The general MBA is 30 credit hours, and the seven emphases run 33 to 36. Take courses online, in evening classes in Magnolia, or any combination of the two, and finish in as little as 12–24 months depending on course load.
Top 3 Reasons to Choose SAU
SAU’s MBA program is AACSB accredited, which is achieved by just 6% of institutions offering business degrees worldwide.
Affordable
The 30-hour MBA costs an estimated $12,840 for Arkansas residents at 2026-27 rates: $338 tuition plus a $90 program fee per credit hour.
All Online
Our program is as mobile as you are. With our MBA program’s flexibility, students can learn from anywhere, at any time.
An AACSB-accredited MBA you can finish online in as little as 12 months
SAU’s MBA is built for working professionals: take 100% of your coursework online, join evening classes in Magnolia, or mix the two. The general MBA is 30 credit hours and costs an estimated $12,840 in-state ($18,600 out-of-state) at 2026-27 rates; the seven emphases run 33 to 36 hours. Most options can be completed in as little as 12–24 months depending on course load, no GMAT is required, and admission is rolling with fall, spring and summer starts.
Estimated in-state total for the 30-hour MBA (2026-27). $18,600 out-of-state.
30 for the general MBA; 33 to 36 with one of seven emphases.
As little as 12–24 months, depending on course load.
Or evening classes in Magnolia, or a hybrid. Same diploma either way.
Not required for admission. Scores are optional and can strengthen an application.
Accreditation held by just 6% of institutions offering business degrees worldwide.
with your MBA?
What the SAU MBA costs in 2026-27
MBA Tuition and Fees, 2026-27 | ||
In-State | Out-of-State | |
Per year | $7,704 | $11,160 |
Full program | $12,840 | $18,600 |
Tuition ($338 in-state, $530 out-of-state) plus the $90 master’s program fee, per credit hour. Emphases with 33 to 36 hours cost more. See all tuition and fees
Our programs are routinely recognized as the best value programs nationally. SAU offers out-of-state tuition waivers to students from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas who chose to live in university housing or reside in a bordering Texas county or Louisiana parish.
Compare the MBA options
Every option can be taken 100% online, in evening classes in Magnolia, or as a hybrid, and you can move between the general MBA and an emphasis later.
| MBA option | Credit hours | Est. total, in-state | Est. total, out-of-state | Time to finish (as little as) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General MBA | 30 | $12,840 | $18,600 | 12–24 months |
| Agri-Business | 33 (21 core + 12 emphasis) | $14,124 | $20,460 | 12–24 months |
| Business Leadership | 33 (24 core + 9 emphasis) | $14,124 | $20,460 | 12–24 months |
| Data Analytics | 33 (24 core + 9 emphasis) | $14,124 | $20,460 | 12–24 months |
| Project Management | 33 (24 core + 9 emphasis) | $14,124 | $20,460 | 12–24 months |
| Rural Healthcare Administration | 33 | $14,124 | $20,460 | 2–3 years |
| Social Entrepreneurship | 36 (24 core + 12 emphasis) | $15,408 | $22,320 | 12–24 months |
| Supply Chain Management | 33 (24 core + 9 emphasis) | $14,124 | $20,460 | 12–24 months |
Estimates at 2026-27 rates: $338 (in-state) or $530 (out-of-state) tuition plus the $90 master’s program fee, per credit hour. Books and course-specific fees are extra. See all tuition and fees.
MBA questions, answered
How much does the SAU MBA cost?
The 30-hour general MBA costs an estimated $12,840 for Arkansas residents and $18,600 for out-of-state students at 2026-27 rates: $338 (in-state) or $530 (out-of-state) tuition plus a $90 program fee per credit hour. Emphases with 33 or 36 hours cost proportionally more; see the comparison table above.
Do I need the GMAT?
No GMAT is required. Scores are optional and can strengthen an application.
Is the online degree different?
No. Your diploma will state “Master of Business Administration” and is identical to the on-campus version.
How long does the MBA take?
Most options can be completed in as little as 12–24 months depending on course load. The Rural Healthcare Administration emphasis takes as little as 2–3 years, averaging two classes per term including summer.
Do I need a business degree to apply?
No. You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in any field. Students without a business degree complete prerequisites in accounting, finance, statistics and microeconomics, and in many cases can be admitted conditionally and take them while starting MBA classes.
What GPA do I need?
A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Conditional admission may be available.
Can I transfer credits?
Yes, you can transfer up to 9 credit hours (with a grade of B or higher) from an accredited MBA program.
Can I change tracks later?
Yes, you can move between the general MBA and the specialized emphases, such as Data Analytics or Social Entrepreneurship.
Is the SAU MBA accredited?
Yes. SAU’s MBA is accredited by AACSB International, an accreditation held by just 6% of institutions offering business degrees worldwide.
Is there financial support available?
Graduate assistantships are available and are awarded competitively based on factors such as GPA, test scores, applicant skills, departmental needs and application timing. Apply at saumag.edu/graduate/forms/ga. Rankin College of Business scholarships are listed at saufoundation.org/scholarships.
