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With online doctorate programs in Business Management, adult learners “sharpen their saw” by pursuing the peak academic level in their field of study at their own pace and schedule while still maintaining their careers. Not only that, distance learning is known for being considerably less expensive than traditional online learning. Here, we dive into finding the cheapest online doctorate degrees available!
Originally published: August 2023
Updated by our BMD team: January 2024
Featured Programs
Beyond the obvious benefits of distance learning, pursuing a reasonably priced online doctorate degree in business management proves to be an excellent choice career-wise. Employment in better and high-paying jobs may require higher education credentials, such as a Ph.D. in Business Management or Administration (DBA).
An affordable online doctorate program in Business Management focuses on equipping students for positions in organizational leadership and explores the multiple facets of managing business such as finance, marketing, and communication.
Career paths such as chief executive roles in multi-billion companies usually hold advanced degrees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted college presidents and school superintendents often require applicants to hold a Ph.D. in Business Management or Administration to hold this position.
Affordable online doctorate degree programs in business management offer the highest level of specialized education in the field. These programs provide students with the skills and qualifications needed to excel in the business world and enhance their career prospects.
Related:
- Business Doctorate Schools
- Fully Funded PhD programs in Business
- Best Online PhD in Public Policy
- Top Online DBA Programs
- 1 Year DBA Program Online
- Benefits of a Doctorate Degree
- PhD Public Administration Online
- Accounting Ph.D. Online
Methodology: Cheapest Online Doctorate Programs
The researchers/writers at Business-Management-Degree.net utilize only the most highly respected resources when selecting colleges and universities for our many lists and rankings. Schools must align with strict criteria previously established before the selection process.
The requirements for the Cheapest Online Doctorate Degree Programs in Business Management included the following:
- Notability among respected academic and statistical resources in journalism
- Well-rounded, high-quality business management-focused doctorate curricula
- Affordable, competitive tuition rates among online schools of business
- Online or hybrid-format availability for maximum flexibility of each program
- Adequate retention and graduation rates
- Outstanding faculty and staff members
- Excellent financial aid resources
- A high-functioning and easy-to-use website and learning platform
For more information about our selection process in finding the cheapest online doctorate degrees, please visit the Methodology Page.
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15 Cheapest Online Doctorate Degree Programs (DBM/DBA)
COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
CSU College of Business
Prominent Program Features:
This provider of higher distance education offers what might be the most affordable online Doctor of Business Administration degrees in the nation.
At only $435, Columbia Southern University has the lowest tuition rate per credit hour than almost all other doctoral programs by several hundred dollars. It is a 61-credit curriculum, and students are free to transfer up to nine credits from another university.
The coursework takes an in-depth look at research and theory and facilitates the development of innovative solutions to global business issues. Graduates exhibit highly advanced decision-making skills and are particularly knowledgeable in technology and data analysis. They are prepared to make a positive difference in the industry and contribute new research findings to the global business community.
Tuition Rate:
- $435 per credit hour
Coursework Sample:
- Technology and Innovation Management
- International Business and Global Strategy
- Negotiations and Business Strategy
Campus Location: Orange Beach, AL
Accreditation:
- Distance Education Accreditation Commission
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 45.8%
Graduation Rate: 53.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S DBA ONLINE
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LU School of Business
Prominent Program Features:
Liberty University, one of the cheapest online doctorate programs on our list, has earned high-ranking positions on catalogs of the finest online schools in America on countless occasions. Its distance education programs, such as the Doctor of Business Administration, are absolutely unmatched in quality and all include strong Christian principles.
Not only is this an incredibly affordable doctoral degree, but it is also one of the fastest, with coursework offered in accelerated 8-week terms.
Liberty allows transfer students to submit up to 75% of the total coursework, which reduces the amount of time spent at this online school even further. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this DBA is its vast array of concentration options. In general, however, the curriculum focuses on refining skills in marketing, professional management, human resources, and communication.
Tuition Rate:
- $595 per credit hour – full-time
- $650 per credit hour – part-time
- $300 per credit hour – military
Concentration Options:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Nonprofit Leadership and Management
- Project Management
- Real Estate Management
- Six Sigma
- Strategic Media and Digital Content
- Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 99.3%
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 28.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DBA DEGREE
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Chapman Graduate School of Business
Prominent Program Features:
Florida International University is another massively popular online school that has accrued astoundingly positive recognition for its excellence. This affordable online Doctor of Business Administration is available through the Chapman School and is provided as a track under the Doctor of Philosophy degree, which offers a slightly different approach to the same field.
It is a three-year, 72-credit curriculum that can be completed in hybrid, on-campus, or fully online formats. The flexible coursework is designed to align with individual career goals and current working environments to enhance students’ abilities to that of top-level executives.
Graduates have a unique understanding of both private and public business sectors after exiting a school ranked number one by CEO Magazine and number five by U.S. News and World Report.
Tuition Rate:
- $900 per credit hour
Coursework Sample:
- Qualitative Research Methods in Business
- Marketing and Behavioral Theory
- Analysis of Corporate Policy Methods
Campus Location: Miami, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 73.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S DOCTORAL DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ONLINE
CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE
CUS School of Business and Management
Prominent Program Features:
The City University of Seattle offers a 91-credit Doctor of Business Administration that can be earned 100% online without any visits to campus. It is also available on-site in Seattle. It is designed for working business professionals seeking the highest possible enhancement of their credentials.
The curriculum offers advanced training in agile business practices, organization interventional thinking, leadership, and critical thinking. The curriculum also allows students to specialize their approach toward specific career goals. The online course model is highly interactive and gives students high-level access to academic and career resources, as well as one-on-one communication with professors.
Tuition Rate:
- $935 per quarter credit
- $5,610 per course
Coursework Sample:
- Technology Implementation and Change Management
- Industry Analysis and Market Innovation
- Business Process Analysis and Strategic Management
Campus Location: Seattle, WA
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 38.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE’S ONLINE DBA PROGRAM
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
The College of Business at WU
Prominent Program Features:
The Wilmington University online Doctor of Business Administration program is one of the most celebrated of its kind. It is highly ranked by numerous well-respected journalistic resources in academia and provides an affordable yet top-quality terminal degree in business. The curriculum is guaranteed to enhance students’ capabilities in complex decision-making and detailed problem-solving.
As a 100% online DBA, it offers an enormous amount of flexibility and personalized scheduling options. All students are partnered with an industry leader and a WU-affiliated organization through a critical evaluation research project during which they put skills in the classroom to use in the real world. Most graduate in about three years after completing 54 doctoral credits.
Tuition Rate:
- $696 per credit hour
- $2,088 per course
Coursework Sample:
- Business Intelligence
- Advanced Seminar in Managerial Finance and Accounting
- Global Management Models
Campus Location: New Castle, DE
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 49.5%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY’S DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA) ONLINE DEGREE
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS
UMGC School of Business
Prominent Program Features:
The University of Maryland Global Campus (formerly UMUC) has recently revamped its distance education delivery system to meet the current demands of online students. Now, its high-tech educational platform provides yet even more outstanding degrees than before!
The DBA is a somewhat shorter doctoral program with 48 required credit hours for graduation instead of 60 or 70, like many others. The curriculum is concise, well-designed, and provides all of the most up-to-date industry-specific information.
UMGC is a great fit for students in the military who can fast-track their degree using their training and experience and who also receive exclusive financial aid options.
Tuition Rate:
- $1,087 per credit hour
Coursework Sample:
- Evidence-Based Research Methods
- Data Analytics in Practice
- Designing Evidence-Based Management Solutions
Campus Location: Adelphi, MD
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 28%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS’ LOW-COST ONLINE DBA PROGRAM
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
CBU School of Business
Prominent Program Features:
California Baptist University is a phenomenal online school that receives glowing recognition on a very regular basis for its achievements in academia.
Each distance education program, including its prestigious online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), includes a solid foundation in Christ-centered coursework. It is a 56-credit accelerated degree with coursework delivered in eight-week terms.
Students typically finish the entire curriculum in about three years. Classes are designed with a cohort model to emphasize teamwork and leadership throughout the program and dissertation process. Among DBA degrees in America, CBU offers an incredibly affordable option with generous financial aid options.
Tuition Rate:
- $795 per unit
Coursework Sample:
- Foundations of Organization and Management
- Financial Analysis for Decision-Making
- International Business in Global Markets
Campus Location: Riverside, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 63.7%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 61.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA)
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
CUC College of Business
Prominent Program Features:
Concordia University Chicago is a fabulous purveyor of distance education that has appeared on innumerable catalogs and rankings of the country’s best online schools.
The Doctor of Business Administration was specifically designed for the working adult professional who has limited time to contribute to an in-depth program. As such, it offers a tremendous amount of flexibility and leniency.
Students have four exciting concentration options that specialize the curriculum in various innovative discipline areas. Upon graduating from CUC, alumni have highly refined skills in the critical examination of leadership, business, and applied research and are prepared to take on challenging goals both commercially and independently.
Tuition Rate:
- $963 per credit hour
Concentration Options:
- Strategic Leadership and Innovation
- Innovation in Health Care Management
- Innovations in Human Resources
- Marketing Innovations
Campus Location: River Forest, IL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 87.8%
Retention Rate: 57%
Graduation Rate: 46.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO’S ONLINE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DOCTORATE
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
Colangelo College of Business
Prominent Program Features:
Grand Canyon University is another of the most celebrated and popular online schools. The institution is incredibly well-steeped in distance education delivery and provides a whole host of various programs.
The Doctor of Business Administration degree online has three concentration options that direct students toward significantly different areas of the discipline. The coursework is highly specialized, but the curriculum includes valuable foundational classes in critical pillars of business.
Graduates from GCU have used their DBA degrees to earn positions as CEOs, CDOs, strategic innovation managers, business intelligence directors, and other high-paying titles with vital responsibility.
Tuition Rate:
- $725 per credit hour
Concentration Options:
- Data Analytics
- Management
- Marketing
Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Acceptance Rate: 82.8%
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 47.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY DOCTORAL DEGREES IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ONLINE
VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration
Prominent Program Features:
Valdosta State University’s doctoral tuition for its Public Administration degree is shockingly affordable. At $293 per credit hour, readers would be hard-pressed to find as prestigious a school with as low a rate.
It is even less expensive than many undergraduate and certificate programs in the U.S. As a Doctor of Public Administration, as opposed to a DBA, it has a slightly different curricular approach but prepares students for similar high-level employment positions in business.
It is designed to build upon previous knowledge and experience and puts particular emphasis on research skills in public administration. The coursework in this cheapest online doctorate program prepares students for a vast range of potential careers, and graduates now work as CIOs, city managers, budget analysts, environmental health administrators, and more.
Tuition Rate:
- $293 per credit hour
- $879 per three-hour course
Coursework Sample:
- Culture of Formal Work Organizations
- Financial Management for Public and Non-Governmental Organizations
- Information and Data Management
Campus Location: Valdosta, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 76.4%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 39.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY’S DOCTOR OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ONLINE
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT UNIVERSITY
WHTU School of Business
Prominent Program Features:
One of the most distinctive attributes of the William Howard Taft University online Doctor of Business Administration is its billing structure. At this distance education institution, students pay $360 per month (along with an array of various fees paid at different times throughout the academic calendar) and during that time are free to complete as many credit hours as possible.
This tuition method, alone, sets WHTU far apart from many other online schools, including numerous colleges and universities on this very ranking. The program as a whole puts a focus on leadership and management, as well as domestic business throughout the entire United States. The elective options allow students to personalize the degree in an area of their choosing.
Tuition Rate:
- $360 per credit
Coursework Sample:
- Legal Environment for Managing Employees
- Global Strategic Management
- Negotiations and Dispute Settlement
Campus Location: Denver, CO
Accreditation:
- Distance Education Accreditation Commission
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A
Graduation Rate: 47.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
HU School of Business
Prominent Program Features:
While Hampton University does not formally offer a Doctor of Business Administration yet (plans are in motion for an online DBA in the near future), students can still take advantage of a marvelously affordable Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration distance degree. This program builds upon the knowledge and skills of an MBA and is guaranteed to drastically enhance the career of any business professional.
While the bulk of the curriculum is completed online, two four-week residency requirements take place during the summer, each of which accounts for 12 credit hours. Upon exiting Hampton University, graduates have the educational foundation to earn positions of terminal responsibility at an organization or in academia.
Tuition Rate:
- $695 per credit hour
Coursework Sample:
- Teaching Methodology
- Managerial Economics
- Empirical Research Methods
Campus Location: Hampton, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
Acceptance Rate: 80.1%
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 56.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – ST. LOUIS
UMSL College of Business
Prominent Program Features:
The University of Missouri at St. Louis offers an affordable hybrid-style Doctor of Business Administration degree wherein students complete the majority of their coursework online and attend campus for three specialty weekend trips.
For students who prefer at least minimal face-to-face interaction, this option is unbeatable. The faculty and staff are hyper-supportive, and the curriculum can be finished in three years or less.
Alongside the DBA, there is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Administration available through UMSL, as well. Graduates from the doctorate have the knowledge and skills to conduct intensive research with the goal of utilizing their findings for practical decision-making throughout global markets and national government agencies.
Tuition Rate:
- $1,680 per credit hour
Coursework Sample:
- Supply Chain Management
- Talent Acquisition, Management, and Retention
Campus Location: St. Louis, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Acceptance Rate: 56.6%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 62.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS’ DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE
WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
WBU School of Business
Prominent Program Features:
This superbly affordable online Doctor of Management (DMGT) program from Wayland Baptist University is offered 100% at a distance with zero required campus visits.
It is a 60-credit curriculum that provides a comfortable range of coursework emphases in project design, organizational behavior and theory, human resource management, and management theory. It is also an accelerated online management doctorate with classes that span eight weeks in length.
Graduates are steeped in research techniques and are capable of utilizing a tremendous array of various business management theories simultaneously. Wayland Baptist maintains sixteen different locations throughout Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, and students can access the virtual classroom from anywhere in the country.
Tuition Rate:
- $845 per credit hour
Coursework Sample:
- Qualitative Methods
- Human Resource Management and Strategy
- Organizational Theory and Development
Campus Location: Plainview, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 80.8%
Retention Rate: 49%
Graduation Rate: 52.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF MANAGEMENT
WESTCLIFF UNIVERSITY
WU College of Business
Prominent Program Features:
Westcliff University offers a comprehensive Doctor of Business Administration online degree designed to provide a well-rounded lens into the highest levels of business management. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on advanced leadership and decision-making skills, as well as highly refined applied research and theory.
There are four exciting concentration options, and, otherwise, students take courses that deeply explore the most pressing challenges affecting the industry today, such as globalization, corporate social responsibility, and management change. Classes can be taken in either hybrid or fully online formats and are flexible enough to accommodate even the busiest personal and professional schedules.
Tuition Rate:
- $855 per credit hour
Concentration Options:
- Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
- Strategic Leadership in the 21st Century
- Information Technology Management
- Applied Computer Science (STEM)
Campus Location: Irvine, CA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 67%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTCLIFF UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA) PROGRAM
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Doctorate Programs in Business Management?
Individuals who want to pursue an in-depth understanding of business analysis and research may want to look into a doctorate program in Business Management. Most of these cheapest online doctorate programs will be full-time and on-campus only, but with the advent of distance learning, many online Ph.D. programs are now offered by several schools.
Typically, doctorate programs require at least five years to finish, with three years dedicated to research and dissertation writing. Specializations may include:
- Sociology
- Economics
- Management Science
- Operations Management
- Information Technology
- Organizational Behavior
Is a Doctorate in Business Management worth it?
It depends on your individual career and educational goals. A doctorate in business management can be a great asset and open up opportunities and job prospects that may not be available otherwise. It can also give you an edge in the business world with your research and writing skills.
However, it is important to consider the costs versus the potential rewards before investing in a doctorate degree.
What are the top advantages of earning a Doctorate Program in Business Management?
Individuals who have a doctorate in Business Management enjoy an edge over others who only earned a bachelor’s degree. Ph.D. graduates are expected to possess a better understanding of business and the market. They are also capable of creating ethical and scholarly research through the lenses of traditional and technological methods and applying theories in leading an organization efficiently.
Larger and well-known enterprises pay Ph.D. holders higher for their services. A Ph.D. in Business management will mean instant credibility in various fields of interest, such as sales, marketing, athletics, and teaching. The returns may prove lucrative in the long run.
What are the job options and salaries of a Doctorate in Business Management?
Aside from exuding a sense of authority in their field of study, Ph.D. holders also have better job options with higher salaries. They find lucrative careers as business analysts, academic teachers, and researchers.
According to the BLS, an average annual wage of $107,360 is earned by those holding management positions, while general and operations managers with a doctorate can expect an average pay of $122,860. Market researchers are likely to have a 13% job outlook, with 23% for operations researchers until 2032.
Graduates may take an academic approach and teach students in universities hence contributing to developing innovative methods in the business arena.