Cheapest Online Business Administration Degrees of 2025

Looking for a good return on your college investment? Learn more about the cheapest online MBA programs, what they cost, and post-college job prospects.
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Updated December 3, 2024
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Undergraduates pursue business more than any other major in the U.S. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), colleges granted 375,400 business degrees in 2020-2021, accounting for roughly 19% of the total 2.0 million degrees awarded that year.

While earning your degree can be expensive, the cheapest online business administration programs can allow you to continue working while you study, helping you save money and increase your return on investment.

There was a time when there were a large number of naysayers of online education, says Norma Feriz-Gordon, a high school postsecondary planning counselor. An online bachelor’s degree in business provides a timesaving opportunity that enables students to work full time and manage other responsibilities.

Check out our ranking of the cheapest online business degrees. Learn more about tuition and find tips to make your education more affordable.

Featured Online Business Programs

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

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2025 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Programs

#1

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

41,962

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

41,962

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$18,566

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

59%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$911

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$2,003

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

54,085

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,566

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,168

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,566

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

67%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$911

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$2,003

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

54,085

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,099

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$21,665

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

73%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,695

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,849

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,099

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,665

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,099

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,665

Acceptance Rate

73%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,467

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,695

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

30,849

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$6,228

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,020

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

84%

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,471

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,815

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

16,914

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,228

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,020

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,228

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,020

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

81%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,471

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,815

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

16,914

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,410

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

84%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,408

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,661

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,410

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,645

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,410

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

83%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,408

Retention Rate

81%

Students Enrolled

4,661

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$11,178

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,200

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,870

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,738

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

33,522

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,178

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,200

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,178

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,200

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

72%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,870

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,738

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

33,522

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#7

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

34%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,140

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

36,637

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Acceptance Rate

34%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,140

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

36,637

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Murray State University

Murray, KY4 yearCampus + Online

$9,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,144

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,144

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

9,857

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,742

Murray State University

Murray, KY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,708

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,742

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,144

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,144

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

9,857

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#9

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,582

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,219

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,937

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

17,743

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,582

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,422

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,582

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

69%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,219

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,937

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

17,743

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Wayne State College

Wayne, NE2 yearCampus + Online

$5,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

100%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,185

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,370

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

4,807

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,760

Wayne State College

Wayne, NE2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,760

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,185

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,370

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

4,807

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Cost?

Average Net Cost of Tuition by Institution | 2021-2022

Public, Four Year
$15,200

Private, 4 Year
$29,700

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Tuition rates for online bachelor’s in business administration programs vary depending on the school. A student’s residency status may also influence what they pay — institutions tend to charge in-state students lower tuition than out-of-state learners.

The type of university also matters, as private schools often cost more than public institutions. Colleges often set cheaper rates for online learners. In fact, many online programs do not charge out-of-state residents higher tuition than in-state residents when they study virtually.

When calculating the true cost of an online program, students should factor in additional fees on top of tuition, such as for room and board, technology, and transportation.

How Can I Make an Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Affordable?

You can make the cheapest online business degree even more affordable by using resources accessible to all college students. Begin by visiting your school’s financial aid office and completing the necessary paperwork to assess available financial aid.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Students who need federal financial aid — either loans or grants — to help pay for college must first submit the FAFSA. This online form requires personal financial information from independent and dependent students to determine their eligibility for aid. Students must submit their FAFSA no later than June 30 of every year.

Loans

Students can take out federal and/or private loans. The federal government offers parent and student loans, often with lower interest rates than private loans provided by banks, credit unions, and colleges. Federal loans also do not require co-signers if students have poor credit.

Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for federally subsidized loans, which do not accrue interest until after graduation. Parents of undergraduates can also apply for additional money through Direct PLUS loans.

Grants

Both the federal government and state governments offer students grants to help pay for tuition. Grants differ from loans because they typically do not need to be repaid. However, grants may come with stipulations, such as work commitments. The federal government offers Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants to students who show exceptional financial need.

Work-Study Programs

Another option to earn money for school is federal work-study programs. These programs allow undergraduate and graduate students to work part time for a paycheck, which they can put toward tuition or other fees associated with their education. If available, programs allow students to work in their field of study.

Scholarships

Scholarships, much like grants, do not require repayment. Students can find scholarships through their financial aid office or their local community foundation. Schools, state governments, nonprofits, companies, and individuals also establish trusts to award scholarships to students to meet eligibility requirements. Scholarships may only go to business majors or students who meet GPA and financial need requirements.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Program?

Most business programs consist of 120 credits, which include general education and elective courses. Colleges may accept transfer credits based on work or life experience. Internships in your field of interest can count as core credits, giving you the opportunity to work with a mentor.

Many affordable online business degree programs allow students to specialize their education depending on their specific goals and interests. Popular concentrations include accounting, finance, hospitality, international business, and management. Deciding on a specialization, however, can be tricky.

A good first step is researching the positions you are interested in or even learning which positions are available based on the degree you would be earning, says Feriz-Gordon. As you begin to tune into the roles available for that career trajectory, you can fine-tune the actual major or specific program that you pursue.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Program?

Business Law

Students enrolled in this course study laws that govern contracts, employment discrimination, product liability, and sales. A business law course surveys the history of the U.S. legal system as it relates to the operation of small and large businesses. Lessons may also cover business ethics. Degree-seekers specializing in human resources also study employment law.

Principles of Marketing

A course on marketing principles teaches students how to use marketing and consumer research to make informed decisions about launching products and services. Students learn about promotional campaigns, product planning, and pricing. The course also covers consumer behaviors, pricing strategies, and identifying target markets.

Public Speaking

Business professionals need strong interpersonal and professional communication skills. Degree-seekers pursuing an online bachelor’s in business administration often take public speaking courses, sometimes called oral communication, to learn about communication theories and practices. Students practice public speaking through presentations and learn informative and persuasive public speaking techniques.

Business Management

This course teaches students how to lead an organization and its team members. Materials cover how to apply management theories to a business environment. Topics covered include ethics, corporate structure, decision-making, organizational structure, and strategic management. Students also learn business management terminology and the role of a manager in an organization, particularly the decision-making process.

Principles of Finance

Business majors often take finance courses covering corporate and personal financial principles. Students learn how to apply financial theories to solve problems within companies and how to use financial managerial tools. Lessons also teach business analytics, international financial management, and entrepreneurial finance.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Program?

Do not expect less rigorous admission standards for an online bachelor’s in business administration degree. Business schools often ask for standard application materials from students — whether they take online or on-campus courses.

A candidate can apply as a first-year student right out of high school or, in some cases, as a transfer applicant with 12-60 transferable credits.

Application

Application requirements for an online bachelor’s degree program depend on a candidate’s standing. Programs offer pathways for second bachelor’s applicants, transfer students, or first-year applicants. Candidates submit their applications online with a fee of $40-$65. Some online programs do not charge application fees.

Test Scores

Admissions committees may require incoming students to take an entrance exam to measure their language and math proficiency. The specific test required depends on the program and a student’s status. First-year candidates may need to submit SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students who have prior college credits do not typically take an entrance exam.

International students may need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.

Letters of Recommendation

Professors, supervisors, mentors, or school counselors write letters of recommendation attesting to a student’s abilities, accomplishments, and goals. Applicants commonly submit 1-3 letters of recommendation. Be sure to ask for letters of recommendation far in advance to give writers plenty of time.

Essays

Most schools ask applicants to write an essay or personal statement. An application may include prompts, asking specific questions about your personal life or academic experience. Essays are your chance to stand out from other potential enrollees. Write your essay with enough time to spare so you can ask someone to look it over. Pay special attention to grammar and spelling.

Official Transcripts

All colleges require students to submit official transcripts. Students applying to college straight from high school as well as community college students must submit their academic records. This is usually free or costs a nominal fee of about $5-$20.

When an online bachelor’s in business administration program requires a minimum GPA, transcripts serve as academic proof. If candidates do not meet GPA requirements, schools may extend conditional admittance, if applicants agree to take an entrance exam.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree?

Median Annual Salary by Career | 2023

Human Resources Specialists
$67,650

Financial Analysts
$99,010

Sources: Human Resources Specialists, BLS, Financial and Investment Analysts, BLS

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects business and financial occupations to grow faster than average between 2022 and 2032. The Bureau projects the creation of 911,400 new jobs during that time.

Graduates with bachelor’s in business administration degrees can work as operations managers, human resource managers, financial analysts, and bank managers. Professionals can find work at banks, healthcare organizations, hotels, insurance firms, and real estate brokerages.

Career Paths

Financial Analyst

  • Median Annual Salary (2023): $99,890

Employers typically hire financial analysts who have at least a bachelor’s degree, with many majoring in business. This business professional understands market trends which allows them to provide clients with investment advice. They can also perform operational tasks, such as generating financial statements to evaluate a company’s value.

Financial analysts may gain certification through the Chartered Financial Analyst to become portfolio managers or fund managers.

Human Resources Specialist

  • Median Annual Salary (2023): $67,650

Bachelor’s in business administration degrees often feature concentrations in human resources. This degree can help graduates launch profitable careers managing staffing. Students may need to gain work experience in entry-level positions as staff recruiters or as staff training and development coordinators. They can also take on an internship to gain hands-on skills.

Credentials from the Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Certification Institute can give human resource specialists the added recognition to advance as managers. Job duties often include checking potential hires’ references and conducting orientation for new employees.

Marketing Manager

  • Median Annual Salary (2023): $157,620

Students earning a bachelor’s in business administration can choose a concentration in marketing to become marketing managers, a position held by roughly 358,200 professionals, per the BLS. Marketing managers target audiences to develop marketing plans for businesses and nonprofits.

Some 10% of marketing managers have positions at finance and insurance companies, while about one-quarter of the workforce hold jobs in professional, scientific, and technical services.

Sales Manager

  • Median Annual Salary (2023): $135,160

Sales managers work in wholesale trade, retail, professional and science services, manufacturing, and finance and insurance. It takes about 1-5 years of sales experience to advance from sales associate to sales manager, which requires possible evening and weekend hours.

Sales managers resolve customer complaints, prepare budgets, and set sales quotas. They also recruit and manage staff.

Accountant

  • Median Annual Salary (2023): $79,880

Accountants have jobs in tax preparation, finance and insurance, government agencies, and management companies. An accountant may maintain financial records for individuals, families, or companies. Accountants can advance in their careers after earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Business Administration Programs

Expect to take a full course load in a broad range of topics while pursuing an online business degree. While the courses may not challenge you the way a mathematics degree would, you will need to complete rigorous coursework in marketing, financial management, analytics, and statistics, often in addition to an internship experience.

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