Best Online Business Management Degree Programs of 2025
An online degree in business management can prepare you for leadership roles across industries without ever having to leave the workforce.
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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Business Management Programs
- #1: San Diego State University — SDSU’s asynchronous online bachelor’s program can be completed in as little as two years.
- #2: California State University, Fullerton — CSUF’s online program boasts a 91% in-field employment rate and has comparably lower tuition.
- #3: Florida International University — FIU’s online business management bachelor’s program is transfer-friendly and has a competitive tuition rate.
If you’re looking to enter the management field without leaving your current job, an online business management degree may be a good option. These degrees are often designed for working professionals, allowing you to fit your coursework around your busy schedule.
Moreover, business management programs can help you hone valuable skills, such as strategic thinking and problem solving. These skills are still highly valued by employers, even with the increased use of AI and other technologies.
If you need help choosing the right program for you, read on for our list of the best online business management programs based on factors such as affordability and student outcome.
Start Your Business Management Degree Journey Today
Best Online Business Management Degrees
We use trusted sources like Peterson’s Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
1. San Diego State University
$5,742
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$7,176
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$17,622
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$19,140
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Online Enrollment: 56%
- Institution Type: Public
Why SDSU Made Our List
SDSU’s online general business bachelor of science (BS) in business administration program is built for students who already have college credits but no degree. The program has a global focus that emphasizes international viewpoints on marketing and management topics. Curriculum in the program, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), includes a broad overview of key operational areas like finance, investment management, and human resources.
Why Attend SDSU Online
- Fast Completion Time: You can finish the program in as little as two years.
- Asynchronous: SDSU’s online degree is offered in an asynchronous format, so you can work toward your degree in your own time.
Know Before You Go
- Degree Completion: This is a degree completion program. You’ll need at least 60 transferable credits to qualify for entry.
- Higher Cost: SDSU’s online business administration degree is slightly more expensive than similar programs at $599 per unit.
- Selective: SDSU is generally a selective institution with a low acceptance rate, although online programs are generally more accessible.
2. California State University, Fullerton
$5,742
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$7,176
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$17,622
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$16,680
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Online Enrollment: 58%
- Institution Type: Public
Why CSUF Made Our List
California State University, Fullerton emphasizes flexibility for working professionals in its online bachelor of arts (BA) in business administration program. The fully online degree has an accelerated option for high-performing students. We like the efficient flexibility of CSUF’s learning model. This is a degree completion program.
Why Attend CSUF Online
- Working Professional Focus: CSUF’s online program is designed with flexibility for working professionals in mind. That means asynchronous courses and customizable scheduling.
- Accelerated Format: Depending on your schedule, you can finish the degree faster than the three years it typically takes.
- Cost: At $1,500 per class in a degree completion format, you’ll generally pay $30,000 or less for the program.
Know Before You Go
- Transfer Credits Required: Since this is a degree completion program, you’ll need at least 60 previous college credits to apply.
- Prerequisite Requirements: You must have completed most of the degree’s general education requirements to qualify.
- No Concentration Options: The degree is offered as a professional business concentration, meaning you won’t have the opportunity to specialize in a specific business area.
3. Florida International University
$6,168
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$911
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$18,566
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$2,003
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Online Enrollment: 67%
- Institution Type: Public
Why FIU Online Made Our List
FIU’s online bachelor of business administration (BBA) in management is the first full degree program on this list. The AACSB-accredited program blends analysis with management fundamentals. You’ll take a pre-core preparatory sequence of classes before diving into the full curriculum.
Why Attend FIU Online
- Cost: FIU’s online BBA in management program is $236 per credit hour for in-state students, although it’s more expensive ($649 per credit hour) for out-of-state students.
- Student Success Coaching: Every online student is paired with a success coach for help with academics and career development.
- High Financial Aid Awards: FIU’s financial aid office gives out more than $180 million in yearly financial aid across the university.
Know Before You Go
- Already a Concentration: The online management program from FIU is itself a concentration within the BBA program. That means you won’t be able to select an additional concentration.
- Year-Round Starts: FIU offers online starts in spring, summer, and fall.
- Test-Optional: FIU doesn’t require the SAT or ACT.
4. University of Massachusetts Lowell
$15,850
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$14,956
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$34,676
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$27,030
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Online Enrollment: 39%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UML Online Made Our List
UML Online’s bachelor of science in business administration program is one of the most customizable degrees on our list. It offers seven concentrations in addition to its general study track. Add to that a mix of quantitative and qualitative business fundamentals in its AACSB-accredited program curriculum, and UML is a high value option for prospective business students.
Why Attend UML Online
- Many Concentration Options: UML offers concentrations in analytics, management information systems, finance, and more.
- Tech at Its Core: You’ll take courses in analytics and business information systems as part of the core business curriculum.
- Finish Your Degree Fast: You can finish the degree in 12-36 months depending on transfer credits.
Know Before You Go
- Extensive Nonmajor Coursework: You’ll take 33-35 credits in core curriculum as part of your degree.
- Limited Human Resources Options: While much of UML’s extensive curriculum is applicable to human resources via courses in organizational behavior and ethics, UML doesn’t offer direct human resources courses.
- Generous Transfer Policy: You can transfer up to 90 credits to count toward your degree.
5. Appalachian State University
$4,242
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$4,839
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$21,238
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$19,849
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Online Enrollment: 56%
- Institution Type: Public
Why App State Online Made Our List
App State’s online management degree has flexibility for working professionals at its core. The AACSB-accredited degree includes asynchronous courses to help working adults complete the program on their own schedule. If you have previous college experience, App State also offers a flexible transfer structure to help you finish your degree.
Why Attend App State Online
- Global Issues Instruction: You’ll choose from more than a dozen courses focusing on international business as part of the curriculum.
- Working Professional Focus: App State markets its degree explicitly for working adults, and it puts flexibility at the forefront of its program.
- Plenty of Electives: Roughly 27 credit hours of upper-level business electives, including nine in the general management concentration, are available as part of the degree.
Know Before You Go
- Pre-Admission Requirements: You’ll need to have completed 45 credit hours of general education courses, including a set of foundational business courses, before being admitted to the school.
- Limited Concentration Options: While App State’s curriculum is highly customizable, it doesn’t offer many concentrations outside of management for online students.
- No Maximum Transfer Limit: App State doesn’t cap how many credits you can transfer toward your degree.
6. Louisiana State University
$8,047
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$9,132
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$24,731
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$9,132
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Online Enrollment: 48%
- Institution Type: Public
Why LSU Made Our List
LSU’s online bachelor of science in business administration program combines rigorous academic standards with flexibility and affordability. The total program cost is a little over $40,000, but LSU’s generous transfer policy allows you to cut the program’s tuition down to roughly a quarter of that price. LSU also lets you earn college credit via some professional certifications.
Why Attend LSU Online
- Flexible Electives: LSU’s online program has numerous elective options in areas like sales, marketing, accounting, and more.
- Dual Accreditation: LSU’s business school is accredited by the AACSB, and its online business administration program holds additional programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- Finish on Time, or Faster: Students finish within four years on average.
Know Before You Go
- Prior Learning Assessment: You can save time and money by earning college credit through Amazon Web Services certifications.
- Transfer to Cut Down Costs: The total cost of the degree is $40,800. However, if you transfer the maximum amount of credits, you could cut that cost down to $10,200.
7. Florida Atlantic University
$6,099
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$5,467
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$21,665
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$16,695
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Online Enrollment: 68%
- Institution Type: Public
Why FAU Online Made Our List
FAU’s online BBA is a highly versatile degree. You can choose to specialize in management or pursue other concentrations in areas like tourism management, finance, and more. FAU’s College of Business is accredited by the AACSB.
Why Attend FAU Online
- Management Concentration: The management program at FAU is offered as a concentration within the BBA program. You’ll focus on analysis, supply chain management, and leadership as part of that concentration.
- Other Concentrations Available: In addition to management, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in fields including accounting, economics, finance, hospitality and tourism management, and marketing.
- Quantitative Curriculum: Analysis is a core component of FAU’s curriculum. You’ll learn how to use quantitative methods to analyze areas like marketing and finances.
Know Before You Go
- Pre-Major Requirements: You’ll need to earn 60 credits before entering the business program and a 2.5 GPA in the pre-business foundation courses.
- Dual Minor: You can pursue a dual minor in a targeted area of interest during the program.
- Test Scores Required: You’ll need to submit an ACT, SAT, or Classic Learning Test (CLT) score for admission as per Florida regulation.
8. Kansas State University
$9,632
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$10,294
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$25,944
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$23,018
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Online Enrollment: 49%
- Institution Type: Public
Why K-State Online Made Our List
Kansas State University’s online business administration program is centered around practical experience. The AACSB-accredited degree features high-demand concentrations in areas like supply chain management and analytics and focuses on how to apply the skills you learn in the classroom to the real world.
Why Attend K-State Online
- High-Demand Specializations: K-State Online offers specializations in niche, high-demand fields like business analytics, human resources management, and supply chain management. You can also specialize in marketing.
- Real-World Focus: K-State focuses on practical knowledge and real-world examples to help students stand out in the job search.
- Certificates Available: K-State also offers certificates in areas like data analytics to complement your degree.
Know Before You Go
- Cost per Credit Hour: At $568 per credit hour, K-State is on the more expensive side of this list.
- Transfer Option: K-State has online tools for you to determine whether previous college coursework will transfer.
9. Oklahoma State University
$5,417
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$4,208
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$20,937
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$15,836
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Online Enrollment: 53%
- Institution Type: Public
Why OSU Online Made Our List
OSU’s online management degree homes in on high-demand skills like leadership and ethics. The asynchronous program from the AACSB-accredited Spears School of Business lets you work toward the degree on your own schedule but also includes virtual activities to help you collaborate with your peers.
Why Attend OSU Online
- Sports Management Concentration: OSU offers a sports management concentration with a focus on marketing and analytics.
- Management Focus: You can also double down on management and pursue a leadership-focused concentration.
- Ethics and Strategy at the Core: OSU’s degree has a heavy emphasis on human skills that employers have said will be important even amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), including communication, ethics, and strategy.
Know Before You Go
- Limited Concentration Options: OSU doesn’t offer concentrations beyond sports management and general management.
- Test Optional: You won’t be required to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of your application, but you’ll have to submit them for most scholarships.
10. University of Arkansas
$7,666
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$7,875
Avg. Grad Tuition,
In-State
$26,690
Avg. Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$21,420
Avg. Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Online Enrollment: 36%
- Institution Type: Public
Why U of A Online Made Our List
The University of Arkansas’ online bachelor of science in business administration program offers concentrations in fast-growing industries like human resources, supply chain management, and marketing — but all of those concentrations heavily emphasize high-demand analytical skills. You’ll also have access to in-state tuition regardless of where you are.
Why Attend U of A Online
- All Students Pay In-State Tuition: Online University of Arkansas students pay in-state tuition regardless of where they’re from.
- Accelerate With Summer Learning: The program offers five-week, intensive online summer classes to help you finish your degree faster.
- Highly Customizable: Concentrations in accounting, general business, human resources, marketing, and supply chain management are available.
Know Before You Go
- Prerequisites Required: You’ll need to take a prerequisite course sequence before entry into the business school.
- Apply Previous College Credit: You can apply previous college credit, including an associate degree, to the program — but the school places some restrictions on transferring business and economics courses.
Why You Should Get a Business Management Degree
- Learn High-Demand Skills: Many business management degrees incorporate STEM topics such as data analytics to prepare you for tech-focused workplaces.
- Work Across Several Industries: You can learn core skills such as accounting, analytics, leadership, and finance, which can boost your resume regardless of the industry you aim to work in.
- Network With Peers: Some online programs incorporate collaborative, team-based learning and networking opportunities that can help you expand your professional network.
- Enhance Your Business Knowledge: As AI and other technologies continue to change the workplace, employers are increasingly seeking individuals who can think strategically and make data-driven decisions.
Benefits of Getting a Business Management Degree Online
- BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report found that 97% of online business students and graduates would recommend online education to others.
- Additionally, 81% of those students said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Moreover, in another BestColleges survey, 64% of business students said their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
How to Choose the Best Business Management Program for You
When choosing a business management program, consider factors such as affordability, program length, accreditation, flexibility, and possible career paths.
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, says you should also consider the program’s modality. “Some programs are on-site only, others are online, and some may be a hybrid. One may be more suitable depending on learning preferences and scheduling availability.”
How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Business Management Cost?
Business Bachelor’s Degree, 2019-2020
Online
$10,476 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$5,928 Avg. Net Price
In-Person
$16,921 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,231 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats
Online degrees offer a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional, in-person programs.
For instance, the average annual cost for an on-campus business degree is approximately $17,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. And with financial aid, the average price is reduced to around $9,200.
On the other hand, an online bachelor’s degree in business usually costs around $10,500 per year, and grants and scholarships can reduce that figure to about $6,000.
That brings the net price for a four-year online business degree to about $24,000 with financial aid. This is $12,800 less than the $36,800 cost for an in-person program.
However, keep in mind that business degree prices can vary significantly by institution. Attending an elite M7 business school, for instance, will usually be much more expensive than getting your degree at a regional public institution.
You can cut down the cost of your degree by landing business scholarships, filling out the FAFSA, or transferring credits from prior college experience.
Find Financial Aid for Your Business Management Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Management Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A business management bachelor’s degree typically takes four years and 120 credits to complete, but that isn’t always the case.
If you previously attended a university or community college or if you already have an associate degree, you might be able to transfer your credits and cut down on the time it takes to get your degree.
While each college has its own transfer policy, credits for general education requirements are usually accepted.
Some schools offer business management programs in an accelerated format. Accelerated online degrees condense courses into shorter, more intensive sessions, allowing you to complete your degree requirements in less time.
Accreditation for Business Management Degrees
Accreditation is granted by independent organizations recognized by the US Department of Education that ensure business schools are teaching a relevant curriculum and students achieve positive outcomes.
Business schools generally hold institutional-level accreditation, but they can also hold programmatic accreditation for individual programs.
Programmatic accreditation is granted by professional organizations and highlights that a particular program meets established industry standards. This recognition can enhance your employment prospects after graduation.
Here are some of the accreditors to look for when researching business schools:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs: The ACBSP accredits individual programs based on factors like student outcomes and faculty expertise.
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: The AACSB accredits major business schools and also offers accounting accreditation.
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education: The IACBE looks at factors like student success and outcomes and university’s mission.

Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accreditation for Business Management?
“Accreditation is very important, and it is a factor that prospective students need to consider [when] selecting a degree program. It signals that the programs have met quality standards. Some employers will recognize only degrees from accredited programs.”
What Can You Do With a Business Management Degree?
A business management degree opens up job opportunities in several fast-growing fields.
The BLS predicts that management-related jobs, such as human resources manager and facilities manager, will experience faster than average growth. By 2033, both of these occupations are projected to grow by 6%, while the average growth rate for all occupations is 4%.
However, keep in mind that what you can do with a business management degree ultimately depends on your work experience. Don’t expect to step into a leadership role right out of college if you don’t have some real-world experience under your belt.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
---|---|---|
Management Analyst | $101,190 | Identifies areas of inefficiency, implements cost-saving measures, and develops strategies to increase overall profitability |
Human Resources Manager | $140,030 | Oversees activities such as hiring, recruitment, retention, and training |
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager | $106,880 | Manages daily business operations, including personnel, resources, and workflows to achieve organizational goals. |
Sales Manager | $138,060 | Manages sales teams, establishes objectives, and delivers results |
Operations Research Analyst | $91,290 | Analyzes an organization’s functions to address problems and improve efficiency |
Learn More About Business Management Jobs
Is a Business Management Degree Worth It?
A bachelor’s degree in business management can lead to a high-demand job with a salary well above the median salary for all occupations, which hovers at around $48,000. And, getting your degree online means you’ll have more flexibility to better balance your schedule.
Online business students we surveyed were optimistic: 94% said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment. Additionally, 64% of these students found their online classes to be career-focused, with assignments that helped them explore potential career paths.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s Degree
If you want to keep studying after completing your bachelor’s in business management, consider enrolling in an MBA program. An MBA offers a deeper knowledge of business disciplines and opens doors to leadership roles and a higher salary.
MBAs generally offer a wide range of courses on subjects such as finance and management. However, some MBA programs offer concentrations that align with specific fields, such as healthcare management or marketing.
While MBAs have long been the gold standard of graduate business education, there are also specialized business master’s degrees in areas like project management that can also advance your career. Several business schools are also rolling out master’s in management programs tailored to younger professionals who don’t have prior leadership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Management Degrees
A business management degree prepares students to lead organizations with a focus on business fundamentals, planning, and leadership. Business management degrees usually focus on giving students a well-rounded understanding of how businesses and teams work.
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by Lyss Welding
Updated September 12, 2024
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