Cheapest Online Business Degrees 2024
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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 business degrees, as well as common career paths, salaries, and scholarships associated with these highly transferable degrees.
Popular Online Business Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Business Degree Programs
Excelsior College
Albany, NY- 2 year
- Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,584
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled13,288
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,875
- Out-of-state$9,875
- In-State$4,282
- Out-of-state$4,282
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled19,272
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University East
- Richmond, IN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,274
- Out-of-state$20,634
- In-State$7,746
- Out-of-state$18,249
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled2,981
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment84%
- AccreditationYes
Dickinson State University
- Dickinson, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,976
- Out-of-state$8,294
- In-State$6,060
- Out-of-state$6,060
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled1,476
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
University of Missouri, Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,074
- Out-of-state$30,441
- In-State$10,447
- Out-of-state$28,605
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled31,344
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Empire State College
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,462
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Central Methodist University
- Fayette, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,240
- Out-of-state$6,240
- In-State$6,075
- Out-of-state$6,075
- Retention Rate33%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,242
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Tarleton State University
- Stephenville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,798
- Out-of-state$14,201
- In-State$4,356
- Out-of-state$11,718
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled13,946
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,560
- Out-of-state$7,560
- In-State$10,980
- Out-of-state$10,980
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,902
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: Are online business degrees actually cheaper?
Yes, online business degrees typically cost less in tuition and fees, on average, than traditional, in-person 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 NCES, the average tuition and fees for online business degrees at public four-year schools was $9,502 in 2020. For private colleges, that cost was $12,795.
When it comes to on-campus versus online degree programs, the NCES reports that the cost of an online business degree program is 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.
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.
7 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:
- Niche “No Essay” Scholarship: This scholarship awards up to $50,000 for college expenses with no essay required.
- 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.
- 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.
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 2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Management Analyst | $99,410 | 11% |
| Accountant | $79,880 | 6% |
| Human Resources Specialist | $67,650 | 8% |
| Project Management Specialist | $98,580 | 7% |
| Budget Analyst | $84,940 | 4% |
| Financial Analyst | $99,890 | 9% |
| Financial Examiner | $84,300 | 21% |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $99,580 | 17% |
| Logistician | $79,400 | 8% |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s 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.
