UND’s MBA program holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious recognition held by less than 5% of business schools worldwide.
Notably, UND’s online MBA program is consistently ranked in the top 20% by U.S. News & World Report, placing #65 in the 2023 rankings.
The program also allows students to network through virtual events and collaborations, enhancing the learning experience for international students.
2. University of Bradford School of Management
The University of Bradford’s School of Management, established in 1963, is one of the oldest business schools in the UK.
It has a flexible online MBA program tailored for international students.
The program’s tuition varies depending on the student’s location and chosen study path; specific figures can be confirmed directly with the university however, they are considered affordable.
Students have the flexibility to complete the program over a period extending up to five years.
The school boasts triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, a hallmark of excellence achieved by only a select group of business schools globally.
In the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2012, the program was ranked 9th in the UK and 95th worldwide.
The program’s curriculum covers essential business disciplines with a global perspective, preparing students for international business challenges.
3. Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS)
Louisiana State University Shreveport also has an online MBA program that is recognized for its affordability and flexibility.
The program comprises 30 credit hours, with an estimated total tuition of approximately $12,000, making it an economical choice for many students.
Designed to be completed in about 20 months, the program accommodates working professionals who want to advance their careers without pausing employment.
LSUS’s MBA program contains courses in managerial economics, financial management, and marketing strategy
In addition, it has concentrations in areas such as data analytics and entrepreneurship.
4. Northeastern University (D’Amore-McKim School of Business)
Northeastern’s Online MBA is an excellent choice for students who are looking for a globally recognized degree with a strong professional network.
The program, which takes 18 to 24 months to complete, comprises 13 core courses and 5 electives and covers areas like international business, healthcare management, and innovation.
One major advantage of this program is its strong employer connections—Northeastern has partnerships with over 3,350 employers worldwide.
These connections help give their students internship and job opportunities.
Northeastern’s emphasis on experiential learning means students work on real-world business problems, making their education immediately applicable in their careers.
Unlike many online MBA programs, Northeastern has live weekly class discussions, allowing students to engage directly with faculty and peers.
It is accredited by AACSB and ranked among the top 50 online MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report.
5. Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)
For students who prefer a technology-driven approach to business education, Florida Tech’s online MBA program has a dynamic curriculum with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
This program consists of 36 credit hours and can be completed in about two years, with tuition totalling $33,720.
A distinguishing factor is the university’s emphasis on STEM integration, meaning students are exposed to business analytics, IT management, and cybersecurity in addition to traditional business courses.
The program does not require GMAT or GRE scores, making it an accessible choice for international students.
Florida Tech’s online learning platform features interactive simulations and case studies that allow students to apply theoretical concepts in a virtual business environment.
The university has a long-standing reputation for excellence in business education and is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
6. University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium
The University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium is one of the most cost-effective options.
Their tuition is approximately $28,800 for the full program.
What makes this program stand out is its flexible completion timeline—students can finish in as little as two years or take up to five years if they prefer a more gradual approach.
Unlike many online MBA programs, the Wisconsin Consortium does not require students to choose a specialization.
And, while many online MBA programs have a structured format, this one is highly customizable, with students able to mix and match courses to fit their interests.
The program is AACSB-accredited and consistently ranked among the top 10 online MBAs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business)
The iMBA from Gies College of Business is revolutionizing online education with its affordability and interactive learning model.
At only $22,000 for the entire program, this MBA is one of the most cost-effective options from a top-ranked university.
The iMBA is unique in that it follows a “stackable” model—students can earn smaller certificates along the way and apply them toward the full degree.
The school has a large alumni network of over 70,000 business professionals worldwide, which means that students have access to invaluable career connections.
8. University of Texas at Dallas (Naveen Jindal School of Management)
At UT Dallas, the online MBA program is built for professionals who are looking to advance in leadership roles.
With a total cost of approximately $73,829 for out-of-state students, this program is on the higher end of the affordability spectrum but delivers strong value through its career services and industry partnerships.
The program requires 53 credit hours, and students can choose from various concentrations, including healthcare leadership, finance, and IT management.
What sets UT Dallas apart is its strong focus on career advancement—the school offers career coaching, interview preparation, and corporate networking events.
9. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (College of Business)
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has one of the best-value online MBA programs, with a tuition cost of $31,200.
The program is designed for professionals who are looking for a highly flexible degree that can be completed in two to three years.
One standout feature of this MBA is its strong emphasis on leadership development—students participate in personal coaching sessions, leadership assessments, and executive-style workshops.
Unlike some online MBAs that lack networking opportunities, UNL offers virtual networking events, alumni mentorship programs, and optional in-person immersion experiences.
The program is AACSB-accredited and ranked among the top 50 online MBAs by U.S. News & World Report.
5. University of Delaware (Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics)
The University of Delaware’s Online MBA excels in delivering a curriculum that blends ethical leadership, global business practices, and analytical decision-making.
The program requires 44 credit hours and costs approximately $33,678 in total, making it moderately priced compared to other AACSB-accredited programs.
One of its standout features is the International Business specialization, which includes courses on Globalization and Business and International Marketing Management.
Delaware’s Online MBA program is also known for its interactive virtual classroom technology, which simulates the in-person learning experience through group projects and breakout sessions.
According to school reports, 87% of graduates achieve a promotion or career advancement within one year.
Why should you choose an online MBA?
I prefer online MBA programs because:
✔ The tuition fees are lower – Online MBAs are often cheaper than on-campus programs.
✔ You can study from anywhere – No need to relocate or apply for a student visa.
✔ They have flexible schedules – Perfect for working professionals or students with other commitments.
✔ They are globally recognized – Many online MBAs are accredited and highly respected.
If you are interested in getting an MBA, go for the ones that are done online, they are cheaper, more flexible and still offer the same level of opportunity as others done in the classroom.