Online Business Administration Degrees 2024
Contributing Writer
Editor, Business Education
Reviewer & Writer
Contributing Writer
Editor, Business Education
Reviewer & Writer
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It's no secret that business is the most popular college major. In fact, in 2021, nearly one in five college graduates walked away with a bachelor's degree in business. And earning your business administration degree online can pay off.
An online business degree gives you the flexibility to take classes on your schedule, allowing you to continue building your resume while attending. Plus, you can attend a top-ranked business school without relocating. Earning your business degree online can save you money.
As a business major, you’ll prepare for high-paying business administration careers. If business administration sounds like the right major for you, check out our resources on the best online business degrees for 2024.
Featured Online Business Administration Degrees
2024's Top Online Business Administration Degrees
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $181
Out-of-State | $698
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students in OSU's online BSBA in management program can follow the general management path or choose from six specializations: sports management, business sustainability, human resource management, management consulting, nonprofit management, and pre-law. Each concentration includes 34-37 credits, covering topics like ethical leadership and behavioral management.
All OSU management enrollees must also complete general business courses with a 2.0 minimum GPA. These include data analytics, finance, entrepreneurship, and microeconomic principles. Learners can personalize the program with general and business electives.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit: $256
Credits to Graduate: 120
U of A offers several online BSBA programs, each totaling 120 credits. Specialization options include supply chain management, human resources management, general business, accounting, and marketing. No matter the concentration, students must earn a 2.5 minimum GPA in pre-business core courses, such as accounting, composition, calculus, and macroeconomics.
Students then complete major course requirements for their chosen concentrations. For example, U of A's online BSBA in general business program covers seven classes in core business topics like management and information systems.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit: $375
Credits to Graduate: 180
Oregon State's bachelor's in business administration includes nine specialization options: digital marketing, family business, general business, supply chain and logistics management, hospitality management, innovation and entrepreneurship, marketing, sports business, and retail management. These concentrations include 21-24 credits.
Other course requirements include 85 business core credits, which cover topics like marketing, international business, statistical inference, and business law. Students can also apply credits to MBA and MS in business degrees through Oregon State's Accelerated Master's Platform.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $295
Out-of-State | $353
Credits to Graduate: 124
SUNY Poly's BSBA occurs online and on campus as a degree-completion program. First-year learners and transfer students with associate degrees can apply to the on-campus program. The online program caters to adult learners with at least three years of professional experience or 45 undergraduate transfer credits.
The online curriculum includes 11 required courses in management, accounting, financing, and marketing. Other classes may vary depending on student experience and transfer credits. All courses occur asynchronously, accommodating learners with professional or familiar responsibilities.
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: N/A
Cost per Credit: $329
Credits to Graduate: 120
As an online school, Charter Oak offers degree-completion programs for learners with high school diplomas (or equivalent) and at least nine undergraduate credits. It also provides credits for prior learning, training, credentials, and test scores.
Charter Oak's business administration bachelor's degree program includes 45 required major credits. The core classes cover topics in managerial accounting, business law, organizational behavior, and a capstone project. Students choose from concentrations in small business, project management, human resources, organizational management, or general business.
Louisiana State University of Alexandria
Baton Rouge, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit: $325
Credits to Graduate: 120
First-year enrollees and transfer students with 2.0 minimum GPAs can apply to LSUA's online BSBA degree program. The curriculum begins with six foundation courses in management, personal productivity, marketing, and finance. The nine core major requirements explore more advanced business topics like policies and multinational management. Additional requirements include calculus and tax accounting.
Instead of specific concentrations, students can tailor the program to their interests with eight business-related electives and two free electives. Options include intermediate accounting, advertising, human resource management, and consumer analysis.
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $244
Out-of-State | $652
Credits to Graduate: 120
SHSU's online BBA in general business administration caters to learners without a specific business career goal. It covers several topics in the business core, including business analysis, managerial accounting, microeconomics, strategic management, and information systems.
The major foundation includes two classes — business law and financial markets — allowing students to personalize the degree with the remaining 30 credits. Alternatively, learners can choose the PGA management concentration, which includes golf-focused courses, a 7-month internship, and an entrepreneurship class.
SUNY Oswego
Oswego, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $295
Out-of-State | $353
Credits to Graduate: 120
Oswego's online BSBA program offers a degree-completion program for transfer students, particularly learners with an associate degree in business administration. The school reports a 95% employment rate within six months for graduates from this and other Oswego business programs.
The BSBA curriculum begins with ten core courses exploring management and finance topics. Students can then design a personalized concentration plan or choose 15 elective credits from specializations in general management, entrepreneurial management, organizational leadership, supply chain and operations management, or data analytics.
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $238
Out-of-State | $658
Credits to Graduate: 120
While anyone can apply to TWU's BBA in business administration, the program offers specific benefits for women. Aspiring female entrepreneurs can find mentoring, networking, and funding opportunities at TWU's Center for Women in Business.
This program also allows students to explore several business-related disciplines. It immerses enrollees in management information systems, business analytics, money management, and accounting coursework. Other classes include business policy, law, international business, and economics. Learners personalize the program with nine advanced business electives.
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit: $475
Credits to Graduate: 120
WVU offers three BSBA specialization options: marketing, hospitality and tourism management, and general business. Although the main courses differ, each program incorporates independent research courses and an internship or field experience opportunity.
WVU's BSBA in general business also includes a faculty-led study abroad course. After an introduction to business course, learners dive into many business topics, like e-sports business, supply chain management, and information systems. Students also explore contemporary business strategies, ethics, and communications before starting independent study projects.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration?
Considering a career in business administration? A business administration degree can help you get there.
You can find job opportunities in public, private, and nonprofit settings as a budget analyst, financial advisor, research analyst, and human resources specialist. This degree can also prepare you for a master's in business administration (MBA).
"With a degree in business administration, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, including finance, marketing, and human resources, among others. This can help you earn a lot of money."
Why Should I Get an Online Business Administration Degree?
A bachelor's in business administration is an excellent choice if you want to enter the business world with a practical and widely applicable degree.
A bachelor's degree in business administration meets the entry-level education requirement for business careers as a financial analyst, market research analyst, management consultant, or training specialist. Check out more benefits in the tables below.
"I highly recommend considering a degree in business administration. It provides the necessary skills to pursue job opportunities in virtually any industry, positioning you for a successful career path."
Hard Skills for Business Administration
During an online business administration degree, you’ll develop these in-demand hard skills:
-
Project Management
You’ll learn how to plan complex projects, coordinate deliverables, and complete projects on time. These skills apply to many business careers. -
Data Analytics
Using data analytics tools, you’ll learn how to analyze large datasets, incorporate analytics in reporting, and back recommendations with data. -
Budget Management
Through coursework in budget management, you’ll strengthen budget planning and oversight skills. These accounting and finance skills are in high demand in business. -
Market Research
Learn how to design market research projects, analyze customer data, and evaluate competitors. These hard skills lead to careers in marketing and related fields. -
Team Management
You’ll build team management skills through hands-on projects, case studies, and team assignments with real-world applications.
Soft Skills for Business Administration
Business administration majors also strengthen critical soft skills, including:
-
Communication
The ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, and effectively benefits business professionals. You'll strengthen your communication skills through projects and internships. -
Teamwork
Interpersonal skills and teamwork are vital soft skills in business. You’ll develop these skills by working in teams to complete assignments. -
Problem-Solving
Develop innovative problem-solving techniques and the ability to think outside the box while applying business skills to real-world problems and case studies. -
Time Management
Organizational and time management skills are in high demand in the business world. You’ll learn how to balance projects and meet deadlines during your degree. -
Leadership
In business, decision-makers rely on their leadership skills. Strengthen your abilities as a leader by exploring leadership theory and management.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Business Administration Degree?
Median Annual Wage
Enrolling in a business administration degree program can pay off. Business majors work in many lucrative fields. The median annual salary for business and financial occupations was $76,850 in May 2022, according to the BLS. This was significantly higher than the median salary for all occupations: $46,310.
And many business administration jobs offer a high potential for raises. For example, financial analysts earned a median wage of $99,010 in 2023. With experience, they can move up to become financial managers, who earned a median salary of $156,100 the same year, according to the BLS.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Finance Analyst | $99,010 |
| Project Management Specialist | $98,580 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | $99,580 |
| Management Analyst | $99,410 |
| Budget Analyst | $84,940 |
Is a Business Administration Degree Worth It?
What's the return on investment (ROI) on a business administration degree? With a median annual wage of over $76,000, business and financial careers are lucrative and can provide a solid ROI to your degree.
When weighing your degree options, consider factors like the total cost of the degree, salaries in your field and area, and your career interests. You can boost the degree's ROI by researching affordable business programs. Or you can pursue jobs in higher-paying fields like finance to increase your earning potential.
"A bachelor's in business administration is a worthwhile investment, as it can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a wide range of career paths in the business world."
Featured Online Business Administration Degrees
What Jobs Can You Get With a Business Administration Degree?
Business Administration Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Human Resources Specialist
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Logistician
- Management Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Project Management Specialist
With a business administration degree, you can pursue opportunities in diverse fields. Business administration majors work as analysts, consultants, and managers. They specialize in areas like finance, human resources, and careers in marketing. You can also work in project management roles.
Outside of the typical career paths listed above, business administration graduates can become entrepreneurs who launch new businesses. You can also pursue administrative roles in healthcare, technology, or the public sector.
How Much Does an Online Business Administration Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state learners at public schools paid an average of $9,750 per year in tuition and fees during the 2022-2023 academic year. Those attending private institutions paid an average of $35,248.
You should understand the true cost of a program and the price differences between campus-based and online programs before making your choice.
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-21
Public Institution
$56,000
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$112,000
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration Online?
An online bachelor's in business administration usually takes four years to complete for full-time students. If you're transferring credits from a community college or four-year institution, you can finish the required business classes in about two years. You can also look into accelerated online business programs if you want to earn your degree even faster.
Required Course Credits
120 credits*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
No
Featured Online Business Administration Degrees
Everything Else You Need to Know About Business Administration Degrees
Is an online business degree respected?
Yes, an online business degree from an accredited college meets the same high academic standards as in-person programs. Employers respect online degrees from reputable colleges. You'll also qualify for financial aid and professional certifications.
Is business admin easy?
Business admin requires strong analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills. Reviewing documents such as analytical spreadsheets, financial reports, and marketing results is common. You'll also need to communicate clearly and work well in teams. Business administration could be a good fit if you're interested in finance, management, marketing, or human resources.
What degree goes well with business administration?
Business administration works well with many other business degrees, including finance, marketing, and management. You can also add complementary degrees to business administration to work in specific fields, such as public relations, data analytics, or psychology.
What does business administration teach you?
Business administration teaches you how to lead projects, analyze data, and manage financial and marketing tasks. You'll strengthen hard skills in research, management, and data analytics while also building in-demand soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Still looking for the right fit? You might also like:
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 13, 2024.
