Price and Comparison

What online MBA programs cost, why prices differ and how to compare them.

This section answers the first question most prospective students ask: how much will an online MBA cost in total? Sticker prices are usually quoted per credit hour, but the real figure depends on the number of credits, required fees, residency status, transfer or waiver credits and the length of time you take to finish.

Start with the price guide for the overall picture, then read about the factors that move the price up or down. The comparison guide lines up program types (public university, private nonprofit, for-profit, executive, competency-based) on the same criteria so you are not comparing a $25,000 degree with a $140,000 degree as if they were the same product.

The final guides focus on practical ways to lower the bill and on hidden costs that rarely appear in a program brochure. Use the cost estimator to turn a per-credit price into a total, and always confirm current figures on each school's official tuition page, because rates change every year.

Price and Comparison

Guides in this topic

Price and Comparison

Online MBA Options Compared Side by Side

Compare public, private, executive, accelerated and competency-based online MBA formats on cost, pace, interaction and fit so you can narrow your shortlist.

5 min read