Best Online Schools for Business Degrees of 2025
Business is the most popular college major. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly one in five college graduates earned a bachelor’s in business in the 2021-2022 school year. So, why do so many undergrads choose to study business?
Business and finance careers offer high salaries, with a median annual wage of $80,920, according to May 2024 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. And 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.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Southern New Hampshire University offers a fully online bachelor's in business administration that includes many specialized tracks, including accounting, finance, and international business. SNHU offers competitive online tuition rates and allows you to transfer up to 90 credits from other accredited schools.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Things We Love:
- You can choose from over a dozen concentration choices or the general business administration track.
- Active-duty military and spouses save nearly $100 per credit.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Certain concentrations cannot be completed online and require in-person courses.
- Out-of-state students pay the same cost per credit ($330) as in-state students.
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled164,091
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Kent State University at Stark
- North Canton, OH
- 4 year
- Campus
What You'll Like:
The hybrid bachelor of business administration in general business program at Kent State University at Stark covers general business topics as opposed to niche knowledge. If you want to pursue an MBA, you can apply nine credits toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Ohio residents pay $593 per credit in tuition, and nonresidents pay $603 per credit.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- Full-time students who take 12-18 credits per semester may qualify for flat-rate tuition.
- You can utilize career services, including job assistance, mock interviews, and resume reviews.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Kent State charges a distance learning fee of $15 per credit on top of tuition.
- You must complete at least 50% of the credits for your major on campus.
- In-State$7,170
- Out-of-state$16,642
- In-State$12,072
- Out-of-state$22,522
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled3,433
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Florida provides a bachelor of science in business administration that emphasizes business communication and business plan development skills. To graduate, you must complete the ETS major field test in business, which tests your skills in nine business content areas. Online Florida residents pay $130 per credit in tuition and fees, while nonresidents pay $553.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- UF Online classes are often asynchronous, allowing you to complete your coursework when it's convenient for you.
- Academic advisors can help you create a personalized curriculum and keep you on track to graduate on time.
- You can earn up to 45 credits via credit-by-examination programs.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Out-of-state students pay over four times the tuition rate of in-state students.
- The program's critical-tracking courses must be completed within specific semesters.
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Valdosta State University
- Valdosta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Valdosta State University's bachelor of business administration with a major in management teaches business, problem-solving, and communication skills. You can add various minors, including business law, entrepreneurship, and healthcare administration. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher can apply to the five-year bachelor's-to-MBA program.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- All online students pay a flat online tuition rate of $299 per credit, regardless of state residency.
- You can apply to niche scholarships for specific majors and departments to help you save money.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The program offers online and in-person course options.
- You do not need to submit official SAT or ACT scores if you have a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,426
- In-State$4,572
- Out-of-state$16,470
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled10,180
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
The online bachelor of science in management at Arizona State University teaches you about the global economy, ethical leadership, and cross-cultural management. You must complete a capstone course, which develops a business manager's perspective on how organizations create value. Arizona residents and nonresidents pay the same tuition: $574 per credit.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- Most online courses offer asynchronous options, giving you increased flexibility to complete courses on your own schedule.
- You can participate in free live online tutoring sessions if you need more personalized help.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- First-year applicants must meet GPA, standardized test score, or high school ranking requirements before enrolling in a business degree program.
- Online classes are accelerated, which means two six- or seven-and-a-half-week courses are condensed into one semester.
- In-State$10,978
- Out-of-state$13,248
- In-State$9,972
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled62,551
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Florida International University offers a bachelor of business administration in management that consists of 60 lower-division and 60 upper-division credits. The degree offers identical online and in-person curricula, meaning as an online student, you receive the same high-quality education as on-campus students. You can also interact with faculty and classmates via an online management system and message boards.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- You can attend online information sessions and open houses to see if the school and program are right for you.
- Online graduates can join the school's in-person commencement ceremonies.
- The school offers an online distance-learning scholarship.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can transfer in up to 60 lower-division and 30 upper-division credits.
- Courses have fixed schedules with deadlines for activities and exams, meaning you must be able to complete coursework at specific times.
- In-state online students pay $236 per credit hour, while out-of-state online students pay $649.
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Kansas State University's online bachelor of business administration program offers four concentration choices: marketing, business analytics, HR management, and operations/supply chain management. You must complete 12 credits related to your chosen concentration. Program tuition rates range from $531-$542 per credit, depending on your concentration.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- You can complete most online courses asynchronously.
- As an online student, you enjoy the same tutoring, career development, and advising services that on-campus students receive.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- First-year applicants must have a minimum 3.25 GPA, 21 ACT score, or 1060 SAT score
- Kansas residents and nonresidents pay the same tuition rate.
- Distance courses may require virtual proctoring during exams.
- In-State$9,964
- Out-of-state$26,838
- In-State$10,294
- Out-of-state$23,018
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled19,745
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The bachelor of science in business administration with a business management track at Arkansas Tech University teaches you about business ethics, business policy, and technical writing. The program charges $250 per credit for tuition for residents and $500 for nonresidents. This BSBA in business management program can be stacked with Arkansas Tech's MBA degree should you want to earn a graduate degree after completing your bachelor's.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- Border state residents pay the same tuition rate as Arkansas residents.
- Current high school students admitted by the scholarship deadline are automatically considered for the school's first-time student scholarship.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Out-of-state students who do not live in Arkansas or a state bordering Arkansas pay double the per-credit tuition rate of in-state students.
- You must meet minimum ACT or SAT score requirements if your GPA is below 3.0.
- In-State$5,995
- Out-of-state$11,989
- In-State$5,481
- Out-of-state$10,962
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled9,487
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro's bachelor of science in business administration teaches leadership development, business finance, and business strategy skills. The program offers online and in-person options. On-campus students can choose from three concentrations, while online students can only access the business studies concentration.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Things We Love:
- Classes are taught asynchronously and offered in seven-week formats.
- You can participate in cross-cultural experiences in over 25 countries to develop a global perspective.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Nonresidents enrolled exclusively in online courses pay a lower tuition rate than nonresidents who attend in-person courses.
- Online students must transfer at least 30 credits from an accredited institution to apply to the BSBA program.
- In-State$4,422
- Out-of-state$19,582
- In-State$5,219
- Out-of-state$18,937
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled17,743
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
What You'll Like:
The bachelor's in business administration program at Charter Oak State College allows you to select from three concentrations: general business, entrepreneurship, and project management. If you enroll with at least a 3.0 GPA, you can take one graduate course per semester, which can be utilized toward a master's degree.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
Things We Love:
- The school offers more than 10 undergraduate scholarships to help you reduce college costs.
- You can complete in-person standardized exams to earn college credits and save money.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Connecticut residents and nonresidents pay the same tuition rate of $329 per credit.
- The program offers six start dates throughout the year.
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Are Business Degrees Actually Valuable?
Yes, online bachelor’s in business degrees can be valuable, especially if you intend to pursue a business career. These programs help you develop key business knowledge and skills that are highly sought after by employers.
According to a 2024 LinkedIn Learning report, project management, sales, and analytics rank among the most in-demand job skills. Business degree programs can develop your expertise in these areas.
Why Earn Your Business Degree Online?
There are several key benefits to earning your bachelor’s in business degree online rather than on-campus through the traditional route. Below, we highlight four of the biggest advantages:
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 the Right Online Business Program: 4 Key Factors
Bachelor’s in business administration degree programs typically require 120 credits and include a mix of core business classes, electives, and general education requirements.
However, there are several key differences among online business programs that you should carefully review. First, make sure the program comes from an accredited institution.
1. Accreditation
Institutional accreditation verifies that a school meets standards of academic excellence for student outcomes, faculty credentials, and other factors. Many top-ranked business programs also hold specialized business school accreditation.
For business degrees, key accreditors include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). These accrediting bodies ensure a strong standard curriculum for all business programs.
2. Student and Career Support Services
Student support and career services can make a significant difference in your academic success, helping you land an internship or even a job after graduation. Many online colleges offer these resources, which provide you with ongoing support. Check for support services such as academic advising, career placement support, and networking opportunities.
Next, check the program format and delivery style to ensure the scheduling and pace work for you.
3. Program Format
It’s essential to ensure the learning format — synchronous or asynchronous — works for your schedule. In an asynchronous format, you can watch classes and complete assignments on your own schedule while adhering to set deadlines. Synchronous courses require you to attend live classes online.
Moreover, schools typically offer various enrollment options and concentrations for online business administration degrees, which brings us to the last factor: Check that the program offers concentrations that match your career goals.
4. Business Concentrations
Most business programs allow you to add on a minor or concentration to specialize your business degree. Should you have a specific career or focus area in mind, make sure the programs you’re considering offer your concentration. For example, if you already know you want to work in logistics, consider pursuing supply chain management. Some of the most common business degree specializations are:
- Entrepreneurship
- Information systems
- Accounting
- HR management
- Finance
- Supply chain management
- Marketing
- International business
What Can You Do With a Business Administration Degree?
Online business degrees are versatile, preparing you for careers in fields such as 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 (MBA) degree.
So, what jobs can you get with a business degree? Below, we highlight some of the most popular careers for business graduates.
| Careers | 2024 Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $159,660 |
| Budget Analysts | $87,930 |
| Credit Counselors | $50,480 |
| Financial Examiners | $90,400 |
| Management Analysts | $101,190 |
| Market Research Analysts | $76,950 |
| Purchasing Managers | $139,510 |
| Sales Managers | $138,060 |
How Much Does an Online Business Degree Cost?
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online | $7,370 |
| In-Person | $11,749 |
NCES reports that 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, whether the institution is public or private, and student state residency can affect cost per credit.
Paying for Your Online Business Degree
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: Financial aid refers to any funding source that helps students pay for school.
- Scholarships: Scholarships are 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.
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
Earning a business degree can pay off. According to BLS data from May 2024, the median annual salary for business and finance jobs was $80,920 per year — over $30,000 higher than the national median salary for all jobs.
This indicates that a business degree can unlock the door to careers with higher earning potential, especially compared to occupations in other fields like social service or education. In the same year, these groups saw median annual wages of $52,000 and $59,940, respectively.
Moreover, the BLS indicates that bachelor’s degree-holders earn around $600 more per week than those with only a high school diploma. That’s a difference of more than $30,000 over the course of a year.
