List of Cheap Online MBA Programs That Can Be Completed in Under 1 Year

[LevelUP]

Purdue Unversity Global CBE MBA $1700 per term (someone reported doing Masters in IT 4 terms (6 weeks term) which is like 6 months)
https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-prog...ba-degree/

I spoke with an advisor of Purdue University Global today about their “fast track” Excel MBA program. I was told the program was not designed to be completed faster than 12 months. She struggled with my demand that we design an approach where I could finish in 6 months as a full-time online student. The best she could come up with was “you might be able to do it devoting 48 hours a week to it” but was more comfortable quoting me a 9 month plan. With all the gatekeeping they do it seems difficult to speed it up regardless of them calling it an “excelerated” program. They break up each course into 1-hour modules, which for most of them you have to write a paper (not take a test) to pass each module, and each paper requires 24-48 hours to be graded.

ExcelTrack allows you to have multiple courses open at the same time, so while you are waiting for one module to be graded, you can be working on another one.

Walruspanda reported completing 27 modules in 5 weeks. (An MBA term is 10 weeks).
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...PUG?page=3

I suggest asking Walruspanda in that thread or via PM for clarification on how the master's ExcelTrack works.

[walruspanda]

Walruspanda reported completing 27 modules in 5 weeks. (An MBA term is 10 weeks).
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...PUG?page=3

I suggest asking Walruspanda in that thread or via PM for clarification on how the master's ExcelTrack works.

Yeah, with ExcelTrack, the number of modules you can complete in a term is largely a product of the work that you put into it, along with the prior knowledge you have. For both the BSIT and the MSIT, I averaged about 5 modules a week, only slowing down when I got to the point where I didn't have much in the way of modules to complete anymore. If you're very motivated and willing to put in the work, ignore the PUG advisor -- whatever schedule they set for you is rather meaningless in ExcelTrack, because it's all down to you completing modules. 

Keep in mind that the MBA capstone has to be taken as a traditional course, and while it can be taken with a few modules as well, PUG likely won't let you take it if you have, say, 20 modules left to complete. So if you want to finish in three terms, you should attempt to get 50 or more modules done in the first two terms, then take 6 or so modules along with the capstone in the last term. It is probably possible to do the MBA in two terms, and you can aim for that if you want...but with having three terms as a backup plan. (What helped me finish the MSIT in two terms is that I brought in 28 credits from the BSIT and IT certs.) 

Please ask if you have any other ExcelTrack questions! I had a very positive experience with PUG and ExcelTrack, and I do recommend it to highly motivated students who don't mind a zillion writing assignments.

[bjcheung77]

Note: It varies wildly as everyone have various variables at play, it's not going to be the same for everyone, go at your pace and 'gauge' how fast you can complete things. Advice is that, you can review that has been provided and see if the advisor, member, moderator, etc gives you as a guideline, create a medium timeframe to see if you can finish. Be prepared to complete in that time frame or pay for another term if you drag on for longer...

[Duneranger]

Ultimately, stuck between UMass Lowell vs UIS (Springfield). Both could be done in 12 months, UMass Lowell is almost $20k, UIS is over $15k. Lowell MBA is ranked in Poets and Quants, whilst UIS is not. UIS curriculum seems to be better. Ultimately, what sounds better to most regular HR/recruiters: "Went to UMass" or "Went to U of Illinois"? Appreciate your input.

University of Illinois--Springfield is Unranked in Best Business Schools and No. 184 (tie) in Part-time MBA according to US News.
The University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) is ranked #251-300 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
UIC rose into the top 200 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2022
US News & World Report rankings:
   No. 1 public regional university in Illinois (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).
   No. 6 public regional university in the Midwest (2024).

U.S. News & World Report, the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is ranked 159 out of 439 National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is ranked #751–800 globally by QS World University Rankings. It is also ranked:
#501–600 globally by Times Higher Education World University Rankings
#601–800 worldwide by ARWU (Shanghai Ranking)
#1136 in Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report
#159 out of 439 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report

I can say that UIS is part of the University of Illinois System... same as the campus in Champaign and the one in Chicago. The diploma will simply say U of I...
thought I'd mention that in case that sways your opinion.

Also, some of the classes will be taught by staff from Gies (the business school in Champaign, and they are nationally ranked.) 

For most of us in IL, UIS is simply a cheaper back door to a "U of I" parchment. YMMV

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Ultimately, stuck between UMass Lowell vs UIS (Springfield). Both could be done in 12 months, UMass Lowell is almost $20k, UIS is over $15k. Lowell MBA is ranked in Poets and Quants, whilst UIS is not. UIS curriculum seems to be better. Ultimately, what sounds better to most regular HR/recruiters: "Went to UMass" or "Went to U of Illinois"? Appreciate your input.

University of Illinois--Springfield is Unranked in Best Business Schools and No. 184 (tie) in Part-time MBA according to US News.
The University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) is ranked #251-300 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
UIC rose into the top 200 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2022
US News & World Report rankings:
   No. 1 public regional university in Illinois (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).
   No. 6 public regional university in the Midwest (2024).

U.S. News & World Report, the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is ranked 159 out of 439 National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is ranked #751–800 globally by QS World University Rankings. It is also ranked:
#501–600 globally by Times Higher Education World University Rankings
#601–800 worldwide by ARWU (Shanghai Ranking)
#1136 in Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report
#159 out of 439 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report

I can say that UIS is part of the University of Illinois System... same as the campus in Champaign and the one in Chicago. The diploma will simply say U of I...
thought I'd mention that in case that sways your opinion.

Also, some of the classes will be taught by staff from Gies (the business school in Champaign, and they are nationally ranked.) 

For most of us in IL, UIS is simply a cheaper back door to a "U of I" parchment. YMMV

Also... not sure if something new has been introduced, but the online MBA used to be a 4-semester program. (so longer than just 12 months). Also, UIS uses traditional semesters, you cannot accelerate... unless they have added something I am unaware of.

This is wrong. The diploma will not just say of "U of I". It will clearly say U of I Springfield. You cant pass it off as the flagship uni.

[SophiaPrincess]

If you get caught lying about where you attended business school you will be fired. Your potential employer doesn't see your diploma rather they verify with the institution they have been led to believe you attended.

[FireMedic_Philosopher]

I can say that UIS is part of the University of Illinois System... same as the campus in Champaign and the one in Chicago. The diploma will simply say U of I...
 

Unless something has changed since my mother in law received her Masters, it says "University of Illinois". Now,that being said, I have NO IDEA what the transcript says.

Edit:

Evidently they do now make a distinction of sorts. Is this what you are referring to Dune? 
  Br95ZQOIQAAGNnH.jpeg (Size: 228.89 KB / Downloads: 62)

[Dori001]

I noticed many more options now for online MBAs that cost under 15k and can be completed in one year or less.

So creating a list may be a good idea.

DF Member's Most Popular Master's Programs

Western Governors University CBE ACBSP MBA $4755 per term (can complete in 1 term)
https://www.wgu.edu/online-business-degr...ogram.html

Purdue Unversity Global CBE MBA $2833 per 10-week term (someone reported completing 27 modules in 5 weeks, so expect 2-4 terms to complete an MBA)
https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-prog...ba-degree/

UMPI CBE MAOL $2150 per 8wk term (4-12 months) (quicker if you transfer in 3 courses from undergrad)
https://www.umpi.edu/yourpace/maol/

Walden Unversity CBE ACBSP MBA $13,000 (12 months)
https://info.waldenu.edu/walden-programs...nistration

LSU Shreveport AACSB MBA $12,474 (10 months)
https://online.lsu.edu/master-business-a...ration-gp/

Eastern University ACBSP MBA $9900 (10 months)
https://www.eastern.edu/academics/gradua...management

Missouri State University AACSB MBA $15,100 (as little as 12 months full time)
https://mba.missouristate.edu/Online_Program.htm

Amberton University ACBSP $9900 (10 months)
https://amberton.edu/masters-degrees/

HAU $3000 (4 semesters or 15 months)
https://mba.hauniv.edu/academics/mba-program/

Other MBA's

Texas A&M University-Corpus Chisti  ACBSP MBA $15,200 (12 months)
https://online.tamucc.edu/online/bus-mba-hyper-201101/

Pittsburg State University AACSB MBA $11,250 (12 months)
https://degree.pittstate.edu/online/bus-...er-211014/

Arkansas State University  AACSB MBA $16,962 (12 months) 
https://degree.astate.edu/online/sap/bus/

Longwood University AACSB MBA $13,361 (10 months) 
https://online.longwood.edu/online/bus-mba-lp-200407/

William Paterson University ACBSP MBA $17,490 (12 months)
https://online.wpunj.edu/online/bus-mba-sap2-210225/

University of Southern Indiana AACSB MBA $12,900 (11 months)
https://online.usi.edu/online/bus-mba-lp-201101/

Southeastern Oklahoma State University AACSB MBA $12,132 (12 months)
https://online.se.edu/online/bus-mba-hyp...m-in-hero/

Emporia State University AACSB MBA $11,979 (12 months)
https://online.emporia.edu/online/bus-mba-sap2-221004/

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Can people who doesn’t have a business degree apply to these MBA’s listed in here?

[bjcheung77]

Can people who doesn’t have a business degree apply to these MBA’s listed in here?

Yes and No... For those that have specific requirements for prerequisites and you don't have those, No, not until you get those completed. For those that just require a Bachelors in any subject area, without a bridging program needed, then Yes. It's best to ask questions, but also provide a little bit more info to your background (what your prior degree was in... the more info, the better we can decipher the answer)

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Hello,

I saw a post of some of the most affordable/cheapest MBA degrees below 20k. My question is: For those people like me who doesn’t have a business degree can still apply for an MBA?

Thank you!

Wow, that was a coincidence! I just replied to your post here and got your PM at the same moment! Read above for the straight answer...

[OtterDen]

Just want to give a heads-up to everyone reading this post. Especially for non-US citizens.

If you go to the UK University route, there is a way to achieve an MBA way cheaper than any of the ones listed here. And the school is probably higher ranked in QS Ranking, or Times Higher Education.

The route has two steps:
1. finish a Level 7 Business diploma by an awarding body. Cost under 1000 USD.
2. level-up (the technical term is top-up) to a UK university to only do a final thesis/project of an MBA. This program is called an MBA top-up program. Cost about 3000-5000 USD which varies between schools.

This method has been talked about multiple times by @bjcheung77 and me. You can search about related post on the forum with keywords "top up" or "level 7".

[Dori001]

Thank you for your response, bjcheung77. I appreciate it!
I am graduating this month with a B.A. in Film and Media, and I am considering studying for an MBA.
The entertainment industry is a significant business, and I want to have the knowledge and skills that an MBA offers.
Can you recommend any schools that don't require any prerequisites? What are my best options?
I would appreciate your advice.