In the most basic sense, business is about acquiring or creating something for cost $X in order to generate profit >$X.
Everything else is fluff… or a non-profit.
The same is true of your advanced business degree. You need to know that what you are spending for an MBA is going to provide juicy returns year after year over the course of the career it unlocks for you. It’s not a whole lot more complicated than that.
While you’ll naturally optimize that profit potential through value-add, hard work, and innovation, there’s also another technique that has been time-tested and proven in the business world for thousands of years: keep your capital costs to a minimum.
That’s exactly why it’s worth considering the most affordable MBA options through California’s world class public university system.
But, of course, cost really isn’t the half of it. Saving on upfront costs doesn’t mean much if your education can’t deliver the rigor and connections that define what the MBA experience is all about. There’s no quality compromise here. For generations, California’s public universities have proven that an elite level of education from a business school with a name that evokes respect doesn’t have to come with a price tag that makes you wince.
Public Universities Already Represent a Value Proposition for California Residents
The University of California and California State University systems together make up the largest state-supported public university system in the nation. All told, California drops around $45 billion a year into higher education and student financial aid. That’s money that comes back to you as a student, through:
- Subsidized college services and operations
- Financial aid awards
- Community supports and long-term investment in relationships with California businesses
Those features can make public universities even more of a value than the sticker price suggests. They also boost the utility of these programs through your exposure to diversity, community, and a vast alumni network that no private school can compete with.
A Simple Equation Delivers a List of High-Value, High-Results Public University MBA Programs
Trying to pack all those advantages into a calculation for affordability would be getting a little too cute. Our methodology for picking the most affordable California public MBA programs doesn’t require a course in quantitative methods to understand:
- We compiled a list of every available MBA degree in the state
- Using sources from the schools themselves, we determined the per credit cost for residents (in-state tuition), and the total number of credits required to complete the program
- For schools operating on a quarter system, we converted those values to a semester basis to ensure fair comparisons
- We then calculated the total cost of the program, and determined the overall state average for public universities
- Schools that come in below that average make the cut
Of course, even the most price sensitive MBA candidate doesn’t make their pick based on price alone. As you’re well aware, it’s not just the curriculum that drives value in an MBA—it’s networking, connections, reputation.
Students paying six figures for an MBA at UCLA are not given magic incantations to conjure profits. They read the same texts and learn the same lessons as students paying a fraction of the price right down the 405 at CSU Long Beach.
The reality for most MBA graduates is that their important business networking circles will primarily be local and regional. You don’t benefit from rubbing shoulders with future Fortune 500 execs who are heading back to New York after graduation to make power plays on Wall Street. Your career will be built with the assistance of vendors, suppliers, and customers cultivated out here in Golden Bear territory.
These will tend to be exactly the people you pull late-night study sessions with, work on class projects with, and form tight connections with. State universities are wired into the fabric of California’s business community. Local businesses hire graduates from these schools, and alumni stay connected, able to pick up the phone and tap into the brain trust of former classmates even decades after graduating.
The Data You Need to Pick an MBA that Will Deliver for You
The more you know about your options, the better choices you will make.
So we’re doing more here than just laying out a list of school names and website links. Instead, we’re filling you in with some standard data that you can use to help narrow down your selections even further:
- Total estimated cost of completing the program
- The amount that comes in below the state average, illustrating your exact savings
- Concentration options available for the degree
- Any specialty business accreditations the school holds
- Other related degree programs the school offers
- The program format, whether online, on campus, or a hybrid of both
- A link back to the program website for more details straight from the source
You’ll also find extra information about the features that make each of these schools a unique value proposition. If they have a strong track record of coming in high on the lists of reputable MBA evaluators like Princeton Review, we’ll tell you about it. If there’s a strong alumni network that provides a link to global business, it’s in the notes. If graduate outcomes put the final proof in black ink, it gets a mention.
Beyond that, we give you a sketch of what it’s like to attend each of these universities. That means noting unique opportunities for international study projects, or why exactly a particular concentration track offers the precise curriculum blend for certain career goals. We talk about how the available formats impact your day-to-day experience in the program, from tight-knit cohorts to incredibly flexible online scheduling that flows easily around your current commitments.
The Most Affordable MBAs Offered Through California’s World Class Public University System
Here you’ll find every single MBA available through California’s public university system with a total tuition cost at or below the state average of approximately $45-grand.
And along with that you’ll find all the important details you need to understand how an MBA that doesn’t come with a Tier 25 price tag can still land you a top-tier career in your field.
California State University Monterey Bay
College of Business
Seaside, CA
Website
MBA – Responsible Business (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,950
Total tuition comes in at $26,656 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Major in (Business Administration, Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Management), Minors in (Business, Nonprofit Management), SAS Business Analytics Joint Certification Program
- Earn your MBA in as few as 16 months
- CSUMB alumni report receiving an average salary increase of 23% either during or upon completion of the program
- Ranked among the top regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked among the top regional universities in the West for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report
The California State University Monterey Bay Online MBA in Responsible Business offers unmatched value and convenience. Offered at nearly $27,000 below the state average for public university MBAs and delivered in a fully online format, this program is focused on a Responsible Business curriculum that’s aimed at the themes of Innovation, Responsibility, Impact – the elements of profit, people, planet, ethics, and equity. This program, the first of its kind in the nation focused on responsible business, features 30 credits that take just 16-months to complete. In addition to its value-focused tuition, the price of the Online MBA in Responsible Business also includes books and an international consulting project. Students of this program enjoy a dynamic learning environment that features small class sizes (classes are capped at 30 students each) and outstanding opportunities to engage with your peers and instructors on case studies.
California State University, Stanislaus | Stanislaus State
College of Business Administration
Turlock, CA
Website
Evening MBA (on-campus, online)
Executive MBA (Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance) (on-campus)
Online MBA (Finance, Human Resource Management, Digital Marketing) (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $21,240
Total tuition comes in at $23,336 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: BSBA with concentrations in (Accounting, Finance, Computer Information Systems, General Business, Management, Marketing, Operations Management)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Choose from three MBA designs to suit your specific needs – face-to-face Evening MBA; accelerated, 15-month Executive MBA, or Online MBA
- Customize your MBA with an exciting selection of electives/concentrations
- Ranked among the top universities in the nation for 19 consecutive years by the Princeton Review
- Named among America’s Best Colleges by Money.com
Stanislaus State is committed to offering value and a personalized learning experience with a full slate of MBAs tailored to different needs and goals. Priced nearly $24,000 below the state average for public university MBAs, Stanislaus State immediately stands out from the crowd. And the three MBA options available through Stanislaw ensure there’s a perfect fit for every business student. The Evening MBA features on-campus, evening courses and a curriculum design that best serves recent business grads and young professionals. The Executive MBA boasts an accelerated, 15-month cohort design, Saturday classes, and a curriculum that’s designed for working professionals. And the Online MBA boasts a distance-based course of study that features an asynchronous online design for maximum flexibility and convenience.
San Francisco State University
Lam Family College of Business
San Francisco, CA
Website
MBA for Biotech Professionals (online, hybrid)
MBA for Executives (online, hybrid)
MBA Flexible (online, hybrid)
MBA Fast Track (online, hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $21,240
Total tuition comes in at $23,336 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Accountancy, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Quantitative Economics, BSBA, BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management, BA in Economics, BA in Labor and Employment Studies, Scholar’s Program options in (Accounting, Decision Sciences, Economics) (scholar’s program is a bridge between undergrad and grad degrees with some shared credits)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Ranked among the Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools based on the quality of their MBA program and student career outcomes
- Most classes delivered in a convenient hybrid format that features once-weekly classes paired with online study
- MBA Fast Track – earn your degree in as little as 12 months
San Francisco State University’s MBA offers an outstanding value in graduate tuition and the option of four MBA designs for a customizable course of study. Led by an experienced faculty and delivered as a rigorous curriculum that’s focused on real-world business challenges, San Francisco State’s MBA is recognized for its academic excellence by esteemed publications like the Princeton Review. Choose the MBA for Executives and you’ll join a 13-month cohort model program that’s designed for professionals with at least seven years of full-time professional work experience. Choose the MBA for Biotech Professionals and you’ll be part of a 32-month cohort that’s designed for professionals with significant experience in the biotech life-sciences industry. Choose the MBA Flexible, which features convenient, afternoon and evening classes and the option of completing it anywhere from 12 to 36 months. Or choose the MBA Fast-Track and you’ll earn your MBA in as little as 12 months.
California State University Northridge
David Nazarian College of Business and Economics
Northridge, CA
Website
Nazarian Part-Time MBA (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $21,549
Total tuition comes in at $23,057 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MPAcc, MS in Taxation, Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, BS in (Accountancy-Professional Accountancy, Accountancy-Information Systems, Business Administration-Business Analytics, Business Administration-Business Law, Business Administration-Financial Planning, Business Administration-Global Supply Chain Management, Business Administration-Management, Business Administration-Marketing, Business Administration-Real Estate, Business Administration-Risk Management and Insurance, Business Administration-Systems and Operations Management, Information Systems-Business Systems, Information Systems-Computer Information Technology, Information Systems-Health Systems, Information Systems-Software Technology), BA in Economics, Minors in (Business Analytics, Business Ethics, Business Law, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, HR Management, Information Systems, Interactive Marketing, Management, Marketing, Quality Management and Assurance, Real Estate)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Ranked among California’s Best MBA Schools and Programs by the Princeton Review
- Part-time MBA program designed for working professionals
- One of the largest business schools in the country with 6,700 Students
- Ranked a top college for business majors by Money Magazine
The California State University Northridge Nazarian Part-Time MBA offers real value in a design that’s focused on preparing working professionals to manage innovation in our digital world. This program enjoys plenty of accolades from esteemed publications like the Princeton Review and is led by an esteemed faculty who bring their real-life experiences to the classroom. Small class sizes here support lively learning experiences that include business simulations and client-based projects. Courses are taken in the evenings and on occasional Saturdays. The curriculum’s flexible design features just two courses per semester, offering an easily manageable course of study for working professionals.
Sonoma State University
College of Science Technology and Business, School of Business
Rohnert Park, CA
Website
MBA in Wine Business (on-campus)
Executive MBA in Wine Business (on-campus)
MBA – Purpose Driven (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $21,948
Total tuition comes in at $22,658 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Minor in Business Administration, BSBA with concentrations in (Accounting, Finance, Financial Management, Management, Marketing, Wine Business Strategies, Special Concentration), Certificates in (Wine Business Management, Wine Industry Finance and Accounting
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Choose from three MBA formats – MBA: Purpose Driven for individuals with at least two years of business experience; MBA: Wine Business Concentration for individuals with experience in the wine industry; and MBA Executive Wine Business, an online, 18-month program for senior wine industry professionals
- Outstanding record of student success – the Executive MBA and Executive Wine MBA reported a 25 percent average return on investment
Sonoma State University offers an outstanding value in graduate education and no less than three unique MBA designs for today’s current and aspiring business professionals. Whether you come to Sonoma State with business experience or experience specific to the wine industry, you’ll find an MBA program here that meets your professional goals. Sonoma State’s MBAs are known for their student-centered learning approach that boasts one-on-one attention and outstanding guidance from an expert faculty, the best in local industry connections, an expansive alumni network, and a sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven approach to learning.
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
School of Business
Arcata, CA
Website
MBA (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $22,144
Total tuition comes in at $22,462 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: BSBA with concentrations in (Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management and Entrepreneurship, Marketing), Minor in Business Administration
- Specialty Business Accreditation: IACBE
- Ranked among the Best of the West by the Princeton Review
- Ranked among the top public schools and top regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Unique focus on strategic sustainability
California State Polytechnic University Humboldt combines affordability and a modern education with a strong sense of what’s around the corner in the world of business. With a focus on strategic sustainability, Cal Poly Humboldt’s MBA has become a recognized leader in sustainability and natural resource management. Featuring a one-year design, the MBA boasts evening courses for outstanding convenience and flexibility geared to working professionals. The program’s focus on strategic sustainability addresses many of today’s most disruptive challenges, including resource scarcity and political volatility. At CalPoly Humboldt, you’ll find an MBA aimed at producing responsible leaders who can deliver best practices and innovative thought for today’s organizations.
California State University Channel Islands
Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics
Camarillo, CA
Website
MBA (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $22,200
Total tuition comes in at $22,406 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Postbaccalaureate (Graduate) Certificate in Business Administration, Dual MBA-MS in Biotechnology, BS in Business, BA in Economics, Business online completion program, Minor in Business Management, Minor in Economics
- Specialty Business Accreditation: ACBSP
- Modular course design features a focus on industry relevant content
- Practical, skills-based education boasts small class sizes for personalized learning
California State University Channel Island’s MBA has become a leader in value in California and a model of excellence recognized around the country. Offering a dynamic blend of academic rigor with real-world experiences, the MBA produces graduates who serve as high-achieving business leaders who have the skills to compete in our multicultural, global business environment. This program comes complete with a modular course structure that’s aimed at delivering industry-relevant content, evening classes, and a practical, skills-based education with a focus on international business and entrepreneurial innovation. Ready to take your MBA globally? This MBA also offers a short-term study-abroad option.
California State University San Marcos
College of Business Administration
San Marcos, CA
Website
Fully-Employed MBA Program (hybrid)
Specialized MBA Program (Supply Chain Management, International Business, Business Analytics) (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $22,948
Total tuition comes in at $19,658 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Business Foundation Certificate of Advanced Study (Graduate), Business Intelligence Certificate of Advanced Study (Graduate), Core Business Knowledge Certificate of Advanced Study (Graduate), Health Information Technology Certificate (Graduate), Hospitality and Tourism Management Certificate of Advanced Study (Graduate), International Business Certificate of Advanced Study (Graduate), Professional Accounting Certificate of Advanced Study (Graduate), Certificate of Specialized Study in Water Management & Leadership-Intermediate Level, Military Science Certificate of Specialized Study, BSBA with concentrations in (Accounting, General, Professional, Finance, Global Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Business Analytics, Global Supply Chain Management), Minors in (Business Administration, Global Business Management, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Supply Chain Management)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Specialized MBA features your choice of three specializations for a personalized course of study
- Fully Employed MBS boasts features a dynamic cohort model and a blend of online and in-person learning
The California State University San Marcos MBA programs are priced nearly $20,000 below the state average for public university MBAs, making them a clear standout for value in California. The Fully Employed MBA features a cohort model, an 18-month design, five-week classes, and a hybrid format that includes a blend of on-campus and online learning. The Specialized MBA, expertly designed to accommodate the learning needs of recent graduates (business and non-business majors alike), features three specialization options for a truly customizable learning experience. This accelerated program includes evening courses, a cohort-based learning model, and the convenience of a 12-month design.
California State University, Chico
College of Business
Chico, CA
Website
In-Person MBA (General, Business Analytics - STEM, Project Management) (on-campus)
Online MBA (General, Project Management, Health Services Administration) (online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $25,110
Total tuition comes in at $19,496 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Information Systems, BS in Business Administration, BS in Business Information Systems, Minors in (Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, International Business, Management, Management Information Systems, Managing Diversity in Organizations, Managing for Sustainability, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Project Management), Certificate in Entrepreneurship, IT Certificate, Professional Management Consulting Certificate, Professional Sales Certificate
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Convenience and flexibility offered through your choice of on-campus or online study
- Choose from two MBA program designs: In-Person MBA (General MBA, Project Management, and Business Analytics (STEM designated)) or Online MBA (General MBA, Project Management, Health Services Administration)
- Exciting opportunities to learn from faculty through case studies, lectures, and project work
First offered in 1968, the Chico State MBA boasts a long legacy of academic excellence in California. And with a tuition price falls nearly $20,000 below the state average for public university MBAs, it’s a standout value in advanced business education. The MBA, which can be completed in 18 to 24 months, is led by a dedicated faculty of experts who guide students through an exciting exploration of business using case studies, lectures, and project work. Offered in an on-campus or online format, MBA students can complete their course of graduate study as a General MBA or as a specialized MBA in Business Analytics (campus only), Project Management (online and on-campus), or Health Services Administration (online only). Other highlights of the MBA at Chico State include evening classes that accommodate busy, working professionals, individualized course planning, small classes, and a dedicated MBA director and advisor.
California State University, Fresno
Craig School of Business
Fresno, CA
Website
MBA (hybrid)
MBA for Executives - EMBA (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $25,488
Total tuition comes in at $19,118 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: BSBA, BA in Economics, BA in Fashion Merchandising, BS in Accountancy, BS in Finance, Minor in Economics
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- EMBA designed for business professionals with at least 10 years of professional experience and at least three years of managerial experience
- MBA features a blend of online and on-campus courses
- Outstanding alumni network of 300,000+
- Ranked among the top universities in the nation for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal
The California State Fresno MBA is priced with affordability in mind and designed in two formats to meet you where you’re at in your career. Their traditional MBA, which is designed for students with limited professional experience, is delivered in a blended format that allows students to take both on-campus and online courses. The curriculum of this program emphasizes applied learning and is ideally structured to suit students who are looking to make the transition from college learning to a career in business. It also comes complete with the option to study internationally through their Summer Study Abroad program. The MBA for Executives program is designed to suit students with at least 10 years of professional experience and at least three years of managerial experience. It begins with a boot camp of prerequisite courses and then progresses with Saturday courses for a quick, 17-month completion schedule.
California State University Los Angeles
College of Business and Economics
Los Angeles, CA
Website
MBA (on-campus)
(Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Entertainment Business Management, Finance, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Supply Chain Management, Customized)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $25,488
Total tuition comes in at $19,118 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Graduate Certificate in Advanced Information Systems, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership, MS in Accounting, MS in Business Administration, MA in Economics, MS in Healthcare Management, MS in Information Systems, BSBA in (Accounting, Business Economics, Business Prelegal, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare Administration, HR Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Real Estate, Retail, General Business), BA in Economics (Applied Economics, Social and Behavioral Sciences), BS in Computer Information Systems (Business Systems, Information Systems, Information Technology), Undergraduate Certificate Program in Accounting, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting, Undergraduate Certificate Program in Finance, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Real Estate, Undergraduate Certificate Program in Computer Programming, Undergraduate Certificate Program in Information Systems, Undergraduate Certificate Program in Information Systems Security Professionals, Baccalaureate Certificate in Human Resources Management, Baccalaureate Certificate in General Management, Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management, Baccalaureate Certificate in Marketing, Baccalaureate Certificate in Social Media, Baccalaureate Certificate in Sustainability Marketing, Undergraduate Certificate in Fashion Retailing, Undergraduate Certificate in International Business, Undergraduate Certificate in International Business Communication, Undergraduate Certificate in Transportation and Logistics, Post-Bac Certificate in Real Estate
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Outstanding opportunities for customized learning – choose from 10 concentrations or customize your MBA to align with your career goals
- Ranked among the best business programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Outstanding, faculty-led service learning opportunities available
California State Los Angeles plays host to a dynamic MBA program that boasts an affordable price tag and a very customizable course of study, thanks to no less than 11 concentration options. Designed with a focus on leadership and management and aligned with U Cal Poly’s commitment to fostering student success and a collaborative culture, this exciting graduate program offers plenty of engagement through partnerships with local employers and industry-focused events.
University of Massachusetts Global
School of Business and Professional Studies
Viejo, CA
Website
MBA (online)
(Accounting, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Finance, Healthcare Administration, HR, Marketing, Organizational Leadership)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $26,280
Total tuition comes in at $18,326 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Graduate Certificates in (Business Administration, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Healthcare Administration, HR, Organizational Leadership, Public Nonprofit Leadership), MA in Organizational Leadership, Master of GIS and Data Analytics, Master of Healthcare Administration, MS in HR, AA in General Business, BA in Organizational Leadership, BBA with concentrations in (General Business, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, GIS and Data Analytics, Healthcare Administration, Human Resources, Information System Management, Management and Organizational Leadership, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Supply Chain Systems), BS in Cybersecurity, BS in Cybersecurity-Project Management, BS in IT with concentrations in (Generalist, Data Science, Project Management, Self-Design)
- Best in convenience and flexibility – offered in a fully online format
- Streamlined MBA core – fewer core requirements for a faster completion
- Flexible concentration/elective options ensure a customized learning experience
University of Massachusetts Global is home to a customizable MBA with a high-value price point that comes in at more than $18,000 below the state average for public university MBAs. Expertly designed for today’s busy, working adult learners, this program boasts a convenient and flexible online format that won’t interfere with your personal and professional commitments. Structured in two parts, the MBA features a core of eight courses that are focused on strategy and management across sectors. From there, students have the option of customizing their MBA by choosing one of six emphases or designing their own specialization by choosing from a range of graduate business courses. Also offering rolling start dates and flexible entry requirements, the University of Massachusetts Global MBA offers everything you need to succeed in the competitive world of global business.
California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento State
College of Business
Sacramento, CA
Website
MBA (Finance, Entrepreneurship & Global Business, General Management) (on-campus)
Online International MBA (iMBA) (online)
MBA for Executives (currently on hiatus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $26,862
Total tuition comes in at $17,744 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Accountancy, MS in Finance, MS in Business Analytics, BSBA in Accountancy, Minor in Business, Minor in Business Analytics, BSBA in Finance, Minor in Finance, Minor in Real Estate and Land Use Affairs, BSBA in Business Analytics, BSBA in Management Information Systems, Minor in Business Analytics, BSBA in Management of Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, Minor in Management of Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, BSBA in Marketing, BSBA in Supply Chain Management, BSBA in Entrepreneurship, BSBA in General Management
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- iMBA features a convenient, online format, cohort design, and 12-month completion time
- MBA boasts a customizable course of study through your choice of three specializations
- Ranked among the top public schools in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked ninth in the nation among Most Transformative Colleges by Money.com
The California State University Sacramento MBA is flexible, affordable, and customizable, providing today’s business grad students with everything they need to become tomorrow’s business leaders. This dynamic course of graduate study enjoys a tuition that falls nearly $18,000 below the state average for public university MBAs. It’s also delivered as either an on-campus or online program for unmatched convenience and flexibility. And it’s highly customizable, with no less than seven MBA specialization options. The traditional MBA is self-paced and customizable, with your choice of three specializations. And the iMBA is an accelerated program that features convenient, four-week courses, a 100-percent synchronous delivery, and a 12-month completion time.
California State University, Fullerton
College of Business and Economics
Fullerton, CA
Website
Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA) (on-campus)
Flexible MBA (on-campus)
(Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Organizational Leadership, Management, HR, Risk Management and Insurance, Finance, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Accounting, General Management) (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $27,090
Total tuition comes in at $17,516 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Accountancy, MS in Information Systems, MA in Economics, MS in Information Technology, BABA, BA in Economics, BA in International Business, Minors in (Business Administration, Business Data Analytics, Economics, Entertainment and Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Information Systems, Marketing, Sales), Certificates in (Digital Marketing, HR Management, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Ranked second in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report
- Named a Best Value College by the Wall Street Journal
- Expansive College of Business and Economic alumni network of 79,000+
California State Fullerton’s MBA is priced more than $17,000 below the state average for public university MBAs and designed in two formats to suit your specific professional and personal needs. The Flexible MBA, which is offered in a full- and part-time format, boasts a broad range of concentrations (11 total!) tailor fitted to your career goals. Take one to four courses per semester and complete your MBA in just two to three years. Each course is offered just one night per week for maximum convenience. The Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA), which is expertly designed for experienced professionals in the field, is structured as a cohort-based program that includes convenient, eight-week courses that are taken one at a time.
California State University Bakersfield
School of Business and Public Administration
Bakersfield, CA
Website
MBA (on-campus, online)
(Insurance Industry Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) option, Non-Profit/Public Administration option (on-campus, online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $27,864
Total tuition comes in at $16,742 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Master of Public Administration, MS in Health Care Administration, Major in (Agricultural Business, Business Administration, Economics, Environmental Resource Management, Public Policy and Administration)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Your choice of on-campus study at the main campus in Bakersfield or fully online
- Highly qualified faculty bring real-world experience and the latest instructional methods to the classroom
- Home to a student-centered learning environment that boasts small class sizes and plenty of personal attention from a dedicated faculty
Customizable and affordable, the California State University Bakersfield MBA comes complete with a tuition that falls nearly $17,000 below the state average for public university MBAs and your choice of an Insurance Industry – Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) or Non-Profit/Public administration specialization. There are plenty of other reasons you’re sure to love Cal U Bakersfield’s MBA… your choice of an on-campus (at the main campus in Bakersfield) or online course delivery, a highly qualified faculty with real-world experience, and a student-centered learning environment courtesy of small class sizes and plenty of one-on-one interaction with your instructors.
California State University Long Beach
College of Business
Long Beach, CA
Website
Daytime MBA (on-campus)
Saturday Hybrid MBA (hybrid)
Online MBA (online)
Evening MBA (on-capus)
(Finance, Human Resources Management, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Human Resources Management, Health Care Administration, Health Science, Recreation and Leisure Studies)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $28,896
Total tuition comes in at $15,710 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Accountancy, MS in Financial Analytics, MS in Information Systems, MS in Marketing Analytics, Business Analytics Certificate (undergraduate), BSBA with options in (Accountancy, Finance, HR Management, Management, Information Systems, International Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management), Minors in (Finance, Management Information Systems, International Business, HR Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Four MBA program designs to align with your needs: Daytime MBA, Evening MBA, Saturday Hybrid MBA, and fully Online MBA
- Exciting international study trips available to locations like Madrid, Rome, Lisbon, China, Germany, and Singapore
- Outstanding Graduate Business Career Services include customized, one-on-one-career coaching and alumni mentoring
With a value-focused price and no less than four formats, the California State University Long Beach MBA offers unbeatable flexibility among affordable programs. The Daytime MBA is a full-time MBA for early-career professionals interested in propelling their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The Evening MBA is expertly designed to suit mid-career professionals with self-paced/flexible scheduling options and nine specializations. The Online MBA features a flexible, cohort design, full- and part-time tracks, and fully online course delivery. And the Saturday MBA program, which is ideally designed for managers and directors, is offered in a hybrid format that features an optimum blend of online and on-campus courses. It also comes complete with a study abroad trip to round out your education with the kind of experience you can’t put a price on.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Singelyn Graduate School of Business
Pomona, CA
Website
MBA - Business Sustainability, Leading Organizational Transformation, Strategic Marketing, Self-Created Specialty (on-campus, hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $29,478
Total tuition comes in at $15,128 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Accountancy, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Digital Marketing, MS in Digital Supply Chain Management, MS in Information Security, Major in (Accounting, CIS, E-Business, Finance Real Estate and Law, International Business and Marketing, Management and Human Resources, Technology and Operations Management, Minors in (Business, Accounting, Business Computer Programming, Managerial Computing, Business Law, Contract Management, Finance, Real Estate, International Business, Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, General Management, HR Management, Logistics, Operations Management)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Evening, weekend, and hybrid courses suit busy, working professionals
- Ranked among the best public schools in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked among the Best Colleges in America by the Wall Street Journal
- Ranked among the Best Colleges in America for quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes by Money Magazine
California State Polytechnic University Pomona is home to a flexible and affordable MBA that boasts a cutting-edge curriculum designed to produce capable business leaders who deftly lead in modern business. The MBA features evening, weekend, and hybrid courses to accommodate your busy schedule and the opportunity to specialize in Business Sustainability, Leading Organizational Transformation, or Strategic Marketing. Students here also have the option of designing their own custom tailored MBA that perfectly reflects their personal and professional goals.
California State University, San Bernardino
Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration
Arcata, CA
Website
Executive MBA (hybrid)
Online Executive MBA (online)
Traditional MBA (on-campus)
(Accounting and Internal Auditing, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, Marketing, Global Supply Chain Management, HR Management, Hospitality Management
Total Estimated Program Cost: $29,520
Total tuition comes in at $15,086 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: Master of Public Administration, MS in Accountancy, MS in Information Systems and Technology, MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, MS in Finance, Major in (Accounting, Finance, Financial Planning, Real Estate, International Business, Marketing, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Hospitality Management, Public Administration, Entrepreneurship, HR Management, Management) BA in Administration with concentrations in (Business Analytics, Information Security, Information Systems and Technology, Supply Chain Management), BS in Info Systems and Technology with concentrations in (Business Intelligence and Analytics, Cyber Security, National Security)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Three MBA program options: Traditional MBA, Online Executive MBA, and Executive MBA
- Ranked among the nation’s Best Business Programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked among the Best Business Schools and On-Campus MBA Programs by the Princeton Review
- Named a Tier 1 North American MBA Program by CEO Magazine
- Several concentration options offer a customized learning experience
California State University San Bernardino boasts a tuition that beats out the state average for public university MBAs by more than $15,000, and no less than three MBA designs to suit your professional goals, wherever you’re at in your career. The Traditional MBA, which is open to all students, regardless of their undergraduate major, offers in-depth study in your choice of one or more specialized areas. The Online Executive MBA is designed for early- to mid-career professionals who are seeking a convenient, online format. And the Executive MBA, which is designed for senior-level managers and executives looking for advanced business instruction, features a blended course design that includes evening and weekend courses offered in an on-campus or online format.
California State University, East Bay
College of Business and Economics
Hayward, CA
Website
MBA for Global Innovators (on-campus)
One-Year Intensive MBA (on-campus)
MBA (on-campus)
(Analytics for Managers, Finance, Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Strategy and Innovation)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $29,568
Total tuition comes in at $15,038 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Accountancy, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Marketing Analytics, BSBA, BS in Accounting and Analytics, BS in Business Analytics, BS in Economics, Certificate in Digital Marketing and Analytics (undergrad)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Three MBA program designs align with your specific needs: MBA with concentrations, MBA – Global Innovators, and MBA – One-Year Intensive
- Ranked among the Top 50 U.S. Colleges That Pay Off the Most by CNBC
- Ranked among the nation’s Top Colleges by Forbes
- Named among Best Colleges in America by value by Money Magazine
Offering three, unique MBA designs and a tuition price that won’t disappoint, California State University East Bay has everything today’s emerging and practicing leaders are looking for. The traditional MBA features evening classes and your choice of seven concentrations for a highly customizable learning experience. The MBA for Global Innovators is designed for experienced leaders with at least five years of professional experience, and features weekend courses and a cohort design. And while the One-Year Intensive MBA also features weekend courses and a cohort design, it’s delivered at an accelerated pace that can be completed in just one year. All programs are offered at the Hayward campus.
San Jose State University
Lucas College and Graduate School of Business
San Jose, CA
Website
Early Career MBA (on-campus)
MBA for Professionals (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $29,736
Total tuition comes in at $14,870 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Accounting and Analytics, MS in Financial Analytics, MS in Taxation, MS in Transportation Management, Graduate Certificates in (Transportation Safety Security and Emergency Management, High-Speed and Intercity Rail Management, Transportation Management, Accounting Fundamentals, Advanced Accounting Topics, Advanced Global Leadership, Advanced Taxation, Business Analytics, Tax Practice), Professional Development Certificate in Cyber Risk Management, BSBA with concentrations in (Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Business Analytics, Corporate Accounting and Finance, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, Hospitality Tourism and Event Management, HR Management, International Business, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management), Minor in Business, Business Honors Program
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Two MBA program designs align with your professional goals: Early Career MBA and MBA for Professionals
- Home to the Silicon Valley Experience – a unique, experiential learning course that immerses students in the culture of Silicon Valley
- Early Career MBA boasts outstanding convenience through evening and Saturday courses and six-to eight-week sessions
Wherever you’re at in your career, San Jose State University offers the right option. The MBA programs here are expertly designed to accommodate the professional goals of both emerging and practicing leaders and are offered at a price that’s designed to impress even the most budget-conscious student. The Early Career MBA, structured to meet the needs of those with fewer than five years of work experience, features your choice of three tracks and three delivery options that vary in length and pace. Classes here meet in the evenings and on Saturdays and are designed in convenient, six- to eight-week sessions. The MBA for Professionals is the program of choice for professionals with more than five years of work experience. It’s designed with superb flexibility to accommodate your professional and personal obligations. San Jose State also offers a unique experiential course called the Silicon Valley Experience that allows students to network with C-suite executives in Silicon Valley!
San Diego State University
Fowler College of Business
San Diego, CA
Website
MBA - Finance, Health Services Administration, Information Systems (on-campus, online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $30,780
Total tuition comes in at $13,826 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Global Business Development, MS in Accountancy, MS in Global Business Development, MS in Information Systems, MS in Finance, MBA+MA in Latin American Studies, MSBA in Financial and Tax Planning, MS in Supply Chain Innovation, BSBA with focuses in (Accounting, Finance, Financial Services, General Business, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Accountancy), BA in International Business, Minors in (Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Real Estate)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Outstanding range of specializations for a customizable learning experience that aligns with your professional goals
- Superb record of graduate success – 92 percent of all grads are employed within six months of graduation
- Ranked among the Best On-Campus MBA Programs by the Princeton Review
- Ranked among the top Part-Time MBA programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- Fowler named among the Top 50 Best Public Business Schools by U.S. News & World Report
San Diego State University’s MBA is dynamic, affordable, and flexible, offering students an outstanding tuition and a flexible format that includes your choice of on-campus and online study. Offered with your choice of three specializations, students of San Diego State’s MBA enjoy a customizable curriculum and plenty of real-world experiences. Choose electives to design a program that best aligns with your career goals or choose them according to your specific career focus – project management, supply chain management, accounting, marketing, international business, and more!
California Polytechnic State University
Orfalea College of Business
San Luis Obispo, CA
Website
MBA (on-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $41,112
Total tuition comes in at $2,364 below the state average for public university MBAs.
Also offers: MS in Business Analytics, MS in Quantitative Economics, MS in Taxation, Major in (Business Administration, Economics, Industrial Technology and Packaging), Concentrations in (Accounting, Consumer Packaging, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems, Industrial Technology, Management and Human Resources, Marketing, Packaging Technology, Quantitative Analysis, Real Estate Finance), Minors in (Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Industrial Technology, Packaging, Sales)
- Specialty Business Accreditation: AACSB
- Learn by doing – field trips and other hands-on learning activities embedded in the program offer outstanding industry networking opportunities
- Accelerated program design can be completed in just 10 months
- Choose from cutting-edge elective courses
- Ranked among the Best in the West by U.S. News & World Report and #1 for more than 30 years
- Ranked among the top universities in the West by Forbes
California Polytechnic State University’s MBA offers an affordably priced course of graduate study that’s expertly designed to produce collaborative, responsible, and independent leaders. Offering a solid business foundation alongside dynamic, experiential learning opportunities, the MBA reflects the university’s signature teaching philosophy – Learn by Doing. Students of this program participate in hand-on field trips that allow them to experience a variety of business cultures firsthand. With a ten-month completion time and exciting elective options like Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Negotiation, and Marketing, the MBA at California Polytechnic is designed to prepare emerging leaders in an accelerated format.