50 Most Affordable Supply Chain Management School Programs

Get Matched With Supply Chain Management Programs

As proven with the recent pandemic, the supply chain is a critical component to making the lives of billions operate more smoothly each and every day. When it is disrupted, catastrophes and civil unrest can occur as seen across the world, from toilet paper shortages to rising food prices.

The supply chain, in general, can be defined as the sourcing, procurement, and specific coordination of goods and materials. In some instances, manufacturing, marketing, sales, advertising, and more can be a part of the supply chain process. Much of the time, various aspects of the supply chain are outsourced to other businesses. The entire supply chain begins at the design stage and ends once a product is disposed of, including everything in between.

The supply chain has been in existence since humans began exchanging products and services with each other thousands of centuries ago. Today, the more modern supply chain career can take on any number of specialized areas, such as customer service, distribution, efficiency enhancement, financial forecasting, inventory, logistics, packaging, production, purchasing, quality control, transportation and shipping, warehousing, and more.

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Top 50 Affordable Supply Chain Management Colleges and Universities

1

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Score: 100

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,878
- Out-of-State: $9,992
Net Price: $2,341
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 20,363
Undergrad Students: 20,363
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $59,000
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

2

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Score: 93.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State: $18,944
Net Price: $5,068
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 16,426
Undergrad Students: 13,969
Graduate Students: 2,457
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

3

Texas A&M International University

Score: 93.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,846
- Out-of-State: $19,382
Net Price: $5,383
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 8,505
Undergrad Students: 6,979
Graduate Students: 1,526
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

4

Miami Dade College

Score: 92.81

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State: $9,661
Net Price: $5,478
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 47,245
Undergrad Students: 47,245
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

5

Dalton State College

Score: 92.69

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,283
- Out-of-State: $10,189
Net Price: $5,532
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 4,527
Undergrad Students: 4,527
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $57,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

6

California State University-Los Angeles

Score: 92.07

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,818
- Out-of-State: $18,698
Net Price: $5,801
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 26,460
Undergrad Students: 22,737
Graduate Students: 3,723
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

7

Georgia Highlands College

Score: 91.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,944
- Out-of-State: $9,296
Net Price: $6,055
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 19%
Total Enrollment: 4,768
Undergrad Students: 4,768
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $52,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

8

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Score: 87.27

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State: $4,656
Net Price: $7,899
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 43,023
Undergrad Students: 43,023
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

9

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Score: 86.79

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,859
- Out-of-State: $19,939
Net Price: $8,105
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 31,559
Undergrad Students: 26,434
Graduate Students: 5,125
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

10

The University of West Florida

Score: 85.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State: $19,241
Net Price: $8,609
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 13,521
Undergrad Students: 9,291
Graduate Students: 4,230
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

11

California State University-Long Beach

Score: 83.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,008
- Out-of-State: $18,888
Net Price: $9,346
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 73%
Total Enrollment: 38,973
Undergrad Students: 32,931
Graduate Students: 6,042
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

12

University of Arkansas Grantham

Score: 83.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,280
- Out-of-State: $8,280
Net Price: $9,546
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 36%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 5,436
Undergrad Students: 4,598
Graduate Students: 838
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 33:1

13

Northeastern State University

Score: 83.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,513
- Out-of-State: $16,633
Net Price: $9,669
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 6,702
Undergrad Students: 5,242
Graduate Students: 1,460
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

14

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Score: 83.15

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,156
- Out-of-State: $11,017
Net Price: $9,694
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 3,150
Undergrad Students: 3,150
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

15

Clayton State University

Score: 82.93

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,068
- Out-of-State: $15,790
Net Price: $9,792
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 5,847
Undergrad Students: 5,283
Graduate Students: 564
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

16

Florida International University

Score: 82.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,881
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 55,609
Undergrad Students: 45,688
Graduate Students: 9,921
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

17

Missouri Southern State University

Score: 82.31

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $16,800
Net Price: $10,061
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 4,144
Undergrad Students: 4,052
Graduate Students: 92
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

18

University of North Texas at Dallas

Score: 81.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,590
- Out-of-State: $22,189
Net Price: $10,351
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 3,685
Undergrad Students: 3,001
Graduate Students: 684
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

19

Weber State University

Score: 81.25

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,391
- Out-of-State: $17,084
Net Price: $10,525
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 29,914
Undergrad Students: 28,903
Graduate Students: 1,011
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

20

Georgia Military College

Score: 81.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,112
- Out-of-State: $8,112
Net Price: $10,544
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 33%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 6,998
Undergrad Students: 6,998
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $48,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

21

Florida Gulf Coast University

Score: 80.54

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,118
- Out-of-State: $25,162
Net Price: $10,834
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 15,969
Undergrad Students: 14,130
Graduate Students: 1,839
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

22

University of Michigan-Flint

Score: 80.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,014
- Out-of-State: $31,274
Net Price: $10,840
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 5,985
Undergrad Students: 4,609
Graduate Students: 1,376
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

23

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Score: 80.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,593
- Out-of-State: $23,339
Net Price: $10,979
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 17,978
Undergrad Students: 14,198
Graduate Students: 3,780
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

24

Murray State University

Score: 80.07

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,708
- Out-of-State: $19,452
Net Price: $11,042
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 9,479
Undergrad Students: 7,679
Graduate Students: 1,800
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

25

American Public University System

Score: 79.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
Net Price: $11,172
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206
Graduate Students: 9,462
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

26

Western Illinois University

Score: 79.67

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,952
- Out-of-State: $14,952
Net Price: $11,213
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 7,643
Undergrad Students: 5,309
Graduate Students: 2,334
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

27

University of North Florida

Score: 79.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,389
- Out-of-State: $20,793
Net Price: $11,338
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 16,406
Undergrad Students: 14,171
Graduate Students: 2,235
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

28

Florida A&M University

Score: 78.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,785
- Out-of-State: $17,725
Net Price: $11,583
Acceptance Rate: 33%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 9,215
Undergrad Students: 7,709
Graduate Students: 1,506
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

29

Missouri Western State University

Score: 78.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,800
- Out-of-State: $17,500
Net Price: $11,917
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 4,023
Undergrad Students: 3,841
Graduate Students: 182
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

30

Quincy University

Score: 77.9

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,740
- Out-of-State: $35,740
Net Price: $11,985
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 1,307
Undergrad Students: 1,147
Graduate Students: 160
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

31

Arkansas State University

Score: 77.84

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,754
- Out-of-State: $13,826
Net Price: $12,011
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 13,190
Undergrad Students: 8,201
Graduate Students: 4,989
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

32

West Virginia University

Score: 77.41

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,648
- Out-of-State: $27,360
Net Price: $12,202
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 24,741
Undergrad Students: 19,059
Graduate Students: 5,682
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

33

Louisiana Tech University

Score: 77.31

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,125
- Out-of-State: $16,866
Net Price: $12,243
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 10,839
Undergrad Students: 9,924
Graduate Students: 915
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

34

Southeastern Louisiana University

Score: 77.2

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,373
- Out-of-State: $20,851
Net Price: $12,291
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 13,465
Undergrad Students: 12,426
Graduate Students: 1,039
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

35

Florida Polytechnic University

Score: 77.02

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,940
- Out-of-State: $21,005
Net Price: $12,373
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 1,593
Undergrad Students: 1,531
Graduate Students: 62
Grads Salary: $58,900
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

36

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Score: 76.85

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,944
- Out-of-State: $31,360
Net Price: $12,444
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 8,223
Undergrad Students: 6,116
Graduate Students: 2,107
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

37

Purdue University

Score: 76.55

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,992
- Out-of-State: $28,794
Net Price: $12,576
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 83%
Total Enrollment: 51,528
Undergrad Students: 38,593
Graduate Students: 12,935
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

38

Ball State University

Score: 76.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,758
- Out-of-State: $28,766
Net Price: $12,615
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 19,777
Undergrad Students: 14,416
Graduate Students: 5,361
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

39

Eastern Washington University

Score: 75.98

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,353
- Out-of-State: $25,892
Net Price: $12,827
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 10,910
Undergrad Students: 7,604
Graduate Students: 3,306
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

40

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Score: 75.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,370
- Out-of-State: $22,358
Net Price: $12,973
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 15,058
Undergrad Students: 12,026
Graduate Students: 3,032
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

41

Fort Valley State University

Score: 75.54

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,392
- Out-of-State: $16,114
Net Price: $13,016
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 2,605
Undergrad Students: 2,360
Graduate Students: 245
Grads Salary: $52,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

42

Appalachian State University

Score: 75.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,541
- Out-of-State: $24,537
Net Price: $13,084
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 75%
Total Enrollment: 20,436
Undergrad Students: 18,558
Graduate Students: 1,878
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

43

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Score: 75.1

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,440
- Out-of-State: $33,432
Net Price: $13,211
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 15,181
Undergrad Students: 12,415
Graduate Students: 2,766
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

44

Brigham Young University

Score: 74.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,496
- Out-of-State: $6,496
Net Price: $13,521
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 79%
Total Enrollment: 34,464
Undergrad Students: 31,411
Graduate Students: 3,053
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

45

Wichita State University

Score: 74.31

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,322
- Out-of-State: $19,240
Net Price: $13,553
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 16,216
Undergrad Students: 12,049
Graduate Students: 4,167
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

46

Sam Houston State University

Score: 74.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,228
- Out-of-State: $19,020
Net Price: $13,632
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 21,480
Undergrad Students: 18,235
Graduate Students: 3,245
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

47

Baker College

Score: 73.93

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,810
- Out-of-State: $12,810
Net Price: $13,719
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 20%
Total Enrollment: 4,106
Undergrad Students: 3,778
Graduate Students: 328
Grads Salary: $54,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

48

University of Memphis

Score: 73.58

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,344
- Out-of-State: $14,784
Net Price: $13,873
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 21,917
Undergrad Students: 16,708
Graduate Students: 5,209
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

49

Morgan State University

Score: 73.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,118
- Out-of-State: $18,800
Net Price: $13,956
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 9,101
Undergrad Students: 7,609
Graduate Students: 1,492
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

50

Ferris State University

Score: 73.34

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,630
- Out-of-State: $13,630
Net Price: $13,978
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 10,072
Undergrad Students: 9,000
Graduate Students: 1,072
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Why a Degree from an Affordable Supply Chain Management School?

A more affordable supply chain management school equates to greater career and education opportunities. These days, it’s no longer necessary to spend tens of thousands of dollars each year on a degree to receive a quality education. Many highly reputable supply chain degree programs cost less than $10,000 a year. When you pay less for a degree, this means you have more money to contribute to graduate degrees or certifications to help with your supply chain career advancement.

Savings are also highly beneficial to contribute toward the minimization of debt upon graduation. The less money a student has to pay back or spend out-of-pocket can be directly linked to a better quality of life post-graduation. These savings can be used to pay for the down payment on a house, start a family, take an inspiring trip each year, buy a nice car, and much more. And don’t forget to apply for grants, scholarships, and student loans to help make the cost of a degree more manageable. Regardless of whether one pays $40,000 a year or $10,000 a year, students will have access to essential financial aid that also reduces debt.

Find Your Online Supply Chain Management Program

More benefits of affordable supply chain management degrees come in the form of flexibility. Often, less expensive degrees can be more accommodating to students as the schools have a better grasp on the needs of students with limited financial resources. These supply chain management programs can offer a more equal and equitable learning platform to reach everyone rather than a select few. Such higher learning institutions typically offer online supply chain management degrees as well as hybrid and in-person classroom opportunities.

Choosing an Affordable Supply Chain Management College

Price should not be the only factor you take into consideration when choosing an affordable supply chain management college. Of course, price is a factor; however, it is essential to ensure the quality of the education is acceptable and to evaluate many other aspects.

To determine the quality of education, make sure the college or university is regionally accredited. This type of accreditation demonstrates that a school meets a more rigid educational standard over schools that are not accredited or only nationally accredited. Even if a potential employer has not heard of a certain college or university, they will look to see if the school is regionally accredited to determine the quality of education. Choosing a programmatically accredited supply chain management program is also helpful; however, it is not absolutely necessary.

For those interested in quality education at an affordable price, consider public colleges and universities in one’s state of residence. The moment an individual chooses an out-of-state school, costs may double, if not triple or quadruple in many cases. The same can be true of private schools versus public schools. To save the most money, it can be significantly advantageous to select a community college to complete the most basic courses, followed by transferring to a four-year college or university.

And always consider online supply chain management degrees. The competition amongst higher learning institutions that are seeking students each year has never been more intense. As a result, many colleges and universities are offering incentives and highly competitive online degree rates over in-person classes. Some schools will offer in-state tuition rates for online degrees, while other schools will charge less for online courses than for in-person classes. Pay careful attention to online programs as some schools are actually charging more for online degrees making such programs more exclusive and less inclusive.

Online Options

Most supply chain management careers will involve utilizing various software programs, applications, phone calls, and video conferencing. Due to this, supply chain management degrees are a good fit for online learning. Within supply chain management, each professional will often have to work with people from all over the US and the world. Learning to function at a high level without meeting people in person is likely an asset for future supply chain leaders.

It’s becoming common for supply chain management students to take online courses while working an entry-level position within the field of the supply chain in some capacity. An affordable associate degree in supply chain management will easily secure an entry-level position in a more labor-intensive and hands-on role. This experience is vital in understanding the entire supply chain process. While gaining this experience, many people will continue their education with an affordable online bachelor’s degree in supply chain management.

A four-year degree will be necessary for more office-based roles and nearly all management positions. These jobs will also require experience. Individuals who complete an online degree in supply chain management while working within the field are likely to advance their careers and pay more quickly than others. For those who find it difficult to find jobs while studying, be sure to reach out to the college or university’s career center. They should be able to help with part-time work, internships, and full-time jobs upon graduation.

Are Supply Chain Management Programs in High Demand?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected a growth rate of 5% within the supply chain management field through 2029. The growth is relatively minor, and the expected growth is likely to be centered around companies with a need to create efficiency. Growth within supply chain and logistics careers are slowing greatly for many reasons. For one, the incorporation of technology has truly reduced the need for human processing; this has eliminated countless jobs over the years.

Employment opportunities in supply chain management have also lost momentum in recent years due to improvements in various technology platforms, software, AI, machine learning, and more. Another reduction in growth can be attributed to more streamlined supply chains and third-party logistics company mergers. Individuals who have technical skills with software experience and those who have done similar work for the military currently have a greater advantage over others. And growth will occur as a percentage of the supply chain workforce retires and others pursue more in-demand careers.

As the competition becomes more fierce for supply chain management jobs, it’s always a good idea to continue one’s education within the field to gain an advantage. Consider certificates and technical skill development. A graduate degree in supply chain management will also provide greater opportunities for management and executive roles.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Supply Chain Management?

A supply chain management degree provides a wealth of career opportunities. The skills one learns and develops within the supply chain are easily transferable from one industry to another. Certain sectors are known to hire supply chain professionals over others. Manufacturing companies represent the largest sector of those who employ such individuals. The federal government, professional organizations, management companies, and wholesale trade companies also employ supply chain management professionals.

Commercial enterprises and industrial businesses are not the only types of employers that seek out individuals with supply chain management degrees. The government utilizes such people for any number of reasons: relocating personnel, military uses, ordering materials, etc. Non-profit organizations also have a need for people educated in supply chain management, such as to ship supplies from the US to volunteer medical professionals in developing nations. There is a wide range of employer types that use supply chain professionals, including auto manufacturers, big-box retail, consumer goods, electronic companies, food and beverage distributors, pharmaceutical laboratories, power and utility companies, transportation and freight companies, and many others.

Supply chain management job types also vary. The title of a role one is able to secure will depend on the degree level one has completed. It is also possible to specialize in different areas of supply chain management or to focus on a specific industry. Some people might start out as a floor associate and work their way up to an analyst position. You may eventually work in management or as an executive. Some people might work more with numbers and others might work more with people such as consumers, clients, or vendors. There are plenty of options for all preferences.

Supply Chain Management Graduates Earn More After College

It’s possible to find work in the supply chain field without a degree; however, even as little as an associate degree can double one’s salary potential. For example, a forklift driver does not require a degree, and it pays over $25,000 a year. With an associate degree in supply chain management, individuals earn a national average salary of $52,000 a year.

Most supply chain management careers will require a bachelor’s degree. The median salary in 2019 for such careers was $74,750. The salary range of all supply chain management jobs is between $44,000 and $120,400, according to the BLS. Everyone’s salary will vary based on a number of factors such as the location of the job, the size of the employer, any direct reports, and more. The number of years of experience one has, and the level of education completed, will also play a role.

An easy way to increase salary potential is to always be learning, such as to complete certifications when possible, learn new skills at every turn, and cross-train throughout the organization. It’s also a good idea to network both internally and externally and join professional organizations. This is a great way to hear of new roles before others.

FAQs

What will you study in a program focused on a supply chain management degree?
While each supply chain management degree will differ by degree level and higher learning institution, a number of subjects will remain constant such as research and analysis, international business, procurement, supplier relations, management information systems, transportation and distribution, supply chain risk, compliance, inventory management, and others.
What professional organizations can I join while a student in a supply chain management degree?
Many supply chain management professional organizations offer student memberships for free or at a discounted rate.

The following are just a few examples of some of the most popular and well-respected:
- CSCMP - Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
- ASCM - Association for Supply Chain Management
- SCMA - Supply Chain Management Association
- ISM - Institute for Supply Management
What are the admission requirements for a master’s in supply chain management degree?
Supply chain management graduate degree programs may or may not require a graduate degree exam, such as a GRE or GMAT. Programs are increasingly moving away from entrance exam requirements and more toward a weighted scale system based on a number of factors, such as grades and work experience, to provide a more equal and equitable opportunity for all.
Are logistics and supply chain management the same thing?
Logistics and supply chain management are not the same. Logistics refers to the movement of the right raw materials or finished goods in the right way in the right condition with the right quantity to the right place at the right time. Supply chain management is a much broader term that also incorporates purchasing, packaging, procurement, inventory, and many others.
Will certification help my supply chain management career?
Certifications will be helpful with pay increases, skill development, and career advancement, particularly if someone does not wish to complete a master’s degree. Given the fact this is now a highly competitive field with limited growth potential, certifications can only provide a career advantage when it comes time to look for new employment opportunities in supply chain management.

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