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
Reality Check: Are online business degrees actually cheaper than traditional, campus-based business degrees?
Yes, online bachelor's business degrees typically cost $4,382 less in median annual tuition, 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 annual tuition cost for an online bachelor's business degree was $7,367. For traditional, on-campus bachelor's programs, that cost was $11,749.
When it comes to on-campus versus online degree programs, NCES reports that the median annual tuition cost of an online bachelor's business program is $4,382 cheaper, on average, than a traditional, on-campus bachelor's 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 institutional accrediting organizations.
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 $2,000 for college expenses with no essay required. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2026.
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, a $60,000 award purse is shared among winners of a competition for high school students that combines math modeling, data analysis, and risk management.
PMI Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are available to students pursuing degrees in project management or related business fields, ranging from $2,000-$8,000.
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.
