Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Business is the most popular college major — according to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly one in five college graduates earn a bachelor’s in business. So, why do so many undergrads choose business?
Business and finance careers offer high salaries, with a median annual wage of $79,050, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Most of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree.
Earning an online bachelor’s in business degree can boost your return on investment. With a distance learning format, you’ll benefit from flexible, high-quality programs that often allow you to work while in school. Our ranking introduces the best online bachelor’s in business degrees.
Popular Online Business Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled56,664
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Trine University
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$9,576
- Out-of-state$9,576
- In-State$10,350
- Out-of-state$10,350
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Killeen, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,593
- Out-of-state$16,385
- In-State$5,558
- Out-of-state$12,920
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled2,219
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern New Mexico University
- Portales, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,074
- Out-of-state$6,114
- In-State$5,351
- Out-of-state$7,110
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate33%
- Students Enrolled4,991
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,095
- Out-of-state$7,947
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled20,717
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Indian River State College
- Fort Pierce, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,496
- Out-of-state$9,360
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,461
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Columbia International University
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,490
- Out-of-state$24,490
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$10,710
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled2,338
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,417
- Out-of-state$20,937
- In-State$5,611
- Out-of-state$21,114
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled24,577
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Why Earn a Business Degree Online? 4 Benefits of Online Business Schools
Accessibility
Online programs make education more accessible, allowing you to enroll at schools across the country without having to relocate. This broadens your available options, helping connect you with programs with curricula and specializations that align with your career goals.Flexibility
Online programs often use asynchronous delivery, which does not require set class times. This delivery method typically includes less rigid schedules, offering additional flexibility if you have family or career obligations.Cost
In addition to saving on costs like relocation and commuting, online programs can be less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. Distance learning may feature lower tuition rates, including in-state tuition for out-of-state students.Quality Education
Online programs are increasingly common, typically sharing the same faculty and coursework as on-campus programs. Attending an accredited online school ensures you receive the same quality education as in-person learners.
Choosing an Accredited Online Business Degree Program
There are several factors to consider when choosing an online business administration degree. First, make sure the program comes from an accredited institution.
Institutional accreditation verifies that a school meets standards of academic excellence for student outcomes, faculty credentials, and other factors. Next, check that the program offers concentrations or coursework that match your career goals.
Also, make sure the learning format — synchronous or asynchronous — works for your schedule. Schools typically offer concentrations and enrollment options for online business administration degrees. You can learn more about common considerations for distance learners at the links below.
What to Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Program
Business majors can strengthen their communication, decision-making, and leadership skills through 120 credits of core business classes, upper-division electives, and general education requirements. They can also consider adding on a minor or concentration to specialize their degrees.
Online business degrees help you build business knowledge and skills. According to a 2024 LinkedIn Learning report, project management, sales, and analytics rank among the most in-demand job skills. Business administration programs can develop your expertise in these areas.
Each school’s curriculum varies. Many business administration degrees include core coursework in accounting, marketing, and communication. Some programs offer concentrations in subfields like entrepreneurship, HR management, and international business.
The following lists explore some common business degree specializations.
Online Bachelor of Business Degree Concentrations
- Entrepreneurship
- Information systems
- Accounting
- HR management
- Finance
- Supply chain management
- Marketing
- International business
How Much Does an Online Business Degree Cost?
Median Annual Tuition Cost of a Business Degree
Online
$7,370
In-Person
$11,749
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the median annual tuition and fees for an online bachelor’s degree in business is $7,370. But costs can vary. Factors like school prestige, public or private institution status, and student state residency can affect cost per credit.
Some schools charge lower tuition for online programs, which can make earning a business degree more affordable. While on-campus enrollees must budget for expenses like relocation and commuting, online students can often avoid these costs.
You can pursue multiple financial aid options to finance a degree, including scholarships and loans. We explore these terms below.
- Financial Aid: This term covers any funding source that helps students pay for school.
- Scholarships: Scholarships refer to a kind of financial aid that you do not need to repay. Schools and organizations offer scholarships based on merit and financial need.
- Fellowships: Institutions and organizations offer fellowships, which also do not require repayment. Fellowships often include an agreement to exchange work for tuition remission and a stipend.
- Grants: This form of funding also does not require repayment. Grant recipients typically demonstrate financial need.
- Loans: Federal and private loans can help cover tuition costs. However, loans usually require repayment with interest.
What Can You Do With a Business Degree?
Online business degrees are versatile, preparing you for careers in fields like finance, marketing, accounting, sales, and analytics. Bachelor-level business administration (BBA) degrees can qualify you for entry-level jobs in these fields. If you’re more interested in top-level positions, you may need an executive master of business administration degree.
So, what jobs can you get with a business degree? Below, we highlight some of the most popular careers for business graduates.
| Careers | 2023 Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Accountants and Auditors | $79,880 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $156,580 |
| Budget Analysts | $84,940 |
| Credit Analysts | $79,420 |
| Financial Examiners | $84,300 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $67,650 |
| Management Analysts | $99,410 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $74,680 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $99,580 |
| Purchasing Managers | $136,380 |
| Sales Managers | $135,160 |
Interview with a Business Administration Professional
Alex Williams, the CFO of FindThisBest, got his bachelor’s in business administration from California State University – Fullerton in 2015. His specialization in BBA was accounting and finance, and he took his CFA level 1 exam in 2016. Currently, he’s working as a CFO at an eCommerce company.
Q: What was your favorite aspect of earning a bachelor’s in business administration degree?
The degree is well diversified, no matter where you get it from. You get to read up on a whole bunch of case studies and courses throughout your four years that make you think logically and critically about decision-making.
BBA doesn’t just teach you how to be a good employee or lead the next Fortune 500 company; it just opens doors for you to really pursue something you’re good at. Luckily I was good with numbers and I enjoyed finance courses, which is why I opted for the ACF (accounting and finance) major.
Q: What should students interested in this subject be good at?
One thing that students should really be good at is critical thinking. Courses within BBA aren’t your typical math or science courses, where you can use a specific formula to answer a question. Rather, you’ll be given open-ended questions, and you’ll have to rationalize your answer. As long as you’re good at thinking objectively and looking at the bigger picture, you’re going to excel at this.
Q: Are there any advantages to studying business administration online as opposed to in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting?
The advantage would definitely be that your assignments and projects will be more remote, and you’ll have to work in teams to get the job done. This is truly how things work in the real world — even before the [COVID-19] pandemic struck. Therefore, this degree truly gives you a glimpse into the real world before you even step foot in it.
Q: What makes business administration a versatile degree?
Its versatility stems from the fact that you’re not limited to just one area of business. You get to study a whole variety — from supply chain management to data science — for decision-making. Over time, you’ll find something you’re good at and excel at it. At least, that was the case in my undergraduate degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Administration Degrees
What is the difference between a BBA, BSBA, and BABA?
In an online bachelor’s program in business administration, you can pursue three types of degrees: a bachelor of business administration, a bachelor of science in business administration, or a bachelor of arts in business administration. BBA programs usually focus on business and management principles, while BSBA degrees emphasize technical skills like mathematics and science. BABA programs balance business basics with general education courses.
Is a business degree worth it?
Earning a business degree can pay off. Business and finance jobs reported a median wage of $79,050 per year as of May 2023, according to BLS data. Several career paths that require a business degree, including financial advisor, project manager, and management analyst, earn median salaries of over $90,000.
How long does it take to get a business degree?
Business majors typically spend around four years earning bachelor’s in business degrees. Some business schools offer part-time or accelerated business programs. With transfer credits, students may be able to finish their bachelor’s degrees in as little as two years. BBA programs incorporate foundational business classes in finance, accounting, and marketing. Specialization options include supply chain management, entrepreneurship, and healthcare administration.
What classes are usually required for a business degree?
As a business major, you can expect to take classes in financial accounting, organizational behavior, and management. Common business degree classes also include operations management, economics, marketing, and business analytics. Course requirements and descriptions vary depending on the business program.
