2025 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Management
Our list shows the most affordable online associate degrees in management based on tuition costs. This two-year degree is designed for those looking to gain a foundational understanding of management practices, organizational behavior, and business strategies. Whether you aspire to enhance your career prospects or transition into a management role, this program serves as an essential stepping stone in your professional development.
Key Takeaways:
- Our top 20 most affordable associate degrees in management are all below $10,000.
- Itawamba Community College is the #1 school with the lowest tuition for its online Associate of Applied Science in Business and Marketing Management Technology at $2,750.
- Waldorf University comes in at #19 overall for affordability but leads in two key categories: It offers the highest average financial aid package of $17,359 and it boasts the highest overall review rating of 4.47 out of 5.
To qualify for our list, accredited institutions must offer fully online degrees with global tuition rates and display their online student enrollment data publicly. We rank eligible schools based on manually researched online tuition rates. For a detailed understanding, refer to our methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Management
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Military College | Milledgeville (GA) | $5,070 | |
| Itawamba Community College | Fulton (MS) | $5,500 | |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane (WA) | $5,517 | |
| Madison Area Technical College | Madison (WI) | $6,727 | |
| Northcentral Technical College | Wausau (WI) | $6,727 | |
| Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton (WI) (and 5 others) | $6,727 | |
| Western Technical College - WI | La Crosse (WI) (and 1 other) | $7,167 | |
| Scottsdale Community College | Scottsdale (AZ) | $7,590 | |
| Rio Salado College | Tempe (AZ) | $7,590 | |
| Pitt Community College | Winterville (NC) | $8,040 | |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville (NC) (and 1 other) | $8,040 | |
| Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach (AL) | $8,100 | |
| Chemeketa Community College | Salem (OR) (and 4 others) | $8,250 | |
| Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland (OH) (and 5 others) | $8,300 | |
| Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac (WI) | $8,500 | |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | Kansas City (KS) | $9,150 | |
| Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City (OK) | $9,638 | |
| Waldorf University | Forest City (IA) | $9,900 | |
| Polk State College | Winter Haven (FL) | $9,933 | |
| Laramie County Community College | Cheyenne (WY) | $10,912 | |
| Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge (IA) | $11,115 | |
| Purdue Global | Indianapolis (IN) | $11,130 | |
| Kansas Christian College | Overland Park (KS) | $12,000 | |
| Abraham Lincoln University | Los Angeles (CA) | $12,450 | |
| Saint Leo University Online | St. Leo (FL) | $12,750 | |
| Central Christian College of Kansas | McPherson (KS) | $12,750 | |
| Colorado Christian University | Lakewood (CO) | $14,820 | |
| Strayer University | Nationwide | $15,250 | |
| Florida Tech - Online | Melbourne (FL) | $15,600 | |
| Bryant & Stratton College Online | Orchard Park (NY) | $20,160 |
Affordable Online Management Associate Degrees: A Data-Driven Analysis
Prospective online associate degree students need to consider affordability alongside post-graduation earnings, financial aid availability, online popularity, and unique program offerings. While our ranking evaluates the best online associate in management programs based on tuition only, below we offer a well-rounded comparison with more data to consider.
Read on to discover what makes these programs stand out and how they compare:
Affordability: The Cornerstone of Our Ranking
Does a Lower Tuition Translate to Higher Salaries?
Since you want to pursue an online associate in management, understanding the return on investment (ROI) is crucial. Since these programs typically serve as an entry point into business careers, students need to weigh the cost of their education against the earning potential after graduation. (The median earnings data we use is about four years after graduation.)
Why Should Management Students Care About ROI?
1. Direct Career Pathways 鈥� Unlike bachelor鈥檚 programs, associate degrees are designed to get students job-ready within two years. Choosing a program with strong earnings potential ensures a solid financial start.
2. Low Upfront Cost, High Potential Return 鈥� Some schools, like Scottsdale and Chemeketa, offer graduates salaries well above $50,000. This is a significant return considering tuition costs below $10,000.
3. Avoiding Overpayment for Education 鈥� While expensive programs may offer more resources, students need to ensure their investment makes sense. Paying $15,000+ for an associate degree with low earning potential may not be the best financial move.
4. Flexibility for Further Education 鈥� Some programs, like those at Madison Area Technical College (MATC) and Chemeketa, offer strong transfer pathways to bachelor鈥檚 programs, making them cost-effective for students who may later seek a four-year degree.
The Results From Our List of Management Associate Programs?
Overall, Scottsdale dominates this category, with graduates reporting median earnings of $58,108, placing the management program in the top 1% nationwide for earnings potential in this field. This suggests that even with a relatively affordable tuition of $7,590, Scottsdale's online management program offers substantial returns. This may be partly due to the degree program's inclusion of embedded certifications in human resources, project management, and leadership.
Similarly, Fox Valley Technical College ($45,772), Chemeketa ($52,459), and Columbia Southern ($48,154) all show earnings well above the national average for associate degree holders in business-related fields. Perhaps Fox Valley's success is because the it offers a Project Management/Lean Six Sigma certificate, which can boost employability.
On the other hand, Spokane Community College ($27,329) and University of Arkansas - Grantham ($28,914) fall on the lower end, meaning students here may need to pursue further education or certifications to increase their earning power.
Practical Strategies for Future Managers: Expert Insight from Paul Posea
Business Owner
Paul Posea offers practical advice for prospective online management students, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and problem-solving in the field. He explains that while structured planning is crucial, projects don鈥檛 always go as expected, making it essential to 鈥渃hange direction, solve problems, and make decisions based on data.鈥�
Risk management is another critical skill, as anticipating challenges and addressing them early can prevent major disruptions. His insights highlight that successful managers balance strategic planning with flexibility, ensuring that teams stay on track even in dynamic environments.
For students pursuing online education, Paul notes that the format itself mirrors real-world management scenarios by requiring proficiency in virtual collaboration tools. 鈥淭he online format promotes self-motivation and responsibility,鈥� he says, pointing out that software like Monday, Asana, and Trello is essential for coordinating remote teams. He advises students to prioritize programs with project-based learning, explaining, 鈥淵ou need to use tools like Agile, Scrum, or Kanban, not just read about them.鈥�
EXPERT TIP
He also stresses the value of learning from industry-experienced professors, as their real-world insights provide a deeper understanding of management principles.
When considering career growth, Paul highlights the distinction between a business degree and a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. 鈥淎 degree gives you a broad understanding of leadership, business strategy, and how teams work together, while a PMP certification shows that you can use methodologies correctly,鈥� he explains. He recommends earning a degree to establish a strong foundation, with a PMP serving as a career accelerator.
Lastly, he underscores the importance of hands-on experience, encouraging students to gain real-world practice through internships, freelancing, or managing community projects. "People skills are just as important as process skills in project management," he adds, reinforcing the value of networking and professional relationships in building a successful management career.
Final Thoughts
The best online associate degree in management depends on what a student values most 鈥� low tuition, high post-graduation earnings, or a specific specialization.
If affordability is the top concern, Georgia Military and Itawamba offer low tuition with strong financial aid support.
If earnings potential is a priority, Scottsdale and Chemeketa stand out as top performers in salary outcomes.
For flexibility and online support, Purdue Global, Strayer, and Columbia Southern have the largest online enrollment numbers, making them reliable choices for distance learning.
Ultimately, choosing the right program comes down to a mix of affordability, return on investment, and personal career goals. Whether you are looking for an entry point into business or a stepping stone to a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business, this list highlights the best online associate management programs that are cost-effective with strong educational value.
Student Reviews of Online Management Programs
I am set to graduate in September 2022 with an associate's in management. I have to say, I read a lot of these reviews, and I agree with most of them. The associate's degree is extremely easy to obtain. I was able to test out of 8 courses and maintain a 4.0 GPA the entire time. Intelepath, the system used for coursework, is easy to manipulate to always get an A. Copy the lesson in a Word doc and when you answer questions, use the Word doc to search for words. When you miss a question, copy it along... Read More
Review Date: 5/15/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The Professors were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and understanding to unique personal circumstances. The majority of my Professors had successful businesses to rely on when demonstrating how a business can operate. If anyone going for the basic knowledge in business I would advise them to attend Purdue.
Review Date: 1/9/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I don't understand why this school have so many negative reviews i had a great experience attend CTU i am currently enrolled in my Bachelor degree program which i will have December 2018 thanks to me putting fast track to use i really love everything about CTU and i have learned so much that is helping me with promotion in my career filed. I think this what made me write this positive comment because of so many negative one's i wanted someone to view my post and see the good at CTU. I am also going... Read More
Review Date: 1/14/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I will be graduating with an A.A.S. Management degree from National American University with the conclusion of this current semester. Personally, I have found the staff to be very helpful, especially the Director of Student Success, who seems to be always on hand and responds quickly when I send her a message. The classes are easy to navigate and the curriculum/schedule are well defined and posted. Most importantly, I feel like I have really been learning and I feel prepared to use what I have learned... Read More
Review Date: 4/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My path at Post started out relatively quiet. Teachers were nice, workload was decent for most classes while some were just over the top for adults attending online classes who have jobs and family responsibilities. I was told initially there were scholarships and then after i started they told me for online students there arent any offered (so much for this education opportunity being the same as an on campus student). I cant say I received much coaching from my advisor beyond, take this class or... Read More
Review Date: 3/29/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
UMA is hands down the BEST college ever. I would recommend this school to anyone. The teachers, advisors, financial aid office, and even all of the students are very friendly and helpful. They make me feel like we're all a family, which is a great thing. Everyone always has encouraging words and never give up attitude which causes me to push even harder to make the best possible grade I can get. UMA is the smartest and best decision I have made in my life now all my dreams can finally come true once... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experience with Rasmussen has been great so far. The advisors were on me to get the necessary documents in for my registration. My professors were very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way. If I had did not turn in an assignment which I did however I uploaded it wrong, my teacher emailed me several times and even called me to make sure I was aware that she did not receive it.
There were many resources to help you through each course. I am enjoying the flexibility of online school and... Read More
Review Date: 3/21/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I agree with an earlier post I read. You get what you give. If you work hard and participate and ask questions and do all your work- You'll be just fine and no, it's not all easy and a picnic. I have been doing this for over a year and it gets harder and harder and sometimes I want to pull my hair out but if you just stay on top of your reading and your assignments- you'll do fine.
Most of the instructors are wonderful and very helpful and "IF" you end up with one you don't like, Oh well- It's just... Read More
I depend on me-same for my education. If you are serious about school, your education and your not one who quits easy- I highly recommend Everest! Good Luck everyone!
Review Date: 5/11/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
You need to be very sure what you want before you sign up for a school like this. A high motivation and strong work ethic will make sure that you get the most out of it. Downsides to this are the team-based environment, where if you get stuck with someone with very little time to do work, you will have to make up for their mistakes. Teachers are generally OK, but some of them don't do much more than copy and paste old lessons for new classes (generating mistakes) and checking work done. You'll get... Read More
It's not a bad school, by any means, but if you are either too busy or if you are not certain about the benefits of a specific degree, then go somewhere with more name recognition or don't spend the money. Don't go in expecting a degree here to change your life, because it will not unless you invest in more than just schooling.
Review Date: 11/22/2012
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
From the very beginning I was lied to. Enrollment counselor made promises and guarantees that were inaccurate to get me to sign up. Financial aid department was like dealing with a five-year-old who is in control of your checkbook. I was given 9 different financial aid advisers over the course of three years and was only informed of one changeover. Several of the advisers didn't even know they had new students added to their caseloads until I called to find out why there were issues with my financial... Read More
This school is a joke. I was not surprised when they started closing campuses due to their accreditation of those campuses being revoked.
Not only is the school a joke, but you are paying Ivy League college prices for below average education and years of fighting.
They try to give you all information over the phone and then if you have no written account of what they said in your own records they will back out of what they say. After two years of broken promises and false information I finally started getting everything in writing and email. This is what saved me from a 3000 dollar bill one week before I graduated.
I recommend you keep searching and pass this school over. Not worth the time, money, and emotional strain you will most likely experience. I actually filed three complaints with the BBB but only one was validated because I had nothing in writing for the others.
Review Date: 12/16/2012
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I finished my coursework and 4th semester exam in October 2012 and have yet to receive my diploma. I have called the school numerous times between October 2012 and June 2013. Every time I call, the representative says, "I will resubmit a request to have your diploma mailed to you. Please 4-6 weeks". Still, no diploma.
Review Date: 7/10/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
I enrolled after witnessing the positive results my husband has realized from earning his UoP degrees.
The course work does start off relatively simple; but don't worry, the momentum increases quickly. As others have said, this is not a school for those who are not self disciplined.
As for those who feel that there has been a lack of support-I have an amazing team of advisors who keep in touch regularly.
There are also local campuses that offer face-to-face resources. I am happy with the level of education... Read More
Review Date: 4/8/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school is based on a Christian World View no argument, with that said, the school and the staff is clear in what they want out of you. If you are taking on-line classes you are required to write 1-2 pages a week, plus take part in the thread of discussion.
I have a full time job with overtime and I am able to keep up with the work load. CCU is both online and in-seat or purely online or in school. I have mixed both and you really have the freedom to choose your work load. Religious class credits... Read More
On-line is perfect if you work long hours, or have a shy personality. I strongly suggest going to a cheaper school for you generals, I made the mistake of not doing so and I'm currently trying to figure out how I am going to repay the loan.
Oh yeah, order your books a week prior to class beginning, reading is intensive. YES I do recommend this school even if you are not strictly Christian, you learn some interesting qualities about Christianity.
Papers are APA format: important
Review Date: 4/23/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
People complaining about Keiser, please just SHUT up. Some complains here about Keiser are legitimate but other people are are just winning. If you can't do your school homework or fail exams, don't blame Keiser please. I have 6 friends who attended Keiser and all of the graduated just fine. I too graduated in 2015 with honors. Keiser is actually one of the BEST collages in Central Florida but of course it's VERY EXPENSIVE because it's a private institution. But I love the fact that students ONLY... Read More
Review Date: 9/23/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am a current Strayer University student and am enrolled my last quarter of classes. I originally started my degree at the Huntsville Campus and I must say I loved it. I was only enrolled there for my first three quarters.
The staff was very prompt and friendly. The classes were relatively small and the professors were willing to give extra one on one attention to whoever required it. Because of my job situation, I had move to the Birmingham area. The staff is ok.
They're not as friendly and attentive... Read More
Review Date: 11/25/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I went back to give myself an edge in job hunting competition and job change options. I only had my AA from 20 some years ago. I actually (finally) learned algebra here at UoP. The classes were very challenging. I did on campus for all of my bachelor's and most of my master's except for the last 5 courses which was global management so the participants were more diversified in experience from all over the country than in my local neighborhood "campus".
Overall I learned a lot and it boosted my confidence... Read More
MOST of the people in my classes were there because their company was paying for it and their companies wanted to promote from within but they technically needed the piece of paper/degree. So, it was a good experience for me and I like that I got both experiences of the "campus" and online.
Review Date: 11/25/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Stay away and spend your GI Bill elsewhere. So many hidden regulations and half your day spent on campus is at the financial aid office because they want $$$. Then you get back to class only to realize you missed half of it and no notes or handouts are provided for the schools negligence. Btw way overpriced for what you get!!
Review Date: 12/6/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am attending itt tech right now and ready to drop out! (and I pan too this week) im not much of a person to give up on things but i just cant take it anymore.
For example my teacher asked me what career was I wanting to have. ( i am in business adm.) I said i want to start and own my own car insurance business. he says ahh thats all right like it wasnt good enough or something. that hurt my feelings. on top of that it is way too much work for anyone to do.
We get assingments weekly but the directions... Read More
Review Date: 4/7/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Good base knowledge for the money.Got a good reference for a good job from the instructor and remain employed in my field. No frills, just education. Would recommend.Scholarships available as well as workstudy, did not owe a lot at the end. Overall B rating.
Review Date: 3/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes