AFFORDABLE MBA ENTREPRENEURSHIP ONLINE DEGREE

Updated December 6, 2022

By BVS Staff An online entrepreneurship MBA program is a great choice for ambitious business professionals who want to climb the corporate ladder and perhaps even start their own company. While some students apply to MBA programs directly out of undergrad, many frequently return to school later on in their careers after they've already accrued ...

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By BVS Staff

An online entrepreneurship MBA program is a great choice for ambitious business professionals who want to climb the corporate ladder and perhaps even start their own company. While some students apply to MBA programs directly out of undergrad, many frequently return to school later on in their careers after they've already accrued some on-the-job experience. These working adults often find that online education is a convenient way for them to earn their degree without sacrificing their current work schedule.

Fortunately, there are a plethora of affordable online master's degrees in entrepreneurship that are flexible, convenient, and self-paced. Current businessmen and women who want to break free from the corporate ladder and start their own businesses can use the opportunities these programs offer to take their goals out of the idea stage and into the real world.

The 25 Best Online Entrepreneurship MBA Programs Ranking Methodology

Selection Criteria

For this ranking, we focused on public and private (non-profit) colleges and universities that offer online Master of Business Administration Entrepreneurship degrees. This means MBA programs that have an explicit focus in entrepreneurship, either across the entire curriculum or in the form of a concentration. Because the focus of this list is on affordability, we only considered programs with average* tuition rates of $25,000/year or less.

In addition, we only considered colleges whose business schools/departments have obtained accreditation from one of three specialized accrediting agencies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

*For public schools, we calculated the average value of their in-state and out-of-state rates.

Ranking Factors

After compiling a list of all the colleges that offer entrepreneurship master's degrees online and meet the above criteria, we collected data in three categories:

  • Entrepreneurship Focus: What percentage of the curriculum's coursework (core, concentration, elective, or otherwise) is specifically related to entrepreneurship (as opposed to other general business topics)?
  • Accreditation: From what agency has the MBA program earned its business accreditation? Professionally, most people consider the AACSB to be the most prestigious business-focused accreditation agency. Therefore, AACSB-approved schools earned more points in our ranking than those with ACBSP or IACBE accreditation.
  • Affordability: What is the average annual cost of attendance?

After collecting and sorting all the information, we ranked the candidates according to their performance in each area. Finally, we summed up the results and gave each school a final score using a curve so that the top-scoring program earned an even 100 points.

Read more about the best cheap master's degrees in entrepreneurship online below!

Cheap Online MBA - Entrepreneurship Degree Program Ranking

#1 University of Houston-Victoria Victoria, TX
#2 Ball State University Muncie, IN
#3 University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO
#4 Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, MO
#5 Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, OK
#6 Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, WI
#7 University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
#8 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA
#9 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
#10 Brenau University Gainesville, GA

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

  1. University of Houston-Victoria
    Location

    Victoria, TX

    Tuition

    $10969

    The University of Houston-Victoria gives you two options for pursuing an affordable master's degree in entrepreneurship online. First, the "Strategic MBA" offers a broad, interdisciplinary look at the field, while the "Global MBA" focuses on international business. Both options include a concentration in entrepreneurship and are available either entirely online or by combining online and on-campus courses. Regardless of the delivery mode you choose, you'll appreciate the school's use of case studies and collaborative group projects, methodologies that help hone your problem-solving and communication skills. Note that the global program is intended for applicants with a bachelor's in business administration; if you don't have one, you'll need to take additional foundation courses.

  2. Ball State University
    Location

    Muncie, IN

    Tuition

    $15525

    Ball State University offers one of the top 20 accredited online entrepreneurship MBA programs in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report. And with its flexible scheduling, competitive tuition, and opportunities to augment your degree with a graduate certificate, it's easy to see why. Not only can you complete this program fully online, but you can also incorporate on-campus classes if you prefer a blended program. Regardless of your approach, you can earn your degree in just two years while maintaining your full-time job. One caveat? Many classes are synchronous, so you'll have to carve out time to log in and view the live webcasts and class discussions.

  3. University of Missouri-Kansas City
    Location

    Kansas City, MO

    Tuition

    $17396

    At the University of Missouri - Kansas City, instructors know that MBA candidates have busy professional - and personal - lives. That's why they let you combine online and in-person classes as you earn the school's top online MBA Entrepreneurship degree. The school also offers a unique take on all its courses by combining lectures with "engagement activities" that require you to work with your classmates either online or on campus. And if you're unsure whether an online MBA will meet your needs, you can stop by the free open house to meet instructors, network with fellow students, and ask any questions you need to make your decision.

  4. Missouri State University-Springfield
    Location

    Springfield, MO

    Tuition

    $8269

    If you're hoping to carry out research while earning a cheap entrepreneurship master's degree online, you'll want to give Missouri State - Springfield a look. A research component is baked into each class, and if that's not enough, you can opt to complete a six-credit thesis in place of a seminar and one elective. Springfield also differentiates itself from the competition by offering a graduate certificate in entrepreneurship alongside the MBA. The certificate doesn't require any additional courses, and it could help your resume stand out. And if you completed an undergraduate minor in business, you might be able to waive certain core requirements, reducing the cost of this already affordable program.

  5. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
    Location

    Durant, OK

    Tuition

    $8100

    Given that Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers more than 10 emphases as part of its MBA, it's no surprise that one of those is in entrepreneurship. With classes focused on marketing, financing, and developing new businesses, this cheap online Master of Business Administration Entrepreneurship degree leaves you well-equipped to start - and grow - your own venture. Practically speaking, this program also shines for its quick completion time: just a single year of full-time study. You can also opt for one of five start dates, all with a quick turnaround time between application, admission, registration, and your first day of studies.

  6. Concordia University-Wisconsin
    Location

    Mequon, WI

    Tuition

    $10542

    The four-class Innovation and Entrepreneurship concentration at Concordia University - Wisconsin lets you effectively design your own specialization. You'll choose among nine focused classes, which cover topics that include sustainability, social media marketing, IP law, marketing research, and more. As you earn this affordable entrepreneurship master's degree online, you can even incorporate a hands-on experience: Concordia offers an optional 120-hour internship to any MBA student. Otherwise, all courses are available online, with no required residency. Another perk? With no set start dates, you can begin the program at any time that works for your schedule.

  7. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
    Location

    Chapel Hill, NC

    Tuition

    $20534

    UNC-Chapel Hill wants its top online entrepreneurship MBA program to work for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, whether you're a founder, funder, corporate innovator, or early executive. As such, the curriculum focuses on core skills you can apply to any of these roles, such as identifying financing, managing technology, and developing a corporate strategy. The school also offers plenty of ways to make the most of your degree, including an optional experiential learning program where students act as consultants at home or abroad. You'll also have access to a Career and Leadership Services team that can help identify your career goals - and strengthen the personal and professional skills you'll need to reach them.

  8. Gonzaga University
    Location

    Spokane, WA

    Tuition

    $16845

    The Washington-based Gonzaga University offers one of the most unique options on this online MBA Entrepreneurship degree ranking: a specialization in American Indian entrepreneurship. Designed for leaders who can create strong businesses on reservations, the cohort-based program has plenty to offer Native students. For example, although you do need to attend a six-week summer session at the beginning of the program, Gonzaga covers housing for you and your family members during your stay. Additionally, the university will reimburse 50% of your travel expenses and will cover hotel expenses for other occasional weekend visits to campus. As for the curriculum, all courses place business topics in a tribal context, making them relevant and relatable to their intended audience.

  9. North Carolina State University
    Location

    Raleigh, NC

    Tuition

    $18764

    Flexibility is the name of the game at North Carolina State University. As you pursue the school's accredited master's degree in entrepreneurship online, you can opt for an accelerated program - requiring 21 months of study - or a slower one that you can complete in up to six years. You can also choose between spring and fall start dates. Plus, you can incorporate on-campus classes in Raleigh or Research Triangle Park if you prefer a hybrid program. And although instructors offer most classes asynchronously, they do incorporate some live presentations, discussions, and other synchronous delivery methods. Note that you will need to attend two three-day residencies at the Raleigh campus over the course of the program.

  10. Brenau University
    Location

    Gainesville, GA

    Tuition

    $12730

    Five courses comprise the entrepreneurship concentration at Brenau University, giving you a chance to explore topics from finance to product development. The broader MBA core introduces you to more universally applicable topics, including applied economics, critical thinking, and cross-cultural business challenges. And if you hope to one day expand your business globally, you'll want to check out the optional International Business Experience course, which sends students abroad to experience a different business environment. Brenau's affordable online Master of Business Administration Entrepreneurship degree also stands out for its cohort-based classes, which give you the chance to develop meaningful professional relationships - and to network with potential future business partners.

Thanks for reading our ranking of the 25 top cheap entrepreneurship master's degrees online!

Sources:
IPEDS Data Center
College Navigator
Business-Management-Degree.net
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
International Accreditation Council for Business Education

See also:
Top 10 Cheap Online Entrepreneurship Degree Programs (Bachelor's)
Entrepreneurship Scholarships

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