East Carolina University was chosen by geteducated.com as its top pick for an online M.B.A. program, based on affordability, public perception and student satisfaction. It is not the most affordable option for non-resident students, who can expect to pay $26,064 per year, as of December 2009. A resident of North Carolina can expect to pay $7,848. ECU is fully accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
A more affordable option for non-resident students is the University of Houston, which ranked second in geteducated.com's rating system. At $8,730 for a resident student, it is slightly more expensive than ECU, but the jump in price for a non-resident student is more affordable at $15,570. The University of Houston appeals to many because of the global focus of its business school.
Rounding out the top four business schools that allow you to pursue a degree entirely online are Texas A&M University in Commerce, and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Both are similarly priced, have recognized national programs and are regarded well by previous graduates. In addition to the top four programs, Morehead State University (in Kentucky) and Western Kentucky University merit attention. Both schools are viable options for students seeking an online education but not wanting to pay the tuition difference for a non-resident degree. Both programs charge the same, about $12,000, as of December 2009, for resident and non-resident students, and both are reputable programs with AASCB affiliations.