Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Arizona – 2025

The W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University fosters a tight-knit, collaborative learning environment that sparks innovation and personal growth. Its fast-track 10-month MBA program lets students earn their degree quickly and jump back into their careers, making it a great option for those focused on their professional paths.

The Franke Experience is a key feature of the college, promoting engagement, teamwork, and hands-on learning to prep students for leadership roles in Arizona's diverse economy. With specializations in accounting and general management, the program aligns with major industries like finance, tech, and tourism. Strong ties to local and regional businesses offer students priceless networking opportunities and real-world experience through internships and consulting projects.

Accelerated MBA Program

The W.A. Franke College of Business offers a super-fast 10-month MBA program. Students can finish their degree in less than a year, getting back into the job market with new skills and knowledge quickly. This speedy format is perfect for those trying to juggle education with their professional and personal lives.

Affordable Tuition

With in-state tuition at $13,601 and out-of-state at $31,093, the Franke MBA program is a great deal. This competitive pricing makes it appealing for those looking for a high-quality business education without piling up debt. The school is dedicated to affordability, providing opportunities for students from various backgrounds.

Strong Career Outcomes

The Franke College of Business has impressive job stats. About 58.5% of full-time grads land jobs at graduation, and 64.6% are employed within three months after finishing the program. These numbers show how well the program preps students for successful business careers. Graduates report solid starting salaries, with averages ranging from $40,000 to $65,000 in different industries.

The Franke Experience

The Franke Experience focuses on hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world business application. This includes working with local businesses, participating in case competitions, and going on international study trips. The Franke Experience ensures that graduates are not just academically ready but also have the practical skills and network connections to thrive in their careers. Through initiatives like the Dean's Closet, which offers professional attire to students in need, and strong support for military and veteran students, the Franke College of Business shows its commitment to student success beyond academics. These programs, combined with the school's academic rigor and industry connections, create a well-rounded educational experience that prepares graduates to make an immediate impact in their careers.

Diverse and Inclusive Community

The W.A. Franke College of Business prides itself on its diverse and inclusive environment. With a student body of 54.1% male and 45.9% female students, and 35% minority enrollment, the program offers a rich multicultural experience. This diversity preps students for global business settings and enriches classroom discussions with various perspectives and ideas.

The University of Arizona's Eller College of Management is known as one of the top business schools in Arizona. Ranked #50 among the Best Business Schools by U.S. News & World Report, Eller offers students a first-class education that prepares them for success in Arizona’s and the world’s dynamic business environment. The college’s focus on management information systems, ranked #3 nationally, is a great fit for Arizona's booming tech sector. Eller's emphasis on entrepreneurship, with a #5 ranking in the Southwest by The Princeton Review, aligns perfectly with the state’s vibrant startup scene. Eller's diverse MBA programs—full-time, evening, online, executive, and professional—meet various student needs and career goals. With modern facilities in Tucson and a new campus in Chandler, Eller gives students unmatched access to business education throughout Arizona.

By blending academic rigor with practical experience, industry connections, and a focus on innovation, the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona offers a well-rounded and valuable business education. Its programs are crafted to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in Arizona’s diverse and growing economy, making it a top choice for future business leaders in the state.

Cutting-Edge Curriculum

Eller College of Management offers a constantly evolving curriculum to meet modern business demands. Its top-ranked Management Information Systems program highlights the college’s focus on technology and innovation. Students take courses that combine traditional business principles with the latest tech applications, prepping them for Arizona’s tech industry leadership roles.

Flexible Program Options

Understanding its students’ diverse needs, Eller provides various MBA programs for different lifestyles and career stages. The Professional MBA program in Chandler offers a hybrid learning experience, combining online courses with bi-weekly in-person practicums. This setup allows working professionals to pursue their MBA without pausing their careers, while still benefiting from in-person interactions with peers and faculty.

Strong Industry Connections

Eller College of Management has built strong relationships with top companies in Arizona and beyond. Through its Professional Development Centers, students get personalized guidance for making career choices in a competitive market. The college’s focus on practical education and real-world application ensures graduates are ready to contribute immediately in their chosen fields.

Entrepreneurial Focus

The McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship at Eller equips students with the skills and resources to launch successful ventures. With 17% of recent graduates involved in startups, the college is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Southwest. This focus matches well with Arizona’s supportive environment for new businesses and startups.

Global Perspective

Eller College of Management preps students for global success. The college offers international business experiences, like a trip to Brazil mentioned by a student, providing valuable cultural and business insights. This global view is crucial for students aiming to thrive in Arizona’s increasingly international business scene.

The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is the largest business school in the U.S., giving students incredible chances to interact with a diverse group of learners and industry leaders. The school's mission is clear: to "transform the world through access, excellence, and innovation in business knowledge," and this is reflected in its numerous programs and initiatives. W.P. Carey School of Business embodies the innovative spirit of Arizona State University, consistently ranked as the #1 Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report. This culture of innovation touches every part of the business school, from cutting-edge research to its forward-thinking curriculum.

Moreover, W.P. Carey's programs are closely tied to Arizona's key industries, like technology, healthcare, and sustainable business. The school partners with both local and global companies, to provide students with real-world experience and networking opportunities. For instance, its focus on supply chain management and information systems fits perfectly with Arizona's booming tech and logistics industries.

World-Class Faculty and Research

W.P. Carey's faculty includes famous scholars and industry experts who are leaders in business research and innovation. The school's research centers, such as the Center for Services Leadership and the Institute for the Science of Teaching & Learning, give students opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research and work with top thinkers in various business fields.

Comprehensive Career Support

The W.P. Carey Career Services Center provides personalized career coaching tailored to each major for undergraduate students. This customized approach, along with the school's strong industry links, gives students a big edge in the job market. Early and frequent meetings with career coaches help students create effective career plans and achieve positive results.

Diverse and Inclusive Learning Environment

W.P. Carey is dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment. The school acknowledges the Indigenous lands it stands on and supports Native American students, showing a strong commitment to inclusivity. This diverse setting helps students succeed in a global business world and develop essential cross-cultural skills.

Innovative Curriculum and Program Flexibility

Offering over 30 business degrees and certificates, W.P. Carey lets students tailor their education to their career goals. The innovative curriculum includes emerging business trends like artificial intelligence and sustainability, preparing students for the future. Online programs add further flexibility, making education accessible to students with varied needs and schedules.

Extensive Networking and Leadership Opportunities

With more than 40 business clubs and organizations, W.P. Carey provides many opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and gain practical experience. These extracurricular activities, along with the school's large alumni network, give students valuable connections and experiences beyond the classroom.

Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University provides a truly global view on management education. Thunderbird has been a leader in preparing global market leaders for over 75 year, being the first graduate school in the world to focus on international management. The school combines cross-cultural understanding, digital innovation, and sustainable business practices to give students the skills they need in today’s connected world.

Thunderbird's programs are closely aligned with Arizona's key industries, like technology, healthcare, and sustainable energy. Their Master of Global Management program has concentrations in Global Business, Digital Transformation, and Sustainable Enterprise, directly addressing the needs of Arizona’s growing sectors. By partnering with local and multinational companies, Thunderbird provides students with hands-on experience and networking opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

The school's recent move to a cutting-edge global headquarters in downtown Phoenix enhances its ability to deliver top-tier education. This $75 million facility, opened in 2021, features advanced learning technologies and collaborative spaces that reflect the innovative environments students will encounter in their future careers. Thunderbird's dedication to innovation is also shown in its "100 Million Learners Initiative," aiming to offer free online global management and entrepreneurship training to millions worldwide by 2030.

Global Perspective

Thunderbird's defining feature is its truly global approach to business education. Students benefit from a diverse international faculty and peers from over 140 countries, creating a multicultural environment that fosters cross-cultural skills and a global mindset essential for success in international business.

Innovative Curriculum

The curriculum at Thunderbird is constantly updated to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The school integrates emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics into its programs, ensuring students are ready for the digital future of business.

Industry Connections

Thunderbird uses its vast alumni network of over 45,000 professionals in 170 countries to offer students unparalleled networking and career opportunities. The school’s strong ties to multinational corporations provide access to internships, consulting projects, and job placements with leading global companies.

Experiential Learning

Hands-on learning is a core part of the Thunderbird experience. Through global consulting projects, international internships, and immersive study abroad programs, students gain practical experience solving real-world business challenges in different cultural contexts.

Entrepreneurship Focus

Thunderbird strongly emphasizes developing entrepreneurial skills. The Thunderbird Venture Lab offers resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for students to create and launch their own startups, encouraging innovation and business creation that can contribute to Arizona's economic growth. By blending a rich legacy in international business education with cutting-edge programs and a forward-thinking approach, Thunderbird School of Global Management offers students a unique and valuable educational experience, preparing them to be leaders in Arizona's increasingly global business landscape.