Where are the shortest affordable online MBA programs?

Working professionals with only undergraduate credentials might find themselves in the place in their career where added training and preparation is necessary to advance them to the next level of success. The Master of Business Administration is typically known as the standard degree for this very type of advancement in business and leadership. With so many high-quality online programs now available, it has never been a better time to research the vast array of reputable online MBAs offered across the country to distance learners. Some of the best measures to use to compare programs include business accreditation of the business school, tuition rates, different specializations and certificates offered, admission requirements, and graduation rates. One of the best qualifiers to look for in a program, however, is the one that will save the distance learner time and money by getting them through the program and back into the workforce, and that is the overall length of the online MBA program.

Typically, one will find traditional and online Master of Business Administration programs including 12 courses divided into a majority of core coursework and additional concentration courses. While some programs require foundational courses and prerequisite courses it is not uncommon for MBAs to include over 50-credit hours of content. While some might be under the impression that the length of a program is directly related to the quality of content, the truth is there are many rigorous and dynamic online MBA programs that allow students to complete all courses in less than 18 months while equipping them with the academic and leadership tools they will need to make an impact in the global marketplace, whether their field of study is finance, healthcare, supply chain management, human resources, and the like.

While finding a top affordable online Master of Business Administration that meets the standards for quality and value can be a daunting task, here are two programs worth considering that offer a top-notch education with some of the least time restraints possible:

Online MBA programs

One incredible program that balances affordability and a shorter-time-for-completion is found at Tarleton State University's College of Business Administration. With a total tuition rate of just $6,100, the 30-credit hour, 100% online MBA at Tarleton is ideal for students who work full-time or have geographical or personal constraints on their schedule. This program boasts of a very interactive online format with a high level of instructor and peer communication. This online MBA will help students develop analytical and critical thinking skills that can be immediately applied in the office on a daily basis. This program has met excellent business accreditation standards through the ACBSP; offers specializations in Management, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, and Business Strategy; and can be completed in as few as 18 months.

Another high quality affordable online MBA worth considering is offered at the School of Business Administration at Georgia Southwestern State University. This prestigious AACSB-International online MBA program educates students in a broad range of topics including finance, ethics, international business, management, and marketing as a solid foundation for careers as successful organizational leaders. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead teams and projects in a complex environment, including the ability to prioritize work, make and communicate sound decisions, and react successfully to unanticipated events. While many programs with elite accreditation can cost well over $30,000, the total tuition rate of this online MBA at Georgia Southwestern State University is less than $8,000.