What’s the best way to advance your career? An online business degree can help you no matter what you do for a living. Every industry has supervisors and managers, business leaders who help the company meet its goals for profit and growth. Whether you are a secretary looking to move up or a doctor wanting to manage your practice more efficiently, an online bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is an investment in your career that will pay off handsomely.
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How Much Money Can You Make with a Business Degree?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for all occupations is $39,810 and the median annual wage for business and financial occupations is $69,820. That means you’re likely to make about $30,000 more per year with a bachelor’s degree in business than without a degree. This is one degree that really pays for itself.
What Is the Cheapest Online Business Degree?
We’ve gone through dozens of schools looking for the cheapest online business degrees. We have rated them based on their in-state and out-of-state tuition and compiled a list of the best deals. If you’re looking for a cheap online bachelor’s degree in business, you’re sure to find the perfect school in the list below.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Aspen University (95 points) | Denver, Colorado |
2 | California Coast University (95 points) | Santa Ana, California |
3 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke (95 points) | Pembroke, North Carolina |
4 | Georgia Military College (91 points) | Milledgeville, Georgia |
5 | Fayetteville State University (90 points) | Fayetteville, North Carolina |
40 Most Affordable Online Business Degree Programs
Aspen University (95 points)
Aspen University is tied in first place for the cheapest online business degree with its online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This program prepares students to become the business leaders of the future. The program has start dates every two weeks, so students can begin whenever they’re ready. The classes are all online and cover topics such as internet marketing, international business, and strategic management.
California Coast University (95 points)
California Coast University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that grounds students in the concepts and practices used in business. The curriculum gives students a solid understanding of common business practices and covers topics such as operations, communications, and management. The program is self-paced and students can start anytime.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke (95 points)
The School of Business at UNC Pembroke offers an online Bachelor of Science with a major in Business Administration or Accounting. There are six concentrations to choose from in the Business Administration program. They are marketing, management, international business, finance, entrepreneurship, and economics. Students can complete more than one concentration if they wish. Students gain the background they need to succeed in the business world.
Georgia Military College (91 points)
Georgia Military College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management online. The program prepares students to take on management and leadership positions within their companies. The program is designed for students who already have an Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Students gain a foundation in management and leadership practices.
Fayetteville State University (90 points)
Fayetteville State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in General Business Administration. This degree completion course is for students who already have an associate degree or other college credits to transfer. Students learn about microeconomics, finance, management, the principles of accounting, business communication, strategic planning, and business ethics. The program prepares students for entry-level jobs in business.
Clayton State University (88 points)
The College of Business at Clayton State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with five concentrations to choose from: supply chain management, marketing, management, general business, or accounting. The faculty has real-life experience working for companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, Home Depot, Delta, and Ernst and Young. Students have opportunities to attend networking events and take part in internships.
Kennesaw State University (82 points)
Kennesaw State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with three concentrations to choose from: marketing, management, and information security and assurance. Students taking the online program have to meet the same requirements as those attending class in person. They have the same prerequisites, number of credit hours, required courses, etc. The only difference is in how the material is delivered.
Eastern New Mexico University (80 points)
Eastern New Mexico University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing. Students learn about product management, marketing research, retailing, marketing management, sales, and advertising. The program is 100% online and students connect with their professors through recorded lectures. Some classes are asynchronous while others require students to log in at specified times.
University of the Cumberlands (79 points)
University of the Cumberlands offers an online bachelor’s degree in business administration that provides students with the skills they need to succeed in the business world. The program helps students advance in their careers whether they are just starting out in business or have years of work experience. Students gain a foundation in the liberal arts and a business core.
Florida State College at Jacksonville (78 points)
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The program is designed for students who want to take on leadership and management roles in business or even go to graduate school and earn an MBA. Graduates can attain positions such as administrative services manager, sales manager, or even operations manager.
St. Petersburg College (73 points)
St. Petersburg College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This program gives students a foundation in operations management, statistics, business law, marketing management, finance, accounting, and economics. Students can choose from four concentrations: management, marketing, international business, or financial services. The program is broken up into eight-week courses and all of the courses can be taken online.
Columbia Southern University (72 points)
Columbia Southern University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that provides a strong foundation in business for students who want to get ahead in the business world. Students can choose a general business curriculum or choose a focus from information technology, marketing, human resource management, hospitality and tourism, or more. Students learn leadership principles, problem solving, and decision making.
Indian River State College (68 points)
Indian River State College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that gives students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a highly competitive business world. Students start out the program with courses in organizational ethics and values, organizational behavior, and management concepts. Other topics covered include accounting, customer relations, career management, operations management, and marketing.
Northern Arizona University (66 points)
Northern Arizona University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with emphases in marketing, management, logistics and supply chain management, global business, and entrepreneurship and small business. The program opens the door to successful careers with a variety of employers in a wide range of industries. Students receive real-world experience they can use to advance their careers.
Fort Hays State University (61 points)
Fort Hays State University offers several online bachelor’s degree that are of interest to students who want to get ahead in the business world. The school offers bachelor’s degrees in accounting, agricultural business, business education, finance, management, management information systems, marketing, and organizational leadership. Management students can choose a concentration in operations management, human resource management, or entrepreneurship.
Southeast Missouri State University (60 points)
Southeast Missouri State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that is one of the top 5% of business administration programs in the world. The program prepares students for careers in administration, management, or business. The program is flexible enough to meet the needs of working adults and all of the classes are online. Students receive personalized support from the faculty.
Dickinson State University (59 points)
Dickinson State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in human resource management, finance, administration, or accounting. The accounting concentration prepares students to work as revenue agents, tax examiners, budget analysts, bookkeepers, and accountants. The finance concentration is heavy on mathematics, finance, accounting, and business fundamentals. Students who complete the human resource management concentration will be qualified to seek certification in human resources.
The California State University (59 points)
The Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at The California State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business degree. The program has a solid grounding in the liberal arts combined with an interdisciplinary focus. Students improve their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skill while learning about marketing, management, information systems, finance, economics, and accounting.
Metropolitan State University (59 points)
The College of Management at Metropolitan State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that prepares students for challenging careers in a dynamic, ever-changing world. Students gain skills that will make them stand out to their future employers. Graduates will have the critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills they need to be able to manage organizations effectively.
South Florida Bible College (57 points)
South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management. The school has an award-winning, accredited business program. The program requires 120 credit hours and can be completed 100% online. Students gain the skills they need to succeed, whether they want to work domestically or tackle the international markets.
University of Florida (53 points)
The University of Florida offers an online Bachelor of Arts or Science in Business Administration. This program is an investment that pays off by helping students advance in their careers. The school has some of the best professors in the nation and offers coursework that provides a foundation in many business disciplines.
Columbus State University (52 points)
Columbus State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in general business. The program provides a solid foundation in business fundamentals and can be customized to suit the needs of the students. Students who have already started their careers can use the knowledge they obtain through the program to move ahead in their careers. The program is very flexible.
Valdosta State University (52 points)
The College of Business Administration at Valdosta State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in management. This is the perfect degree for students who aspire to management positions within their organizations. Students can complete all of the coursework online. The program is accredited by the AACSB-International and SACS.
Wichita State University (51 points)
Wichita State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in management, human resources management, and general business. The program offers flexible options to make it easy for working adults to get their degrees. The online courses are taught by the same professors who teach the school’s online courses. Graduates are prepared for careers as human resources managers, branch managers, employee training specialists, and more.
Brigham Young University – Idaho (50 points)
Brigham Young University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Management that provides students with leadership, operations, finance, marketing, and analytic skills an prepares them for management positions. Students learn introductory and advanced business skills that help them advance in their careers. They learn to identify their weaknesses and strengths in order to become better leaders. Instead of in-state and out-of-state tuition, we used BYU’s LDS and non-LDS tuition for our rankings.
Valley City State University (48 points)
Valley City State University offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Management. The program is for students who already have an AAS degree and want to complete their bachelor’s degree in management. Students learn the leadership and management skills needed to advance in their careers. There are internship programs available that allow students to gain practical experience outside of the classroom while they are earning their degrees.
Nicholls State University (46 points)
Nicholls State University has an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that prepares students for business careers in government and in private businesses. It also prepares students for graduate school. The curriculum provides a broad foundation in a variety of business disciplines. It also enhances ethical decision-making, critical-thinking, technological, and communication skills. The school is accredited by AACSB International.
Northwestern State University (45 points)
The School of Business at Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The program is flexible enough to allow students to customize the curriculum to fit their academic and career goals. There are concentrations in management, marketing, finance, and economics. Students can choose one concentration or pursue a combination of them. This program is perfect for students who plan to attend law school. It includes courses in anti-trust, constitutional law, employment law, and business entities.
University of Maine at Augusta (44 points)
The University of Maine at Augusta offers an online Bachelor’s in Business Administration that has concentrations in small business, financial services, computer information systems, and public administration. Graduates are prepared to take on management positions in business. Students learn about computer information systems, marketing, operations research, management, social issues, strategic management, economics, accounting, and finance.
Thomas Edison State University (43 points)
Thomas Edison State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in operations management, marketing, general management, human resources management/organizational management, healthcare management, finance, entrepreneurship, computer information systems, accounting/CPA, and accounting. The program requires 120 credits and covers topics such as marketing, management, finance, and accounting. Some of the concentrations require a capstone project.
Florida Atlantic University (43 points)
Florida Atlantic University offers an online Bachelor’s in Business Administration. There are four concentrations available: marketing, management, hospitality & tourism management, and accounting. The online degree has the same prerequisites and requirements as the on-campus degree. The core curriculum is the same. Students must complete their lower-level requirements before being accepted into the business program. Online students have the same access to faculty members and advisors as their on-campus peers.
Western Carolina University (42 points)
The College of Business at Western Carolina University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in business administration and law or innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The College of Business provides a high-quality business education that is focused on student success. There are more than 50 full-time faculty members. The online business administration program is a degree completion program for students who already have an associate degree or the equivalent number of credits.
Mississippi University for Women (40 points)
The Mississippi University for Women offers men and women a distinctive education that features a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, management information systems, management, human resource management, healthcare management, marketing, sports management, nonprofit management or general business. The school also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration with concentrations in culinary management, management information systems, management, legal administration, human resource management, healthcare management, marketing, sports management, nonprofit management and general business. The BAS degree allows individuals holding an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) the opportunity to progress toward a baccalaureate degree by accepting a predetermined amount of career and technical credit.
The University of Maine (39 points)
The University of Maine Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management. The program is 100% online and students can start in the spring, summer, or fall terms. Students learn about human resources, production system analysis, strategic analysis, organizational change, and leadership. The program prepares students for management careers following graduation. Students study policy-making systems, operations, social and motivational systems, organizational theory, and administration.
Langston University (39 points)
The School of Business at Langston University offers an online bachelor’s degree in management. This high-quality business program is taught by life-long scholars who participate in research projects that demonstrate the connection between business theory and real-life practice. Throughout the program, students gain skills that make them more effective leaders and open up opportunities in their careers.
Kansas State University (38 points)
The College of Business Administration at Kansas State University offers an online bachelor’s degree in general business. This is a degree completion program that requires a total of 120 credit hours. At least 30 credit hours must be taken at Kansas State University, including at least 20 of the last 30 hours taken. Students must meet the school’s general requirements and complete the business core as well as the general business administration requirements.
University of Maryland Global Campus (33 points)
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers online bachelor’s degrees in marketing, management studies, human resource management, finance, cybersecurity management and policy, business administration, and accounting. The programs are designed to be flexible enough to meet working adults’ needs and they are backed by the reputation of a state public university. Students can earn credit for their work experience by demonstrating their knowledge.
Missouri Southern State University (32 points)
Missouri Southern State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in general business. The program consists of a general education core, a business core, and business electives. The business core includes courses such as accounting, economics, financial management, business communication, and international business.
University of Illinois at Springfield (31 points)
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in comprehensive business, human resource management, and management. This is a degree completion plan that offers a dynamic online learning environment. Students must have at least 30 credit hours or an associate degree to enroll in the program.
CUNY School of Professional Studies (31 points)
The CUNY School of Professional Studies offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business that gives students a foundation in business principles and functions. The program gives students the skills and knowledge they need to move up in their careers. Faculty members use analytical tools, global business models, and case studies to give students an understanding of how they can best impact an organization in a positive way. The school does not have out-of-state tuition costs for online degree programs – everyone, no matter where they live, takes advantage of the low cost NY State tuition rate.
Still not sure where to get your online business degree? Use the tool below to help you find the right school.
Our Ranking Methodology
We gathered in-state and out-of-state tuition rates from each school’s website and used the per semester tuition rates where available. Where tuition was listed per credit, we multiplied by 12 credits to get a semester cost. For annual costs, we assumed that the school year is made up of two semesters.
After sorting first by in-state tuition then by out-of-state tuition, we assigned points to each school, with a maximum of 50 points for in-state tuition and 50 points for out-of-state tuition. We added these two scores to get a final score for ranking.
Problems with Your Ranking?
If you work for one of the schools we ranked and you notice an error in the information we used to rank you, please feel free to contact us and let us know so we can make a correction.