Best Online Business Administration Degrees of 2026

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
By
Updated on October 24, 2025
Edited by
Considering an online business administration degree? Discover the top-ranked bachelor’s programs, and learn how a business degree can pay off.

A business administration degree blends business and leadership skills across finance, marketing, management, and more. In 2023, 13.7 million Americans held a business degree, with many choosing business administration for its versatility and focus on leadership.

An online business administration degree offers flexible learning options. These programs often allow you to continue working while building the leadership expertise needed for management, human resources, or organizational strategy roles.

Our ranking highlights the best online bachelor’s in business administration programs.

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10 Best Online Business Administration Bachelor’s Degrees

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

97%

Online Enrollment

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

62%

Retention Rate

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
164,091
Institution Type
Private
#2

Kent State University at Stark

  • North Canton, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus
  • Accredited

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.

66%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,170

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

63%

Retention Rate

$16,642

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
3,433
Institution Type
Public
#3

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

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.

N/A

Online Enrollment

$ 3,358

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

92%

Retention Rate

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
5,356
Institution Type
Public
#4

Valdosta State University

  • Valdosta, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

69%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,371

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$15,426

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
10,180
Institution Type
Public
#5

Arizona State University

  • Scottsdale, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

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.

98%

Online Enrollment

$10,978

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

74%

Retention Rate

$13,248

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
62,551
Institution Type
Public
#6

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

67%

Online Enrollment

$ 6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

92%

Retention Rate

$18,566

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
54,085
Institution Type
Public
#7

Kansas State University

  • Manhattan, KS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

49%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,964

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

87%

Retention Rate

$26,838

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
19,745
Institution Type
Public
#8

Arkansas Tech University

  • Russellville, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

57%

Online Enrollment

$ 5,995

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$11,989

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
9,487
Institution Type
Public
#9

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

  • Greensboro, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

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.

69%

Online Enrollment

$ 4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$19,582

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
17,743
Institution Type
Public
#10

Charter Oak State College

  • New Britain, CT
  • 4 year
  • Online
  • Accredited

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.

N/A

Online Enrollment

$ 7,656

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

100%

Retention Rate

$10,056

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
1,602
Institution Type
Public

Why Earn Your Business Degree Online?

There are several key benefits to earning your business administration degree online rather than through the traditional on-campus route. Below, we highlight four of the biggest advantages:

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    Accessibility

    Online programs help make your business administration degree more accessible, allowing you to enroll at business schools nationwide without having to relocate. This widens your available options, helping connect you with programs with curricula and specializations that align with your career goals.
  • check-circle

    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.
  • check-circle

    Cost

    In addition to saving on costs like relocation and commuting, online business administration degrees can be cheaper than their on-campus counterparts. Distance learning may feature lower tuition rates, including in-state tuition for out-of-state students.
  • check-circle

    Quality Education

    Online degrees 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.

Reality Check: Is a Business Degree Still Worth It?

Yes, many types of business degrees can be valuable, especially if you intend to pursue a career that requires one. While there’s been a growing shift in the perception of ROI among more general degrees, business degrees are among those still valued, particularly specialized business degrees.

These programs help you develop key business knowledge and skills that are highly sought by employers. According to LinkedIn’s Skills on the Rise 2025 report, artificial intelligence literacy, conflict mitigation, and adaptability rank among the most in-demand job skills. Business degree programs can develop your expertise in these areas.

How to Choose an Online Business Administration Degree: 4 Key Factors

Online bachelor’s in business administration degrees 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. It’s also key to qualifying for and receiving federal financial aid. Many top-ranked business programs also hold specialized business school accreditation.

For online business administration degrees, key accreditors include:

2. Cost

Keeping your business administration degree costs low helps reduce borrowing. According to the U.S. Congress, 43 million Americans — 1 in 6 — carry federal student loan debt as of February 2025.

In 2023-2024, the average annual cost of tuition and fees at public universities was $6,944, and at private schools, it was $27,978, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Applying for scholarships and grants can help manage costs. Make sure to fill out the FAFSA each year to qualify for federal student aid.

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 online business administration programs allow you to add 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:

What Jobs Can You Get With a Business Administration Degree?

Business administration degrees are versatile, preparing you for a wide range of 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 a master of business administration (MBA) degree. So, what exactly can you do with a business degree? Below, we highlight some of the most popular careers for business graduates.

10 Careers and Salaries for Business Majors
Careers2024 Median PayJob Outlook (2024-2034)
Advertising and Promotions Managers$159,6606%
Budget Analysts$87,9301%
Credit Analysts$80,970N/A
Financial Analysts$101,9106%
Management Analysts$99,7606%
Market Research Analysts$76,9507%
Project Management Specialists$100,7506%
Purchasing Managers$79,8305%
Sales Managers$138,0605%
Training and Development Specialists$65,85011%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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.

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 Online Business Administration Degrees

Business administration is a versatile major with high market demand and strong salary potential. The foundational business principles and leadership skills from this major open career paths in finance, management, marketing, and human resources.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and finance roles earned a median annual wage of $80,920 in May 2024, with projected job growth faster than average from 2024-2034.