How Much Does an Online MBA Cost in the U.S.?

When people think about getting an MBA, their first question often isn't, "Why get an MBA?"—it’s, "How much does it cost to get an MBA?"

This reflects a fair concern. MBA tuition can hit six figures, even before considering living expenses. The cost of an online MBA, however, is a combination of tuition, fees, and time, weighed against the value you ultimately derive from it. Depending on the university and program you choose, the total cost can vary widely.

This guide unpacks key factors in those costs, what's worth paying for, and how to make sure the MBA you choose yields a significant return on your investment.

The Landscape of MBA Education

MBA programs have evolved over time. Earning one once required quitting your job and relocating close to campus. Now, online MBA programs are disrupting that traditional pathway, especially for professionals who already have established careers.

Online MBAs have grown considerably in a relatively short amount of time. During the 2023–2024 academic year, about 28% of all MBA students studied online—double the percentage from 2019–2020.¹

More students are forgoing the traditional path in favor of flexibility. They're balancing careers, families, and other personal commitments while earning degrees from respected universities that know how to teach business leadership digitally.

At Santa Clara University, for instance, most Online MBA students come from tech, finance, or healthcare. Eighty-one percent are aiming to advance their careers, and the average student age is 32. They already have momentum and are looking for the tools, strategy, and network to level up further.

How Much Does an MBA Cost, on Average?

So, how much is MBA tuition? According to Forbes, the short answer is that the average cost of an MBA now sits slightly over $39,000, but costs range widely from under $20,000 to over $260,000.²

When evaluating costs, it is essential to consider them in relation to your post-MBA earning potential. For example, if the program costs $100,000 but leads to a $20,000 salary increase earned within six months of graduation, you’ll recoup your costs in about five years.

The long answer? It depends on where and how you study. Traditional, on-campus MBAs tend to fall on the high end, especially when you factor in housing, relocation, and income loss incurred while you study.

By comparison, online MBA tuition is often lower, and you can keep your paycheck while you earn your degree. That combination makes pursuing an online program a smart financial move for many working professionals.

Either way, the value of an MBA comes from the opportunities it opens after you graduate, including beating inflation. For instance, a Bloomberg Businessweek report found that between 2018 and 2022, inflation rose by 17.6%, but MBA salaries jumped 28.1%, climbing from $160,000 to an average of $205,000 a year.³

What Affects the Cost of an Online MBA?

Variance in program costs is largely attributable to the fact that every MBA program is built differently. However, a few major factors will affect every bottom line.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is the biggest factor, and most schools calculate it by credit hour or unit. At Santa Clara University, the Online MBA includes 70 required units, typically completed over two years. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the tuition is $1,381 per unit, bringing the total to about $96,670 for the full program.

Then there are the extras, such as technology fees, course materials, and graduation costs. Some programs include everything up front; others bill piecemeal. It's worth reading the breakdown closely when evaluating programs.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if two programs have the same or a similar tuition rate, they may not provide the same level of academic rigor, equivalent career support services, or equally strong alumni networks. The value of those essential elements won't show up on an expenses sheet.

Program Format and Structure

Your decision to choose a part-time or full-time MBA also changes the math. Full-time programs move fast, usually lasting 12 to 18 months, which means a bigger short-term expenditure but a quicker completion. Part-time programs spread the costs across more semesters, which makes tuition easier to manage while you keep working.

As reported in Fortune, part-time MBA programs tend to have lower costs than full-time programs, with in-person part-time MBAs averaging between $38,500–$48,000. Online part-time MBAs come in even lower at around $32,500–$35,500.⁴

Online programs also vary in structure. Some are flexible and self-paced; others have live sessions that mimic the classroom experience. The right format is the one that fits your schedule and keeps you engaged enough to cross the finish line.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Even taking courses online, you'll want to budget for extras, such as:

• Books and materials
• Tech fees for software, platforms, or virtual labs
• Residencies that might include travel and lodging
• Professional memberships to stay connected

Tips for Financing Your Online MBA

Paying for graduate school doesn't have to mean draining your savings. Here are a few ways to make the numbers work:

Apply early for scholarships. Schools often have limited funding, and earlier applicants get priority. Standout applicants to SCU’s Online MBA program, for example, may be eligible for merit-based scholarships of up to $5,000. Once accepted, you'll automatically be considered, and recipients receive their scholarship awards after admission.

Check your company benefits. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for programs that build leadership or business skills.

Compare your aid options. Between federal loans, private scholarships, and flexible payment plans, you might have more choices than you think.

Remember: Timing is money. The longer you wait to start, the longer you delay potential salary growth. Sometimes the cost of not enrolling is the biggest one of all.

Look Beyond Cost: Commit to the Career, Network, and Leadership Future You Want

Is pursuing an MBA worth the cost? At Santa Clara University, the answer is reflected in the Online MBA program’s results. SCU’s Online MBA is ranked #3 nationally for career outcomes, and 92% of alumni report obtaining a salary increase within six months of graduation.

SCU’s Online MBA program connects you directly to the heart of Silicon Valley with a curriculum that emphasizes entrepreneurship, advanced technological expertise, ethical leadership, and authentic application. Courses are taught by faculty who've led teams at global companies, combining academic rigor with real-world insight. The program also offers five concentration options—Leading Innovative Organizations, Finance, Marketing, Data Science and Business Analytics, and Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation—allowing you to develop deep expertise in an area relevant to your goals.

As an Online MBA student, you’ll also gain access to powerful networking opportunities across California and beyond, joining a community that's collaborative, ambitious, and ready to make an impact. Because the program is 100% online, you can build your future from anywhere without putting your life on hold.

Your next leadership role is waiting. To get started, review our admissions requirements and tuition and financial aid information. Additionally, schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor or contact us today to discuss how SCU can accelerate your career.