With the growing demand for adept project managers across various industries, a cheap project management degree online is designed to equip you with the skills you need to be successful in the field, such as strategic planning, risk management, and leadership. We discuss only the most budget-friendly schools, but we provide a well-rounded context that allows you to make the most informed choice.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Budget-Conscious Students: WNC offers the lowest tuition at $5,550, making it the most cost-effective option.
- Best for High-Earning Potential: CSU Global, Embry-Riddle, and George Fox lead in graduate earnings, with salaries exceeding $70K.
- Best for Certification Preparation: CSU Global, Bellevue, and Embry-Riddle align with PMI’s PMP certification, giving students a career boost.
- Best for Online Accessibility: SNHU, Liberty, and APUS cater to large online student populations with strong support services.
We manually verify tuition rates and student outcomes for accuracy. For details about where we source data, including our proprietary data, please visit our methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable Online Project Management Degrees
A Data-Driven Comparison of the Most Affordable Online Project Management Degrees
Selecting the best online project management degree is a balancing act between affordability, academic quality, career outcomes, and unique program features. While all the schools on this list offer cost-effective paths to a project management degree online, their differences in graduation rates, earnings potential, and specialization options reveal key trade-offs.
Let’s break down the most important considerations and how each school measures up.
Weighing Cost Against Future Earnings
Affordability is a crucial factor for online students, and Western Nevada College (WNC) takes the lead with the lowest tuition at just $5,550 per year. However, lower tuition doesn’t always correlate with strong career outcomes — WNC lacks reported graduate earnings data, making it harder to assess the return on investment. Colorado State University Global (CSU Global), on the other hand, has one of the highest tuition rates at $11,250 but stands out with median earnings of $76,302 among project management graduates, ranking in the top 6% nationwide.
Why Comparing Tuition and Earnings Matters for Project Management Students
Choosing an online project management degree means looking at each program's value as a whole. While low tuition helps reduce upfront costs, strong post-graduate earnings ensure a degree pays off in the long run. This tuition vs. earnings comparison above highlights which programs offer the best return on investment (ROI), a critical factor for future project managers who need to make data-driven financial decisions in their careers.
Here are some reasons why this comparison is crucial when making an informed choice:
Project Management is a High-Stakes Field — Project managers oversee budgets, deadlines, and resources, which are skills that directly impact profitability in organizations. Investing in a degree with strong salary potential ensures that graduates quickly recoup education costs and start earning higher wages.
Affordability Without Career Sacrifice — Schools like WNC ($5,550 tuition) are great for cost-conscious students, but lack reported earnings data, making it harder to predict financial outcomes. In contrast, CSU Global ($11,250 tuition, $76,302 median earnings) and Embry-Riddle ($15,090 tuition, $77,767 earnings) justify their slightly higher costs with top-tier salary prospects.
Reducing Student Loan Burden — High tuition doesn’t always mean high earnings. Some expensive programs may leave students struggling with debt and low pay. Our comparison helps identify schools where salary potential outweighs costs, reducing financial risk for students.
PM Certifications & Career Advancement — Some programs, like Bellevue University and CSU Global, align with PMI certification prep (PMP, CAPM), enhancing employability. Higher earnings after graduation justify a slightly higher tuition if the program leads to better job placements and career growth.
Aspiring project managers should evaluate tuition affordability, salary potential, and specific program benefits. By balancing these factors, you can choose an affordable online degree that is both cost-effective and high-value.
Understanding PMP and CAPM Exam Preparation: Why It Matters for Project Management Majors
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® exams, both administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), are industry-recognized certifications that validate a professional’s project management knowledge and skills. Earning these certifications can significantly enhance a project manager’s job prospects, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities.
PMP Exam Preparation: The Gold Standard for Experienced Professionals
The PMP certification is widely considered the gold standard in project management. It’s designed for professionals with prior experience managing projects and requires:
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Education and Experience Requirements: A four-year degree plus 36 months of project leadership experience (or an associate degree with 60 months of experience).
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Comprehensive Knowledge: Covers predictive (waterfall), agile, and hybrid methodologies based on PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).
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Higher Salary Potential: PMP-certified project managers earn up to 32% more than non-certified peers, according to PMI.
Programs like CSU Global, Bellevue, and Embry-Riddle structure their coursework to align with PMP exam requirements, ensuring students graduate with both the knowledge and credentials needed for senior project management roles.
CAPM Exam Preparation: A Launchpad for Entry-Level Project Managers
The CAPM certification is geared toward students and early-career professionals who want to build foundational project management skills before stepping into leadership roles. It entails the following:
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Minimal Experience: No prior project management experience is needed — just a high school diploma and 23 hours of project management education.
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Introductory Knowledge: Covers project planning, execution, risk management, and team collaboration, making it ideal for recent graduates.
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Career Boost: While not as advanced as the PMP, CAPM certification demonstrates commitment to the field and helps candidates stand out in competitive job markets.
Schools like Liberty University and SNHU integrate CAPM-focused coursework, preparing students for certification right after graduation, making it easier to transition into entry-level project coordinator and analyst roles.
Specializations in Project Management: Finding the Right Fit for Your Career
Project management is a versatile field, spanning industries like construction, IT, supply chain, healthcare, and business operations. While a general project management degree provides broad leadership and organizational skills, choosing a specialized track can enhance job prospects and increase earning potential by aligning education with industry needs. Many of the best-value online programs on our list offer concentration options, helping students tailor their degrees to specific career paths.
Industry-Specific Specializations
Construction and Facility Management (Bemidji State University)
- Covers construction law, cost estimation, safety regulations, and project scheduling to prepare you for roles in real estate development, architecture, and engineering firms.
- The construction industry relies heavily on project managers, making this specialization a smart choice for those looking for job stability.
IT and Technical Project Management (APU, CSU Global)
- Focuses on agile methodologies, risk management, and system integration, ensuring graduates can lead complex tech initiatives.
- As companies continue to digitize operations, demand for IT project managers is projected to grow significantly.
Supply Chain and Logistics (APU)
- Covers topics like inventory control, procurement strategies, and logistics coordination, essential for keeping supply chains efficient.
- With supply chain disruptions becoming a global concern, professionals with this specialization are highly sought after.
Organizational Leadership and Business Strategy (CSU Global, Liberty)
- Focuses on team leadership, corporate strategy, and operational efficiency—great for those aiming for executive-level project management roles.
- Helps graduates develop high-level decision-making skills, making them ideal candidates for COO, operations director, or management consultant positions.
Aviation and Aerospace Project Management (Embry-Riddle)
- Includes airline operations, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment training, preparing graduates for highly specialized roles in aviation.
- As the aviation industry grows, demand for specialized project managers in aircraft manufacturing and airport management continues to increase.
Choosing a specialization in project management can provide a significant edge in the job market. Industry-specific knowledge helps graduates stand out when applying for specialized roles, making them more attractive to employers seeking expertise in particular fields. Specialized project managers often command higher salaries than generalists, reflecting the added value their niche expertise brings to organizations. It also increases job security, as professionals with specialized skills are more resilient to market fluctuations.
What Online Students Are Saying: Firsthand Insights on Project Management
Based on hundreds of surveys we've collected, online students emphasize flexibility, faculty support, and career impact as the most valuable aspects of their education. For project management students in particular, the ability to balance coursework with full-time jobs and family responsibilities is a recurring theme.
Jim (Amberton University, 2015) shared how his MS in Managerial Science with a concentration in Project Management provided him with industry-relevant knowledge, highlighting that the professors had real-world experience, making the coursework practical and applicable. Similarly, S.H. (CSU Global, 2017) found the project management courses engaging and worthwhile, stating that the degree was "worth the time and effort" and helped prepare him for his career.
Career advancement is a key reason many choose online degrees.
For many, the rigor of online learning exceeded expectations. Adam S. (CSU Global, 2018) noted that "online learning is much harder than in-class learning," emphasizing the demanding workload that included weekly papers and forum discussions. Greg (Columbia Southern, 2012) echoed this, appreciating that while the school allowed for flexible scheduling, "if you want the grade, you have to work for it." The independence required for online programs is also a point of pride for students, as Catherine (CSU Global, 2016) explained: “The flexibility of not being required to log in at certain times made a huge difference for me as a working mom.”
Career advancement is a key reason many choose online degrees. S.H. (CSU Global, 2017) noted that completing his bachelor’s in project management helped him secure more job interviews and feel more prepared for leadership roles.
Recommendation Rates From Our Student Surveys
Each school's recommendation rate — a direct reflection of student satisfaction — provides insight into the overall experience. Waldorf University leads with a 94% recommendation rate, with students like Jason Shaw (2015) praising the school’s commitment to individualized attention and structured curriculum. Saint Louis University follows closely with an 87% recommendation rate, bolstered by its strong graduation and retention rates (81% and 87%, respectively). Meanwhile, CSU Global (85%) and Liberty University (87%) receive praise for their online learning flexibility and career-aligned coursework.
These recommendations and reviews underscore the value of firsthand student perspectives when choosing an online program. Beyond tuition costs and rankings, real experiences highlight the rigor of coursework, the level of faculty engagement, and the career outcomes graduates achieve.
Project Management Expert Answers Your Questions
What skills from your degree do you find most valuable in your career?
At the very heart you certainly do project planning but I think negotiation and stakeholder communication skills you need just as much. Having a perfect timeline is not sufficient; you also need the interpersonal skills to bring everyone on a journey together. Upon starting an academic program at my organization, I spent as much time defining roles with my staff as I did developing Gantt charts. At the end of the day, a good project plan is built on ensuring all parties feel heard.
In what ways did a digital format influence your learning experience?
Online learning requires you to be disciplined about managing your time and moving through materials self-directedly, but it can also expand access to varied views from peers around the world. Virtual collaboration for the group projects on collaborative platforms reflect modern workplace tools. You’re exposed to different perspectives, which forces you to be a more adaptable problem-solver.
What do you recommend prospective students look for when choosing a project management bachelor’s program?
Don’t just focus on the accreditation, but determine how the program will help you reach your goals, be it specializing in IT, operations, or education. Relevant curriculum, internship opportunities, and faculty expertise are equally critical. Some universities have partnerships with companies to do real-world case studies alongside them, so you graduate with a portfolio of concrete experiences. Others train soft skills in leadership seminars or conflict resolution classes that prepare you to manage the human component of your projects.
How do a project management degree and certifications (e.g., PMP) compare for career growth?
A formal degree provides you with foundational skills and maybe delves deeper into concepts around leadership, strategy, and so forth. Certifications, like the PMP, are recognized credentials that embody mastery of industry standards and best practices. A PMP can be a hiring filter in many organizations but a bachelor’s degree offers broader sets of skills where they transfer into leadership positions. Sometimes employers even prefer the degree + certification combination, since it demonstrates both theoretical depth and standardized proficiency.
Which industries benefit the most from a project management degree?
Project management can be useful within virtually all industries, but it is particularly seen in tech, healthcare, construction, and education. Planning, pivoting, and effective resource coordination continues to be key across sectors. Multi-layered software development is a complete project which requires the involvement of several IT specialists, so the tech companies can hire project managers. Hospitals depend on project managers to manage complex patient-care improvement projects that engage doctors, administrators and outside vendors.
What advice do you have for prospective project management students?
Project management isn’t just about checklists and deadlines: It’s also about empathy, adaptability and considering how each initiative can contribute to larger ambitions. Learn the innovations of different systems, but balance them with an understanding of the emotional system. Motivation by team members can mean the difference between going the distance during hard times. Find mentors, whether a professor with industry experience or a manager at your internship site.
Student Reviews of Online Project Management Programs
My experience has been amazing. The professors were great and I really retained the information that I have learned and was able to apply it to my career. I like how the classes are structured. The school ensures you are not overwhelmed with the school work load.
Review Date: 6/29/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
This is an online university, you are expected to work at least 20+ hours a week per course for research and completing assignments. Every professor I have had held a PhD related to the subject in which class I was taking, they provide thoughtful feedback and expect you to provide insightful output demonstrating research and competency towards the subjects. Each class contains critical thinking assignments each week which consist of papers or technical presentations/assignments. Weekly discussion... Read More
Review Date: 4/2/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
The PM courses are actually fun and you will learn alot. The professors are great about balancing real life with the demands of college life. Even the general ed courses were fun. Don't expect much from advisors though if you go online, maybe a phone call a quarter but then again I wasn't in need of alot of help. They did reach out via email and phone about concerns anytime I had one. The only draw back to the school is the Kirkpatrick Series (9 credits) at the end of your program. The mandatory... Read More
Review Date: 2/22/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
I worked very hard to finish everything on time. It was difficult, challenging and rewarding. The time spent doing assignments was an effort and I put in as much as I could to graduate with honors. The courses were simple to me, they didn't put in too much info that didn't make relevant information difficult to understand. The tests, quizzes and otherwise were pretty simple. if you put in an effort, you get a decent grade. if you try as hard as possible, you will get stressed. Overall, every class... Read More
Review Date: 10/26/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
WGU is a fantastic school for any working adult who wants to earn or finish a degree. WGU is not for everyone because you are responsible for your own success and most already possess the initiative to succeed. If you need handholding and constant guidance from instructors, WGU is not for you. A classroom environment moves only as fast as the slowest person in the room. As such, I chose WGU because it is self-paced and I was able to move at my own speed. I advised my mentor that I would move fast... Read More
Review Date: 9/27/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
I recently graduated from CTU with a BS in Project Mgmt. and I am soon to finish a Master's in Project Mgmt. as well. CTU is a for-profit institution, their primary purpose is to make money. However, in my experience my success was truly dependent upon my own efforts and dedication as a student. As the title states, you get out of it what you put into it. All the negative reviews posted have common denominators, excuses and blame. Successful people don't make excuses, they understand the expectations... Read More
Review Date: 6/11/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
This program helped develop my knowledge and skills. The classes were easy to manage while I worked full time. The teachers were extremely helpful and informative and the classes were thorough. The faculty helped me throughout the entire process and were instrumental in my success. This school has prepared me for my future endeavors and I feel confident to start working on my career. I recently got accepted in Boston University to continue my education with a masters in computer science and project... Read More
Review Date: 3/16/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Bellevue University was a great experience for me. The class content was challenging and very informative. The project management degree is acredited by the Project Management Institute and the classes are definitely not easy. The instructors explain the content well and give professional critical feedback on your assignments to help you understand the material. We learned critical leadership and business skills as-well-as in-depth project management courses designed to help you earn the PMP certification.... Read More
Review Date: 7/10/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
I chose CSU-Global because I wanted to take online classes in Project Management. Great school, everyone helped any time i had a question, I filled out the financial package and was granted time too pay on my schedule. Great classes. I had only one class that i thought the instructor was unresponsive, but I passed the class without his assistance and wouldn't say his lack of abilities affected me. I wasn't finishing my degree to advance at work, just wanted to get to the next stage in my life. Enrolled... Read More
Review Date: 10/11/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
I received exceptional support from the Enrollment Counselor, the Coach and course instructors. I appreciated the consultative approach allowing me to set the pace to proceed faster or slower. The interaction with the tutor program was a bit hit/miss, some with great insight and others just copying and pasting what was already in the syllabus. Overall, it takes personal sacrifice and dedication along with open and honest communication with your coach and instructors. The Capella FlexPath program... Read More
Review Date: 9/20/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
This was a great program. The professors addressed question and comments quickly and made this a very practical way of going back to school. My advisor was top notch. My only concern that I might have is the cost but I was lucky enough not to have to pay for this degree. I can say I really did learn a lot about project management and this has set me up for success.
Review Date: 11/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
I had a wonderful time in the FlexPath program. After struggling for many years I was finally able to complete my BS. And, with the flexibility of FlexPath I completed 57 credits in three months. The instructors, coach, tutors, and enrollment counselor were all extremely helpful and responsive. In March of 2018 I walked in my commencement (a first for me because I opted to get a GED when I was younger). I'm so happy with this school and FlexPath that I'm now enrolled to start in the MBA program.
Review Date: 8/21/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Completing my degree with Trident was an awesome experience. My academic adviser was great at helping me get scheduled for the right classes at the right time, and the graduation ceremony was a memorable experience. I will be returning to Trident for me Masters degree.
Review Date: 10/3/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Currently entering my 4th term I can say the program is good to go. My co-workers have evaluated the program and have stated it is no joke. I started my course work, moved and never picked it back up. So back at it I go. It is a different feel, being online, but the content is the same using a majority of McGraw Hill online content. It is like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. I chose SNHU as they have a brick and mortar school and are NCAA D2 as well as non-profit. This to me... Read More
Review Date: 7/7/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
I am a experienced information security professional with about 26 yrs of experience. I have been "finishing" my degree program since 1992... to that end, I had attended a number of brick & mortar and online colleges ( recognizable organizations) and settled on Capella in 2012. Over the past few years ( I received credit for PgMP cert and took about a year off) I took a class a quarter and finished BSIT with a specialization in project management this past April, so about three years of academic... Read More
Review Date: 12/12/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
I've finished my BA in Information Technology from WGU. My entire time at WGU was worth every dollar spent. I can understand why some students might not be happy with WGU competency base program since WGU is heavily weighed on independent learning and self-study. With that being said, if you don't have the motivation to push though; this school may not be for you. However, if you're ambitious, then this school is an excellent choice. The course professors (mentors) at WGU are terrific, they are extremely... Read More
Review Date: 6/5/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
I really enjoyed and had very few problems at Colorado Technical University. I have to admit that I work full time and in order to complete school I had to sacrifice much of my personal time. I plan on pursuing an advanced degree and probably will choose CTU although I would have been accepted at many other colleges throughout the nation. The instructors I had for the most part always responded within a short period of time with many being contacted by phone. The overall classes were challenging... Read More
Review Date: 10/19/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
I really enjoyed this school. I attended University of Phoenix online before and found the material mundane and the staff inept. At CTU Online I really feel like I'm learning what I need to learn to advance in my career. The staff is all very helpful and some of my professors have been hands down amazing to learn from.
Review Date: 3/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Macomb is a great start for core classes and for adults that are getting back to school. That was me, going back to school now that my kids were older and I wanted to refocus a little bit on me. Here is my issue with Macomb, my program was changed 3 times while attending the school. And NOT one time was I informed of this change. There are mass emails sent out for school events, but when it comes to something as important as the classes I had to take no one at the school could be bothered let anyone... Read More
Review Date: 9/12/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
After about an hour of reading these reviews, I have found that most people don't like the financial portion of DeVry. I personally haven't had any issues, but I guess it really depends on your department. I am strictly an online student out of the Morrisville, NC office. I am in a Bachelor/Masters Program that seems to be going very well. I've been attending for 3 years and along with financial aid, my company (Lockheed Martin) is also pitching in. So for those who are looking for validation of... Read More
Since I work and have children, a typical brick and mortar school was impossible. DeVry give you flexibility to live your life and go to school. Some of the classes are easy and some are more challenging. But that is the way of any school. I never like English in High School and thought it was very difficult. Math was great and I thought it was easy. Others may be different.
There is a lot of reading as it is online and not verbally taught. You must expect to be able to self-motivate if you choose to learn online. As far as finding a job, I was able to get one while attending DeVry and was told that a ($20,000) pay raise was coming after graduation of my Bachelor's and another one after my Master's.
As far as these reviews go, everyone is different and the location of their schools are different. I would recommend asking a lot of questions before starting. Knowing what you want before going in and demanding that you get what you want. If they can't give it to you in writing, than you should try somewhere else. I am getting what I want and am very proud of my accomplishments to date as a continuing education student.
Review Date: 1/11/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
FAQs About Affordable Online Project Management Degrees
What Will I Learn in an Online Project Management Bachelor’s Degree Program?
An online project management degree covers key project phases such as initiation, planning, execution, and closure. As an online student, you'll still gain hands-on experience through real-world or simulated projects, refining skills in feasibility analysis, project planning, budgeting, and risk assessment. Soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are also emphasized. Many programs culminate in a capstone project where students manage a full-scale project from start to finish.
How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Project Management Degree?
Most online project management programs require 120-124 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete the degree in four to five years, while part-time students may take longer. Accelerated programs or transfer credits from prior coursework can shorten the timeline.
What Courses Are Included in a Project Management Degree?
Coursework in a project management program typically includes:
- Foundations of Project Management – Covers methodologies, tools, and best practices.
- Risk Management – Focuses on identifying and mitigating project risks.
- Financial Aspects of Project Management – Examines budgeting, cost control, and financial planning.
- Team Dynamics and Leadership – Develops skills in team formation, leadership, and conflict resolution.
- Quality Management – Explores quality assurance and control strategies.
- Project Procurement and Contracts – Teaches best practices for acquiring resources and managing contracts.
How Can I Afford an Online Project Management Degree?
Accredited colleges offer various financial aid options to help project management majors reduce the cost of their education. Grants and scholarships, awarded based on financial need or academic merit, provide funding that does not require repayment — an advantage for students planning long-term careers in operations, risk management, or leadership.
Federal student loans typically feature lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than private loans, making them a more manageable borrowing option for those pursuing project management degrees.
Private scholarships from corporations, nonprofits, and industry organizations, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), can further offset costs but often require separate applications. To access federal financial aid, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs.
To further minimize costs, project management students can consider strategic financial decisions:
- Choosing an online program that offers in-state tuition rates can provide significant savings, as many schools extend these benefits to remote learners.
- Attending a public university is another cost-effective option, as public institutions typically charge lower tuition than private schools.
- Some students begin at a community college to complete general education requirements before transferring to a four-year program, reducing overall expenses.
- Additionally, applying for industry-specific scholarships, federal grants, and work-study opportunities can further ease the financial burden.
- Many online project management students also work part- or full-time while studying, gaining practical experience while reducing reliance on loans.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Project Management Degree?
Graduates often pursue careers as project managers in industries such as construction, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. These roles involve overseeing projects, managing budgets, and ensuring efficient workflows.
Beyond project management, related career paths include roles like logisticians, who coordinate supply chains and earn a median salary of $79,400. Cost estimators, who analyze project expenses, make around $74,740 annually.
Market research analysts, earning a median salary of $74,680, focus on industry trends and consumer behavior. Management analysts, who help businesses improve efficiency, have a higher median salary of $99,410, making this a lucrative option for those with strong analytical skills.
I also want to note that earning a master’s degree in project management can open doors to senior management, consulting, and higher-paying roles. Many online programs allow working professionals to study while advancing their careers. If cost is a concern, consider one of the most affordable project management master’s degrees to maximize your return on investment.