Cheap Options for Graduate School

[smf6824]

Ok, I am trying to plan out my options for graduate school. I prefer either an MBA or MPA, but if I had to choose I would say MPA and I am looking for the cheapest route. From what I understand is some of the cheaper schools are Valdosta University, APU/AMU, Patten, WGU, ENMU/WNMU, and Fort Hays. If anyone knows of cheaper options let me know. I have a little over a year to plan this out and I want the best option. Just for knowledge sakes I will not have an undergraduate degree in business so I may have to take some foundational courses. On a side note what are people's opinions on a MLS with a concentration in Public Administration from Fort Hays? Do you think it holds close to the same weight as an MPA without specialty accreditation? :coolgleam:

[Yanji]

Both University of South Dakota and University of North Dakota have dirt cheap MPA programs. Both are research universities and would be more recognized than any of the options you listed. And as someone who has been a public sector HR manager, an MPA is better than an MLA/MLS in Public Admin, unless the latter was from a far superior school.

[bawhitsett]

As a graduate of UND's MBA program I can highly recommend their business school, though some pre-reqs will likely be necessary and may drive the price up a little. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[taylor]

As a graduate of UND's MBA program I can highly recommend their business school, though some pre-reqs will likely be necessary and may drive the price up a little. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I think you made an excellent choice. I'm actually surprised there aren't more people in either forum that attended UND or USD MBA.

Was there a reason why you chose UND over USD MBA? They seem similarly priced. I have no preference between the two but I thought you probably have better insight.

[bawhitsett]

I think you made an excellent choice. I'm actually surprised there aren't more people in either forum that attended UND or USD MBA.

Was there a reason why you chose UND over USD MBA? They seem similarly priced. I have no preference between the two but I thought you probably have better insight.

You're absolutely right, both are priced about the same and they have the same accreditation. The 2 things that were attractive to me for UND included an accounting concentration that they no longer offer and the fact that they are known of in the aerospace field, which, being in Houston, gives it some local name recognition. Otherwise I was able to chat with a couple of people who have attended various distance business programs they offer and it was recommended.

[smf6824]

Liberty university apparently offers tuition discount for veterans. Per the website it is $250 a credit. What do you think of liberty?

[excelsiorstudent]

I just ran across the MBA program at Edinburgh Business School, at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland. It is earned through sitting for exams which are given at locations throughout the world including various cities in the US. From what I see the exams cost 125 pounds, roughly 200 dollars. There are seven core course exams and two elective course exams. You study for the exams through self study with a distance learning website but I'm not sure what the charge for access to each courses website is. I actually came to the forum to see if anyone else had experience with this program. Might be a good option especially for those who did the assessment route for undergrad. Edinburgh Business School Distance Learning, MBA, Online Courses

[excelsiorstudent]

Well I proceded through page to order a course and the cost for the course access is $1395 (USD) plus $50 shipping for course texts. So it would be just under 15,000 all together, provided you pass tests on first try, and would not be able to get financial aid. Still an interesting option and relatively affordable and the school has a good reputation internationally.

[TMW2010]

Bunnies! Bunnies everywhere!

[rebel100]

Ok, I am trying to plan out my options for graduate school. I prefer either an MBA or MPA, but if I had to choose I would say MPA and I am looking for the cheapest route. From what I understand is some of the cheaper schools are Valdosta University, APU/AMU, Patten, WGU, ENMU/WNMU, and Fort Hays. If anyone knows of cheaper options let me know. I have a little over a year to plan this out and I want the best option. Just for knowledge sakes I will not have an undergraduate degree in business so I may have to take some foundational courses. On a side note what are people's opinions on a MLS with a concentration in Public Administration from Fort Hays? Do you think it holds close to the same weight as an MPA without specialty accreditation? :coolgleam:

All good choices, Chadron State also comes to mind, I almost went with them but opted instead for WGU. What state do you call home? I would look at the local options even if they offer them online. I think there is something to be said for the well known school close to home.