Cheapest Online Business Degrees of 2026
- 10 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees
- Online Business Degree Cost
- How to Find an Affordable Business Degree
- 5 Tips to Cut Degree Costs
- Business Major Scholarships
- FAQ
Business is among the most popular college majors. It makes sense. Business degrees are versatile, and specializations within the subject, such as accounting, finance, and marketing, are useful across many industries.
But college is a big investment, and many students are seeking affordable ways to earn a degree. Online programs often cost less than in-person ones but still offer the same training, degree, and sometimes even instructors.
Explore our rankings of cheap online business degree programs. Explore common career paths, salaries, and scholarships.
5 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Business Degrees
Arizona State University Digital Immersion — Best Program for a Management-Focused Business Degree
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: AACSB-Accredited Business Management Degree That Prepares You to Lead on a Global Scale
ASU Online offers a BS in management that builds your ability to lead and motivate teams across global settings. Through hands-on, team-based projects, you’ll gain real-world experience managing people and operations. The AACSB-Accredited program also emphasizes skills in leadership strategy, ethics, and communication.
Why Attend ASU Online:
- Management Experience: Build real-world leadership skills through hands-on, team-based projects that prepare you to manage operations and achieve global business goals.
- Business-Focused Courses: Study the global economy, e-business, strategic management, and business leadership and communication.
- Career Preparation: Graduates often pursue roles such as business analyst, operations or project manager, and sales or retail manager.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition is about $537 for Arizona residents and $580 for nonresidents.
- Admissions are competitive. First-year applicants typically need a minimum 3.4 GPA and an ACT score of 25 or an SAT score of 1230. Transfer students should have at least a 3.0 GPA.
- If you don’t meet these requirements, you can submit an admissions portfolio for review or qualify through an earned admission pathway.
98%
$11,308
74%
$13,512
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 66,062
- Institution Type
- Public
Louisiana State University-Alexandria — Most Affordable Business Program at a Four-Year University
- Alexandria, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Lowest Tuition Rates for Online Students at a Public, Four-Year University, Regardless of State Residency
LSU of Alexandria (LSUA) offers an online BS in business administration accredited by the ACBSP. The affordable program features six concentrations, a diverse curriculum, and career-ready skills in ethics, strategy, data analysis, and global business. You’ll graduate prepared for roles in corporate, nonprofit, government, and entrepreneurial settings.
Why Attend LSUA Online:
- Low Cost: At $340 per credit hour, LSUA offers the most affordable tuition rate among universities on this list, with the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students.
- Career-Focused Foundation: Build real-world skills for careers in management, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and more.
- Customizable Concentrations: Choose from six concentrations, including agribusiness, entrepreneurship, financial analysis, and international business.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The program is fully asynchronous, so strong time management and self-discipline are key to success.
- Flexible pacing options are available for both part-time and full-time students.
81%
$4,950
68%
$5,150
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,330
- Institution Type
- Public
Northern New Mexico College — Most Affordable Business Program at a Community College
- Espanola, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Lowest Tuition Rates for Online Students at a Community College, Regardless of State Residency
Northern New Mexico's online BBA program offers flexible and accelerated options at a community college price. You can choose from three concentrations and gain specialized, career-ready skills in management, accounting, or project management. The program also allows you to earn college credit for prior learning and prepare for PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
Why Attend Northern New Mexico Online:
- Affordable BBA Degree: Earn a respected business degree for a community college price at $295 per credit hour ($3,540 per semester) for New Mexico students and $320 ($3,840 per semester) for nonresidents.
- Customizable Path: Choose from concentrations in accounting, management, or project management to match your career goals.
- Certification Opportunity: Complete five upper-level courses to prepare for the PMP exam and boost your career potential.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- UNMC also offers an accelerated option that allows you to complete your BBA in less than three years, helping you save on tuition and time.
- This program includes preparation for MBA programs at any ACBSP-accredited college.
64%
$ 5,064
61%
$14,328
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,310
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida Online — Best Program for a Technical, Data-Driven Approach for Your Business Degree
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: AACSB-Accredited BSBA Degree That Prepares You for Business Careers that Require Strong Quantitative and Technical Skills
UF Online offers a BSBA that builds strong quantitative and technical business skills. Accredited by the AACSB, the program offers specialized courses in entrepreneurship, real estate, and business computing, as well as professional development in business communication and career management. Designed for working adults, this flexible program offers a high-quality education at a significantly lower cost than on-campus options.
Why Attend UF Online:
- Quality Degree: Earn an AACSB-accredited BSBA at about half the cost of on-campus tuition.
- Career Ready: Gain technical and practical business skills, including business communication and career management.
- Convenient Pathway: After completing your BSBA degree, you may qualify for UF’s 16-month accelerated MBA program, potentially leading to advanced roles and higher earning potential.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- UF Online tuition costs about $129 per credit for Florida residents and roughly $553 for nonresidents.
- The program is fully online and asynchronous, meaning you’ll manage your own schedule while meeting assignment deadlines.
N/A
$ 3,358
94%
$15,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,462
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Wyoming Community College — Best Business Program for Personalized Attention Backed by Proven Student Satisfaction
- Rock Springs, WY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Great Student Experience and Individualized Support With an 11-to-1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio and 90% Satisfaction Rate
Western Wyoming's online BAS in business management focuses on real-world leadership and business skills. You'll gain experience in areas such as personal leadership, human resources, and operations and financial management, while benefiting from small classes and the same low tuition as the school's associate programs. These strengths helped contribute to the class of 2025 reporting a 90% satisfaction rate.
Why Attend Western Wyoming Online:
- Affordable Program: Earn an online BAS in business management at a community college price.
- Personalized Attention: Build practical business and leadership skills in a smaller, more personalized online learning environment, with a maximum student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1.
- Practical Experience: Gain real-world business and leadership skills in areas like personal leadership, human resource management, and operations and financial management.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition and fees are $157 per credit hour for Wyoming residents ($2,520 per semester for 12 credits) and $367 for nonresidents ($4,404 per semester for 12 credits).
- An online accelerated, six-month BAS in business administration is also available if you have prior college credits or an associate degree.
56%
$3,150
50%
$9,450
- Acceptance Rate
- 46%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,464
- Institution Type
- Public
Reality Check: Are online business degrees actually cheaper than traditional, campus-based business degrees?
Yes, online business degrees typically cost about $5,500 less in tuition and fees, on average, than traditional, in-person business degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, as with any degree, the cost ultimately depends on the school and program you choose.
How Much Does an Online Business Degree Cost?
The cost of an online business degree varies by program, school, and a university’s public or private status. According to the most recent data from NCES, the median tuition cost for online business degrees at public four-year schools was $7,454 in 2020 ($9,361 in 2025 dollars). For private colleges, that cost was $7,784 ($9,775 in 2025 dollars).
When it comes to on-campus versus online degree programs, NCES reports that the cost of an online business program is about $5,500 cheaper, on average, than a traditional, on-campus program. Some of the cheapest online business degrees may be substantially less expensive than on-campus programs.
How to Find the Most Affordable Online Business Degree
When searching for the cheapest online business degrees, you’ll need to consider tuition, accreditation, and financial aid packages for each program you’re interested in, as well as any transfer credits you may have. Below, we’ll take a deeper dive into each of these factors.
1. Consider the Tuition and Fees
Tuition covers the cost of courses, while fees pay for services like labs, housing, and materials. Together, they make up a significant portion of an online business degree’s advertised price.
Since tuition and fees make up most of the cost, comparing these expenses across schools is the best way to identify affordable online business degree programs. Online options also reduce or eliminate extra costs like housing and transportation.
Many online programs list the cost per credit. Comparing credits per semester across schools can help you determine which programs are more affordable.
2. In-State vs. Out-of-State Costs
Many online programs charge the same tuition rate for all students, regardless of state residency. However, this is not always the case, so check tuition and in-person requirements before enrolling. Some schools charge higher tuition for out-of-state students, which can greatly increase costs.
3. Accreditation
When choosing an online business program, it’s essential to only consider accredited universities. Accreditation ensures you can qualify for financial aid and transfer credits. It also shows employers that your degree is legitimate. You can usually find accreditation details on the school’s website or by checking with regional accreditation boards.
Additionally, look for business degrees with programmatic accreditation from one of the following accreditors:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
4. Transfer Credits
Some programs allow you to apply previously earned or eligible credits toward your current degree, saving you money and time. While transfer credits are most common if you’re moving from one school to another, you may also be able to earn credit for AP classes, dual enrollment courses, and life or professional experience.
5. Compare Financial Aid Packages
Financial aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans, is a major factor in affordability. Packages vary by school, as some award aid broadly, while others are more selective. Compare your aid offers to understand which school may cost you the least, regardless of sticker price.
5 Ways to Save Money on Your Online Business Degree
To reduce the cost of your online degree, consider the following strategies:
- Earn some transferable credits at a community college to save on total costs.
- Check if the college offers credit for professional or life experience.
- Apply for private business scholarships and grants to reduce tuition costs.
- If you’re currently employed, check if your employer offers tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement.
- Buy used textbooks or rent books, and take advantage of student discounts to save on supplies.
Scholarships for Business Majors
To help lower the cost of a business degree, consider applying for scholarships and grants. There are many specialized scholarships for business majors, including:
- Niche “No Essay” Scholarship: This scholarship awards up to $40,000 for college expenses with no essay required.
- Bold.org Scholarships: Bold.org offers access to thousands of scholarships ranging from $500-$55,000. Application deadlines and processes vary by scholarship.
- Modeling the Future Challenge: Offered by the Actuarial Foundation, this $60,000 scholarship is awarded to the winner of a competition for high school students that combines math modeling, data analysis, and risk management.
- Extensiv Supply Chain Scholarship: Students pursuing a supply chain, logistics, or operations management degrees can apply for this $2,500 scholarship.
- Digital Marketing Scholarship: This scholarship awards $4,000 to two high school seniors or undergraduate students pursuing digital marketing.
- PMI Educational Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships are available to students pursuing degrees in project management or related business fields, ranging from $1,000-$7,500.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degrees
With a bachelor’s degree in business, you can pursue a variety of roles across many industries. Popular careers for business graduates include financial examiner, business analyst, project management specialist, human resources specialist, and logistician.
If you’re interested in pursuing executive leadership and high-level management roles, consider enrolling in an MBA program after completing your undergraduate program.
