2025 Most Affordable Online Management Degrees
An affordable online management degree prepares students for leadership roles across industries by developing expertise in strategic decision-making, organizational leadership, and operational efficiency. Whether you're aiming for a career in human resources, project management, or corporate leadership, choosing an affordable management degree involves more than just comparing tuition — it requires evaluating long-term earnings, student support, and program features to ensure you make the best investment in your future.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Low Tuition: California Coast University offers the lowest tuition at just $5,100 per year, making it the most cost-effective option for online learners.
- Best for High-Earning Potential: Colorado State University Global produces management graduates whi earn a median salary of $76,302, ranking in the top 6% nationwide in this field.
- Best for Balancing Affordability & Salary: The University of Texas Permian Basin and Fort Hays State University offer low tuition with strong post-graduation salaries.
We manually verify tuition costs to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate information. For an in-depth look at our ranking criteria and data sources, visit our methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable Online Management Degrees
A Closer Look at Affordable Online Management Degrees
Our rankings prioritize upfront costs, but we also encourage you to examine student outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, and unique program features that differentiate each school.
Here’s a deep dive into what makes these programs stand out and why data-driven decision-making is key when selecting the best online management degree.
Affordability vs. Value: The Best Bang for Your Buck in Online Management Degrees
If you’re pursuing a management degree online, affordability is likely one of your biggest concerns. But the lowest tuition doesn’t always mean the best value. What you really need to consider is whether a program provides a strong return on investment (ROI). An online degree that leaves you with low debt but also strong career prospects is the best of both worlds.
For students who need absolute affordability, California Coast University (CCU) stands out with a rock-bottom tuition of $5,100 per year. Its self-paced, asynchronous format makes it a great option for working adults. However, with no publicly available data on graduate earnings, it’s unclear whether CCU’s affordability translates into higher-paying job opportunities.
Earning potential should be a major deciding factor in your choice of an online management degree. The right management degree should pay for itself over time.
So, if you want a management degree program that balances affordability and earnings, two schools deliver standout results:
The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) offers a BBA in Management for just $6,577 per year, with graduates earning a strong $61,973 median salary (67th percentile nationally).
Fort Hays State University (FHSU), at $7,720 per year, produces management graduates with a median salary of $56,478, proving that a lower-cost degree can still lead to solid job prospects.
For those considering a higher upfront investment for stronger long-term earnings, Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) provides an exceptionally high ROI. While its tuition is $11,250 annually, its management bachelor's graduates earn an impressive $76,302 median salary, ranking in the top 6% nationwide.
If you don't trust the data, here's a positive firsthand account from a student survey we collected from a recent CSU Global graduate (2022):
"CSU-global is organized, professors are attentive, and the learning experience is a lot better than the traditional in a class setting. The discussion posts force you to interact with classmates, which enhances the learning experience, and the professors give constructive criticism! Financial aid is responsive, organized, THE PRICE!!! You're not being charged an arm and a leg to further your education."
What Sets These Affordable Online Management Programs Apart?
Beyond cost and earnings, schools distinguish themselves with unique curriculum structures, industry connections, and strong online student support systems.
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Flexible Learning & Self-Paced Options:
- CCU is completely self-paced, allowing students to work as fast or slow as needed.
- Purdue Global offers a 3-week trial period so students can test the program before committing.
- Columbia Southern University (CSU) allows up to 90 transfer credits, which can significantly reduce time to degree completion.
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Specialized Pathways:
- UTPB offers a Digital Marketing Certificate with no extra coursework, providing added value.
- Oregon Tech allows transfer students with an AAS or AS degree to seamlessly complete their Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology & Management.
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania integrates a capstone project and optional internships for real-world application.
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Industry Recognition:
- Many programs on this list are AACSB-accredited, including UTPB, University of Arkansas (UA) at Little Rock, and the University of Massachusetts (UMass), which adds credibility and employer recognition to these degrees.
- CSU Global’s program is aligned with SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) standards, making it especially valuable for HR professionals.
Online Support for Management Students
Schools with dedicated academic advising, career coaching, and networking opportunities can help management students develop their leadership skills while staying on track for graduation. For example, Thomas Edison State University (TESU) provides personalized degree planning with success coaches, while Metropolitan State offers career-focused advising, including resume reviews and job placement assistance.
Choosing a management degree with strong student support ensures academic success, leadership growth, and a smoother work-life balance.
Other schools emphasize real-time interaction and mentorship. Edinboro features live virtual office hours for direct faculty engagement, while Columbia Southern has a dedicated Student Support Center offering one-on-one career coaching. And Purdue Global connects students with alumni through its peer mentorship program, fostering industry relationships.
Making the Smartest Investment in Your Online Management Bachelor's Degree
Choosing the right online management degree requires finding the lowest tuition while ensuring your education leads to career growth and financial stability.
As I discussed above in detail, schools like CCU offer the most affordable tuition, but management programs like those offered at CSU Global and TESU stand out for their high post-graduation salaries, proving that a slightly higher upfront cost can translate into significantly better long-term earnings.
For students looking to balance affordability and career potential, UTPB and FHSU provide low tuition with above-average earnings, making them great options for cost-conscious students who are willing to pay a little more at the onset for stronger job prospects.
By weighing cost, salary outcomes, student support, and program flexibility, you can make a data-driven decision that ensures your online management degree is both affordable and valuable for your future career.
Expert Advice About Online Management Degrees
Owner & CEO at Simpson & Associates
1. What are the most valuable skills you gained from your degree that you use in your job?
My ability to communicate well, quickly analyze and summarize information, and create structured templates plays a big role in how I manage projects. A lot of my clients need various types of templates for workflows, processes, and documentation, and my background helps me put those together in a way that makes things clearer and easier to follow. Strong communication is key when managing projects, and my degree gave me a solid foundation for that.
2. What are your thoughts about online education?
Online learning can be great for flexibility, especially if you're balancing school with work or other commitments. Plus, learning online forces you to get comfortable with remote collaboration tools—something that’s becoming more and more important in project management.
3. What should prospective students look for when choosing a project management bachelor's program?
I’d say start by figuring out what’s most important to you—do you want to attend in person, or does an online program fit your lifestyle better? Then, think about what industry you want to work in and whether the program prepares you for that.
Some things to keep in mind:
Accreditation: Make sure the program is legit and recognized by employers.
Hands-on learning: Look for programs that give you real-world experience, like case studies, internships, or project simulations.
Industry focus: If you know what field you want to work in, pick a program that offers relevant courses or connections.
Certification prep: Some programs help you prep for certifications like CAPM or PMP, which can be helpful down the line.
4. How does a management degree compare to certifications?
A project management degree gives you a solid foundation in the principles of project management, leadership, and business strategy. It’s great for someone starting out or wanting a broader understanding of how projects fit into a business.
A PMP certification, on the other hand, is more about proving experience. It’s a well-known certification in the industry, but to get it, you need a certain number of years of experience managing projects. It’s not a replacement for a degree, but it’s often required for senior roles.
If you’re just getting started, a degree might be the better first step, and then you can work toward a PMP once you have more hands-on experience.
5. What industries benefit most from a management degree?
Every industry has projects that need to be planned, executed, and kept on track. The obvious ones are construction, tech, healthcare, and finance, but project management skills are just as valuable in industries that don’t necessarily call it “project management.”
For example, in the legal industry, there are legal operations. In marketing, project managers keep campaigns moving. If you find an industry you love, you can carve out a niche for yourself. And if you pick an industry that doesn’t focus much on project management yet, you might be able to bring a fresh perspective and make yourself invaluable.
6. What advice would you give to students in this field?
Spend time trying out different industries until you find one that you enjoy working in. Every industry has different needs, and the more you understand the pain points of the one you choose, the more valuable you’ll be. Pay attention to the tools they use, the challenges they face, and how you can help solve them.
Your ability to adapt and offer tailored solutions will make you an indispensable asset. Also, identify the size of the projects you want to handle—understanding project management concepts is one thing, but handling multiple moving parts in the real world is a whole different experience. It may be beneficial to shadow different project sizes to get a better understanding of how the concepts actually apply in the real world.
And don’t be afraid to network. The best opportunities often come from relationships, not just job postings.
Student Reviews of Online Management Programs
I have had official transcripts sent twice to the school. Even though I get email verification that they have arrived, they act like they never did. I can't get the finance dept to send me an email to set up my Bank Mobile to get refunds. The instructors that aren't professors are there just to pass time. They are barely active in the class. I have a hard time even responding to discussion boards because the number of students in the class are illiterate clowns that can't follow instructions.
Review Date: 5/18/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
My first advisor/ counselor was horrible. When I was struggling with the excel track, she would dismiss my concern and the tutors would tell me they are unable to help me because it’s “self taught”. I switch to tradition track and it was way better, was assigned a new advisor and things were wayyyy better. Didn’t even need the tutors because the instructors were so helpful
Review Date: 3/15/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I absolutely love this University and highly recommend them to any and everyone. I recently finished up my BA in Management from them and I can honestly say it has had a profound impact on my earning ability. Especially now that I'm transitioning out of the military in to a 80k position because of it. I've been to a number of colleges (4) and I can say beyond a doubt this is the best one. There is no gimmicks or money grabs, just the meat and potatoes of going to school. No drama, all you do is go... Read More
Review Date: 6/12/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I can say that this school and campus treats you like more than just a student its almost like having an extended family they really go above and beyond to give you everything to succeed, they are always concerned about your well being in and out of the classroom. I can say my time at Everglades University Orlando campus has been a wonderful experience hands down. I received my Bachelors degree in management a couple years ago here, and I'm back in class to get my Masters that should be a testament... Read More
Review Date: 6/18/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
APUS is a great institution for individuals who either prefer online learning or are unable to attend in-person classes. The undergrad programs are regionally accredited and the college course credits should be accepted at any likewise accredited university, whether transferring schools or applying for grad school. This is particularly a good option for individuals interested in pursuing post-graduate education. As with many online learning environments, the level and quality of education you receive... Read More
Review Date: 5/12/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experience with Ashworth College is amazing. The ROI on my education is that of a great stature. As Warren Buffett informed, that it doesn't matter what school you attend, the scholastic acumen is based on the individual, not the school. I thought that I wouldn't be able to compete with a background of a non-elite school. The student makes the school, not the other way around.
Review Date: 4/18/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I just completed the Bachelor's Degree in Management and I really enjoyed the curriculum. I feel like I graduated with a quality education because the course materials were relevant and I learned a lot about Management science. I work for the US Federal Government, so my degree is recognized as a legitimate degree for promotions. I am very proud of earning my Bachelor's degree because it seriously took a lot of effort. I work full-time and have a family, so it's very easy to procrastinate completing... Read More
Review Date: 3/5/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
From the moment I called to check out DeVry I was swept up in a sea of commitment to get me going in the program. The customer service reps are friendly and courteous. DeVry offers so many tools for students, both during their college experience and as they move out into the workforce. I love being able to complete my school work on my schedule and have had no problem with connectivity or streaming video online. I would recommend DeVry online to anyone working full time while going to school!
Review Date: 8/27/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I can not rate the education program yet because it has taken them 3 months to register me. I was very eager to start my masters program and gave them everything needed fairly quickly but they are very slow to get back and when they do, they made your next appointment for 2 weeks later. Other institutions do everything in their power to get you started as soon as possible. Not Brandman, I’m still waiting. At this point, I’m going back to Liberty and their strict schedule.
Review Date: 10/20/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Best Decision I Ever Made. My Experience Was Great And I Had Every Tool Needed To Pass All Of My Classes. My Professors Were Really Nice And Helpful......mk2003
Review Date: 5/2/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Broward College offers a great value for the degrees offered. The professors are knowledgeable and helpful. Class sizes are small which really lends to a sense of community. Broward College offers online, semi-online and on-campus options to best fit the needs of its students. I have, and will continue to, recommend Broward College to others.
Review Date: 12/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I see that most of the negative comments here are from students that are either in debt or are not suited to be in an online program. An online program is designed to be self-paced, not instructor-led. The instructors are their to guide you on your way to finish the class. All the rubrics and resources that you will ever need are provided for you; if you don't have the motivation to go look for them then that is your fault. Honestly, this would not be a university to attend right out of college.... Read More
Review Date: 10/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
CCU offers a great bargain in a high quality distance learning system. If you're looking for "life experience credits" it will not be at CCU. You earn your degree. However, some military schooling will provide some credits. I found the schools system of payments, electronic testing, library rental and student portal to be near flawless. The student success advisor I dealt with was phenomenal! (Ms B.). All the encouragement and advise anyone could ask for. I found it he course requirements very similar... Read More
Review Date: 4/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended National American University after I earned an associates degree in generals at a local community college. I enrolled with the school because of the high amount of transfer credit they gave me. My entire associates degree transferred over! I have two small kids and take classes online while working full time. I have found the staff very helpful and the online formatting to fit very well with my hectic life.
Review Date: 4/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Portland State University is an all around great school. Their ability to help non-traditional students with their educational is incredible. They offer the right classes, for the right price with the right help. The school is dedicated to student success. In addition, PSU helps students past just academia, they help students find jobs, networks with future employers and become prepared for their careers.
Review Date: 2/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The online school has helped me a great deal as I have a busy schedule and have little time for scheduling class time at a campus. I researched Penn Foster before beginning classes with the Dept. of Education. The organization in which they are accredited (Distance Education and Training Council-DETC) is accepted by the Dept. of Education as a legitimate college for obtain degrees.
I found the monthly installment payments to benefit me. I pay ahead a few months, to be advanced on my payments. Less... Read More
I also obtained a certificate in Microsoft Office 2010 before beginning my studies in Business Management. When my software arrived I attempted to download it to my operating system. As it was trying to overwrite my current software I was finding my laptop to be troublesome with the new program. So I called Penn Foster. I only had to speak to ONE agent before I was transferred to the Professor to instruct me further. He was tremendously helpful and extremely kind. I enjoyed his help and found that my problem was actually a simple one, which I was able to fix myself, with his guidance.
I save the best for last. I am thoroughly impressed with the materials I have received from Penn Foster. The Introduction to Business is thorough and concentrated. The study guides have proved to be necessary and do help focus on areas that WILL be on the examinations. I am preparing to take a Proctored Exam.
Proctored Exams are a way for the school to prove its own credibility and yours as a long distance student. Proctored exams, under the monitoring of pre-approved proctors (who have a degree) simply help to monitor students as they take important examinations without the help of the internet or online materials; or any help from outside individuals with the answers for the questions on their Finals. I'm excited to finally take my final exam.
For anyone who has had technical difficulties with your laptops or computers while taking webinars, I am certain that no one can aid you if all you need is a new computer, java or flash script ability. I believe the school will do all they can to assist you with your technical issues as they did me.
Too much blame and finger pointing on the school. Sometimes it is the student late with payments or getting their classes accomplished. Just because it is a Distance Learning Institution doesn't mean that we can just neglect our classes, webinars or payments. There still must be a schedule, I believe, to obtain goals. I rank Penn Foster highly among Distance Learning institutions.
Review Date: 1/31/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I want to say that the customer service that I received from National American University is awesome. I was unsure about a fore profit University at first but once I saw the customer service that was provided from the money that I paid was great! I would recommend this to any and everyone
Review Date: 3/20/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I feel very fortunate to have found DeVry Online because this is the only way I am able to go back to school. At the time when I joined, I had no transportation and no money to buy transportation. Plus I have poor credit since I was laid off from my last professional job in 2007, the heart of the recession. DeVry Online is helping my gaining the technical knowledge and skills that I need to achieve a bachelor's degree in a very competitive world. The classes are challenging and the programs are up-to-date... Read More
Review Date: 6/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This college experience has been great. I've learned a great deal from my professors and while taken courses online I was able to apply what I learned in real word work environment . Looking forward to winning this scholarship to help with completion of my MBA.
Review Date: 9/14/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great instructors. The CLC was a pain, though but I have learned how to deal with those who contributed to my "suffering". I studied so hard to earn my 3.9 and I am quite delighted to know that my commitment was paid off. The only complain I had was the new SSA who took forever to respond, and the information he did provide was not always sufficient. I had to find other means to get financial information. Other than that, the classes challenged me to the core, and the instructors were always available... Read More
Review Date: 2/14/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes