Digital Scholar is likely the top choice for those seeking an MBA in digital marketing, although its one-year offline program does not follow traditional online MBA format; fees begin from Rs.7,000,000 with up to 50% scholarships upto Rs.3.5L available).
Anna University stands out as one of Chennai’s premier institutions offering online MBA programs at an economical cost (Rs45,000 for two years), followed by University of Madras at Rs28,000 and Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU). Both of these are known for offering flexible learning solutions with reasonable tuition fees.
Consider also Alagappa University (approx. Rs35,000), Sikkim Manipal University (Rs50,000) and Annamalai University (Rs30,000) offering various specializations – fees may differ between colleges so be sure to confirm them directly for accuracy.
Colleges Offering Online MBA Programs in Chennai
Digital Scholar is recognized as one of the premier colleges in Chennai for offering an off-line MBA in Digital Marketing with an emphasis on AI-powered digital marketing strategies. Below is a selection of colleges in Chennai offering online MBA programs; Digital Scholar stands out for its unique approach.
Studies indicate Anna University, University of Madras and Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) as top picks for online MBA degrees due to their affordability, UGC/AICTE accreditation and industry relevance.
Top Online MBA Colleges in Chennai
Below is a curated list of the top 10 colleges in Chennai offering online MBA programs, based on reputation, fees, courses, and placements.
Digital Scholar: A Specialized Alternative
Digital Scholar offers an intensive one-year MBA in Digital Marketing program with expert instructor Sorav Jain as its founding Director. Their program emphasizes SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, Google Ads, analytics, e-commerce, affiliate marketing, and influencer marketing, using AI tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, ChatGPT, and HubSpot.
- Fees: ₹7,00,000 (up to 50% scholarships, effective ~₹3.5L)
- USPs:
- India’s first MBA dedicated to digital marketing.
- Offline campus in Purasaiwakkam, Chennai.
- AI-driven curriculum with over 20 global certifications.
- Live brand projects for hands-on experience.
- Woolf University accreditation.
- Simple admission (aptitude test, interview).
- India’s first MBA dedicated to digital marketing.
- Faculty: Sorav Jain, Rishi Jain, and industry experts.
- Future-Readiness: AI tools, performance marketing, and mobile marketing ensure graduates are industry-ready.
- Placements: 100% assistance with 300+ partners, roles like Digital Marketing Manager, SEO Specialist (₹3-8 lakhs).
2. Anna University – Centre for Distance Education
Anna University CDE, a trusted name since 1978, offers a 2-year distance MBA that’s budget-friendly and packed with industry-relevant skills.
- Fees: ~₹45,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC/AICTE-approved, affordable, strong industry ties.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
- Faculty: Industry-savvy professors.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, Business Analytics (market segmentation, data mining).
- Future-Ready: Analytics, digital skills, ERP systems.
- Placements: Robust with Infosys, TCS (₹6–8L average).
- Unique Edge: High-value education at a low cost with solid job prospects.
- Why Choose?: Perfect for those wanting a recognized MBA without breaking the bank.
3. University of Madras – Institute of Distance Education
University of Madras IDE, one of India’s oldest universities, delivers a 2-year distance MBA with a legacy of excellence and flexible learning.
- Fees: ~₹28,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC-recognized, ultra-affordable, flexible study modes.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Faculty: Experienced academics.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, Systems (consumer behavior, IT project management).
- Future-Ready: Digital skills, basic analytics.
- Placements: Decent with TCS, HCL (₹4–6L average).
- Unique Edge: Prestigious degree at a fraction of the cost.
- Why Choose?: Ideal for professionals seeking a respected, low-cost MBA.
4. Alagappa University – Distance Education Centre
Alagappa University DDE offers a 2-year distance MBA with a practical focus and personalized support, making learning engaging [Alagappa University]([invalid url, do not cite]).
- Fees: ~₹35,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC-recognized, hands-on curriculum.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Faculty: Supportive educators.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, International Business (market research, global trade).
- Future-Ready: Modern, job-oriented skills.
- Placements: Satisfactory (₹4–5L average).
- Unique Edge: Practical, student-friendly distance learning.
- Why Choose?: Suits those wanting quality with support.
5. Sikkim Manipal University – Distance Education
SMU, a distance education leader, offers a 2-year MBA with nationwide credibility and strong industry connections [SMU]([invalid url, do not cite]).
- Fees: ~₹50,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC-approved, robust alumni network.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Faculty: Academics, industry pros.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations (sales strategies, financial modeling).
- Future-Ready: Practical, industry-relevant training.
- Placements: Strong with IBM, Accenture (₹5–7L average).
- Unique Edge: Widely recognized, flexible learning.
- Why Choose?: Ideal for a respected MBA with job prospects.
6. Annamalai University
Annamalai University, a distance learning veteran, offers a 2-year MBA with a comprehensive, affordable curriculum [Annamalai University]([invalid url, do not cite]).
- Fees: ~₹30,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC-approved, broad course offerings.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Faculty: Experienced distance educators.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, International Business (brand management, global trade).
- Future-Ready: Business trend-aligned skills.
- Placements: Satisfactory (₹4–5L average).
- Unique Edge: Affordable, trusted education.
- Why Choose?: Cost-effective path to a solid MBA.
7. Madurai Kamaraj University
Madurai Kamaraj University provides a 2-year distance MBA with a practical, blended learning approach [Madurai Kamaraj University]([invalid url, do not cite]).
- Fees: ~₹35,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC-recognized, hands-on focus.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Faculty: Industry-oriented educators.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, Systems (market research, IT systems).
- Future-Ready: Practical business skills.
- Placements: Decent (₹4–6L average).
- Unique Edge: Blends theory with real-world application.
- Why Choose?: Suits those seeking practical training.
8. Bharathiar University
Bharathiar University offers a 2-year distance MBA with a focus on industry-ready skills and affordability [Bharathiar University]([invalid url, do not cite]).
- Fees: ~₹40,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC-recognized, industry-driven curriculum.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Faculty: Skilled, practical-focused academics.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations (sales strategies, process optimization).
- Future-Ready: Job-oriented skill development.
- Placements: Satisfactory (₹4–5L average).
- Unique Edge: Affordable, career-focused education.
- Why Choose?: Great for industry-aligned learning.
9. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS)
HITS, globally-oriented, offers a 2-year distance MBA with a logistics edge.
- Fees: ~₹40,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC-recognized, international exposure.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Faculty: Industry-connected educators.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, Logistics (consumer behavior, logistics management).
- Future-Ready: Logistics, global business skills.
- Placements: Satisfactory (₹4.5L average).
- Unique Edge: Affordable, logistics-focused MBA.
- Why Choose?: Suits global, logistics career paths.
10. SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST)
SRMIST, modern and dynamic, offers a 2-year distance MBA with a digital marketing focus.
- Fees: ~₹40,000 (2 years).
- USPs: UGC-recognized, cutting-edge infrastructure.
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
- Faculty: Industry-savvy academics.
- Courses: Marketing, Finance, HR, Digital Marketing (SEO, analytics).
- Future-Ready: Digital marketing, analytics expertise.
- Placements: Solid with HCL, Wipro (₹6.5L average).
- Unique Edge: Tech-forward, affordable education.
- Why Choose?: Ideal for digital business careers.
Choosing the Right Online MBA College
Consider these factors when selecting an online MBA college in Chennai:
- Career Goals: Digital Scholar specializes in digital marketing, Anna University offers traditional management, whereas TNOU and University of Madras offer more affordable alternatives.
- Budget – TNOU and University of Madras offer lower tuition fees.
- Placement: Anna University and Sikkim Manipal both provide strong placement assistance.
Conclusion
Digital Scholar stands out with an online MBA program and offline MBA program with its AI-driven digital marketing degrees with competitive fees after scholarships. Chennai’s premier B-Schools provide online MBA programs of various varieties, with Anna University, University of Madras and TNOU leading for affordability and flexibility. Other colleges such as Alagappa University and Sikkim Manipal University provide more robust options; verify admission details via the official college websites to find programs that best align with your career goals.
