4 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Kansas – 2025

Emporia State University's School of Business + Technology offers an excellent mix of affordability, practical experience, and education tailored to industry needs. This is the reason why it is a top choice among business students in Kansas. Located in the heart of Kansas, the school offers easy access to both rural and urban business environments. With a focus on adaptive leadership and innovation, Emporia State prepares students for not just immediate employment, but long-term career success in a constantly changing business world. Emporia State's dedication to student success is clear with an impressive 97% job placement rate for graduates within six months of finishing their degree. 

In terms of educational standards, it meets those of international institutions. In fact, its AACSB accreditation places it among the top 6% of business schools worldwide. Students at Emporia State start building their resumes from day one with hands-on learning opportunities like the Emporia Entrepreneurship Challenge and various internships.

Moreover, the school provides a wide range of concentrations such as accounting, finance, marketing, and business data analytics, which are closely aligned with Kansas's major industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and professional services. Strong connections with local and regional businesses give students valuable networking opportunities and insights into Kansas's economic landscape. Furthermore, its BizHornet Center acts as a hub for student services and resources.

Affordable Excellence

Emporia State University's School of Business + Technology offers exceptional value for students seeking a top-notch business education. The school provides numerous scholarship opportunities specifically for business majors, with over $840,000 awarded annually. This focus on affordability ensures that students can concentrate on their studies and professional development without the worry of excessive financial strain.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

At Emporia State, students benefit from a curriculum rich in practical, hands-on learning opportunities. The Emporia Entrepreneurship Challenge lets students develop and pitch business ideas, giving them real-world experience in entrepreneurship. Internships, class projects, and business competitions provide more ways for students to apply classroom knowledge to practical situations, building a robust skill set that employers highly value.

Industry-Aligned Curriculum

The School of Business + Technology offers a diverse range of concentrations that align closely with Kansas's key industries. Programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and business data analytics are designed to meet the evolving needs of the state's business landscape. This alignment ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in Kansas's thriving sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and professional services.

Innovative Technology Integration

Understanding the crucial role of technology in modern business, Emporia State incorporates cutting-edge tools and practices throughout its curriculum. The school's focus on business analytics and e-commerce prepares students for the digital transformation happening across industries. This forward-thinking approach ensures that graduates have the technological skills needed to succeed in today's data-driven business world.

Global Perspective

While rooted in Kansas, Emporia State's business programs offer a global outlook. The school provides study abroad opportunities and international business courses that broaden students' perspectives. This global focus prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of international markets and multicultural business environments, a crucial skill in today's interconnected economy.

Pittsburg State University's Gladys A. Kelce College of Business's focus on students, with small class sizes and personalized instruction, makes it stand out from larger schools. It's accredited by AACSB and offers many programs for undergraduates and graduates to prepare students up for success in the global business world while staying connected to local and regional industries.

It's worth noting that Kelce College of Business plans to move downtown to Pittsburg in 2026. This "Gorilla Rising" project will create a vibrant community where students can learn together and build stronger ties with local businesses. The new downtown location will offer more chances for internships, hands-on learning, and community involvement, helping students become career-ready.

Kelce College of Business combines tough academics with practical experience, offering programs that fit the needs of Kansas' changing economy. Students can choose from seven undergraduate majors and several graduate options, including a traditional MBA, an online MBA, and a 4+1 Master of Professional Accountancy program. These programs match well with key industries in the state, like manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, ensuring graduates are ready for the local job market.

Innovative Downtown Campus

The move to downtown Pittsburg marks a groundbreaking step for the Kelce College of Business. This new campus will be a major part of a revitalized business district, giving students unmatched access to real-world business experiences. The historic Besse Hotel will be renovated to include student housing, creating a true living-learning community right in the city center.

Affordable Excellence

Kelce College of Business offers great value for students seeking a top-notch business education. Its MBA program is one of the most affordable AACSB-accredited programs in the country, making it a smart choice for students looking for a good return on their investment. This focus on affordability also applies to undergraduate programs, with competitive tuition rates and many scholarship opportunities.

Strong Industry Connections

The college's strong relationships with local and regional businesses give students valuable networking opportunities and real-world experience. Partnerships with companies in the four-state area and beyond provide access to internships, guest lectures, and hands-on projects. These connections boost the educational experience and contribute to the college's high job placement rates, which regularly exceed 90% for graduates.

Personalized Learning Environment

With small class sizes and a focus on students, Kelce College of Business offers a personalized learning experience often missing in larger schools. Professors build strong relationships with students, offering mentorship and guidance that goes beyond the classroom. This close-knit learning environment allows for interactive discussions, hands-on projects, and individual attention, helping students develop the skills and confidence they need for their careers.

Emphasis on Global Perspective

Even though it focuses on the region, Kelce College of Business knows how important it is to prepare students for the global business world. The college offers an International Business major and chances to study abroad, making sure graduates can handle the complexities of the global market. This mix of local expertise and global awareness gives Kelce students a competitive edge in today’s connected business world.

Kansas State University's College of Business Administration offers a mix of theoretical and practice experience, making it one of the top business schools in Kansas. The programs are specifically designed to match the state's main industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. This is clear from their highly-ranked programs such as the #9 Master of Accountancy and #18 Professional MBA. Their university's to innovation is evident in the state-of-the-art 155,000 square-foot facility that opened in fall 2016. This modern building includes unique learning spaces for entrepreneurship, investment management, and professional selling.

Career-Focused Education

Kansas State's College of Business Administration is heavily focused on career development. Their unique Career Coach program provides personalized advice to students, ensuring they are ready for the job market. This tailored approach to career planning sets Kansas State apart, helping students find rewarding careers that match their strengths and interests.

Industry-Aligned Concentrations

Students at Kansas State’s business college benefit from a variety of concentrations that align with the state’s economic needs. With options in agriculture business, supply chain management, and business analytics, students gain skills that are in high demand in Kansas's key industries. The college’s strong ties with local and national businesses offer students internships and real-world projects, connecting academic learning with practical application.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

The college’s new building is not just a place to study; it's a center of innovation and teamwork. With special spaces for entrepreneurship, investment management, and professional selling, students get to experience environments that reflect real business settings. This hands-on learning prepares graduates to jump right into their careers.

Employer Recognition

Kansas State University's business programs are highly valued by employers. In Bloomberg Businessweek's 2016 rankings, the college was ranked 28th among public universities in the employer survey, showing the high regard businesses have for Kansas State graduates. This respect translates into excellent job prospects for students after graduation.

Global Perspective

Although deeply connected to Kansas's business scene, the College of Business Administration also prepares students for the global market. The international business concentration and study abroad opportunities help students gain a worldwide perspective, which is crucial in today's interconnected business world. This global outlook, combined with a strong local foundation, shapes well-rounded business leaders ready to face challenges on any scale.

The University of Kansas School of Business is a top choice for future business leaders, offering a mix of excellent academics, real-world experience, and innovative programs. Based in Lawrence, Kansas, its location helps the school build strong connections with key industries in the state, like aerospace, agriculture, and healthcare. The school’s focuses on business analytics, finance, and supply chain management align perfectly with Kansas's tech growth and its role as a logistics hub in the Midwest.

One of the school's standout features is its focus on hands-on learning. The EY Professionalism Program and the Platform for Professional Excellence (e-Platform) started in the 2020-21 school year, gives students great opportunities to develop important professional skills. Combined with required internships, these programs ensure that KU business grads are ready for the workforce, not just in theory but in practice.

The School of Business’s forward-thinking nature is clear in its recent curriculum updates and new programs. The launch of an Insurance Certificate in 2019 and a Master's in Business Analytics in 2020 shows how the school adapts to market needs. These programs, along with flexible admission policies, make it appealing to a wide range of students, from recent high school grads to those changing careers.

Cutting-Edge Facilities and Resources

Students at KU’s School of Business enjoy state-of-the-art facilities that encourage collaboration and innovation. The school is housed in Capitol Federal Hall, a 166,500-square-foot building that serves as a hub for creative thinking and interdisciplinary projects. This modern space not only offers the latest technology and resources but also features an impressive art collection of about 150 pieces, creating an inspiring atmosphere for learning and growth.

Strong Industry Connections and Career Outcomes

KU’s School of Business has strong ties with both local and national businesses, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and real-world insights. The capstone program, where MBA students advise small business owners and managers, highlights this commitment to practical experience. These industry connections lead to great career outcomes, with 90% of undergraduate students and 95% of MBA graduates finding jobs within six months of graduation.

Global Perspective and International Opportunities

Despite being in the Midwest, KU’s School of Business offers an excellent international business program. The curriculum focuses on global business environments, preparing students for careers in a connected world. International study opportunities and a diverse student body, with 26% international students in the MBA program, further enhance the global learning experience.

Flexible and Innovative Program Options

The School of Business provides various program options to meet different student needs and career goals. From the accelerated 16-month Full-Time MBA to the highly-ranked Online MBA program (ranked #9 nationally and #7 among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report), students can pick the format that fits their lifestyle best. The school also offers unique dual-degree options, such as JD/MBA and MBA/PharmD programs, for students to combine business education with other professional fields.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

KU’s School of Business promotes a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Programs like the MSP Scholars Program in Business and the Summer Venture in Business actively work to increase diversity among students. This commitment extends into the classroom, which prepares students for leadership roles in a diverse business world.