6 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Engineering under $36K

2025 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in
Engineering from $12,900 to $36,000

Our Top Picks for Affordable Online MBA Programs in Engineering under $36K

Our selection of the top 6 online MBA Programs in Engineering for 2025 was determined through a combination of comprehensive data analysis, key average metrics including tuition, graduate salary, and ROI, and our expert editorial selection. We identified these programs as standing out due to their strong blend of affordability, AACSB accreditation, curriculum quality, and impressive graduate outcomes, offering exceptional value.

Interactive Table: 6 Most Affordable AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs in Engineering

Make a smart investment in your Engineering future. Compare your many options using this sortable table of all AACSB-accredited MBA programs – earn the gold standard credential without the typical high cost. Quickly compare programs using metrics like average Rank, Tuition, Starting Salary, and ROI. Find the program that offers the best potential return for your budget and aligns with your career aspirations. Select any school name to view a comprehensive program profile.

You might also be interested in the top MBA and Master’s degrees in Engineering, regardless of affordability here  Online | In-Person

Rank	University	In State Tuition	Avg. Starting Salary	ROI	State	Online
1	University of Southern Indiana	$12,900	$65,700	409.00%	IN	Yes
2	Lamar University	$13,153	$63,600	384.00%	TX	Yes
3	University of Maine	$19,500	$87,535	349.00%	ME	No
4	Valparaiso University	$30,000	$64,840	116.00%	IN	Yes
5	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	$33,772	$98,500	192.00%	IL	Yes
6	Western New England University	$36,000	$76,300	211.00%	MA	Yes
7	Arizona State University	$60,393	$124,664	106.00%	AZ	Yes
8	Stevens Institute of Technology	$81,880	$85,398	4.00%	NJ	Yes
9	Lawrence Technological University	$83,400	$82,499	-1.00%	MI	Yes
10	Case Western Reserve University	$92,040	$95,875	4.00%	OH	No
11	University of California, Davis	$95,438	$109,075	14.00%	CA	Yes
12	Boston University	$124,248	$120,884	-3.00%	MA	Yes

10 Ways Exceptional Value Meets MBA Affordability in Engineering MBA Programs

Affordable online engineering MBA programs are transforming the landscape for aspiring technical leaders. These top picks combine rigorous business training with specialized engineering management, all while keeping tuition dramatically below national averages. The result? Graduates enjoy high starting salaries, robust ROI, and career mobility that rivals far more expensive and prestigious programs. Explore these ten standout features that set the best affordable engineering MBAs apart-and see why these programs are a smart investment for ambitious engineers.

AACSB Accreditation for Global Recognition

Every program on this list holds AACSB accreditation, a mark of excellence earned by less than 5% of business schools worldwide. This credential ensures your degree is recognized for its academic rigor and opens doors to top employers everywhere. For example, Western New England University and Lamar University both proudly display this gold standard, giving their graduates a competitive edge.

Affordable Tuition and High ROI

With tuition ranging from just $12,900 to $36,000, these programs are priced well below the national average for engineering MBAs. Many offer ROIs above 200%, with some like University of Southern Indiana boasting a remarkable 409%. These numbers prove you don’t have to overpay for a degree that delivers strong financial returns.

100% Online and Flexible Learning

Designed with working professionals in mind, these programs offer fully online or hybrid formats, often with evening and weekend options. Flexibility is key-students at Valparaiso University and University of Maine can complete coursework on their own schedules, making career advancement possible without career interruption.

No GMAT Requirement for Most Applicants

Many top programs waive the GMAT for qualified applicants, streamlining the admissions process and making advanced education more accessible. This means your professional experience and academic achievements take center stage, not standardized test scores. Schools like Lamar University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are leading the way in this student-friendly approach.

Accelerated and Customizable Completion

Several programs offer accelerated pathways, allowing you to finish your MBA in as little as 11 months to three years. Customizable curricula let you tailor your studies with electives in engineering management, project management, or data analytics. Western New England University offers a dual MS/MBA option, saving students over $17,000 and valuable time.

Strong Career Outcomes and Impressive Starting Salaries

Graduates of these programs report starting salaries that often exceed $65,000, with some programs averaging over $87,000. Placement rates are high, with University of Maine graduates earning an average starting salary of $87,535 and a 349% ROI. These outcomes rival those of much more expensive programs.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Courses are taught by faculty with both academic credentials and substantial industry experience. Their mentorship bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring you gain insights that are immediately applicable in the workplace. University of Southern Indiana and Valparaiso University both highlight faculty who are active in their fields and dedicated to student success.

Customizable Concentrations and Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Many programs allow you to specialize in areas such as engineering management, supply chain, or data analytics, drawing on both business and engineering faculty. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you for leadership in a variety of technical and business settings. Lamar University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign both offer a range of concentrations to match your career goals.

Robust Alumni Networks and Employer Partnerships

Top engineering MBA programs foster strong alumni networks and relationships with major employers in engineering, technology, and manufacturing. Students benefit from networking, mentorship, and job placement opportunities that extend well beyond graduation. Lamar University and Western New England University both tout robust industry connections.

Accessible Admissions and Student Support

Rolling admissions, multiple start dates, and a supportive admissions process make it easy to begin your MBA journey. Dedicated student services, career counseling, and academic support are available every step of the way. University of Southern Indiana and Valparaiso University are known for their welcoming approach and commitment to student success.

Affordable online MBA programs in engineering prove that high value doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With AACSB accreditation, flexible formats, and career-focused curricula, these programs offer a direct path to leadership for engineers ready to make an impact. Graduates emerge with the skills, credentials, and connections to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy-often with less debt and a faster return on their educational investment than their peers from pricier institutions.

Find Affordable Online MBA Programs Now Accepting Engineering Applicants

High-Value Affordable Engineering MBA Programs Ranking Methodology

MBAGuide.org’s ranking methodology combines quantitative data (80%) like student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries with qualitative factors (20%) such as editorial ratings and school reputation.

Additionally, for the most affordable and high value programs, we aim to find program tuition well below the national average for that degree, with graduate salaries that are above the national average to competitive to it and graduate ROI of of more than 200% within each degree, enabling prospective students to find high-quality, cost-effective options tailored to their location and career aspirations.

Most Affordable AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs by Concentration