Considering the great potential for careers in global business, many students are considering an International Business MBA. There are a few options to help you save money on an International Business MBA degree. Many schools offer an affordable MBA in International Business program that helps you earn the degree you’re seeking without a hefty price tag. Depending on your goals, you can get your career started sooner and with less debt than your peers, or pay as you go in order to keep schooling costs affordable. A student can participate in a quality educational program and get a degree that’s well-regarded by employers without having to go heavily into debt.
Schools that have an online program for an International Business MBA degree can be surprisingly affordable. Educational costs tend to be lower due to the fact the school doesn’t have cover the cost of a physical location for students to attend. If you’re not sure about the reputation of a school’s program, search for reviews from students who have graduated and look for accreditation from a reputable organization.
Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable International Business MBA Programs
Working adults and other students who are paying their own way for an International Business MBA want programs that won’t force them to pay off debt for the rest of their lives. That’s why Great Business Schools editors have ranked accredited, reputable programs according to one crucial factor: tuition cost, according to current IPEDS data.
1. University of Michigan-Dearborn
If you’re looking for the most affordable international business MBA, look no further than the University of Michigan-Dearborn. UM-Dearborn offers an MBA in international business. There is one international business course required as part of the core curriculum, and the international business concentration is made up of three additional courses in international business. Course choices include the global economy, international financial management, global marketing, international dimensions of management, and supply chain management.
The College of Business at the University of Michigan-Dearborn provides students with many paths to reach their business leadership goals. The school was one of the first in the US to offer an online MBA, and it continues to offer working professionals the flexibility they need to be able to advance their careers without taking time off from work. Students learn to embrace entrepreneurship in order to boost the economy through their businesses.
Highlight The MBA with a concentration in international business is available 100% online.
Degree International Business MBA
2. University of Washington
Students seeking the most affordable international business MBA should consider the University of Washington’s Foster MBA combined with a certificate in global business. The global business certificate is available to MBA students who complete the community networking and resources requirement, participate in an international experience, and complete the required curriculum. To meet the requirements for the international experience, students can either take advantage of the MBA Exchange Program or complete two of the following: foreign language study, a global business study tour, an MBA practicum experience, prior international work experience, globally-focused case competitions, or globally-focused community service.
Due to its location in Seattle, the Foster School of Business has strong relationships with businesses such as Microsoft, Amazon, and T-Mobile. This leads to consulting opportunities and internships for students. U.S. News & World Report ranked Foster #1 for salary-to-debt ratio.
Highlight The Foster School of Business has a 99% job placement rate.
Degree MBA + Certificate in Global Business
3. Troy University
The International Business MBA from Troy University is another of the most affordable international business MBAs. This program provides a foundation in business administration with advanced studies in international management in a global business environment. Students become proficient in using the behavioral, technical, and analytical tools required to success in international business. The program prepares students to be leaders in the international business community. Graduates will be able to lead global organizations in the ever-changing global environment.
The Sorrell College of Business is dedicated to helping students achieve their professional and educational goals. The school has highly-qualified faculty members with diverse business and academic backgrounds. Sorrell values ethics, humility, honesty, work ethic, and the entrepreneurial spirit. The school is accredited b y the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Highlight Faculty members at The Sorrell College of Business have real-world experience to help their students succeed.
Degree Global Business MBA
4. Clayton State University
Another good choice for students seeking the most affordable international business MBA is Clayton State University. The program produces graduates who understand the global economy and can deal with sociocultural issues and analyze international operational concerns. Students who complete the program are prepared for managerial and leadership positions in the international business landscape. Students learn about technology, marketing, human resources, production, accounting, and financial management.
The College of Business at Clayton State University provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers. The curriculum is AACSB-accredited and provides a broad business foundation combined with specialized coursework related to the student’s major. Students learn work skills that will help them succeed in a technology-driven world.
Highlight The program is made up of 12 courses, including the courses for the international business concentration.
Degree International Business MBA
5. University of North Alabama
The MBA in global business from the University of North Alabama is one of the most affordable international business MBAs in the US. In addition to the 25-credit MBA core, students must complete advanced concepts in global business as well as two of the following: international experience/internship; global business structures, mergers, and acquisitions; or global entrepreneurship and business expansion. The core courses include global business, business ethics and responsibility in a global economy, corporate financial strategy, and leadership.
The College of Business at the University of North Alabama offers a variety of business degree programs, both online and on campus. The school is committed to helping working adults meet their educational goals. The Institute Fellows program allows students to earn money while helping local organizations find solutions to important problems.
Highlight The University of North Alabama’s online MBA program was ranked #17 in the world by CEO Magazine.
Degree International Business
6. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University has a flexible MBA with a specialization in international business that is one of the most affordable international business MBAs in the country. This program provides a foundation in business management and helps students improve their leadership and managerial skills. Students pursuing the international business concentration earn 12 credits of electives in international business courses. Graduates of the International Business MBA will have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in jobs that have a global focus.
At the College of Business at Florida Atlantic University, students get experience doing the sorts of things they will have to do in the real world after graduation: analyzing analytics, solving financial problems, developing polls, and writing business plans. Students work with their professors on ground-breaking research and learn to be successful business leaders. The school’s programs are accredited by AACSB.
Highlight Most of the faculty members in the management program have doctoral degrees.
Degree International Business MBA
7. University of South Florida
As one of the most affordable international business MBAs, the MBA with a concentration in international business from the University of South Florida helps students prepare for a business career that transcends cultural and national boundaries. For the international business concentration, students must select three courses from the following: international business experience, special topics: global entrepreneurship, international marketing management, international management, managing international cultural differences, or international financial management.
The USF Muma College of Business has an entrepreneurship center, one of the best accounting schools in the country, top-notch research faculty, and a nationally-ranked MBA program. USF has a business honors program for high-achieving high school students entering the business school and a corporate mentor program that matches first-generation college students with mentors from local businesses. The school is AACSB-accredited.
Highlight The school hosts two Corporate Connections events each year to enable graduate students to network with corporate recruiters.
Degree International Business MBA
8. Texas A&M University – Commerce
The MBA in international administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce is another of the most affordable international business MBAs. The program is designed for students who want to learn marketable skills, switch career, advance to senior managerial positions, or increase their business acumen. Students learn marketing, management, finance, and accounting as well as gaining strategic leadership and analytical skills. Graduates will gain an understanding of cultural, political, global, regulatory, ethical, and social concerns in international business.
Texas A&M University-Commerce is home to over 100 academic programs that prepare students to make a difference in the world. There are small classes, and students can participate in one-on-one mentorship with faculty members. Students have access to opportunities for research, internships, and participation in student organizations. Graduates work for companies such as Honeywell, Wells Fargo Bank, the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, and KTEN Television.
Highlight The school has a Management Club that provides experiences such as local business tours and networking events.
Degree International Administration MBA
9. University of Houston-Clear Lake
Another program students seeking the most affordable international business MBA should consider is the MBA in international business from the University of Houston—Clear Lake. The program reflects the global nature of today’s business environment by preparing students to work for multinational corporations that serve consumers around the world. Students learn about business fundamentals such as marketing strategy, management, finance, and accounting as well as subjects such as global sustainability and strategic advantage, international finance, and international accounting.
The University of Houston—Clear Lake has over 9,000 students and 73,000 alumni. Students can interact with faculty members and gain from their experience. The diverse campus allows students to experience a global perspective. The College of Business transforms students into leaders who are prepared to handle global business challenges.
Highlight This program is available online, on campus, or as a hybrid program.
Degree International Business MBA
10. Fort Hays State University
The MBA in international business from Fort Hays State University is another of the most affordable international business MBAs. This program gives students a strong knowledge base in foreign trade consulting, business development management, marketing management, and international trading. The courses required for the concentration include international finance, international economics, and international marketing. Students gain an international perspective as they study marketing programs, pricing, working capital management, the foundations of international trade, and more.
Fort Hays State University is the leading state university in the Midwest. The school has award-winning programs that are available and accessible to students of every background. The faculty and staff are committed to seeing their students succeed. The school is located in a friendly town that has a close-knit community that feels like family. Students unlock their true potential at Fort Hays State University.
Highlight This program is available both online and on campus.
Degree International Business MBA
How Do I Save Money on an International Business MBA?
An accelerated degree program is another option to save money on an MBA in International Business. Some schools offer the opportunity to apply undergraduate degree credits to the International Business MBA which lets you save time and money. Another form of the accelerated degree program is going to school without taking a break between fall and spring semesters. Going to school non-stop can be intense, even exhausting, but the pay-off comes in the form of graduating in less time than students who opt to attend for a traditional pace of education.
You can also opt to take your time getting your International Business MBA. This is more of a strategy than it is a program that helps you save money on the degree. However, if you don’t have the time to take an accelerated degree program, you may find that attending classes as you can afford them is effective at helping you save money.
How Much Can I Make with an MBA in International Business MBA?
The average MBA International Business salaries range between $48,000 and $68,000 upon graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for management analysis is $85,260 per year. The salary for an MBA in International Business closely tracks that of the traditional MBA due to the similarity between the degrees in terms of education and career focus. Someone who decides they prefer to get an MBA in International Business can expect to have the same earning power as someone who has an MBA.
The International Business MBA has a specialized focus in working with businesses around the world as opposed to the U.S. only. This can translate into higher earnings as the career advances and knowledge deepens. Employers are usually willing to pay more money to gain access to someone who has a highly desirable skill set that fewer people possess.
Will a Certification in International Business Help My Career?
International Business certifications can help your career grow due to globalization. If you have an International Business certification along with an MBA and experience working in business management, you could find yourself in high demand by employers. Many organizations are seeking people with International Business certification due to their ability to work in a variety of advanced roles. Someone who has an international business certification can find employment in positions that include:
Logistics Manager
Logistics involves transporting goods from its place of origin to a destination. Because a majority of manufacturing is performed overseas, the logistics manager has to be capable of getting a product shipped out of one country and delivered in another. Logistics can include getting customs to clear the shipment for departure or arrival, arranging transport between countries before it reaches a port, and ensuring that the shipment arrives at its destination with the least amount of disruption. The logistics manager needs to be sensitive to the culture of the country of origin while being mindful of their employers needs.
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager has the job of overseeing the creation and roll-out of marketing campaigns for an employer or client. Understanding the local culture is part of creating a marketing campaign as it’s important to appeal to people’s sensibilities in a familiar fashion. Someone who has earned an International Business certification has the requisite training and experience to apply to an overseas marketing campaign and make it appeal to the local culture.
Banking Manager
International banks are always in need of people with certification in International Business Management. This role handles such tasks as legal compliance in various countries, training staff to be aware of the international laws that affect the work they do, handling security issues for different countries, and making sure that customers receive the service they’re accustomed to.
Getting a certification in International Business on top of an MBA or undergraduate degree can help you grow your career. You open yourself up to employment opportunities with international organizations and travel overseas to live and work in locations you never thought possible.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief