Online MBA · Tennessee · 8 programs compared

Best Online MBA Programs
in Tennessee 2026

Compare the top 8 accredited online MBA programs in Tennessee, with published tuition ($22,836-$59,220), GMAT requirements, specializations, and acceptance rates. All data sourced directly from the schools.

8
Programs
$22,836
Lowest tuition
8/8
AACSB-accredited
6/8
GMAT optional
See all programs ↓ Compare all 49 states By state

Online MBA in Tennessee: what to know

Tennessee offers one of the widest selections of accredited online MBA programs in the country, 8 on our list, led by the University of Tennessee (UT-Knoxville's Haslam program and UT-Chattanooga's Rollins), alongside affordable public options such as East Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, MTSU and the University of Memphis, plus private Nashville programs at Lipscomb and Belmont (Massey). All 8 hold AACSB accreditation, the gold standard earned by a minority of business schools worldwide.

On cost, the range is wide: the most affordable option on our list is East Tennessee State ($22,836 in-state), with the University of Memphis (≈$24,516) and MTSU (≈$26,136) also among the best values, while Belmont's private Massey program tops the range at about $59,220. Tuition and fees change every year and in-state and out-of-state rates often differ, so confirm the current figure directly with the school before you budget.

Admissions are relatively accessible: most programs here make the GMAT optional or waivable, often for applicants with a qualifying GPA, which removes a common barrier for working applicants. Available specializations span Business Analytics, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship, and Nonprofit Leadership, among others. Because the format is fully online, it suits professionals who want to keep working while they study rather than relocate to campus.

International applicants are generally welcome, check each school's TOEFL or IELTS requirements early. Treat the numbers on this page as a starting point for comparison, and verify accreditation, deadlines, and specialization availability on the university's official admissions pages before you apply.

Researched top 8

Top Online MBA Programs in Tennessee

★ #1 in TNOnlineAACSB

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, Tennessee
Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Tuition
$22,836 (in-state), $28,264.50 (out-of-state)
Per credit
$692/credit (in-sta…
GMAT
Optional
GPA
2.5 minimum
Duration
12 months
Acceptance
N/A
Data analyticscybersecurityrisk managementhealth care marketing+2 more
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
Tuition verified Sep 2026
#2 in TNOnlineAACSB

University of Tennessee--Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee
Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Tuition
$54,000
Per credit
$1200/credit
GMAT
—
GPA
2.7 minimum
Duration
32-36 months
Acceptance
N/A
Supply chain managementconsultingfinanceentrepreneurship and innova…
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
Tuition verified Sep 2026
#3 in TNOnlineAACSB

Tennessee Tech University

Cookeville, Tennessee
Master of Business Administration
Tuition
N/A
Per credit
N/A
GMAT
—
GPA
N/A
Duration
12 months
Acceptance
N/A
Banking & Financial ServicesCybersecurity Management &…Healthcare Informatics
— Intl— VisaTOEFL flex
#4 in TNOnlineAACSB

University of Memphis (Fogelman College of Business and Economics)

Memphis, TN
Online MBA
Tuition
≈$24,516 (in-state, 36 cr)
Per credit
$646/credit (in-sta…
GMAT
Waivable
GPA
N/A
Duration
N/A
Acceptance
N/A
General Management
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
Tuition verified Sep 2026
#5 in TNOnlineAACSB

Middle Tennessee State University (Jennings A. Jones College of Business)

Murfreesboro, TN
Online Flex MBA
Tuition
≈$26,136 (in-state)
Per credit
$666/credit (in-sta…
GMAT
Not required
GPA
2.75 minimum
Duration
About 2-2.5 years
Acceptance
N/A
General Management
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
#6 in TNOnlineAACSB

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (Gary W. Rollins College of Business)

Chattanooga, TN
100% Online MBA
Tuition
≈$28,488
Per credit
$633/credit (in-sta…
GMAT
Optional
GPA
N/A
Duration
As little as 24 m…
Acceptance
N/A
AccountingBusiness AnalyticsFinanceHealthcare Administration
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
#7 in TNOnlineAACSB

Lipscomb University (College of Business)

Nashville, TN
Online MBA
Tuition
$28,800
Per credit
$800/credit
GMAT
Optional
GPA
N/A
Duration
12+ months
Acceptance
N/A
Conflict ManagementSupply ChainNonprofit Leadership
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
Tuition verified Sep 2026
#8 in TNOnlineAACSB

Belmont University (Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business)

Nashville, TN
Online Professional MBA
Tuition
$59,220
Per credit
$1,645/credit
GMAT
Not required
GPA
N/A
Duration
15-24 months
Acceptance
N/A
EntrepreneurshipHealthcare Management
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
Tuition verified Sep 2026

Tennessee Online MBA: Quick Comparison

SchoolTuitionPer credit GMATDurationAcceptance FormatAccreditationIntl
East Tennessee State University$22,836 (in-state), $28,264.50 (out-of-state)$692/credit (in-s…Optional12 monthsN/AOnlineAACSB✓
University of Tennessee--Knoxville$54,000$1200/credit—32-36 monthsN/AOnlineAACSB✓
Tennessee Tech UniversityN/AN/A—12 monthsN/AOnlineAACSB—
University of Memphis (Fogelman College of Business and Economics)≈$24,516 (in-state, 36 cr)$646/credit (in-s…WaivableN/AN/AOnlineAACSB✓
Middle Tennessee State University (Jennings A. Jones College of Business)≈$26,136 (in-state)$666/credit (in-s…Not requiredAbout 2-2.5 yea…N/AOnlineAACSB✓
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (Gary W. Rollins College of Business)≈$28,488$633/credit (in-s…OptionalAs little as 24…N/AOnlineAACSB✓
Lipscomb University (College of Business)$28,800$800/creditOptional12+ monthsN/AOnlineAACSB✓
Belmont University (Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business)$59,220$1,645/creditNot required15-24 monthsN/AOnlineAACSB✓
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Paying for your Tennessee MBA

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Online MBA in Tennessee: FAQ

What is the cheapest online MBA in Tennessee?
The lowest-cost online MBA in Tennessee on our list starts at $22,836 in total tuition (East Tennessee State University). See the comparison table above for all programs and their costs. Always check with the school for current pricing and any financial aid options.
Do online MBA programs in Tennessee require the GMAT?
6 of the 8 programs listed for Tennessee have waived or made the GMAT optional. Check the GMAT row in the comparison above and confirm the current admissions policy directly with each school.
Are online MBA programs in Tennessee AACSB-accredited?
All 8 programs on this page hold AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for business education worldwide. Use our main comparison tool to filter by AACSB only across all 49 states.
Can international students enroll in an online MBA in Tennessee?
7 of the 8 programs listed for Tennessee welcome international students. Check the Intl and Visa indicators on each program card above for details, and confirm TOEFL/IELTS requirements with the school.
How does MBA Compass choose these programs?
We compile programs from publicly available sources including U.S. News rankings, Poets&Quants, AACSB directories, and the schools' official websites. We list the leading accredited programs we can verify per state based on accreditation, reputation, and availability. Schools cannot pay to appear or rank higher.
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