An affordable online supply chain management degree can help develop your expertise in logistics, procurement, and operations management. These online bachelor's programs prepare you for roles like supply chain analyst or logistics coordinator through industry-focused courses in inventory control, global strategies, and market analysis.
Key Takeaways:
- Georgia Military College is the #1 most affordable supply chain management degree online, with tuition at $5,070.
- Southern New Hampshire University Online is the most popular online school, with over 135,000 students who are 100% remote.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University comes in last on our list for low tuition, but it boasts the highest median earnings of $77,767 for its online B.S. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
We carefully analyze and collect tuition rates to highlight the most budget-friendly online degrees. Each school featured is accredited and offers fully online programs with transparent pricing. Explore our methodology to see how we evaluate affordability.
2025 Most Affordable Online Supply Chain Management Degrees
Affordable Online Degrees in Supply Chain Management
In today's interconnected global economy, supply chain management expertise is more in-demand than ever. An online bachelor's degree in supply chain management can be a convenient and affordable route to enter this dynamic field. These programs are tailored to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills to successfully navigate modern supply chains.
A typical curriculum for these programs includes topics like logistics, inventory management, procurement, and transportation. Students gain practical skills to excel in managing the complex movement of goods and services across industries. A major benefit of online programs is their affordability, providing a quality education that's accessible and cost-effective for aspiring supply chain professionals.
Besides affordability, accreditation status should be another primary consideration when choosing an online supply chain management program. Accreditation signals that the program meets high academic standards, lending credibility and respectability to the degree. Prospective students should research a school's accreditation status to ensure their degree is recognized in the job market.
OnlineU only features accredited schools on its website.
​​Is a Bachelor's in Supply Chain Management Worth The Cost?
Affordable supply chain management degrees can provide a solid return on investment, considering the steady demand for skilled professionals in this field. Beyond theoretical knowledge, the program equips students with practical insights into the complexities of supply chain dynamics. Students gain a skill set that's in high demand across industries, opening up plenty of opportunities. Graduates can develop rewarding careers in logistics, procurement, operations, and distribution management.
Cost-effectiveness is a notable advantage of an online degree in supply chain management. On-campus programs often involve extra expenses, including transportation, housing, and relocation costs. With online studies, these expenses disappear, making education more accessible and affordable. Students can study from the comfort of their homes, saving commuting time and expenses. Moreover, online programs frequently provide digital resources, reducing the need for expensive textbooks and other traditional school supplies. For these reasons, studying virtually can be a smart financial move.
Still, it’s important to look into additional options. Consider pursuing a bachelor's in project management for specialized project execution skills or a bachelor's in management for a foundational understanding of organizational leadership. At the graduate level, an MBA in management can offer a more comprehensive business perspective.
If you are curious to explore the next steps of your educational journey, check out our list of affordable supply chain management master's degrees.
Funding a Supply Chain Management Bachelor's Degree
The cost of a supply chain management degree is a crucial factor to consider. Understanding the various financial aid options available and their implications for your future can help prospective students make an informed decision about pursuing the degree.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual cost of attendance (after grant and scholarship aid) for first-time, full-time undergraduate students at four-year institutions is $14,700 at public institutions, $28,400 at private nonprofit institutions, and $24,600 at private for-profit institutions. It’s clear that costs add up quickly, as it’s essential to plan for them, especially when borrowing for education expenses.
One practical solution to making a degree more financially accessible is opting for an online program. Online degrees typically come with lower overall costs compared to on-campus options. This is mostly due to eliminating expenses related to on-campus living, such as housing, transportation, and even textbooks in some cases.
To cut college costs further, consider buying used or digital textbooks, taking advantage of open educational resources, and exploring part-time employment or internship opportunities within the field. This way, you can gain practical experience while earning an income.
For those who want to save money and time, consider our list of affordable associate degrees in management.
Financial Aid
Seeking financial aid is a critical step in funding your education. Scholarships and grants are a great avenue to explore, as they don't have to be repaid. Federal and private student loans are also common options, but it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions. Many schools also provide helpful resources and support to assist students in securing financial aid, ensuring that they can pursue their educational goals without undue financial stress.
How Much Can I Make with an Online Supply Chain Management Degree?
An online degree in supply chain management opens doors to lucrative career paths with a strong return on investment. Graduates can pursue roles such as logistics manager, procurement specialist, or operations analyst, enjoying competitive salaries.
For instance, logisticians, responsible for coordinating an organization’s supply chain, have a median annual salary of per year and a whopping projected job growth of 18%. The versatility of a supply chain management degree opens doors to a variety of industries, making it a valuable asset in today's global economy.
Another role to consider is purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents. Buyers and purchasing agents handle procurement by evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring product quality, while purchasing managers oversee these tasks and handle more complex procurement duties. The overall median annual salary is similar to logisticians, at around . Unlike logisticians, however, there is a decline in the growth rate at -6%. Despite fewer job opportunities, there are still around 45,000 new openings every year, on average, for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents.
Meanwhile, one of the more lucrative positions in the field is an operations research analyst. They make a salary closer to per year and the position is projected to grow 23% through 2032. An operations analyst advises on problem-solving strategies and uses mathematics and logic to analyze data and develop informed decisions. Basically, they develop quantitative models and then communicate findings and recommendations to help organizations improve processes in areas such as resource allocation, production scheduling, supply chain management, and pricing strategies.
EXPERT TIP
All of these job roles typically need at least a bachelor's in supply chain management to get you in the door. With opportunities to work in diverse industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, an online bachelor's degree provides a solid foundation for pursuing a successful career in supply chain management.
FAQs About Affordable Degrees in Supply Chain Management
Are Online Bachelor's Degrees Respected in the Field of Supply Chain Management?
Yes, online bachelor's degrees are widely respected in the field of supply chain management. Many reputable institutions offer accredited online programs that adhere to the same rigorous standards as their on-campus equivalents.
To ensure credibility and recognition within the industry, it's crucial to confirm the program's accreditation as well. An accredited program guarantees that the curriculum meets the required industry guidelines and prepares graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills for success in the field.
Is Supply Chain Management a Valuable Degree?
Yes, a degree in supply chain management can offer excellent value. It equips students with a versatile set of skills in logistics, procurement, and operations, making them highly desirable in organizations seeking optimized supply chain performance. This degree offers many career opportunities across industries, which highlights its value in an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy.
Can You Be a Supply Chain Manager Without a Degree?
It’s possible to get promoted to a leadership role through years of experience and on-the-job training, but having a bachelor’s degree significantly improves chances for career growth and managerial positions.
Many employers prefer candidates with formal education in the field, as it demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of industry concepts and best practices. Further, an online master’s in supply chain management or an affordable master's in management can be a budget-friendly way to get into lucrative positions at the director level.
Student Reviews of Online Supply Chain Management Programs
I am a Logistics Manager for a large medical company, I have been in the industry for decades and needed to finish my degree to move up, I graduate in June. I wanted something like the degree I would have received in a 5-year program at Northeastern University, and after some research, I chose SNHU. Other schools would have taken my experience and credits and enrolled me in 10 classes to get my bachelor's degree. SNHU did not, and I'll finish this year by taking 30 classes, it’s been challenging!... Read More
Review Date: 2/3/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I cannot praise my online experience with Bellevue University enough! The instruction was top-notch, and the professors' expertise was evident in every class. The challenging yet relevant content kept me engaged and motivated throughout my studies. What truly made a difference was the awesome student advisor (Savanna) who provided unwavering support and guidance. If you're looking for an exceptional online university experience, look no further than Bellevue University!
Review Date: 8/7/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I would not recommend this school aS they no longer keep your student work. All the work, reading, and seminars are all GONE. I was reassured throughout my schooling that I could go back and review. No email warning of the circumstances coming up..
Review Date: 6/27/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school is not for everyone. You will have to research and write a lot of papers on various subjects while attending. The papers are going to be lengthy. You as a student have to be self motivated to accomplish your tasks in order to reach your goal. No one is going to hold your hand while you are in attendance of this learning institution. The classes are condensed down to 8 week classes, and not the standard 12 or 16 weeks that many brick and mortar schools offer. You have to absorb a lot of... Read More
Review Date: 8/7/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was hesitant to attend this school (I started when it was Ashford University), but it was great for my life. I was in the Army when I attended the university. It took almost 8 years to get my degree in the Army life and school. However, fast forward to today within a year, I found a great job in my field, supply chain management, and I am making very good money. I am happy with my decision to attend the university. I even had a death in the family and had an emergency drop. The professors were... Read More
Review Date: 10/11/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've been attending DeVry University for 2 years now and thus far I have not encountered any problems with them. DeVry has helped and treated me fairly since the beginning. I haven't had any financial issues with them either and the instructors that I've had are very helpful and always responded back to me as soon as they could.
Review Date: 8/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I looked at a lot of different schools and programs before choosing Devry. I found that they really had their online classes down to a science and addressed multiple learning styles. The classes are challenging with Professors with both academic and real life work experience. I work fulltime and travel for my job. The flexibility they offer allows me to learn and interact from any where.
Review Date: 3/13/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northern Arizona University and have received great advisement. My major, Supply Chain Management and Logistics will take me about two years to complete and my advisor has walked me through each and every step to guide me down the right path. I have never had a bad experience with Northern Arizona University and would recommend this school to anyone. The classes I have taken so far have taught me so much pertaining my major and I can't wait to further my education... Read More
Review Date: 12/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The negative reviews are understandable as I too had some frustrating experiences. First, the school needs to be more inexpensive per credit hour. Secondly, instructors need to answer their emails faster. Third, there should be at least 2 live class rooms per week instead of it being 1 with my experience. All my classes were online so I can only speak from that perspective. Other than that, life is what you make of it. You are given the material and it is your responsibility to read and study. You... Read More
Review Date: 12/10/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am one quarter away from graduation and I would not recommend Baker Online to any potential students for the supply chain management degree. Let me be clear Baker overall online has been great, but the supply chain management concentration is a joke and very disheartening to me as a person who works in the supply chain field and was looking to pursue an education in it as well. I am a supply chain management major and I have had nothing but problems with two out of three of the supply chain management... Read More
Review Date: 2/28/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
This was truly a fantastic experience!!! Great faculty, communication and a solid school. I would definitely recommend this school for convenience and it was academically challenging. The structure of these classes are really good. I think a lot of the negative comments are due to people wanting an easy ride. This school will challenge you academically and is very rewarding when you do well and receive the instructors feedback. I will be continuing on for a MA from Ashford's sister school at University... Read More
Review Date: 4/26/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of Phoenix has not only made it possible for me to get a college degree while working full time, it has also helped me gain the knowledge and skills that I needed to excel at my job. I earned my bachelors of science in business with a supply chain management certificate. I was so impressed with University of Phoenix education system I immediately enrolled into the MBA program at University of Phoenix. I am proud to say that I recently got promoted to a director position and the executive... Read More
Review Date: 6/15/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I must say that Florida International University is an excellent institution of higher education. I got an early start to the college experience that FIU offers in high school through a Dual Enrollment program. I was very pleased to know that the university offered an opportunity for bright individuals looking to get a head start on their college career for free. They selected highly qualified professors teaching at my high school and provided them with all the resources necessary to administer general... Read More
Review Date: 6/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This is a highly ranked program for supply chain management majors! If you are looking for a career in supply chain, look no further! ASU has outstanding faculty for this program and the resources they provide are phenomenal! Each Fall and Spring semester they have a career fair where businesses only come to hire supply chain majors. Because this is such a high ranked program, you will see all the major businesses in attendance. This program truly prepared me for what I do in my job today. I see... Read More
Review Date: 4/3/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Although one of the largest public universities in the country, ASU has an amazing sense of community. Faculty are educated and excited about what they teach and the staff provide a wonderful outlet for expression and motivation. Regardless of your degree program, ASU provides the environment and rigors coursework to help individuals become professionals that will make a genuine difference in their communities.
Review Date: 8/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Boise State University offered a great program for Supply Chain Management. I feel that the program allowed me to understand the basics of Supply Chain, and has set me up for a great entry level position within Supply Chain. The curriculum was easy to manage, and was not too demanding. The professors were always available, and had a myriad of work experience under their belts that helped us better understand the applicable topics of Supply Chain, and how they apply to various industries.
Review Date: 3/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
If you looking to work in the metro Detroit area, this a great school to go to. This school opened several door for me. I managed to climb the corporate ladder into senior management within 6 years after graduation. The supply chain program is unmatched in Detroit. You have resources such as GM, Ford, FCA, and several tier 1 and tier 2 automotive suppliers recruiting from this school. This school may not carry the reputation of UoM or MSU. However, it does carry a great reputation in the metro Detroit... Read More
Review Date: 9/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Arizona State may be the largest school in the country, but it has a small town feel. Walking around campus, I remember constantly running into people I knew. After freshman year, the school does a great job of ensuring the classes are small as well. There are students from every state, and there are endless opportunities for involvement on campus. Add on the fact that there are high quality sports and a thriving Phoenix metro area surrounding the campus, I can't think of any other college I would... Read More
Review Date: 12/5/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall, I love being at Penn State. The environment is so uplifting and there are so many opportunities or clubs that you can pursue. With such large numbers, you can find so many new friends. You just have to put yourself out there because everyone is in the same boat as you. Almost every professor I have had is great and will work with you if you are struggling. Watch out for TAs that are teaching the class because sometimes they don't know what they are doing. Altogether, the only other problem... Read More
Review Date: 2/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Supply Chain Management program at Arizona State University is excellent. The professors are passionate about the subjects they teach, and they do a great job at educating you. The program really prepared me for my career, first as a Buyer and now as a Scheduler for a manufacturing facility. Also, join the Supply Chain Management Association. Their specific career fair alone is worth it. That's where two of my three job offers came from.
Review Date: 12/1/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes