The USA offers numerous high-ranking universities with world-class MBA programs, yet many provide this education at an affordable cost. With identical teaching methods as top-ranked schools, these institutions ensure quality education without the hefty price tag. This blog will guide you through the top 10 cheapest MBA colleges in the USA along with their fees, popular programs and average salary after graduating.
Key Highlights of the blog:
- Affordable MBA in the USA: Some of the cheap MBA colleges in the USA for Indian students are the University of South Dakota, Cameron University and the University of Buffalo,
- Popular programs: Finance and business analytics are among the most sought-after specializations at these low-cost MBA colleges in USA.
- Average salaries post-MBA from affordable colleges: The average salary after studying at these MBA colleges is USD 60,000 (INR 50,05,640)
Studying for an MBA is an expensive deal. However, there are many cheap MBA colleges in the USA for Indian students. These offer quality education at affordable costs. With a high ROI and excellent career opportunities, an MBA is the best choice for your career progression. Want to learn more about the best cheap MBA colleges in the US? Book a free consultation call today now!
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Table of Contents |
10 Most Affordable MBA Colleges in the USA for Indian Students
Let us look at the best universities providing low-cost MBAs in the USA. Below is a list of the top 10 affordable MBA colleges in the USA with their rankings and annual tuition fees:
|
University |
QS World Ranking 2025 |
Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of South Dakota |
N/A |
19,268 |
16,06,290 |
|
Cameron University |
N/A |
26,700 |
22,25,860 |
|
Southeast Missouri State University |
N/A |
13,867 |
11,56,030 |
|
Central Michigan University |
1201-1400 |
14,994 |
12,49,980 |
|
Worcester State University |
901-950 |
17,366 |
14,47,720 |
|
Minnesota State University |
203 |
13,442 |
11,20,600 |
|
University of Buffalo |
466 |
34,338 |
28,62,610 |
|
San Francisco State University |
1201-1400 |
20,049 |
16,71,400 |
|
Missouri State University |
N/A |
30,250 |
25,21,810 |
|
University of Tampa |
N/A |
28,576 |
23,82,250 |
Let’s dive deeper into these top MBA colleges in the USA with low fees for Indian and international students:
1. University of South Dakota
The first college on the list of pocket-friendly MBA colleges in the USA is the University of South Dakota. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program focuses on analytical and critical thinking skills, evaluating alternative courses of action, understanding the business environment's impact on business decisions, and applying ethical principles in identifying and resolving business dilemmas.
|
University of South Dakota Ranking 2025 |
NA |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
|
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 12,530 (INR 10,44,570) |
|
Accreditation |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
|
Course Duration |
24 months |
Suggested: MBA Fees in USA
2. Cameron University
The second on the list is Cameron University. Cameron's MBA program is intended for working professionals or recent graduates who want to gain a competitive advantage in the business world. This degree program offers students coursework in various business areas, such as finance, accounting, marketing, and more.
|
Cameron University QS World University Ranking 2025 |
NA |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
Masters of Business Administration |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 628 (INR 52,350) per semester hour |
|
Accreditation |
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
|
Course Duration |
12-24 months |
3. Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University is known for providing affordable MBA programs for international students. They provide something for any student to pursue an MBA, with nine distinct MBA choices that include in-person and online courses. The program helps students develop their highly valued skills in a theoretical context for solving business-related problems.
|
Southeast Missouri World University Ranking 2025 |
NA |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
Master of Business Administration |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 11,592 (INR 9,66,370) |
|
Accreditation |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
|
Course Duration |
12-24 months |
Suggested: Part-Time Jobs in the USA for International Students
4. Central Michigan University
CMU's MBA program is designed to educate graduate business students for leadership positions in today's global economy. The program offers an active student learning environment and a curriculum that caters to the needs of both part-time and full-time students. AACSB accreditation has been granted to the Department of Business Administration at Central Michigan University.
|
CMU World University Ranking 2025 |
1201-1400 |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
Master of Business Administration |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 850 (INR 70,860) per credit hour |
|
Accreditation |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
|
Course Duration |
24 months |
Suggested: Jobs and Salary After MBA in the USA
5. Worcester State University
Worcester State University is another pocket-friendly university in the USA for an MBA. The Department of Business Administration and Economics at Worcester State University will provide you with a solid foundation in the economic and business theories and practices that you will need to excel in today's competitive work climate. It prepares you for different executive roles in business.
|
Worcester State University Ranking 2025 |
901-950 |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
Master of Business Administration |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 966 (INR 80,530) per 3-credit course |
|
Accreditation |
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
|
Course Duration |
12-24 months |
Suggested: Best Courses to Study in the USA for International Students
6. Minnesota State University
One of the best universities that provides low-cost MBAs in the USA for international students. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Minnesota State University is designed to prepare future leaders with the information and abilities needed to flourish in a global business market. The students learn managerial skills, ethics, and leadership through real-world applications.
|
QS World University Ranking 2025 |
203 |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
Master of Business Administration (On-campus and Online) |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 8,474 (INR 7,06,440) |
|
Accreditation |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
|
Course Duration |
12-24 months |
Suggested: 5 Best Universities for Executive MBA in the USA
7. University of Buffalo
In an increasingly global business environment, the diversity of the MBA programs at the University of Buffalo’s School of Management opens doors for graduates for any business in the world. The mission of the University at Buffalo School of Management is to advance the practice of management within a global context through scholarly research, education, and professional and community service.
|
University of Buffalo Ranking 2025 |
466 |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
Full-Time MBA Part-Time MBA Executive MBA |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 24,000 (INR 20,00,770) - USD 26,000 (INR 21,67,500) |
|
Accreditation |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
|
Course Duration |
24 months |
Suggested: Expenses Before Leaving to Study in the US
8. San Francisco State University
The MBA program at San Francisco State University will enable you to tackle real-world business difficulties. It was named one of the top ten best green MBA programs based on student evaluations of how well the students are trained to solve environmental, sustainability, and social responsibility concerns in their employment.
|
San Francisco State University Ranking 2025 |
1201 - 1400 |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
MBA for Executives MBA for Biotech Professionals MBA Flexible MBA Fastrack |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 3,775 (INR 3,14,700) - USD 5,697 (INR 4,74,930) |
|
Accreditation |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
|
Course Duration |
24 months |
Suggested: MBA in the USA Without Work Experience
9. Missouri State University
MSU's College of Business is one of the cheapest universities in the USA for an MBA. It is out of just 10% of colleges of business in the United States that are fully recognized by AACSB, the premier certifying organization for colleges of business administration. You may be confident that you are obtaining a degree of the highest caliber at MSU.
|
Missouri State World University Ranking 2025 |
NA |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
MBA (Traditional) MBA (Accelerated) MBA (Evening) MBA (Online) MBA (Certificate) |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 10,880 (INR 9,07,010) |
|
Accreditation |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
|
Course Duration |
18-24 months |
Suggested: All about STEM MBA in the USA
10. University of Tampa
One of the cheapest business schools in the USA for international students, the University of Tampa will make you learn how to combine research and practice across all-important business domains, whether you work in the public or private sectors. During your MBA, you will learn important leadership qualities including creativity, innovation, cooperation, and problem-solving. You will also be introduced to creative business theory in a practical setting.
|
Tampa World University Ranking 2025 |
NA |
|
Popular MBA Programs |
Full-Time MBA Part-Time MBA Professional MBA Executive MBA |
|
Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
USD 25,000 (INR 20,84,140) |
|
Accreditation |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
|
Course Duration |
12-24 months |
Cheapest MBA Colleges in the USA: Return on Investment
The average salary after graduating from one of the above mentioned cheapest MBA colleges in USA can vary widely based on factors such as the industry, job function, geographic location, and the individual's prior work experience. However, even low-cost MBA programs in the USA can lead to lucrative career opportunities. Below are some general salary expectations for graduates from these affordable MBA colleges in the USA:
|
University |
Average Annual Salary (USD) |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro |
63,000 |
52,51,570 |
|
Lousiana Tech University, Ruston |
72,000 |
60,01,800 |
|
Seattle Pacific University, Seattle |
71,000 |
59,18,440 |
|
Delta State University, Cleveland |
67,000 |
55,85,010 |
|
California State University, Fullerton |
75,000 |
62,51,880 |
Types of MBA in USA
Beyond the traditional 2-year MBA, U.S. colleges offer various MBA options tailored to different needs, schedules, and budgets. MBA programs in the USA can be categorized into five main types:
- Full-time MBA: This program is intended for students who can commit to full-time study and leave their jobs to attend weekday classes.
- Part-time MBA: Suitable for professionals who wish to enhance their managerial skills while continuing to work. Often referred to as Evening or Weekend MBA programs, these classes are scheduled outside regular work hours. Part-time MBA programs typically have lower tuition costs compared to full-time programs.
- Executive MBA: Geared towards seasoned professionals, including executives, managers, and entrepreneurs, this program is designed for those who are already established in their careers.
- Global MBA: Focused on international business, this program offers students exposure to global markets through classes held in diverse settings and sometimes in different countries.
- Dual MBA: This option allows students to pursue an additional Master's degree alongside their MBA, combining two areas of expertise.
MBA Scholarships in the USA
There are several options to finance your MBA in the US, including federal and state student aid, student loans, savings plans, and scholarships. Many scholarships for MBA programs in the US are provided by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, communities, religious groups, and various organizations (both social and professional). These scholarships are often based on merit, financial need, or diversity.
Here are some well-known scholarships available at top US universities:
|
Name of University |
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Boston University Questrom School of Business |
Social Impact Scholarship |
Meritorious financially backward students at Boston University Questrom School of Business who seek to use core business management skills to address society’s most challenging humanitarian and social problems. |
Amount/ Benefit: $10,000 (INR 8,33,800) to full tuition fees |
|
Wharton Business School |
Wharton Academic Excellence Scholarship |
Domestic and international students who achieve the highest academic performance (GPA) during their second and third semesters of the MBA program at Wharton Business School. |
Amount/Benefit: $10,000 (INR 8,33,800) |
|
Quantitative Finance at Wharton Business School |
Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Scholars in Quantitative Finance |
Second-year MBA student with a high GPA majoring in Quantitative Finance at Wharton Business School. He/she must complete 9 credits in the first year of their MBA. |
Amount/ Benefit: $25,000 (INR 20,84,510) |
|
UCLA Anderson School of Management |
The International Peace Scholarship |
Female international students looking to study any course including MBA at UCLA Anderson School of Management. It is a merit-based scholarship. |
Amount/ Benefit: $10,000 (INR 8,33,800) |
|
Boston University Questrom School of Business |
Dean’s Scholarship |
Candidates with outstanding professional, academic, and personal qualities pursuing an MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Business. Both domestic and international candidates will be considered for this scholarship. |
Amount/ Benefit: $10,000 (INR 8,33,800) to full tuition fees |
Benefits of Studying MBA in USA for Indian Students
An MBA from the United States can be a transformative step in your career, offering a range of benefits that can propel you to new heights. Here’s why pursuing an MBA in the US might be the right choice for you:
- World-Class Education: US business schools are renowned globally for their rigorous academic standards and innovative teaching methods. Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton are consistently ranked among the top in global rankings, providing students with access to cutting-edge research, experienced faculty, and a curriculum designed to develop leadership skills.
- Diverse Specializations: The US offers a wide variety of MBA programs tailored to different interests and career goals. Whether you're interested in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, technology management, or consulting, you can find specialized programs that align with your aspirations.
- Networking Opportunities: An MBA in the US provides unparalleled networking opportunities. You’ll have the chance to connect with peers, alumni, and industry leaders from around the world. This network can be invaluable for career advancement, mentorship, and business development.
- Global Perspective: Studying in the US exposes you to a diverse and multicultural environment, enhancing your global perspective. This exposure is crucial in today’s interconnected world and can help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of international markets and business practices.
From the Desk of Yocket
Pursuing an MBA in the USA doesn’t have to break the bank. The affordable universities we've listed provide high-quality education and valuable opportunities for international students. With programs designed to meet diverse career goals, these institutions offer a significant return on investment. Salaries for graduates from these affordable programs remain competitive, ensuring that your investment in education pays off.
Ready to take the next step? Let Yocket simplify your application journey with personalized guidance and support. Book your free consultation call today, and start your path toward a successful and affordable MBA in the USA. Don’t let cost deter you—explore these fantastic opportunities and invest in a brighter future!
