The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

Want to earn an online business degree? Discover the best business administration programs that offer online degrees.
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Updated on March 28, 2024
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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. With a bachelor’s degree, you can become a project manager, financial analyst, or management analyst. These three careers report median salaries of $95,000 or higher, according to May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

If business administration sounds like the right major for you, check out our resources on the best online business degrees for 2024.

2024's Top Online Business Administration Degrees

We use datasets from sources like 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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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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#1 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,417
Out-of-state
$20,937
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,611
Out-of-state
$21,114
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
24,577
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#2 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,666
Out-of-state
$24,482
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,875
Out-of-state
$21,420
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
29,068
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,065
Out-of-state
$29,456
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,446
Out-of-state
$27,297
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
33,193
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$17,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
2,850
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,656
Out-of-state
$10,056
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,288
Out-of-state
$9,720
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,618
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#6 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,038
Out-of-state
$8,038
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,132
Out-of-state
$9,132
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
35,912
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,856
Out-of-state
$15,648
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,765
Out-of-state
$13,108
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
21,612
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
7,058
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,616
Out-of-state
$15,408
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,112
Out-of-state
$12,456
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
16,338
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 The Best Business Administration Degrees Online

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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,144
Out-of-state
$25,824
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,332
Out-of-state
$26,676
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
25,474
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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

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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."

Andrew Lokenauth | BBA, Finance and Accounting Executive

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."

Trysta Luhanga | BBA

Hard Skills for Business Administration

During an online business administration degree, you’ll develop these in-demand hard skills:

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    Project Management

    You’ll learn how to plan complex projects, coordinate deliverables, and complete projects on time. These skills apply to many business careers.
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    Data Analytics

    Using data analytics tools, you’ll learn how to analyze large datasets, incorporate analytics in reporting, and back recommendations with data.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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:

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    Communication

    The ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, and effectively benefits business professionals. You'll strengthen your communication skills through projects and internships.
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    Teamwork

    Interpersonal skills and teamwork are vital soft skills in business. You’ll develop these skills by working in teams to complete assignments.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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 (2022)

Business & Financial Occupations
$76,850

Financial Analysts
$96,220

Source: BLS

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 $95,570 in 2021. With experience, they can move up to become financial managers, who earned a median salary of $131,710 the same year, according to the BLS.

Job Title Median Salary (2022)
Finance Analyst $96,220
Project Management Specialist $95,370
Personal Financial Advisor $95,390
Management Analyst $95,290
Budget Analyst $82,260
Source: BLS

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."

Andrew Lokenauth | BBA, Finance and Accounting Executive

What Jobs Can You Get With a Business Administration Degree?

Business Administration Career Paths

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 $9,596 per year in tuition and fees during the 2021-2022 academic year. Those attending private institutions paid an average of $34,041.

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

Source: BestColleges

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

*Depending on your program and specialization

Everything Else You Need to Know About Business Administration Degrees

Is an online business degree respected?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.


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.

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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