2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Management

An affordable online master’s in management gives working professionals the chance to build advanced leadership and strategic skills without stepping away from their careers. These programs emphasize managerial expertise, critical thinking, and real-world application across industries. Our ranking prioritizes tuition affordability, but we provide a range of data to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Budget: The top 10 cheapest online masters in management programs on our list are all below $8,600 in tuition. California Coast University is the #1 most affordable option at $4,875.
- Best for Salary: ASU Online reports a median salary of $120,085.
- Best for Student Experience: Waldorf and Henderson State top the charts in student satisfaction, with recommendation rates at 100%.
We manually verify all tuition and enrollment data to ensure accuracy. For more about our rankings, see our full methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Management
In-Depth Analysis of Our List of Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Management
Choosing the best online master’s degree in management is as much about return on investment as it is about curriculum. With tuition costs that vary from under $5,000 to around $12,000, the programs on our list represent some of the most affordable options nationwide. But digging deeper into the data reveals nuances that make each program unique.
Affordability: The Upfront Cost
Cost is the headline metric for this list, and it’s easy to see why. California Coast University takes the top spot at just $4,875, with Amberton and Cumberlands close behind at $5,400 and $5,502, respectively. These three schools show that low tuition doesn’t have to mean limited value, especially when paired with strong recommendation rates (CCU leads at 92%).
But cost alone isn’t everything. Institutions like Liberty University and ASU Online come in higher on tuition — $10,170 and $9,075, respectively — but their value emerges through solid student retention and salary outcomes. For instance, ASU’s median earnings hit $120,085, which places it in the top 16% nationwide in this field and earns it a Salary Score of A.
Salary Score: Gauging ROI After Graduation
Let’s talk earnings.
Northern Illinois University and Colorado State University both report median salaries exceeding $111,000.
While some programs on this list lack federal earnings data, those that supply it show a clear picture of what you might expect in the years following graduation. Northern Illinois University and Colorado State University both report median salaries exceeding $111,000, placing them in the top 24% for graduate earnings and earning Salary Scores of A. These stats are crucial if you’re evaluating long-term payoff and not just upfront costs.
Earnings potential isn’t evenly distributed, so aligning your program with your industry goals — whether that's IT, project management, or logistics — can help ensure your degree pays off.
Online Flexibility and Structure
A major draw of these programs is the flexibility they offer. Schools like WGU stand out for their competency-based model, letting you accelerate based on your existing experience. Others, such as California Coast University, offer entirely self-paced coursework with no fixed deadlines, ideal for independent learners.
Meanwhile, programs like Fitchburg State and ASU Online offer fast-paced 8-week or 7.5-week courses and strong peer and faculty engagement, backed by high retention and recommendation rates. These formats can better mimic cohort-based learning and support stronger academic momentum.
For students pursuing a master’s in management, these flexible learning structures aren’t just convenient — they’re strategic. Many students at this level are already working professionals seeking career advancement or a shift into leadership roles. Self-paced and accelerated formats let them tailor their studies around demanding schedules while still building core competencies in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and operations.
Fast-track courses and cohort-style formats also help foster the communication and teamwork skills that are crucial in management roles, simulating the pace and collaboration of real-world business environments. Whether you're looking to move up in your current organization or pivot into a new sector, a flexible, well-structured online program can provide the momentum and support needed to get there faster.
If you're looking for more options for earning an online master's in business, consider one of the best online MBAs.
Career-Relevant Specializations & Features
What really sets these programs apart are the unique tracks and industry alignments. For example:
Amberton University offers stackable certificates in Data Analytics and Agile PM.
SUNY Maritime blends shipping and logistics with business strategy, a niche but valuable combo.
Campbellsville University and Liberty University frame their programs within Christian leadership principles, catering to faith-driven professionals.
ASU’s Thunderbird School offers an upcoming AI and Fintech specialization, which is perfect for future-focused managers.
The University of Arkansas Grantham’s MS in Information Management Technology leans hard into systems thinking and emerging tech leadership.
The University of Maryland Global Campus has a PMI-accredited program preps students directly for certification paths like PMP and CAPM.
From Online MBA to Serial Entrepreneur: Iqbal Ahmad’s Advice for Future Management Students

Founder & CEO
Iqbal Ahmad, Founder & CEO and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), offers valuable guidance for students considering an online master’s in management. With over 15 years of experience in leadership training and a portfolio of postgraduate credentials — including an MBA, ACCA, and CIMA — Ahmad speaks from both academic and professional authority.
Reflecting on his own experience earning an online MBA in marketing from Anglia Ruskin University, Ahmad notes the practical benefits of digital learning: “The flexibility of the program permitted applying course knowledge to real-world business scenarios on a live-basis, accelerating my practical application of business concepts.” For future business leaders, he highlights the value of virtual collaboration skills developed during his studies: “The online aspect of the program developed crucial digital collaboration skills that would be of great utility when subsequently building and managing virtual teams throughout my companies.”
Ahmad’s success as a serial entrepreneur — having founded more than a dozen startups — is deeply connected to the insights gained through his online education. “The marketing concentration provided in-depth knowledge of digital consumer behavior and market analysis that would immediately inform my ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities,” he says.
His journey demonstrates how an online management degree can go beyond theory to drive meaningful, real-time business impact.
For more information on top online master's programs in marketing, visit OnlineU's 2025 Best Online Master's Degrees in Marketing.
The Takeaway
If affordability is your top concern, schools like California Coast, Amberton, and Cumberlands clearly lead the pack. But if you're also eyeing long-term salary potential, schools like ASU, NIU, and Colorado State are worth every penny of their slightly higher tuition.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of specialization. If you’re aiming to lead in tech, logistics, or even AI-driven management, schools like SUNY Maritime, UAG, or ASU’s Thunderbird School offer niche programs tailored for tomorrow’s business challenges.
In short, the best online management degree for you won’t just be the cheapest, it’ll be the one that aligns cost, support, flexibility, and long-term career value. And thanks to this data, you're one step closer to finding that fit.
An associate degree might be a great way to begin your business career. We've ranked the best online associate in management degrees for you.
FAQs About Affordable Online Management Master’s Degrees
What Is an Online Management Master's Degree?
A master's degree in management may sound similar to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, but they're actually quite different. Where MBA programs are designed for experienced managers who want to expand their knowledge of business, master's in management programs are usually aimed at students who have recently earned a bachelor's degree and have relatively little work experience.
Master's in business management programs also tend to cater to students who have earned bachelor's degrees in other fields, such as information technology, healthcare, data analytics, logistics, and more. The intention is for you to combine subject-specific knowledge with managerial skills so you can pursue leadership roles in your undergraduate field.
Many online master's in management programs offer areas of concentration, allowing you to further customize your education to meet your career goals. Some of the specialization options available are operations management, business analytics, project management, finance, and technology.
An online management master's program typically requires the completion of 30-33 credit hours, but the programs are generally meant to be finished in one or possibly two years of full-time study. Part-time students may need two or more years to finish. Many degree programs also include some type of capstone project.
What Are Some Common Courses in a Management Master's Degree Online?
Online master's in management programs give you a broad overview of business functions and management essentials. Some of the core courses commonly found in an online program include:
- Strategic Management: This course provides an in-depth understanding of how organizations define and pursue their strategic objectives. Students learn the art of formulating, implementing, and evaluating cross-functional decisions that enable an organization to achieve its long-term objectives.
- Organizational Behavior and Leadership: Students explore the dynamics within organizations, understanding how individual, group, and structural elements influence behavior within the company. This knowledge aids in improving efficiency and productivity.
- Operations Management: By focusing on the production and delivery of products and services, this course emphasizes efficient and effective operations, introducing students to concepts such as supply chain management, quality control, and process improvement.
- Financial Management: Students learn the principles of financial decision-making in organizations. Topics include financial markets, risk management, financial derivatives, and more.
- Human Resources Management: While covering a broad spectrum of HR topics, students are taught to strategize the recruitment, development, and retention of an organization's workforce.
- Marketing Strategy: This course delves into the tactics and strategies behind effective marketing. From understanding consumer behavior to crafting impactful marketing campaigns, students gain a comprehensive view of marketing in the business world.
How Do You Fund an Online Master's Degree in Management?
Paying for an online master’s degree in management can involve several financial resources, including income, savings, employer tuition assistance, and financial aid. As long as you're enrolled in an accredited program, like those featured on our list, you’re eligible for federal financial aid even as an online student.
Financial aid comes in a variety of forms from several possible sources. Grants, fellowships, and scholarships funded by schools, their alumni, and the federal and state governments are the best because you won't need to repay them. Keep in mind, however, that these types of aid are generally awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need.
If your financial circumstances prevent you from receiving enough grant and scholarship money to cover the cost of a master's degree, you may want to consider taking out a student loan. The downside to loans is the interest, which can be significant. Before you agree to any type of loan, use our student loan repayment calculator to determine its total cost. Also, be sure to research both federal student loans and private student loans, which often have higher interest rates than federal loans.
Finally, consider applying for private scholarships, which are usually sponsored by nonprofit and civic organizations, as well as large corporations. These scholarship awards are often determined by factors other than financial need — academic achievement, community service, and so forth — and don't have to be paid back.
You can apply for most types of financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid officers will review your application and notify you with a financial aid letter as to what types of aid you've been awarded and the amounts. To be considered for private scholarships, however, you'll need to submit separate applications for each one.
What Can You Do With an Online Management Master's Degree?
An online master’s in management is designed to prepare students for leadership roles across a diverse range of industries. Whether you're just starting out or looking to move up in your current field, this degree can help position you for faster advancement and greater earning potential over time.
Graduates often pursue careers in areas such as healthcare administration, financial management, nonprofit leadership, information systems management, and public relations. Because the degree focuses on strategic planning, team leadership, and organizational development, it's applicable to many professional settings.
You may begin in mid-level or entry-level positions if you’re new to the workforce, but many students use this degree to transition into management roles. Some also continue their education with doctoral programs or pursue professional certifications to further specialize and enhance their qualifications.
How Do I Choose a Master's in Management?
When you're choosing an online master's in management degree, you'll want to examine both the school and the program. Consider the school's tuition rates, student services, and funding for school-sponsored financial aid. Also, review the program's curriculum and faculty members.
You'll also want to investigate the school's accreditation status. All of the schools on our list of the most affordable master's in management degrees have earned institutional accreditation, which ensures a well-respected education. You may also want to choose a program that has been accredited by the (AACSB). In order to earn program-level accreditation, the curriculum must focus on learning objectives established by business professionals.
How Many Years Is a Management Master's Degree?
Typically, a master's degree in management takes one or two years of full-time study to complete. However, this can vary based on the program's requirements, your prior education, and whether you're studying full time or part time.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Management Degrees?
The admission requirements for management master's programs are fairly similar among online colleges. You'll need to have a bachelor's degree, but it doesn't necessarily have to be in business. Management graduate programs often accept applicants with degrees in other subjects, such as psychology, economics, history, or English.
When you submit your online application, you should also submit your undergraduate transcripts. The graduate program you're applying to may require you to have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0. At some point, you'll probably also be asked for a statement of purpose, one or more letters of recommendation, a resume, and possibly GRE scores.
Student Reviews of Online Management Programs
Liberty University is a money trap. I attended online. Their curriculum is not sufficient for real world, it is only good in academia. You will find yourself with a very expensive piece of paper. My experience was not good. The assignments do not align with the course reading and material. The grading rubrics are different from the assignment instructions, leading to confusion. If you need assistance, your professor has 36 hours to reply to your email. With a rigorous 8-week schedule and tight assignment... Read More
Review Date: 12/10/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Not sure why the negative reviews. You truly get out of it, what you put in. Structured program with good interactions with peers and faculty. No issues with UMUC. Currently maintaining a 4.0 and taking 6 hours per semester. Requires about an hour a day and two when working an assignment/project. Great school for those who are using the full online course.
Review Date: 4/25/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Like anything in life, you get what you put into it. I own my education and completed my Master of Science in Management & Leadership in 5 months from WGU. Although the proctored exams were rather anxiety provoking, I thoroughly enjoyed the course design and course rigor. WGU is definitely not for those who require constant guidance or handholding but for those who are mature self-starters who can manage time wisely. I am now pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership and I had no problem transferring my degree... Read More
Review Date: 12/1/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The coursework within my degree was well written and apropriately challenging. Professors were knowledgeable and approachable for the most part. THe most frustrating part about this program is that CTU does not recognize students in this program for achieving achedemic honors. I worked increadibly hard to earn perfect marks, and for no good reason the university declines to recognize top students in this program. Other universities do. Had I known I would have likely studied elsewhere.
Review Date: 10/23/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Like many people I read the reviews here, and thought "That won't happen to me." But I was wrong. The school misled me about the financial aid amount I would recieve, I frequently had issues loggin in. One time my work "dissappeared". Then the monies I was expecting as a refund did not arrive the day I was promised, instead it happened another day. I felt that there was dishonesty from the very beginning. The academic programs are excellent, but their financial aid, and other departments stink!
Review Date: 1/18/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
This is the best online school ever. For me the experience was great. I completed my Bachelor's degree with this school and also my Master's and the support given to me throughout my study was second to none. Their service is excellent. Once there is a problem I can call the school and get it sorted out. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone. The key to succeeding at this school is self discipline and perseverance. Once you are disciplined enough to push yourself to study, you can be... Read More
Review Date: 3/29/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Excellent. Since it is online, you should expect interaction throughout the week. I have learned a great deal of practical information that will enhance any workplace. There is a great deal of research, and creating hypotheses but not as much as I was prepared for, or expected. Superb education for the price. Financial aid is great- No issues. And instructors provided prompt feedback.
Review Date: 7/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have just started my Masters in Management with a focus in Healthcare Administration, The application process was very easy. I work a full time job, so an online education, was the perfect choice for me and my family. The admission specialist were very helpful. She answered all of my questions and was helpful in my quest to keep a work/life balance.
Review Date: 12/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Southeast Missouri has been excellent. The staff are responsive, helpful and knowledgeable. The professors want you to succeed and this is obvious in the lessons and coursework. My academic advisor has also gone above and beyond to make sure that I have the tools I need to be successful in my program and I have been told that the student experience is of utmost importance to Southeast Missouri. I would highly recommend this school.
Review Date: 6/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I started the program because the place where I was working at the time suggested that I obtain a Masters. I checked the accreditations of several colleges and settled on WGU. I was led to believe that I would probably receive a grant to cover most of tuition. If the university offers this be wary, they don't make the decisions on who receives grants. I was assigned a mentor who was relentless on assisting me throughout the program and even when I needed a break. I found the course videos helpful... Read More
Review Date: 9/12/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm in my mid 30s and, until last year, I had come to accept that a bachelors degree would never happen for me, let alone a masters. I'm a dad with a full time job and couldn't put my family in 30k+ debt so I accepted my fate though I knew a degree would help my career in a big way. Then, last year, I found wgu and everything changed. I was able to complete my bachelors in 23 weeks and loved every minute of it. I was challenged from the start but being able to see an affordable and accredited degree... Read More
Review Date: 1/1/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Thunderbird School of Global Management is a phenomenal program geared towards those who want to pursue careers in other countries. The professors are extremely well versed in their fields of study and a lot of the information covered in class relates to real world applications which are paramount for success especially abroad.
Review Date: 1/23/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This is an excellent program for the working professional. Due to the online environment there is a strong focus on research and writing and the discussions require knowledge of the week's readings. One recent change is the elimination of the standard textbooks from the course materials. Instead all readings are from articles peer-reviewed journals and other reputable sources the instructors have found to be relevant to the class.
Review Date: 10/26/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
AMU provided outstanding customer support through their academic advisors. The process to enroll and transcript review was easy and fast and the response was always quick. Upon enrolling and getting started, all the courses were easy to access and the course work was challenging. Being someone who is halfway through their career, the ability to learn and see the applications on a daily basis was outstanding. The professors were knowledgeable, flexible, and always ready to answer questions.
Review Date: 3/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The convenience of being able to choose online or on campus is beyond amazing. Every single content of the curriculum learned has been beneficial, the finance team, and academic advisors are amazingly knowledgeable. This in itself is more than what most institutions are willing to offer.
Review Date: 7/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Programs are good, however if your an international student your doomed because Strayer does NOTHING for international students. Students get no help whatsoever as it relates to financial aid or even scholarships. I'm drained and I got no help because I'm not American I guess
Review Date: 5/10/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am taking on my Master's degree while being a single mom and working full time. Strayer has been a huge support not only with the financial side but as a support system as well. They have helped me pick classes with a course load that is less overwhelming during my busy time of the year and have been very understanding of my needs. Their tech support team is there when you need them as well. I am only in my second class and while the work load is a little more overwhelming in this class then my... Read More
Review Date: 5/18/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I chose to attend WGU because of the flexibility and cost. It is not an easy program but who would want a MS that you didnt have to earn? My mentor was fantastic and I learned many new concepts. I saw several poor reviews; this was not my experience. I knew it would be a busy two years and planned accordingly. I spent every Friday working the program and would take my finals on Sunday mornings when my wife and three kids were sleeping. If you are looking for an easy quick degree, I would look elsewhere.... Read More
Review Date: 5/15/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Although I am just completing my second semester, I could not be more pleased with the Management grad program. I've learned so much thus far and am genuinely looking forward to the rest of the curriculum. It's amazing having the ability to walk into work and apply what I have learned in my courses the night before. All the coursework is very practical, and professors are understanding and intelligent. Coursework is average and absolutely attainable while working full-time. I will recommend this... Read More
Review Date: 8/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm a student in my second year at this school. I read over many comments after I started this school. The program is a joke. I spend 8 weeks studying the same lessons. The classes are not geared to teaching a student all of the professional aspects of management. I spend more time learning how to develop teams than I am learning about business functions. The classes do not prepare you for the professional world. I receive emails constantly asking for opinions and new recruits. I would not dare ask... Read More
Review Date: 5/23/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No