Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Evan Thompson
By
Updated on September 13, 2024
Edited by
Explore the upsides of earning an online business administration degree, the top programs available, and career opportunities after graduation.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Earning a business administration degree online can help you qualify for a variety of business careers. For example, graduates can pursue jobs in the business and finance sector, which is on the rise.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects overall employment in business and finance to grow faster than all occupations from 2023-2033. The median annual wage for the sector was $79,050 in May 2023, much higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, $48,060. Financial analysts, personal finance advisors, and management analysts earned over $99,000 median salaries.

Most business and finance roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s in business administration degree can be a flexible and effective way to gain vital business skills and credentials.

You can qualify for entry-level roles and study areas that interest you. Many online business administration degree programs offer different concentrations such as business, human resources (HR), sports, and healthcare management.

The following schools are among the nation’s best online business administration degree programs.

Popular Online Business Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs

#1 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Location-markerManchester, NH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,000
  • Out-of-state$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,900
  • Out-of-state$18,900
  • Retention Rate62%
  • Acceptance Rate92%
  • Students Enrolled145,533
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Western Governors University

  • Location-markerSalt Lake City, UT
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,162
  • Out-of-state$7,162
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,500
  • Out-of-state$7,500
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled150,116
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Florida International University

  • Location-markerMiami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,721
  • Out-of-state$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,912
  • Out-of-state$21,393
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled56,664
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Trine University

  • Location-markerFort Wayne, IN
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,576
  • Out-of-state$9,576
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,350
  • Out-of-state$10,350
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled1,367
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

  • Location-markerKilleen, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,593
  • Out-of-state$16,385
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,558
  • Out-of-state$12,920
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance Rate96%
  • Students Enrolled2,219
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment90%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Eastern New Mexico University

  • Location-markerPortales, NM
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,074
  • Out-of-state$6,114
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,351
  • Out-of-state$7,110
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance Rate33%
  • Students Enrolled4,991
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment82%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Florida State College at Jacksonville

  • Location-markerJacksonville, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,095
  • Out-of-state$7,947
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled20,717
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Indian River State College

  • Location-markerFort Pierce, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,496
  • Out-of-state$9,360
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled14,461
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Columbia International University

  • Location-markerColumbia, SC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$24,490
  • Out-of-state$24,490
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,710
  • Out-of-state$10,710
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate46%
  • Students Enrolled2,338
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Top Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of 2024

Oklahoma State University

  • Location-markerStillwater, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,417
  • Out-of-state$20,937
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,611
  • Out-of-state$21,114
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled24,577
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment52%
  • AccreditationYes

Benefits of Online Business Schools

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    Accessibility

    Online programs make education more accessible, allowing students to enroll at schools across the country without moving closer to campus. This widens the options available for all enrollees, helping connect learners to programs with curricula and specializations that align with their career goals.
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    Flexibility

    Online programs often include asynchronous coursework, which does not require students to meet at set times. This delivery method typically includes less rigid schedules, offering additional flexibility for learners with family or career obligations.
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    Cost

    In addition to saving on costs like relocation and commuting, online programs can be less expensive than their on-campus counterparts in general. Distance learning schools may offer lower tuition rates, including in-state tuition for out-of-state students or more affordable online-only tuition.
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    Quality Education

    Online programs are increasingly common, typically sharing the same faculty and coursework as on-campus programs. Attending an accredited online school ensures students 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. 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 a variety of 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

Students who earn online bachelor of business administration (BBA) degrees can find jobs in fields like marketing, accounting, and finance. Bachelor-level business administration degrees qualify graduates for entry-level jobs. Graduates interested in executive positions may need MBAs.

Online business degrees help students build business knowledge and skills. According to a 2020 Business Insider report, employers rank marketing, sales, and business analytics among the most desirable job skills. Business administration program enrollees develop 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 common courses and specializations for students earning a business degree online.

Online Business Administration Curriculum

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    Business Ethics and Law

    These courses explore legal and ethical issues of trade and commerce. Topics include limited liability companies, contract law, and international business.
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    Leadership Theories and Application

    Students in these classes examine the behaviors of successful leaders in business, finance, and management. They also develop their own philosophies of leadership. Coursework may use case studies to illustrate leadership theories.
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    Accounting

    Accounting courses train students to prepare and maintain financial reports, manage payroll, and provide basic bookkeeping services. Topics can include financial, management, corporate, or tax accounting.
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    Economics

    Economics coursework can cover macro- and microeconomics. Learners also explore business analytics, economic theory, and regulations.
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    Marketing

    Marketing classes explore practical and theoretical approaches to business marketing. Coursework covers advertising strategies, promotions development, social media marketing, consumer research, and analytics.
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    Operations Management

    Operations management courses cover topics such as supply chain management, project management, and quality compliance.

Online Bachelor of Business Degree Concentrations

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship concentrations emphasize small business leadership, HR management, and financial accounting. They prepare students to build their own enterprises. Programs also explore creativity and innovation, venture capital, multicultural markets, and product planning. Many entrepreneurship concentrations require a practicum, which typically includes writing a business plan.

Information Systems

Information systems concentrations help students develop strong business and IT management skills. Courses often cover application development, software quality, database systems, technological collaboration, and electronic commerce. Students also build soft skills like teamwork, interpersonal relations, and project management.

Accounting

This concentration prepares students for accounting jobs. Courses explore advanced statistics, micro- and macroeconomics, and calculus. Learners study taxation, auditing, and cost management. Advanced roles in this field, including certified public accountant jobs, may require licensure.

HR Management

HR management concentrations usually begin with core coursework in business communications, managerial accounting, and contemporary management practices. Advanced coursework covers employment relations; social, regulatory, and ethical issues in business; negotiation and conflict management; and leadership and organizational behavior.

Finance

This concentration is ideal for students interested in financial management or investment analysis. Many programs have prerequisites in financial management. Coursework typically covers corporate finance, investment analysis, tax and regulatory environments, collection and disbursement, and fundraising. Graduates can pursue certified financial planner credentials.

Supply Chain Management

Concentrations in supply chain management are popular because of the globalization of business markets and practices. These programs focus on project management, supply chain analytics, and logistics management. Classes emphasize global sourcing and innovation, international aviation, and managerial economics.

Marketing

A marketing concentration can lead to positions in advertising, public relations, sales, or social media. Marketing bachelor’s programs develop basic business skills in economics, statistics, and communications. They also explore modern consumer behaviors, brand management, market research, and advertising strategies.

International Business

International business concentrations are more common with the rise of a global, internet-driven economy. Specializations in this field build on core business concepts in leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork through a global framework. Classes explore international business finance, global ethical leadership, international trade and policy, and international supply chain management.

The Cost of an Online Business Degree

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition and fees for an online bachelor’s degree in business is $10,475. But costs can vary.

Factors like school prestige, public or private institution status, and student state residency can impact cost per credit. Some distance education programs 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 usually avoid these costs. However, distance learners should account for the price of internet access as well as required hardware and software.

You can pursue multiple financial aid options to finance a degree, including grants, scholarships, fellowships, and loans. We explore these terms below.

  • Financial Aid: Financial aid refers to any funding source that helps pay for school.
  • Scholarships: Scholarships refer to a kind of financial aid that students 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: Students also do not need to repay grants.. Grant recipients typically demonstrate financial need.
  • Loans: Federal and private loans can help cover tuition costs. However, loans usually require repayment with interest.

How Much Can You Earn with an Online Business Administration Degree?

Online business degrees are versatile, preparing graduates for careers in fields like finance, accounting, sales, and analytics. These jobs are available across industries, including real estate, insurance, and public relations.

Below, we highlight some of the most popular careers for business graduates.

Careers & Salaries for Business Graduates
Career2023 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

Portrait of Alex Williams
Alex Williams

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Common Questions About Business Administration Degrees

Students in online bachelor’s programs in business administration can pursue three types of degrees: a BBA, a bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA), or a bachelor of arts in business administration (BABA).

A BBA program usually focuses on business and management principles, while BSBA programs emphasize technical skills like mathematics, statistics, and science. BABA programs balance business basics with general education courses. All three degrees can lead to successful business careers.

A bachelor’s in business can help you find jobs with higher-than-average wages, signaling the possibility for a positive return on investment for this degree. Students can use their skills to become entrepreneurs or work for corporations.

According to the BLS, purchasing and sales managers earn the highest salary rates among business professionals. In May 2023, purchasing managers earned $136,380 and sales managers earned $135,160.

The best business degree concentration depends on your career goals. Some specializations, like finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, can have broad career applications across industries, while others – such as supply chain management – help prepare you for niche roles.