2026 Most Affordable Online Project Management Degrees
To find a cheap project management degree online, explore our list below ranked by in-state, yearly tuition. All tuition rates for project management bachelor's degrees have been manually collected and verified by the OnlineU research team.
Key Takeaways:
- Columbia Southern University hosts an online project management bachelor's for the lowest tuition at $8,340/year.
- City University of Seattle has the strongest salary outcomes among project management graduates, who earn a median salary of $88,228, just four years after graduating.
You can review the full methodology for details. We apply the same standards to partner and non-partner schools.
2026 Most Affordable Online Project Management Degrees
| Rank | School | Program Length | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | 4 years | $8,340 | $8,340 | |
| Minnesota State University - Moorhead | 4 years | $9,368 | $18,736 | |
| Bemidji State University | 4 years | $9,580 | $9,580 | |
| Amberton University | 4 years | $9,750 | $9,750 | |
| Waldorf University | 4 years | $10,200 | $10,200 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 4 years | $10,260 | $10,260 | |
| Capella University | 4 years | $10,680 | $10,680 | |
| National University | 4 years | $11,100 | $11,100 | |
| Purdue Global | 4 years | $11,130 | $11,130 | |
| Colorado State University Global | 4 years | $11,250 | $11,250 | |
| Liberty University | 4 years | $11,700 | $11,700 | |
| City University of Seattle | 4 years | $12,750 | $12,750 | |
| Saint Leo University Online | 4 years | $12,750 | $12,750 | |
| Bellevue University | 4 years | $13,770 | $13,770 | |
| Colorado Christian University | 4 years | $14,820 | $14,820 |
A Data-Driven Comparison of the Most Affordable Online Project Management Degrees
Online project management bachelor’s degrees are designed to train students in how complex work actually gets done. We're talking about planning scope and schedules, managing budgets and risk, coordinating teams, and delivering results across industries like business, construction, IT, healthcare, and operations.
Many of the online project management programs from the schools listed above include the in-depth study of business skills, as seen in CSU’s bachelor’s in business administration with a Project Management concentration or SNHU’s business bachelor's with a Project Management concentration.
Other project management are more closely focused on industry standards, like through PMI-mapped curricula, certification preparation (CAPM or PMP), applied capstones, or specialized pathways within the project management disciplines itself, including areas like Construction Management, Sustainability, Analytics, or Agile Methods.
Choosing the best online project management degree depends on how well a program’s structure fits your background and personal goals.
While every school on this list offers a budget-friendly way to earning a project management degree online, differences in earnings potential, graduation and retention rates, certification alignment, transfer policies, and program focus reveal important trade-offs. The comparison below is intended for those who are serious when it comes to choosing a project management program. It was written to help you identify the PM program with the strongest value for your situation.
Weighing Tuition Cost Against Future Earnings for Project Management Bachelor's Holders
Choosing an affordable online project management degree means evaluating each program’s value as a complete package. Low tuition can reduce upfront risk, but median earnings after graduation reveal if that initial investment actually pays off.
Below, we show the schools with online project management bachelor's degrees next to the median earnings of graduates in this field. Keep in mind that this data reflects an early career salary around four years after graduation.
As I stated above, median earnings for online project management graduates need to be read as early-career signals only. If you want a longer view of salary in this field as a whole, the BLS reports that project management specialists earned a median of , as of May 2024, with pay rising above $110,000 in industries like finance and professional services.
Because the earnings figures in the graph above reflect graduates roughly four years after completing a bachelor’s degree, most alumni are still moving into coordinator, associate project manager, or operations roles. It's unlikely they have already made it into senior PM positions. Seen in that context, programs reporting median earnings between $60,000 and $90,000 align closely with national early-career trajectories into a field where long-term upside is well established.
CSU Global’s bachelor’s in project management and CityU’s bachelor’s in project management both report median earnings near $88,000.
Programs with a pure project management focus tend to show the strongest early earnings when the program details include mention of learning analytics, systems thinking, and/or PMI-aligned coursework. For example, CSU Global’s bachelor’s in project management and CityU’s bachelor’s in project management both report median earnings near $88,000. This shows that PM graduates are entering roles as project managers, systems project leads, or IT project managers relatively quickly (a good sign). These programs are PMBOK-aligned. Additionally, Capella’s BS in business – Project Management shows a similar pattern, with earnings above $80,000 shortly after graduating.
By contrast, business administration degrees with a project management concentration, such as those at CSU, MSUM, SNHU, and Liberty, often show more moderate early earnings in the $60,000-$70,000 range. The upside, however, is that this comes with greater career flexibility. Graduates from these programs frequently move into operations manager, project coordinator, business analyst, or implementation lead roles, for example.
The bottom line is this: PMI-aligned degrees seem more likely to accelerate earnings growth toward the six-figure median reported by the BLS as graduates advance.
Expert Q&A About Affordable Project Management Degrees
Project Management and Operations Strategy Expert
"I often advise students comparing online degrees. Project management remains attractive because median salaries often approach six figures with experience. However, outcomes depend on program quality and personal commitment.
Online bachelors' degrees are flexible so students can save money on housing and commute costs; yet many students do not realize how disciplined they need to be to complete an online program. Students that [do the following will] have success with completing an online bachelors' degree:
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Create a schedule of what they will study each week
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Apply their learning through projects during the first year of a program
The most important factors to look at when selecting affordable online degree programs include:
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Accreditation from a regional accrediting organization
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A curriculum that aligns with current industry standards
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Opportunities to participate in applied courses (hands-on), internships, etc.
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Graduation rates (transparency regarding this data)
While affordability should be viewed as just one of your criteria, it would be wise to evaluate programs based upon other quality indicators. Quality programs will link theoretical learning with the practical skills needed for certification and employment.
A strong degree is a significant investment in your future earning potential if you consistently put in the work to complete the requirements for the degree."
FAQs About Affordable Online Project Management Degrees
How Does OnlineU Rank the Most Affordable Online Project Management Bachelor’s Degrees?
To qualify, a school must offer at least one online bachelor’s in project management. Additionally, institutions must be institutionally accredited and report online enrollment data to NCES/IPEDS, maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Programs delivered primarily online may qualify if any in-person requirements are minimal.
OnlineU measures affordability using consistent criteria to ensure fair, comparable results. Only schools with a global tuition rate are included, and partner institutions follow the same methodology as all others — advertising never influences rankings. Eligible schools are ranked by in-state annual tuition, with costs manually verified from official sources for transparency and accuracy.
How Do I Choose a Bachelor’s in Project Management?
You have so many options for earning an online project management degree that you'll want to carefully review each one to determine which program is best for your needs. The curriculum may be particularly important to you if you're planning to become PMI certified. If so, look for a program specifically designed to help you prepare for the certification exam. Other key considerations are each school's tuition fees, the availability of financial aid, faculty members, and student services.
You'll also want to stick with schools that have earned institutional accreditation, which ensures a quality education. All of the schools on our list of the most affordable project management degrees are accredited. You may also want to look for online programs that have been accredited by the PMI, which confirms that the curriculum is focused on industry standards and best practices.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Project Management Degrees?
Admission requirements, application processes, and application timelines vary among colleges and universities. For a bachelor's degree, all schools require applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent, but the more competitive schools may require you to have earned a high school GPA of at least 3.0.
When you submit your online application, you'll probably be asked for high school transcripts, a personal essay, one or more letters of recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities. Some schools will also ask for your scores on college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT.
Is a Bachelor's Degree in Project Management Worth It?
Determining whether an online project management degree is worth it depends largely on your career goals and other personal values. However, it is a multifaceted degree that can lead to fulfilling jobs in a wide range of industries.
While some students may find a project management bachelor's degree program to be demanding, others find it satisfying. If you're detail oriented, good at solving problems, an effective communicator, and enjoy working as part of a team, you'll probably excel in the required courses.
Due to its versatility, a project management bachelor's degree is likely to pay off with a respectable return on your investment of time and money. You may be able to enhance the rewards by choosing one of the most affordable online project management programs listed above and taking other cost-saving measures to minimize the cost of earning a degree.
How Can I Afford an Online Project Management Degree?
Financial aid is one of the most common sources used to fund all or part of a college education. If you're enrolled in an accredited college, you can apply for several types of financial assistance.
Grants and scholarships are two types of aid provided by the federal and state governments, as well as schools themselves. These forms are the most helpful because they don't need to be repaid. However, grant and scholarship money is limited, and they are usually awarded to students with the greatest financial need.
If you don't qualify for grants and scholarships — or not enough to cover your full college expenses — you may want to take out a student loan. However, the loan interest can dramatically increase the final cost of a degree, so use our student loan repayment calculator to determine how much you'll have to pay. Also, keep in mind that there are two types of loans. Compared to private student loans, federal student loans often have better interest rates and more accommodating repayment terms.
To apply for all of these types of aid simultaneously, fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Representatives from the federal government and financial aid officers at your school will evaluate your application and decide how much, if any, aid you can receive. The details will be presented to you in a financial aid letter.
There is one more type of financial aid that requires a bit more effort but shouldn't be overlooked. Usually sponsored by nonprofits, civic organizations, and corporations, private scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit, career goals, family background, or other factors. However, these are not covered by the FAFSA, so you'll need to submit a separate application for each scholarship.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Project Management Degree?
Perhaps the most obvious career path for graduates with project management bachelor's degrees is to become a project manager. People who have been trained to oversee projects, monitor budgets and deadlines, and resolve potential problems are needed in many types of business organizations. Although you'll probably need to start in a lower-paying, entry-level position, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that overall earn a median annual salary of $100,750.
Some of the most popular industries for project managers include construction, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Many employers in these and other fields prefer to hire project managers who have been certified by the Project Management Institute (PMI). If you're just starting your career and have relatively little experience as a project manager, you may want to consider becoming a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). If you have three or more years of work experience, you may qualify for the more advanced Project Management Professional certification.
Because the curriculum of an online project management degree program focuses on planning and data analysis, this bachelor's degree may also qualify you for a number of related occupations with varying salaries. Related career paths include roles like , who coordinate supply chains and earn a median salary of $80,880. , who analyze project expenses, make around $77,070 annually.
, earning a median salary of $76,950, focus on industry trends and consumer behavior. , who help businesses improve efficiency, have a higher median salary of $101,190, making this a lucrative option for those with strong analytical skills.
Furthering your education with an online master’s degree in project management gives you specialized knowledge that can lead to senior managerial positions, higher-level roles, or consulting opportunities. A deeper understanding of complex project management theories and practices often translates into higher earning potential and broader career prospects.
Student Reviews of Online Project Management Programs
CTU online campus is the best choice in my life as a busy student because it allowed me to work and attend classes as the same time without being overwhelmed by life at home, work, and school. CTU online is best choice for individuals with families, work, and want to further their studies. Online campus allowed me to research on my own time, balancing school and work which could be challenging but with time management it worked so well such that I can firmly say that this is the best program ever... Read More
Thank you for making my dream come true. I am a graduate now.
Mercy Muiruri from Kenya.
Review Date: 9/19/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Degree program was a mix and match of IT related courses. Consecutive classes didn't build on prior material, half of the class time was spent performing the same exercises as in previous class. I've been in the industry for 10+ years and very little was gained from this program than applied to real-world scenarios or latest technologies. Only reason I attended Purdue Global was because it was fully online and my employer paid my tuition. Would not recommend this program to anyone who has industry... Read More
Review Date: 3/15/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
This is an online university, you are expected to work at least 20+ hours a week per course for research and completing assignments. Every professor I have had held a PhD related to the subject in which class I was taking, they provide thoughtful feedback and expect you to provide insightful output demonstrating research and competency towards the subjects. Each class contains critical thinking assignments each week which consist of papers or technical presentations/assignments. Weekly discussion... Read More
Review Date: 4/2/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The PM courses are actually fun and you will learn alot. The professors are great about balancing real life with the demands of college life. Even the general ed courses were fun. Don't expect much from advisors though if you go online, maybe a phone call a quarter but then again I wasn't in need of alot of help. They did reach out via email and phone about concerns anytime I had one. The only draw back to the school is the Kirkpatrick Series (9 credits) at the end of your program. The mandatory... Read More
Review Date: 2/22/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I worked very hard to finish everything on time. It was difficult, challenging and rewarding. The time spent doing assignments was an effort and I put in as much as I could to graduate with honors. The courses were simple to me, they didn't put in too much info that didn't make relevant information difficult to understand. The tests, quizzes and otherwise were pretty simple. if you put in an effort, you get a decent grade. if you try as hard as possible, you will get stressed. Overall, every class... Read More
Review Date: 10/26/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
WGU is a fantastic school for any working adult who wants to earn or finish a degree. WGU is not for everyone because you are responsible for your own success and most already possess the initiative to succeed. If you need handholding and constant guidance from instructors, WGU is not for you. A classroom environment moves only as fast as the slowest person in the room. As such, I chose WGU because it is self-paced and I was able to move at my own speed. I advised my mentor that I would move fast... Read More
Review Date: 9/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Let me be clear. For 80% of those who would attend, WGU is fine. For the other 20% of us, it's too limiting. You don't have control over your future or your learning. They say you do - you don't really. You're still forced to take classes according to unwritten rules that don't work for advanced, field-experience-applies workers. The program doesn't work for every learn style, either. You're making yourself work for the system vs. the other way around.
So, put it this way.
If you want to be blocked... Read More
If you don't need a babysitter and just want a program to go at YOUR pace rather than the other way around, seek another school.
Review Date: 7/3/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I recently graduated from CTU with a BS in Project Mgmt. and I am soon to finish a Master's in Project Mgmt. as well. CTU is a for-profit institution, their primary purpose is to make money. However, in my experience my success was truly dependent upon my own efforts and dedication as a student. As the title states, you get out of it what you put into it. All the negative reviews posted have common denominators, excuses and blame. Successful people don't make excuses, they understand the expectations... Read More
Review Date: 6/11/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This program helped develop my knowledge and skills. The classes were easy to manage while I worked full time. The teachers were extremely helpful and informative and the classes were thorough. The faculty helped me throughout the entire process and were instrumental in my success. This school has prepared me for my future endeavors and I feel confident to start working on my career. I recently got accepted in Boston University to continue my education with a masters in computer science and project... Read More
Review Date: 3/16/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I received exceptional support from the Enrollment Counselor, the Coach and course instructors. I appreciated the consultative approach allowing me to set the pace to proceed faster or slower. The interaction with the tutor program was a bit hit/miss, some with great insight and others just copying and pasting what was already in the syllabus. Overall, it takes personal sacrifice and dedication along with open and honest communication with your coach and instructors. The Capella FlexPath program... Read More
Review Date: 9/20/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I chose CSU-Global because I wanted to take online classes in Project Management. Great school, everyone helped any time i had a question, I filled out the financial package and was granted time too pay on my schedule. Great classes. I had only one class that i thought the instructor was unresponsive, but I passed the class without his assistance and wouldn't say his lack of abilities affected me. I wasn't finishing my degree to advance at work, just wanted to get to the next stage in my life. Enrolled... Read More
Review Date: 10/11/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had a wonderful time in the FlexPath program. After struggling for many years I was finally able to complete my BS. And, with the flexibility of FlexPath I completed 57 credits in three months. The instructors, coach, tutors, and enrollment counselor were all extremely helpful and responsive. In March of 2018 I walked in my commencement (a first for me because I opted to get a GED when I was younger). I'm so happy with this school and FlexPath that I'm now enrolled to start in the MBA program.
Review Date: 8/21/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Currently entering my 4th term I can say the program is good to go. My co-workers have evaluated the program and have stated it is no joke. I started my course work, moved and never picked it back up. So back at it I go. It is a different feel, being online, but the content is the same using a majority of McGraw Hill online content. It is like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. I chose SNHU as they have a brick and mortar school and are NCAA D2 as well as non-profit. This to me... Read More
Review Date: 7/7/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I've finished my BA in Information Technology from WGU. My entire time at WGU was worth every dollar spent. I can understand why some students might not be happy with WGU competency base program since WGU is heavily weighed on independent learning and self-study. With that being said, if you don't have the motivation to push though; this school may not be for you. However, if you're ambitious, then this school is an excellent choice. The course professors (mentors) at WGU are terrific, they are extremely... Read More
Review Date: 6/5/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed and had very few problems at Colorado Technical University. I have to admit that I work full time and in order to complete school I had to sacrifice much of my personal time. I plan on pursuing an advanced degree and probably will choose CTU although I would have been accepted at many other colleges throughout the nation. The instructors I had for the most part always responded within a short period of time with many being contacted by phone. The overall classes were challenging... Read More
Review Date: 10/19/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Macomb is a great start for core classes and for adults that are getting back to school. That was me, going back to school now that my kids were older and I wanted to refocus a little bit on me. Here is my issue with Macomb, my program was changed 3 times while attending the school. And NOT one time was I informed of this change. There are mass emails sent out for school events, but when it comes to something as important as the classes I had to take no one at the school could be bothered let anyone... Read More
Review Date: 9/12/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
After about an hour of reading these reviews, I have found that most people don't like the financial portion of DeVry. I personally haven't had any issues, but I guess it really depends on your department. I am strictly an online student out of the Morrisville, NC office. I am in a Bachelor/Masters Program that seems to be going very well. I've been attending for 3 years and along with financial aid, my company (Lockheed Martin) is also pitching in. So for those who are looking for validation of... Read More
Since I work and have children, a typical brick and mortar school was impossible. DeVry give you flexibility to live your life and go to school. Some of the classes are easy and some are more challenging. But that is the way of any school. I never like English in High School and thought it was very difficult. Math was great and I thought it was easy. Others may be different.
There is a lot of reading as it is online and not verbally taught. You must expect to be able to self-motivate if you choose to learn online. As far as finding a job, I was able to get one while attending DeVry and was told that a ($20,000) pay raise was coming after graduation of my Bachelor's and another one after my Master's.
As far as these reviews go, everyone is different and the location of their schools are different. I would recommend asking a lot of questions before starting. Knowing what you want before going in and demanding that you get what you want. If they can't give it to you in writing, than you should try somewhere else. I am getting what I want and am very proud of my accomplishments to date as a continuing education student.
Review Date: 1/11/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had a vision to create job security and a path forward for career growth. Ashford University fulfilled that vision by helping me enroll, attain financial aid, and choose a Bachelor's Degree that complimented my 15 years of experience in IT without limiting my future to IT. I earned my Associate's degree many years ago and attended the University of Florida for a while before entering the IT field. Ashford's online format enabled me to earn my degree while working.
To prospective students, it is... Read More
Review Date: 2/1/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The online courses that Devry offers were w good fit for me due to my travel schedule.
I would choose the same degree, but not Devry if i could start over again.
Do your research. Devry is insanely expensive compared to traditional colleges which are offering more online courses.
Review Date: 8/6/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
My score would be lower if not for a hand full of professors in undergrad that truly cared. Prior to 2020 the college had its problems, but there were a few excellent professors that have since left. I returned in 2023 to pursue my masters, but it is now a disorganized mess. It is in a completely unacceptable state given the cost of education and the absolute abysmal support the student body receives. I know a lot of schools struggled adapting after COVID, but this school has not adapted. They have... Read More
Review Date: 10/20/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No