Finding the best real estate MBA program to fit your needs requires many different considerations. Prospective students may prioritize affordability in education, but conventional wisdom suggests that cheapness can imply a lack of quality. Fortunately, this reasoning does not hold water.
Many factors determine the affordability of a program beyond the flat tuition rate. To help bring down the cost of your degree, consider whether or not the school features a generous transfer policy or accepts prior learning assessments for academic credit. These potential factors and others merit consideration.
Earning an affordable MBA in real estate represents a solid financial decision, as it gives you the opportunity to boost your credentials without acquiring excess debt. Read on for our ranking of some of the best real estate MBA programs available in an affordable, online format.
Popular Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online MBA Real Estate Programs
#1 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Programs
Endicott College
- Beverly, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $985
Out-of-State | $985
Credits to Graduate: 36
Endicott College's online MBA program offers 18 concentrations, including accounting, finance, and global management. The 36-credit program offers career growth opportunities in international business, nonprofit management, and entrepreneurship.
The degree takes 18-24 months, allowing working professionals to balance education with work and personal life. There are no GMAT requirements, and eight start times are available throughout the year.
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Programs
Longwood University
- Farmville, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $431
Out-of-State | $441
Credits to Graduate: 31
Longwood University offers an online MBA in general business. The 31-credit program helps working professionals enhance their careers while studying. It covers key areas like accounting, economics, data management, and marketing.
Students learn strategic decision-making, leadership, and conflict resolution and complete a capstone course. Graduates gain a broad business understanding while they prepare for potential roles as CEOs, marketing directors, or financial analysts.
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Programs
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,260
Out-of-State |$1,260
Credits to Graduate: 48
Penn State's online MBA offers 25 concentrations, each with three elective courses. The program uses the ICE scoring framework — Impact, Confidence, and Ease — to bridge business disciplines and develop problem-solving skills.
Concentrations include cybersecurity intelligence leadership, general management, and healthcare business. The program does not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission and offers personalized career coaching, self-assessment tools, job seeker resources, and ongoing career support post-graduation.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
At OnlineMBA.com, we rely on reputable sources to rank the best MBA programs. We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to find standout programs. We consider four metrics: affordability, reputation, academics, and program availability.
This ranking is from 2024. Visit our rankings methodology page to learn more about how we rank programs.
How to Choose an Online MBA in Real Estate Program
If you know an MBA in real estate is right for you, begin narrowing down the list of schools that interest you most. The following list provides a few tips to help you navigate this process.
Search for Schools in Your Area
Even with online programs, it can benefit you to choose a school within a 100-mile radius of your home. Online learners often report that they enjoy visiting campus. In addition, schools often partner with local businesses to help students find jobs or internship opportunities close to home.
Compare Student Outcomes Data
Many schools provide this information on their website, but you can also contact the school and ask for it. This data should include graduation rates, employment rates, and the compensation levels of recent graduates. This information can give you a glimpse of program quality.
Estimate the Expected Costs of Your Program
Prospective students often underestimate their total program costs. Make sure you calculate the number of credit hours needed to graduate and multiply that by the cost per credit hour. Do not forget to include the cost of supplies and internet and account for lost wages. Additionally, compare financial aid options, as schools may offer different financial aid packages and/or scholarships to help offset the cost of education.
Find Classes That Fit Your Schedule
Flexibility is one of the central benefits of online education. However, some programs require set meeting times, synchronous workshops, and mandatory campus visits. Be sure you understand all time commitments and how they fit into your current schedule.
Look for Partnerships With Local Businesses
Finding a secure job with a healthy salary in a field you enjoy is the main objective in obtaining your MBA in real estate. To that end, attending a school that's well-connected with local hospitals and businesses can prove beneficial. Many of these partners offer internships to students that can lead to full-time employment or provide the networking opportunities and experience you need to get a job elsewhere.
Make Sure the Program is Accredited
Accreditation is the formal review process that ensures a school offers a reputable program that adheres to minimum academic standards. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredits undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in business and accounting. AACSB accreditation can assure you of a program's recognition and quality. Employers generally do not hire job candidates with a degree from an unaccredited school, and schools do not accept academic credentials from an unaccredited program.
Talk to Current Students and/or Recent Alumni
One of the best resources when it comes to making the final decision on an online MBA in real estate includes reaching out to current students and graduates. They can give you an unbiased take on how the program has served them, what they liked, and what they disliked. Ask an admissions counselor to put you in touch with a current student or recent alumni.
