5 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Minnesota – 2025

Minnesota State University Moorhead's MBA program is a top pick for future business leaders in Minnesota. This program is both affordable and flexible, blending theory and practical skills to prepare students for the modern business world. With AACSB accreditation, it ensures high-quality education that meets high-quality international standards. Whether you’re a working professional aiming to boost your career or a recent graduate looking to get ahead, MSUM’s MBA program provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

Customizable Curriculum

MSUM's MBA program offers four focus areas, including healthcare and accounting and finance. This flexibility lets you customize your degree to match your career goals and interests. You’ll gain specialized knowledge in your chosen field while building a solid foundation in core business principles.

Affordable Excellence

MSUM’s MBA program offers great value for your investment. Recognized in Top Management Degree's Top 50 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs, it offers a high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of other schools. It’s much more affordable than many private colleges and universities in Minnesota, making it a smart choice for students who need to watch their budget. 

Flexible Learning Options

Balancing work, life, and school can be tough, but MSUM’s MBA program makes it easier. With both online and on-campus classes, you can choose the learning format that fits your schedule. This flexibility allows you to earn your MBA without putting your career on hold, which is why it is perfect for working professionals.

Real-World Experience

MSUM’s MBA program goes beyond textbook learning. You’ll get to work on real-world projects, like creating marketing plans and using strategic management principles for local startups. This hands-on experience gives you practical skills that employers love, helping you stand out in the job market.

Strong Alumni Network

Joining MSUM’s MBA program means becoming part of a powerful network of successful graduates. The Paseka School of Business has a 65-year history of producing top business leaders who make big impacts in various industries. This network can provide valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and potential career paths as you advance in your career.

International Perspective

In today’s global business world, international experience is crucial. MSUM offers exciting exchange opportunities with schools like Chongqing Technology and Business University in China and the University of Portsmouth in England. These experiences broaden your perspective and prepare you for success in the global marketplace.

Minnesota State University, Mankato's MBA program is one of Minnesota's business education programs that's making waves in the industry. This AACSB-accredited program offers a mix of affordability, flexibility, and real-world relevance that's tough to beat. With focuses on Leadership and Organizational Change, International Business, and Healthcare Management, it aligns perfectly with Minnesota's booming industries, like medical technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. The MBA curriculum connects students with local business leaders, making sure graduates are ready to tackle the challenges of today's global economy.

Flexible Online Learning

The program is 100% online, which is perfect for working individuals. Students can access course materials and join discussions whenever they want, allowing them to balance studies with work and personal life. The mix of synchronous and asynchronous delivery methods ensures that students get the best of both worlds – the flexibility of self-paced learning and the engagement of real-time interactions.

Real-World Executive Insights

One of the program's standout features is its executive seminar series. This unique offering brings top-tier business leaders and executives into the virtual classroom, providing students with invaluable insights into current industry trends and challenges. It's an opportunity to learn from those who've climbed the corporate ladder and to gain a perspective that goes beyond textbook theories.

Innovative Curriculum

The MBA program at Minnesota State Mankato doesn't just teach business – it builds leaders. The curriculum develops critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and strategic planning skills. Courses use real business situations, allowing students to apply their knowledge to actual scenarios. This ensures graduates are not just book-smart but also ready for the real-world complexities of modern business.

Career-Boosting Internship Opportunities

The David C. Olson Graduate Scholarship is a great example of the program's focus on real-world experience. This scholarship combines a big financial award with an internship at a chamber of commerce, giving students a firsthand look at how business and public policy intersect. It's a chance to network, gain practical skills, and maybe even shape Minnesota's economic future.

Affordable Excellence

In a world where MBA programs are often expensive, Minnesota State Mankato offers a refreshing alternative. The program provides high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of many others. This affordability doesn't compromise quality – it shows the university's commitment to accessible education. For students looking to boost their careers without going into massive debt, this program offers great value.

St. Cloud State University's Herberger Business School offers an MBA program that's a smart choice for professionals who would want to elevate their careers. This AACSB-accredited program delivers high-quality education at a lower cost compared to many other schools. With focuses like Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, the curriculum aligns well with Minnesota's booming tech and manufacturing industries. The school's strong connections with local industry leaders provide students with real-world insights and valuable networking opportunities. Here are some reasons why the university's program stand out.

Unbeatable Value

St. Cloud State's MBA program costs just $9,846 per year with scholarships, offering a great return on investment. This affordability doesn't mean you miss out on quality – you get a rigorous, industry-relevant education that rivals more expensive programs. How often do you find a program that offers such value without sacrificing excellence?

Flexible Learning Pathways

Isn't it great when your education fits around your life, not the other way around? That's why St. Cloud State offers various program formats to suit your lifestyle. Choose from on-campus, online, or hybrid options, with both full-time and part-time tracks available. This flexibility lets you tailor your MBA journey to fit your unique situation. 

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Theory is important, but hands-on experience is invaluable. St. Cloud State's MBA program includes real-world projects and internships in the curriculum. You'll work on real business challenges, applying what you learn in class to solve problems for local companies. This practical approach not only enhances your learning but also builds an impressive portfolio to show future employers.

Robust Alumni Network

Joining St. Cloud State's MBA program means becoming part of a powerful network. The school has a large alumni community across Minnesota's top industries. These connections can provide mentorship opportunities, job leads, and valuable insights into your field. In today's competitive job market, who you know can be just as important as what you know.

Personalized Career Support

Your success doesn't stop at graduation. St. Cloud State's dedicated career services team offers personalized guidance throughout your MBA journey and beyond. From resume workshops to mock interviews and networking events, you'll have access to resources that prepare you for your next career step. With this level of support, how can you not feel confident about your professional future?

The University of St. Thomas-Minnesota's Opus College of Business offers an MBA program that's a cut above the rest in the North Star State. This AACSB-accredited powerhouse is situated in the bustling Twin Cities. Thanks to its location, the university's Opus College of business taps into Minnesota's thriving business ecosystem. It aligns its curriculum with the state's economic pillars. From healthcare to technology, manufacturing to finance, the program's concentrations mirror the industries that drive Minnesota's prosperity. But Opus doesn't just follow trends—it sets them. With deep-rooted connections to all 18 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the state, this MBA program offers more than just a degree; it's your backstage pass to Minnesota's business elite. Ready to discover why Opus College might be your ticket to the big leagues?

Unparalleled Flexibility

Opus College redefines adaptability in MBA education. Whether you're a full-time student, a working professional, or somewhere in between, there's a program tailored just for you. The Part-time Flex MBA allows you to toggle between online and in-person classes at will, putting you in the driver's seat of your education. With options to complete your degree in as little as 30 months or stretch it out to seven years, you're not just fitting your MBA into your life—you're designing your MBA experience around your unique circumstances. 

Real-World Relevance

Forget dusty case studies from decades past. At Opus, you'll tackle live business challenges that Minnesota companies face today. Through the school's extensive network of industry partnerships, you'll have opportunities to work on projects for leading firms in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. This isn't just theoretical learning; it's hands-on problem-solving that builds your portfolio and your professional network simultaneously. 

Career Acceleration

The proof is in the pudding—or in this case, the promotions. A staggering 60% of Opus MBA graduates receive a promotion between enrollment and graduation. But it doesn't stop there. On average, students see a 34% salary bump by the time they complete the program. With stats like these, the Opus MBA can help you fast-track your professional journey?

Ethical Leadership Focus

In an era where corporate responsibility is more crucial than ever, Opus sets itself apart with a laser focus on ethical leadership. This isn't just a checkbox on the curriculum; it's woven into the fabric of every course. From core classes to electives, you'll grapple with real ethical dilemmas faced by today's business leaders. By the time you graduate, you won't just be prepared to make tough decisions—you'll be equipped to make the right ones. In a business world crying out for principled leadership, how valuable could this skill set be?

Powerhouse Alumni Network

With over 34,000 business alumni spread across Minnesota's top companies and beyond, your professional network expands exponentially from day one. This isn't just about LinkedIn connections; it's about real relationships with industry movers and shakers. From mentorship opportunities to insider job leads, the Opus alumni network is a career-long asset that keeps on giving.

The University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management is a place where future business leaders are made. Located in the lively Twin Cities, this AACSB-accredited program offers a mix of tough academics and real-world experience that's hard to beat. With specializations like entrepreneurship and supply chain management, Carlson's MBA program fits perfectly with Minnesota's varied economy. What really sets Carlson apart is its strong connections to the local business community. Imagine meeting executives from 18 Fortune 500 companies right in your area. That's more than networking—it's a huge boost for your career.

Experiential Learning on Steroids

Carlson's Enterprise Programs are where theory meets practice—and then some. From creating marketing strategies for global brands to managing multi-million dollar investment portfolios, these hands-on experiences are career game-changers. It's like having a high-stakes internship built right into your classes.

Global Perspective, Local Impact

Think global, act local? At Carlson, you'll do both. With partnerships from Finland to Japan, your MBA journey could take you all over the world. But here's the twist: you'll bring those international insights back to Minnesota's booming business scene. It's a special chance to become a global citizen while making an impact at home.

Customization is King

One size fits all? Not at Carlson. With eight specializations and over 70 elective courses, you design your own MBA experience. Whether you want to switch careers or climb the corporate ladder, Carlson's flexible curriculum adapts to your goals. And for those into data, the STEM-designated Management Science MBA opens doors to top roles in data-driven decision-making. 

Career Catapult

Numbers don't lie, and Carlson's job stats are impressive. With 89% of graduates getting job offers within 90 days and an average starting salary of $141,471, your return on investment is almost certain. But it's not just about the money—Carlson's career services team works hard to connect you with opportunities that match your passions and skills. In a tough job market, wouldn't you want this kind of career boost?

Twin Cities: Your Extended Campus

Minneapolis-St. Paul isn't just where you'll study—it’s a big part of your MBA experience. Home to big companies and a vibrant startup scene, the Twin Cities are a living lab for business innovation. From guest talks by industry leaders to networking events that could lead to your dream job, the city is an extension of your classroom.