The best online bachelor’s in business administration can set you up for a range of high-paying careers in business management and leadership.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales managers can expect to earn a median annual wage of around $124,220. What’s more, over the next decade, the BLS has predicted that sales management positions will increase by around 5%, while marketing managers and management analysts will increase by around 6%. With one of the best online bachelor’s in business administration, you’ll gain a solid foundation in general business management and operations, which could see you join the ranks of these high-earning professionals.

What will you learn with this degree?

In a business administration degree program, you’ll learn the skills needed to become an effective business leader. You might have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area, such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, or Operations Management. Or, you might enroll in a general business degree. Regardless, you’ll usually gain a solid foundation in all of these business areas, which means you’ll be able to work in a broad range of industries.

Can I study for this degree online?

One of the best things about business administration degrees is that all of the work can be completed online. Some business degree programs have a field experience requirement, which could mean traveling to a local site for your hands-on experience. However, if your professional schedule is busy, you could opt for a program that is 100% coursework-based.

See Also: Cheapest Online Business Degree for Undergrads

What are the Best Business Administration Degrees?

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Each program is scored individually. It’s then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. To learn more, visit our methodology page. 

#1. American Public University

You can get an Online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from American Public University, which could save you money on your education. There’s no application fee, no transfer credit evaluation fee, and all course resources are free too! In total, you can transfer up to 90 credits from prior learning, approximately 82% of the program’s requirements.

In this best online business administration program, you’ll apply basic knowledge in the areas of financial management, business strategy, and accounting to improve your business decision-making skills. You’ll also gain an understanding of how markets can fluctuate due to economic factors, prepare your own strategic plans, and develop problem-solving strategies in human resources and operations management.

Courses start every month and last for 8 to 16 weeks, and you can complete them all online from home. You’ll pay approximately $285 per credit, though there’s a reduced military rate of $250 for eligible students. If you have more questions about financial aid, check out APU’s Financial Aid TV resource, which contains useful FAQs and short videos.

#2. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a best value Bachelor of Arts of Science in Business Administration through UF Online, the institution’s distance-learning campus. It’s a program that was only recently ranked as one of the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll be studying under the Warrington College of Business, a nationally recognized academic school.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program will focus entirely on business disciplines, completing a range of courses that have been designed to help you master all aspects of a business career. The Bachelor of Arts program also features a strong foundation in business principles, but you’ll focus on another skill within a specialized subject. Choose from 11 specializations from this cheapest online business administration degree including:

• Anthropology
• Event Management
• Mass Communication
• Sociology

UF Online has been ranked as the No. 1 most affordable online college in the nation. Florida residents pay an unbelievable rate of just $129.18 per credit hour, which includes fees. Non-residents pay a higher rate of around $552.62 per credit hour. You could also be eligible for a range of grants and scholarships.

#3. Florida International University

At Florida International University, you can enroll in an Online Bachelor of Business Administration: BBA in Management. With this concentration, you’ll learn the basics of organizational management. The curriculum covers essential knowledge, including an introduction to information systems, the legal aspects of business, professional communication, operations management, and more.

You’ll complete 120 credit hours in total to graduate, and you must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.50 on each course. Courses include those such as:

• Accounting for Decisions
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Calculus for Business
• Financial Management
• Strategic Management
• Legal Environment of Business

State residents will pay approximately $7,185.37 in tuition per academic year. This includes distance learning fees and other expenses. For students from out of state, the total rises to around $10,697.17 to account for the tuition differential fee. If you’d like the most accurate estimate of your specific costs, check out FIU’s tuition calculator.

#4. Purdue University Global

Purdue Global University has a top Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Choosing from a vast range of 14 business concentration areas, you’ll complete your courses online across 10-week terms. You’ll need to be able to commit to around 15-18 hours of effort each week in this program.

For admission into the program, you must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate. If you’re successful in your application, you can choose from concentrations that include:

• Business Development
• Digital and Social Media Management
• Global Marketing Management
• Procurement
• Sport Entertainment Management

In total, you’ll complete 180 credits at a cost of around $371 per credit. However, you could shorten the time and cost of your degree by enrolling on the accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degree plan. Check out the university’s tuition calculator for the most accurate estimate of your costs.

#5. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers a BBA in Management, which could lead to careers as a logistics manager, management analyst, business owner, and more. You’ll complete a total of 120 credits, 20 of which are electives to specialize further in a business area of your choice. This top value online degree program offers a great range of flexibility and opportunity to plan for your career.

Your business core courses comprise 27 hours and include those such as Management Principles, Managerial Finance, Business Communication, and Business Policy. When it comes to choosing your electives, the vast range of options include courses like:

• Supply Chain Management
• Recruitment, Selection & Retention
• Global Human Resources
• Entrepreneurship

Tuition rates at Fort Hays State University are affordable, with Kansas/regional residents paying around $181.46 per credit hour. This rises to around $250.59 for MSEP residents and around $529.68 for non-residents. More information on these categories can be found on the Cost of Attendance page of the university’s website.

#6. West Texas A & M University

West Texas A&M University offers a range of business programs including the fully online General Business, Finance, and Economics, Law & Economics Specialization Majors. The General Business Major has been named on numerous rankings by U.S. News & World Report including:

• Best Online Bachelor’s
• Best Online Bachelor’s for Business
• Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans

In this top online degree program, you’ll receive broad exposure to the key skills and knowledge needed to run an organization well. This includes an overview of finance and accounting, operations management, organizational structures, statistics, and business communication. Specialization in a specific area like finance can be achieved by choosing the Finance Major instead.

Assuming a course load of 15 credit hours per semester, you’ll pay around $11,364.18 in tuition, parking, and general fees as a state resident. As a non-resident, you’ll pay total annual costs of around $24,416.74. Use the university’s tuition calculator to check what your exact costs will be.

#7. Sam Houston State University

You can enroll in a Bachelor of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University, completing all of your courses online. With an emphasis on General Business Administration, this program will cover all the key skills needed to become an effective business manager. However, the curriculum is broad enough for students who haven’t yet chosen a specific career in business to pursue.

For admission into the program, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED. Once enrolled, you’ll need to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students are advised to consider a minor in a specialized field, including accounting, banking, economics, finance, marketing, and more.

Resident tuition at Sam Houston State University could be as low as around $2,928 per semester, while non-residents typically pay around $7,992 per semester. Check out the costs calculator for more information and specific costs for your program and course load. You may also be able to get a scholarship via the university.

#8. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management offers an online Business Administration Major. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, which means that you can start your program at a time that works best for you. You can also combine your major with a minor, certificate, or emphasis area for further specialization.

Your curriculum in this program comprises 16 required courses and could be completed in as few as 16 months. Alternatively, part-time study options are also available. You’ll complete courses such as:

• Basic Operations Management
• Economic Strategy for Business Decisions
• Project Management

As part of the program’s requirements, you’ll need to complete a Business Communications course too.

Estimated undergraduate tuition for a state resident is approximately $12,715, while non-residents are expected to pay around $36,620. There are also pre-business fees of $700 and pre-economic fees of $700 due, depending on your choice of major. You’ll find a tuition calculator on the university’s website for more information on costs.

#9. Bellevue University

At Bellevue University, you can get your Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and even progress further with graduate study in business administration (MBA). You’ll develop strong problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills while learning the key concepts of running a successful and profitable organization.

You can also choose to customize your curriculum and degree by choosing an area of emphasis. Options include:

• accounting
• finance
• human resources
• international business
• marketing
• interdisciplinary business
• business analytics
• supply chain management

In total, you’ll complete 63 credit hours of major requirements, including courses that cover finance and accounting, marketing, business ethics and law, macroeconomics, and more.

The generous credit transfer policy at this university means that you could save money on your degree, as you only pay for the credits that you need. This affordable program attracts a tuition rate of around $430 per credit hour for online courses. For admission, you’ll need to evidence completion of high school, homeschooling, or your GED.

#10. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business allows you to complete your Bachelor of Business Administration Degree entirely online. You’ll have the same list of prerequisites and pre-business courses to complete as traditional, campus-based students, and all admission requirements are the same too. As an online student, you’ll also have full access to academic instructors and advisors, and campus-based events.

Majors available within this program include:

• Accounting
• Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Marketing
• Management

Depending on your selection of major, your prerequisites will vary; check out the university’s website for more information on each major and the requirements for admission. 

Students paying fully online tuition are charged a rate of around $261.29 per credit hour, which includes mandatory fees. This estimate is based on Florida residency and does not include course materials or supplies. You can get a more accurate idea of the cost of your attendance by visiting the university’s Cost of Attendance page.

#11. University of Louisiana at Monroe

At the University of Louisiana at Monroe, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Business Administration through ULM Online. The curriculum provides a broad background in all areas of business and business management. You can also pick up a minor to further develop your knowledge in one specific, non-business area. 

Most students enrolled in this program combine two areas of concentration, including those such as:

• Computer Information Systems
• Finance
• Management

All courses can be completed via online distance learning, and you’ll typically be part of a small class that ensures every student receives personal attention from the instructors.

ULM Online charges a simple rate of tuition to make it easier to calculate your costs. Undergraduate students enrolled in these affordable online programs pay around $400.00 per credit hour, while online graduate programs are charged at a rate of $500.00 per credit hour. These rates include mandatory fees and tuition. 

#12. University of Missouri

Through Missouri Online, the University of Missouri’s distance learning campus, you can get your Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. It has been ranked one of the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report and comprises 120 credit hours. You could also transfer up to 66 credit hours from prior university study.

All courses in this program are offered entirely online, so there’s no need to commit to campus visits. The curriculum comprises 66 credit hours of business administration courses, in addition to MU’s general education requirements. Courses cover areas including:

• Consumer Behavior
• Corporate Finance
• Business and Society

The estimated average cost for an undergraduate freshman is around $52,349.80 for the entire degree program. Should you transfer in the maximum number of college credits allowed, you could reduce the cost of your program down to around $29,895.80.

#13. University of Massachusetts, Amherst

The University of Massachusetts offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree with fully online study options. Known as The Isenberg Online Business Administration Degree, this program is a degree completion program that offers a choice of 5 majors. These are:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations & Information Management

The program is accredited by the AACSB and has been named the highest-ranked public undergraduate business program in the Northeast. If you’re still on the fence, you can choose to take up to 15 college credits before making an application or while waiting for your application to be processed.

Undergraduate tuition at the University of Massachusetts Online costs around $475 per credit in summer and $482 per credit hour for fall. There is an additional registration fee per semester of $50 and undergraduate entering fee of $135. Applicants should include a 1-2 page personal statement in their application.

#14. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University offers a high value Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). In this program, you’ll take both general and core business courses, in addition to choosing a specialization to focus on. You’ll also take elective courses to bring your total credit hours up to at least 122 credits. 

The choice of specializations in this program is broad, with 14 specializations in total, and you can choose from options such as:

• Accounting
• Applied Economics
• Finance
• Insurance
• International Business
• Sales and Services Marketing

You can choose more than one specialization if you want to diversify your knowledge. 

Financial aid, low fees, and opportunities for employment while studying are all factors that help to keep BGSU affordable. Ohio residents pay around $22,437.20 annually, which includes around $12,547.20 in tuition and fees. Non-residents pay around $7,988.40 in non-resident fees, with a total cost of attendance (COA) of around $30,425.60.

#15. Ball State University

At Ball State University, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that has been ranked one of the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report. This fully online program offers 3 semester start dates, and you can choose to study on a full or part-time basis.

Under the Miller College of Business, you’ll develop strong business knowledge in a range of areas that include operations management, accounting, and accounting. You could also benefit from the Residential Property Management minor if it aligns with your career goals. Ball State University is one of only a handful of institutions that offer this program in the nation.

Ball State University students who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or undergraduate certificate typically pay the same online tuition rate. It’s an affordable university, with your total semester cost estimated at around $2,180, including approximately $1,920 in tuition and around $260 in fees.

#16. Liberty University

Liberty University offers the Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In addition to being accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), this program’s curriculum is grounded in the Christian faith. The university offers a high-quality education that is integrated with a biblical worldview.

LU Online’s BSBA degree program will teach you a range of key business skills, including:

• social media strategies and management
• supply chain and global supply chain management
• marketing strategies

Numerous specializations are available, though the core course content remains the same for all students. Specializations include:

• human resource management
• business planning
• economics
• operations management

In this program, all of your electronic textbooks will be provided to you at no cost, representing a saving of around $800 to $2,000 annually! Otherwise, the general tuition rates for undergraduates at Liberty University Online (LU Online) are around $390 per credit hour as a full-time student or $455 per credit hour as a part-time student.

#17. Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University offers a bachelor’s degree in business with a heavy emphasis on accounting. Available entirely online, this program is accredited by the AACSB and will teach you all about finance, accounting, auditing, and tax preparation in the context of your future career. You will also gain real-world experience thanks to an internship and study-abroad experience.

Taught under the Harrison College of Business and Computing, you’ll benefit from an academic school that has seen its alumni secure jobs in some of the largest corporations and most promising startups. You could also progress into a master’s degree in business administration at the same institution.

If you’re an adult learner and resident of Missouri, you could also benefit from the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. When combined with other financial aid options, you could cover the entire cost of your undergraduate tuition and fees at Southeast Missouri State University.

#18. Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that offers a diversified curriculum. Aside from the core business courses, you’ll choose 9 credits from one of three emphasis areas. These include:

• accounting
• business education
• information and technology
• economics
• real estate

You’ll also enroll in a Foundational Studies Program, which will ensure you have the necessary leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills needed as a business leader.

Thanks to the institution’s links to major players in business and industry, you’ll be able to participate in applied research activities. You’ll also have access to real-world field experiences that could see you gain valuable hands-on experience. What’s more, there are other leadership opportunities available through the university’s student organizations. 

Every year, Indiana State University awards over $16 million in various scholarships and other financial aid awards. In total, around 80% of full-time students receive scholarships and grants. For information on tuition, check out the university’s Net Price Calculator to work out your total cost of attendance. 

#19. The University of Alabama

At The University of Alabama, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration. This fully online program comprises 120 credit hours and will provide you with a broad education in areas like:

• general management
• entrepreneurship
• finance
• human resources
• marketing

To meet your credit requirements, you’ll major in General Business and take a selection of courses in other business areas. Lower-division courses include those such as:

• Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
• Legal Environment of Business
• Statistical Data Analysis

You’ll also select courses from a Management Option, Accounting Option, or Marketing Option.

Tuition for this program is charged at a rate of around $385 per credit hour. Should you opt for a master’s degree next, the rise in costs is only marginal; graduate programs cost approximately $440 per credit hour. You could also qualify for one of several scholarships offered to distance learnings. Check out the university’s Scholarships page for more information.

#20. University of Wisconsin, Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin, Whitewater offers an Online Bachelor’s in General Business. If it aligns with your career goals, you can also choose to add an area of emphasis in Safety and Risk Management. Regardless of your choice, you’ll have access to the same academic advising, library services, financial, and tech support resources as campus-based students.

To gain your degree from the College of Business and Economics, you’ll need to meet conditions that include a 20-hour community service requirement. The remainder of your credits will also include the completion of courses in areas such as:

• General Education
• U.S. Racial/Ethnic Diversity
• Writing Proficiency

Students enrolled in this undergraduate degree program pay tuition of around $389 per credit hour. This rate applies regardless of whether you’re a resident of Wisconsin, out-of-state student, or international student. For more information on financial support and potential scholarship opportunities, check out the university’s Financial Assistance page.

#21. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration. Students interested in this major should apply to the Beacom School of Business, at which point you’ll complete general core requirements. Upon completion of the first half of your degree program, you’ll apply to your selected major in business administration.

For admission into this program, you’ll need to have completed at least 45 credit hours, and you’ll also need to have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50. The core requirements of the curriculum are spread across numerous areas of business, but you’ll have the opportunity to emphasize a specific area.

As an online distance learner at the University of South Dakota, you’ll pay the same rate of tuition as many campus-based learners. Undergraduate tuition comes to around $354.75 per credit hour, while graduate-level degree programs are charged at a rate of around $470.45 per credit hour.

#22. City University of Seattle

At City University of Seattle, you can enroll in a Bachelor of Business Administration that comprises 180 credits. This program is one of the first of its kind in the nation to offer courses focused on artificial intelligence and its use in business. 

With this curriculum, you’ll become an expert in management skills, problem-solving, finance for business, and many other areas. Your courses will include those such as:

• Business Communications
• Financial Accounting
• Technology and Operations Management
• Economics

You can also choose from 4 specializations, including Data Analytics for Business Decision Making and Project Management.

Standard undergraduate tuition at the School of Business Management is around $390 for each 100/200 Level credit and around $456 for each 300/400 Level credit. You’ll find more information about the university’s financial aid opportunities on their website. There’s also a military tuition discount for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses.

#23. San Diego State University

You can apply to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at San Diego State University. It’s a degree completion program that has been designed for students who have already started an undergraduate degree. You’ll need at least 60 transferable semester units and a minimum GPA of 2.75 or above. 

Once admitted, you’ll study numerous areas of business to ensure that you have transferable skills. This will include courses such as:

• Intermediate Managerial and Tax Accounting
• Ethical Decision Making in a Business
• Management and Organizational Behavior
• Operations and Supply Chain Management

You could complete this program in as little as 2 years, and the total estimated cost is around $27,048 to $30,360, including fees. In addition to meeting the requirements outlined above, you will also need to evidence a minimum grade in oral communication, written communication, critical thinking, and mathematics. More information can be found on the website.

#24. Lamar University

Get your Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Lamar University. The fully online program covers the essentials of business management, including automation and human and material resources. Comprising 120 credit hours in total, this degree also allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward the program. 

You’ll also cover computer and data analysis skills, including one area of expertise that’s much sought-after by employers, the SAP training. Overall, this curriculum will set you up for a number of roles in the business arena. Past alumni have progressed into roles in business consulting, internal communications, and project management for example.

Undergraduate tuition can be paid on a per-course basis, which could help you schedule the cost of your education while continuing to work. You’ll pay around $296 per credit hour, which includes the distance learning fee charged by most online universities. While these rates are low, if you do transfer credits toward this degree, you could save even more.

#25. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University offers a cheapest Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, which offers a number of concentrations. Choose to specialize in one of a number of areas including:

• Leadership, Organizationand Management
• General Business
• Marketing
• Global Food Systems & Agribusiness

All courses are available online, and you could transfer credits from prior college learning.

To further individualize your program of study, you can even add courses from other concentrations! If you opt for the General Business Concentration, for example, you can select up to 6 upper-division courses from any of the other concentrations offered. You’ll be taught by the same faculty as students who are based on campus, and you’ll graduate with a transcript that’s no different. 

According to the university’s own website, tuition and fees at Eastern Oregon University average much less than other institutions across the region, and online tuition is among the lowest in the state. For more information, check out the University’s tuition rates and tables or tuition calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a degree in business administration?

Careers in business administration demand adaptable professionals who are able to lead others, think strategically and long-term, and manage the numerous day-to-day operations of a business. Many of the personal skills you’ll need are taught in other programs too, but a business administration degree will cover all the bases and ensure you graduate as a well-rounded business leader and manager.

With a degree in business administration, you’ll be able to work in nearly any industry within the private sector. This is thanks to the broad spectrum of courses covered by most business degrees, which include:

• operations management
• finance and accounting
• marketing
• human resources
• economics
• communications

So, you may find a career as a certified public accountant for example, or as a financial analyst. Or, you may find work as:

• human resources manager
• marketing analyst
• loan officer
• information systems manager.

The opportunities are numerous, and what’s more, most careers in business earn well above the national average.

How much can I earn with a degree in business administration?

Careers in business and financial occupations attract high salaries. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlighted a 2020 median pay of around $73,560 for accountants and auditors. Budget analysts were said to be earning $78,970, while financial analysts earned even more at around $83,660. The BLS also predicts a 7%, 5%, and 6% rise in demand for qualified professionals in each area, respectively.

Under similar data from the BLS, human resources specialists earned a median salary of around $63,490 and anticipate a 10% growth in demand over the next decade. Human resources managers earn almost double, at around $121,220, and with a 9% predicted rise in demand.

Other professionals enjoying a median salary ceiling in the six-figure range include training and development managers (median $115,640), compensation and benefits managers (median $125,130), and top executives, who earned a median 2020 salary of around $115,640. Clearly, the earning potential for business administration degrees is high.

What will I study in a business administration degree?

Business administration degree programs are designed to provide you with a broad range of skills and knowledge that are applied in the many areas of running a successful business. You’ll need to know how to manage the day-to-day operations, finances, and employees that make up a small or large organization.

As such, most business degree programs will include courses in accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, project management, and more. Some institutions also give you the option to choose a specialization or area of emphasis. If you already have an idea of the career you’d like to pursue, it could make sense to specialize further in that particular area.

Some universities also offer the opportunity to complete a field experience and gain hands-on experience in your role. However, these tend to be more common in areas such as marketing management or accounting and finance management. If you get the chance to complete a placement, these experiences can be highly desirable to hiring managers when you’ve graduated.

What are the admission requirements for business administration degrees?

Most business administration degrees share similar requirements in terms of past performance. In most cases, you’ll need to have a minimum GPA of around 2.00-2.50 to apply. You’ll also need to provide your high school transcripts and, in some cases, letters of recommendation.

If you’re interested in a typical online bachelor’s degree, you should only need a high school diploma or GED. However, some programs in business administration are degree-completion programs, which means that they’re intended for students who have already started – but not finished – an undergraduate degree. 

For such programs, there will be an additional requirement in the minimum number of semester units that you have to transfer. Check the program page for each institution to see what these are. And remember, even if you’re not pursuing a degree completion program, you may still be able to transfer credits toward your degree and save money on your education!

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out Best Online MBA Programs and Best MBA Programs!