Cheapest Online Business Degrees of 2025
Business degrees are one of the most conferred undergraduate degrees. That’s because online business degree programs offer skills that you can apply across industries, along with specializations that can help you reach your desired career path.
But as you know, college degrees are not cheap. That’s where affordable online bachelor’s degree programs come in. You can get a high-quality education and take the next step in your education journey without breaking the bank or even leaving home.
Below, you’ll find the most affordable online bachelor’s in business degrees, as well as common career paths, salaries, and scholarships associated with these highly transferable degrees.
10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Business Degrees
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
University of Houston-Clear Lake's BS in general business stands out for its competitive tuition rates. As a Texas resident, you'll pay just $310 per credit. After graduation, you'll be qualified to pursue careers in corporate finance, commercial banking, financial planning, and real estate investing.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $310 in state, $866 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Things We Love:
- If you take 10 online courses annually, you can complete the BS in general business program in as little as two years.
- UHCL offers a flexible credit transfer option to allow you to transfer up to 63 credits.
- You can select courses from various degree programs in the College of Business and work with an adviser to create a degree that matches your interests and goals.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Out-of-state students pay nearly three times as much for tuition compared to in-state students.
- In-State$7,380
- Out-of-state$24,360
- In-State$7,920
- Out-of-state$17,316
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled8,210
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
George Mason University's BS in business program is a great option if you're seeking a broad business education. The program gives you an in-depth look into business fields including finance, information systems, and marketing, with an overall focus on leadership. Mason reports that graduates from the program find careers in data science, database administration, financial advising, and consulting.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $577 in state, $1,555 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- Mason reports an impressive 85% first-to-second-year student retention rate and 69% overall graduation rate.
- After graduating, you'll have access to alumni and employer networks throughout the world.
- You can gain insight into international business markets with Mason's local, national, and international company connections.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Mason allows you to transfer credits from accredited institutions, which can cover general education and prerequisite course requirements.
- Tuition is comparably higher than most other programs on our ranking list.
- In-State$9,796
- Out-of-state$33,960
- In-State$13,426
- Out-of-state$35,377
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled39,528
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Adams State University
- Alamosa, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Adams State University's online business programs allow you to choose between a bachelor's of science and a bachelor's of arts in business administration, with 17 concentrations within those degree programs. The semester-based programs include built-in interaction with fellow students and faculty, designed to recreate a traditional classroom experience online.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $413 in state, $413 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- Faculty mentors will support you with career selection, coursework, job searches, and career development.
- Adams State offers unique specializations in its business programs, including public relations, banking and finance, digital marketing, and agribusiness.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The overall graduation rate (32%) is on the lower end compared to other schools on our ranking list. Plus, only one-third of students graduate within six years.
- A 57% first-to-second-year retention rate indicates that nearly half of all students leave or transfer after their first year.
- In-State$6,072
- Out-of-state$15,120
- In-State$7,704
- Out-of-state$10,440
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled3,141
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Norfolk State University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Norfolk State University offers an online bachelor of science in business with a concentration in management information systems. This unique degree prepares you for leadership roles in corporate finance, business database management, and entrepreneurship.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 121
- Cost per Credit: $339 in state, $748 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- You’ll be mentored by NSU’s expert faculty throughout your degree program to help support your academic success.
- You can grow your network through events and NSU's partnerships with leading companies.
- The sequential curriculum is beneficial for students who prefer academic structure.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- While a 70% first-to-second-year student retention rate is strong, the 33% overall graduation rate is substantially lower than many other programs on our ranking list.
- All students in this program must take two global/cultural and/or language electives as well as a science lab course.
- In-State$5,752
- Out-of-state$16,920
- In-State$8,820
- Out-of-state$20,872
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled5,783
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of North Texas offers a bachelor of science in general business entirely online. This program teaches you about key business areas, including economics, accounting, finance, business analytics, information systems, management, and marketing.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $330 in state, $330 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- You can access paid internship opportunities facilitated and supervised by UNT.
- UNT gives online students access to a network of 150,000 online students, enabling you to connect with peers as a distance learner.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can choose from synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid course options.
- Classes are taught in eight-week terms, and you can expect to dedicate 18+ hours of study per class per week.
- In-State$8,404
- Out-of-state$21,004
- In-State$6,350
- Out-of-state$13,694
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled47,507
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The Pennsylvania State University offers a 100% online bachelor of science in business that helps you develop strong foundations in strategic business and project management. You can choose to pursue specializations in health services, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and accounting.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $517 in state, $517 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- Penn State offers strong career services that allow you to connect with employers, career coaches, internships, and graduate school resources.
- This program emphasizes business ethics, helping you build expertise in ethical issues, social responsibilities, and conflict resolution.
- If none of the predesigned specializations interest you, you can create a customized business degree.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- While Penn State's overall graduation rate (34%) is lower than that of other programs on our ranking list, the school boasts a strong first-to-second-year student retention rate of 75%.
- Some courses are only offered at certain times of the year. You can check when specific courses are available on LionPATH course search.
- In-State$15,400
- Out-of-state$25,084
- In-State$23,189
- Out-of-state$39,248
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled88,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Montgomery, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Auburn University at Montgomery's online bachelor of science in business administration is specifically designed for working professionals. The program emphasizes flexibility and value-oriented tuition, and courses are taught by experienced faculty.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $371 in state, $393 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- Tuition at AUM is lower than that of many other state universities in Alabama.
- First-year students and community college transfers get automatic access to scholarships upon acceptance into the program.
- You'll have the opportunity to get hands-on job training through internships set up through the school.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- AUM's Bridge Program allows you to take courses and work toward earning full admission even if you don't meet all admission requirements.
- There are no application fees for first-time undergraduate applicants, and you can withhold SAT and ACT scores if they don't boost your application.
- In-State$7,992
- Out-of-state$17,952
- In-State$7,812
- Out-of-state$17,550
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled5,190
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Missouri State University-Springfield
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Missouri State University-Springfield's bachelor of science in general business prepares you for entry-level positions in fields like banking, financial services, human resources, real estate, and sales. You can choose to specialize your business degree in accounting, information technology, finance, insurance, management, or marketing.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $290 in state, $621 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- You can choose from a diverse selection of electives to create a customized degree path that fits your professional goals.
- Convenient scheduling helps you balance your education with other responsibilities, making it possible to continue working while earning your degree.
- Competitive in-state tuition rates and financial aid such as the Fast Track grant can help lower the cost of your degree and make paying for college more accessible.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission but are considered if you decide to include them with your application.
- Missouri State's overall graduation rate is only 57%, so nearly half of students who begin their studies at the university either leave or transfer out.
- In-State$8,370
- Out-of-state$17,910
- In-State$5,994
- Out-of-state$11,970
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled23,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Cloud State University
- Saint Cloud, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
St. Cloud State University's online BS in general business offers flexible seven-week courses and seven program start dates annually so you can begin your studies whenever is right for you. St. Cloud State helps prepare you for a wide range of careers in business and cross-functional leadership positions, providing in-depth exposure to multiple disciplines.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $350 in state, $350 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- Out-of-state students can access the same low-cost tuition as in-state students.
- You can transfer up to 90 credits to earn a degree faster and lower your overall costs.
- St. Cloud State online students receive the same one-on-one support and guidance from highly qualified faculty as on-campus students.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- SAT and ACT test scores are not required for admission.
- St. Cloud State maintains a pay-by-the-course tuition plan to help you manage your budget.
- In-State$8,811
- Out-of-state$18,695
- In-State$9,127
- Out-of-state$13,549
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled10,420
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Troy University's BS in business administration with a concentration in global business is a great option if you aspire to become a global business leader. The program allows you to customize your studies to best align with your specific career goals. With its global business focus, this program features courses such as economics of globalization, global human resource management, and global marketing.
- Credits to Graduate: 120
- Cost per Credit: $424 in state, $424 out of state
- Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB
Things We Love:
- Troy's business school boasts a 93% job placement rate for graduates.
- You'll have the option to participate in TROY's study abroad program to gain firsthand global business experience.
- You can customize your degree plan to ensure your classes align with your career interests.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- As long as your high school GPA is 2.5 or higher, you aren't required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission.
- TROY accepts many different types of transfer credits, including academic, military, and work experience. Plus, you can transfer up to 75% of your degree progress from another institution.
- In-State$11,640
- Out-of-state$23,280
- In-State$8,550
- Out-of-state$17,100
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled14,156
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: Are online business degrees actually cheaper?
Yes, online business degrees cost less in tuition and fees, on average, than traditional, campus-based business degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, as with any degree, the cost of your business degree ultimately depends on the school and program you choose. You can view our rankings to compare programs and find the best online business degree for you.
How Much Does an Online Business Degree Cost?
The cost of an online business degree varies by program, school, and whether the university is public or private. According to the most recent data from the NCES, the median tuition cost for online business degrees at public four-year schools was $7,454 in 2020. For private colleges, that cost was $7,784.
When it comes to on-campus versus online degree programs, the NCES reports that the cost of an online business degree program is about $4,000 cheaper, on average, than traditional, on-campus business degree programs. Some of the cheapest online business degrees could be substantially less expensive than on-campus programs.
| Online Business Degrees | On-Campus Business Degrees |
|---|---|
| $7,367 | $11,749 |
How to Choose an Online Business Degree
When choosing between the cheapest online business degrees, you’ll need to look for the specializations that interest you and assess the costs, program format, ongoing support, and student services. Below are a few factors to consider.
Costs
With affordable online degrees, the first key consideration is the total cost. Look at both tuition and the average amount of financial aid students receive. If the university offers specialized scholarships or grants, that can help make programs more affordable.
Public, in-state schools typically cost less than private schools. As an online student, you can also save money on transportation and housing costs.
Program Format
It’s also important to consider the program’s format and whether it’s offered full time or part time. Some programs allow you to complete your studies asynchronously, on your own time, while others are synchronous, or taught at set times.
You’ll also want to check whether your chosen program is 100% online, as some programs may have on-campus requirements. Some schools offer accelerated business programs, which can speed up your degree completion time and allow you to enter the workforce faster. If you have transferable credits, consider an accelerated format.
Accreditation
It’s essential to choose an online business degree offered by an accredited university. You can check for institutional accreditation from a regional accreditation board to ensure that you will qualify for financial aid and that potential employers will accept your degree.
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)
Specializations
Business specializations vary widely. Many online business degree programs offer a few tracks. If you want to specialize in a field such as accounting, finance, human resource management, or marketing, be sure to choose a program that offers that degree track.
Other common business specializations include:
- Business technology
- Business administration
- Business management
- Business analytics
- Entrepreneurship
Student Support Services
Student services can support you throughout your studies and even after graduation. To get an idea of the support students receive, look at the program’s website and see if it highlights services like individualized academic support and career advising.
You can also ask about student outcomes, including graduate employment rate, job projections, and salaries.
8 Ways You Can 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 experience.
- Research and compare the costs of business programs to find one that fits your budget.
- Fill out the FAFSA to access federal scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
- Apply for private scholarships and grants to save on tuition.
- 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 hundreds of specialized scholarships for business majors, including:
- Bold.org Scholarships: Bold.org offers access to thousands of scholarships ranging from $500 to $50,000. 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. Applications for the 2025-26 season will be released in late Summer.
- CIAM Academic Excellence Scholarship: This private scholarship awards up to $12,000 based on academic, professional, or individual achievement.
- Extensiv Supply Chain Scholarship: Students pursuing a supply chain, logistics, or operations management degree 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.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Business Degree?
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, project management specialist, human resources specialist, and logistician.
If you’re interested in pursuing executive leadership and high-level management roles, consider enrolling into an MBA program after completing your undergraduate program.
The table below summarizes the median salary and projected job growth for popular careers requiring only a bachelor’s degree in business.
| Career Paths | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Management Analyst | $101,190 | 11% |
| Accountant | $81,680 | 6% |
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,910 | 8% |
| Project Management Specialist | $100,750 | 7% |
| Budget Analyst | $87,930 | 4% |
| Financial Analyst | $101,910 | 9% |
| Financial Examiner | $90,400 | 21% |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $102,140 | 17% |
| Logistician | $80,880 | 8% |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Business Degrees
As with on-campus programs, tuition varies significantly among online programs. Generally, online bachelor’s degree programs are cheaper, on average, than on-campus programs.
As an online student, you can also save on meal plans, housing, transportation, and relocation costs by living and studying at home. Additionally, many online programs charge the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, allowing you to access out-of-state schools without incurring extra costs.
