Best Online Associate in Business Administration Degrees
An online associate degree in business administration (ABA) helps you develop general business skills that can be applied to entry-level administrative and support roles across industries. It can also be a great option to build some initial professional experience and academic knowledge before pursuing a bachelor’s in business administration program.
Regardless of whether you choose to further your business education or enter the workforce immediately, an ABA can be a valuable credential to begin your career in business. Plus, the top online business administration associate programs give you the flexibility to continue working while you earn your degree.
10 Best Associate in Business Online Programs
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,335
- Out-of-state$7,624
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,140
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
- Paducah, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,176
- Out-of-state$14,616
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,327
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Central Maine Community College
- Auburn, ME
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,820
- Out-of-state$5,640
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,218
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
- Moorefield, WV
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,432
- Out-of-state$6,816
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled530
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Genesee Community College
- Batavia, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,350
- Out-of-state$4,950
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,285
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: Will An Online Associate Degree in Business Administration Actually Pay Off?
The short answer is yes, it can pay off. The median cost of an online associate in business is $4,496, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Given that the median weekly earnings of associate degree-holders was $1,057 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an associate degree could pay off quickly. Comparatively, those with only a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $916.
Why Get an Associate Degree in Business?
An associate degree can qualify you for a wide spectrum of entry-level business positions. Alternatively, an ABA degree can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s program in business or an MBA program.
After earning your ABA, you could become an executive secretary, administrative assistant, real estate broker, or human resources assistant. And after developing some experience in these roles, you could rise into more advanced positions, increasing your earning potential.
Why Get Your ABA Online?
- Convenience: Earning an ABA online allows you to earn a degree from anywhere in the world. You don’t have to give up your job or other responsibilities while working toward your degree.
- Flexibility: Many online ABA programs offer asynchronous courses and the flexibility to choose your course load so that you can study around your schedule.
- Cost Savings: You’ll save on transportation costs when you learn from home. Many programs also charge less for online degrees.
- Earning Potential: According to the BLS, business leadership positions are often compensated at almost double the median U.S. salary. An ABA can qualify you for some entry-level business positions, which may offer compensation at or above the median national salary.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
With an associate degree in business administration, you can pursue professional and academic opportunities. Some graduates enter the workforce, while others move directly into a bachelor of business administration or a bachelor of business management program. These business degrees can help you expand your career in business.
Job Outlook for Entry-Level Business Careers
With an associate in business administration degree, you can qualify for jobs in a variety of industries. A general business education equips you to enter sales, accounting, human resources, or management positions. For example, you could become an insurance sales agent, an administrative services manager, or a human resources assistant.
| 8 Careers You Can Pursue With an Associate Degree | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033 |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Services Managers | $106,470 | 6%-8% |
| Facilities Managers | $102,340 | 3%-5% |
| Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $70,310 | 0% |
| Real Estate Brokers | $63,060 | 1%-2% |
| Insurance Sales Agents | $59,080 | 6%-8% |
| Human Resources Assistants | $47,710 | -1% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $47,440 | -1% |
| Travel Agents | $47,410 | 3%-5% |
How Much Does an Online Associate in Business Administration Degree Cost?
According to NCES, the median cost of an online associate degree in business is $2,248 per year. That is lower than the national average for all degrees for two-year institutions, where in-state tuition costs an average of $3,598, and out-of-state tuition averages $8,565.
Median Annual Cost of an Associate Degree in Business
$2,248
Online Associate Degree in Business
$2,207
Traditional, On-Campus Associate Degree in Business
Is an Associate Degree in Business Really Worth It?
An ABA can be worth it if you want to increase your earning potential or secure a position that requires an associate degree. It can also be a good option if you want to pursue a bachelor’s eventually but don’t have the money or time to do so now.
In some cases, you can actually save money by earning your associate degree first. For example, if you earn an online associate degree in business and transfer your credits to a bachelor’s degree program, you could save thousands on tuition.
| Factor | Associate Degree (ABA) | Bachelor’s Degree (BBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 years (60 credits) | 4 years (120 credits) |
| Median Cost | $4,496 | $29,468 |
| Average Salary (January 2025) | $64,000 | $77,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Associate Degrees in Business
An online associate degree in business administration typically takes two years to complete. However, several factors can affect this timeline. For example, if you have previous college or AP credits, you may be able to graduate more quickly.
Alternatively, working professionals or parents may need to enroll on a part-time basis, which can slow their progress. As a part-time student, you can expect to spend an extra year working through your degree requirements, putting your graduation timeline around three years.
