What Are the Most Affordable States to Earn an MBA?
In the pursuit of an MBA, cost is a significant factor for many students. While some states are known for their high-priced programs, others offer more affordable options without compromising on quality.
Here, we explore the ten most affordable states to earn an MBA in the U.S., offering insights into the unique opportunities each state provides.
List of Most Affordable States to Earn an MBA
The calculation for the most affordable states to earn an MBA is based on the average tuition cost of accredited MBA programs in each state. This is done by adding up the total tuition costs for each university in a state that offers an accredited MBA program and then dividing that total by the number of schools in the state.
- South Dakota - $14,503.00
- Idaho - $15,078.67
- Arkansas - $17,072.71
- New Mexico - $18,519.50
- Kansas - $19,892.80
- Maine - $19,935.00
- Nevada - $20,392.00
- Alabama - $21,004.83
- North Dakota - $21,022.00
- Mississippi - $21,282.20
- Hawaii - $21,288.00
- Nebraska - $21,340.00
- Alaska - $21,466.50
- West Virginia - $21,721.50
- Montana - $24,912.50
- South Carolina - $25,243.90
- Kentucky - $25,407.00
- Iowa - $25,778.67
- Wyoming - $26,460.00
- Oklahoma - $27,565.86
- Delaware - $27,789.50
- Rhode Island - $29,921.50
- Georgia - $31,429.69
- Vermont - $31,878.00
- Missouri - $31,909.30
- Indiana - $32,023.47
- Louisiana - $33,469.92
- Wisconsin - $33,557.00
- Utah - $36,682.40
- Florida - $37,710.83
- North Carolina - $37,844.09
- Texas - $37,995.06
- Colorado - $38,994.67
- Arizona - $40,003.00
- Tennessee - $44,060.20
- Minnesota - $44,597.25
- Michigan - $45,734.47
- Virginia - $45,875.88
- Ohio - $47,832.93
- Washington - $48,319.30
- Illinois - $48,709.61
- Maryland - $50,581.75
- New Jersey - $51,099.85
- Connecticut - $51,232.63
- Pennsylvania - $54,581.04
- California - $59,093.32
- New York - $61,320.55
- Oregon - $61,583.40
- Massachusetts - $74,394.61
- District of Columbia - $83,309.20
- New Hampshire - $103,312.00
- West Virginia: Amid the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia offers an average MBA cost of $13,923.46. The College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University stands out, offering an immersive MBA program that emphasizes experiential learning.
- Delaware: Despite its small size, Delaware, with an average MBA cost of $13,750.00, is a powerhouse for business, known for its business-friendly laws. The Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware provides an MBA program that seamlessly integrates business acumen with leadership skills.
- Alaska: Alaska, despite its remote location and harsh climate, offers unique and affordable educational opportunities with an average MBA cost of $13,457.14. The College of Business and Public Policy at the University of Alaska Anchorage provides an MBA program tailored to the unique business environment of the state.
- South Dakota: South Dakota, a state known for its agricultural roots and natural landmarks, offers cost-effective education with an average MBA cost of $12,582.00. The Beacom School of Business at the University of South Dakota stands out with an MBA program that prepares students for leadership roles in a diverse range of industries.
- Mississippi: Steeped in rich cultural history, Mississippi offers affordable MBA programs with an average cost of $12,420.40. The College of Business at Mississippi State University is a notable institution, offering a comprehensive MBA program with a good return on investment.
- Alabama: Alabama, a state known for its historical significance and diverse landscapes, offers affordable education opportunities with an average MBA cost of $12,061.75. The Collat School of Business at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a comprehensive MBA program that equips students with the necessary skills for the modern business world.
- Kansas: Situated in the heartland of America, Kansas offers cost-effective education with an average MBA cost of $11,095.91. The School of Business at the University of Kansas is a notable institution, offering an MBA program that emphasizes experiential learning and real-world application.
- Connecticut: Despite its location in the high-cost Northeast, Connecticut offers affordable MBA programs with an average cost of $11,028.00. The School of Business at the University of Connecticut is a standout, offering a comprehensive MBA program that integrates core business principles with advanced strategic analysis.
- Nebraska: Known for its robust agricultural economy, Nebraska offers affordable MBA programs with an average cost of $10,736.81. The College of Business at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides a flexible MBA program that caters to both full-time students and working professionals.
- Iowa: Known for its balance of urban and rural areas, Iowa offers the most affordable MBA programs in the U.S. with an average cost of $7,073.44. The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa is a standout, offering a comprehensive MBA program that emphasizes strategic thinking and leadership skills.
These states and institutions exemplify the affordability of MBA programs in the U.S. However, prospective students should also consider factors such as living expenses and potential financial aid when calculating the total cost of an MBA program. Here is a summary of the most Here is a summary of the 10 most expensive states to earn an MBA
Resources
- AACSB
- Each Official School Website
Most Affordable States to Earn an MBA
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At MBAGuide you are teaming up with MBA graduates, managers, professors, MBA students, data modelers, designers and other professionals to learn from experts about business careers, degree programs and salaries. Our staff of MBA professionals has written this article and it has been reviewed by an MBA graduate and editor on our staff.