The overall cost of an MBA in the USA can vary depending on the university and the student's lifestyle choices. Tuition fees and living expenses are the two main categories of costs. The average tuition fee for an MBA in the USA is around USD 65,000 per year, with an additional USD 19,700 per year for living expenses. Managing funds is not a cup of tea for everyone. This is especially true when considering the sizable costs of studying abroad. So, looking for the cheapest options has become very common.
The good news here is that “cheapest” does not have to mean poorer quality. Here are the cheapest MBA programs in the USA for international students that check the box for affordability and top-class education.
1. University of South Dakota
The reason the University of South Dakota lands in the first place is its outstanding MBA program. The course scores within the top 5% in both management and marketing, and places in the top 10% in the remaining three categories of financial management, strategic integration, and managerial accounting. Compared to other universities in the US, the University of South Dakota offers its MBA program way cheaper. You can apply for their Business Administration: Finance (MBA) and Accelerated Business Administration (MBA) programs as both of them are on-site programs.
2. The City University of New York
The City University of New York is a renowned public institution in the USA. This University provides quality education to 500,000 students of all ages and backgrounds, with a history of creating inclusive education opportunities stretching as far back as 1847. CUNY’s MBA program is one of the most famous MBA programs around the world. The university's annual tuition is $19,000, which is comparatively very inexpensive for international students. The CUNY ranks among the top 450 universities in the world for Business & Management Studies, according to QS Top Universities. An MBA here promises you the bang for your buck, with a recognized yet affordable degree. Before finishing the 150 semester hours of instruction necessary to become a CPA, students are encouraged to sit for the CPA Exam by the NY State Board for Public Accountancy. The City University of New York provides financial aid in the form of scholarships and student loans. This creates further opportunities for a bit of financial wiggle room! So, you can undoubtedly keep this on your wishlist.
3. University at Buffalo
If you want to follow your passion, work more efficiently, advance faster, explore new courses, and push yourself to reach your full potential while still making a difference in the world and earning money, you can go for the MBA program at the University at Buffalo. The University at Buffalo offers full-time, online, and professional MBAs. They have two MBA programs on-site and one online. About 93% of their students receive employment 3 months after graduation! And the good news is, there are no strict rules for GMAT/GRE/IELTS enrollment. Your total cost for the completion of your MBA degree will be under $20,000.
4. Cameron University
The MBA program at Cameron University has the lowest tuition fees for the program in Oklahoma. This program offers traditional and Interactive courses to meet your needs. The university’s highly qualified faculty are recognized leaders and experts in their industry. All of the graduate faculty in the Department of Business hold doctorate degrees. They have almost 20 years of experience teaching in higher education, so you’ll be under the wing of subject-matter experts! Cameron University will charge you $638.00 per semester hour. So, the total cost will depend on the total credit hours you take.
5. Southeast Missouri State University
Being a graduate student at Southeast Missouri State University involves more than just getting good grades. You're here to challenge yourself, progress in your profession, and discover your potential. The faculty members will be right there by your side at every turn. Their comprehensive curriculum, research, and assistantship possibilities will not only bring you where you want to go but will also position you to advance further than you ever imagined. Southeast Missouri State University is one of the cheapest universities in the USA to attend for an MBA program. This does not make it any less of a great institution for your academic goals though! Only 10% of business universities in the US are completely recognized by AACSB, the leading certification body for business administration universities. Southeast Missouri State University is one of these AACSB-accredited schools. You can be assured that at this university you will receive a degree of the finest standard with a cost of $663.25 per semester hour.
Top MOI Accepting Universities in the USA
If you are in doubt about whether you can access a first-class education without taking an English proficiency test, lay those worries to rest. Several of the best universities in the USA - and indeed the world - accept English as the medium of instruction as a valid alternative to proficiency tests! Here is UniSearch's top picks for institutions that accept MOI


