Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration 2024
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in business, it’s important to have strong communication, problem-solving, and management skills.
These skills are essential for resolving employee conflicts and making informed business decisions. You can develop these skills by completing an online business administration bachelor’s degree program.
The great thing about these programs is that they prepare you for various roles in different business sectors or even for further graduate studies.
Plus, with online distance learning, you can earn your degree without commuting or relocating. Asynchronous courses also provide added flexibility for scheduling.
If you’re curious about online business administration degrees, check out our helpful guide for more information on coursework, tuition costs, delivery methods, and student outcomes.
Top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s In Business Administration Options
1. University of Florida
| Tuition | $129/credit (in state) |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | SREB |
| Application Fee | $30 |
Why We Selected It
University of Florida offers online degrees in business management, including a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) or a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA). The BSBA path focuses on the practical aspects of business roles. However, BABA allows students to customize their curriculum according to their interests and aspirations.
The majority of UF’s online courses use asynchronous delivery. This gives learners more flexibility to complete coursework. Each online student is assigned an academic advisor who helps plan and keep up to date on assignments. UF in Gainesville lists tuition rates for online learners on their website, but they do not offer in-state prices to all online students.
Pros:
- High overall graduation rate
- Relatively high median earnings after graduation
- Relatively high Pell Grant recipient graduation rate
Cons:
- Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio
- Relatively low socioeconomic diversity
2. George Mason University
| Tuition | $408/credit (in state) |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | SREB |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Why We Selected It
Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in business online at Fairfax, Virginia George Mason University. The 120-credit program allows transfer credit for general education classes completed at accredited institutions. Students complete core business foundations coursework before moving on to management courses and a 3-credit capstone.
Students can select from eight concentrations: accounting, business analytics, financial management and planning, and management information systems. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business has accredited Mason’s Business degree. The university advertises its tuition rates for distance learners but does not charge them in-state rates.
Pros:
- High overall graduation rate
- Relatively high median earnings after graduation
- Relatively high Pell Grant recipient graduation rate
Cons:
- Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio
- Relatively low socioeconomic diversity
3. University of Illinois Chicago
| Tuition | $412/credit |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | MHEC |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Why We Selected It
University of Illinois Chicago offers an online bachelor of Business Administration degree completion program. Students can complete their assignments whenever they want. The course is delivered asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Students with 60 credits or more can transfer to UIC’s BBA Program and take business statistics, managerial accounting, operations management, and business strategy courses.
UIC is a diverse university, with 35% belonging to Hispanic groups. The university is transparent about its tuition costs for on-campus and online learners.
Pros:
- Uses Common App
- Relatively high socioeconomic diversity
- Relatively high retention rate
Cons:
- Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio
- Relatively low median earnings 10 years after graduation
4. University of Wisconsin-Madison
| Tuition | $675/credit |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | MHEC |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Why We Selected It
Students can earn a bachelor of business administration online with a focus on management at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. The 120-credit program prepares students for leadership positions and other business careers across all sectors. You must transfer 12 credits to pursue this online degree.
This BBA degree emphasizes collaboration and synchronous/asynchronous learning in courses like operations management, managerial accounting, strategic planning, and negotiation. UW offers all online students a flat tuition rate per credit, regardless of location. However, distance learners may have to pay extra fees to study remotely.
Pros:
- High overall graduation rate
- Relatively high median earnings after graduation
- Relatively high Pell Grant recipient graduation rate
Cons:
- Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio
- Does not use Common App
5. Western Carolina University
| Tuition | $500/semester (in state) |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | SREB |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Why We Selected It
The online BSBA program at Western Carolina University (WCU) allows students to earn minors in business law and business administration. Students will learn about legal theory and its application in business.
The WCU BBA program offers a minor in cross-cultural and conflict resolution, which prepares students to be mediators in their local communities. They can also help resolve disputes without the need for legal intervention.
Distance learners are charged an extra fee per credit based on the state they reside in. In-state residents pay $54, while out-of-state students pay $189.
Pros:
- Relatively low average annual net price for students receiving federal aid
- Uses Common App
- Relatively high retention rate
Cons:
- Relatively low median earnings 10 years after graduation
- Relatively low overall graduation rate
6. Texas A&M University-Commerce
| Tuition | $4,212/semester (in state) |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | SREB |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Why We Selected It
Learners can earn a BSBA online at Texas A&M University – Commerce with an interdisciplinary minor. Students study the international business landscape better to understand its ethical, regulatory, and social contexts. TAMUC learners must complete core university studies classes similar to general education courses.
This may require that they attend classes on campus. However, transfer students may be able to use credits earned at previous schools to meet this requirement. Online students can also participate in hybrid learning by taking in-person courses at TAMUC Dallas. Distance learners pay $50 more per credit to learn online.
Pros:
- Relatively low average annual net price for students receiving federal aid
- Relatively high socioeconomic diversity
- Uses Common App
Cons:
- Relatively low overall graduation rate
- Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio
7. Simpson University
| Tuition | $17,990/semester |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | MHEC |
| Application Fee | Free |
Why We Selected It
Simpson University, based in Redding, California, offers an online business administration program for learners with transfer credits as a completion degree.
Students progress with a cohort through the coursework but complete their assignments in an asynchronous online environment. SU integrates Christian learning into its Bachelor of Arts curriculum.
The courses explore domestic and global financial operations, as well as methods for gathering, analyzing and applying data.
Classes such as managerial accounting, leadership ethics and marketing principles are required. SU’s low student-to-faculty ratio means that professors can give students individualized attention.
Pros:
- High overall graduation rate
- Relatively low student-to-faculty ratio
- Relatively high Pell Grant recipient graduation rate
Cons:
- Relatively low retention rate
- Relatively low median earnings 10 years after graduation
8. National Louis University
| Tuition | $10,755/year |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | MHEC |
| Application Fee | Free |
Why We Selected It
The National Louis University in Chicago offers a BSBA, which students can earn online or on campus. The curriculum emphasizes human resource management, project and operations management, finance, and leadership. NLU aims to develop critical thinkers capable of collaborating in diverse business environments.
The course includes business principles, management communication concepts, and finance and accounting concepts. Students can choose to complete their online coursework in synchronous or asynchronous mode, depending on their preferred delivery method. Career advisors help with the placement of internships.
Pros:
- Relatively low average annual net price for students receiving federal aid
- Relatively high socioeconomic diversity
- Uses Common App
Cons:
- Relatively low overall graduation rate
- Relatively low median earnings 10 years after graduation
9. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
| Tuition | $3,535/semester (in state) |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | NEBHE |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Why We Selected It
Students can earn a BSBA online at SUNY polytechnic institute. The program consists of 124 credits. This program is for students with at least 45 credit hours from accredited schools or three years of relevant experience after high school.
The program includes asynchronous and synchronous coursework in marketing principles, organizational behavior, management science, and managerial science. Students can customize their curriculum by adding minors such as actuarial math, accounting, ethics, interdisciplinary inquiry, and problem-solving.
Pros:
- Relatively low student-to-faculty ratio
- Relatively low average annual net price for students receiving federal aid
- Relatively high retention rate
Cons:
- Relatively low overall graduation rate
- Relatively low median earnings 10 years after graduation
10. University of Illinois Springfield
| Tuition | $366/credit |
| Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement | MHEC |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Why We Selected It
The University of Illinois Springfield provides three online BBA degrees: management, human resource management, and comprehensive. Each degree takes a different approach to business education.
The BBA is a comprehensive business education that covers marketing, finance, and management. This concentration requires 63-67 credits in major courses.
The Human Resource Management concentration is designed to prepare learners for management positions. It provides specialized knowledge on workforce staffing, benefits and compensation, career planning, and talent management. The management BBA prepares students for managerial positions with skills in interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding. These concentrations require 53-57 credits in core courses.
All three BBA programs require an internship. Online learners from UIS, whether in-state or out-of-state, pay the same tuition rate. The university charges an additional $45 per credit for online academic support.
Pros:
- Relatively low average annual net price
- Relatively high student retention rate
- Relatively low student-to-faculty ratio
Cons:
- Relatively high percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
- Relatively low graduation rate
How to Find the Right Online Bachelor’s In Business Administration Degree for You
Know Your Time Commitment
Take a broad view of the available time to find a program that meets your professional and personal needs. Full-time enrollment may be the best option if you can attend school while maintaining employment.
Consider prioritizing part-time business administration courses if you have to juggle family or work obligations. Also, you can look for schools that offer courses at night and on weekends. You can complete online programs at any time, from anywhere.
Consider how long you intend to earn your bachelor’s degree in business administration. Accelerated programs are available for learners who want to enter the workplace quickly.
Consider Your Future Goals
When researching schools and programs to consider, make sure you take into account your professional and personal goals. If you plan to work in a particular role after earning your Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, look for programs that offer concentrations aligned with your desired role.
You can search for schools that offer courses or concentrations on marketing analytics. Students who want to become actuaries or risk analyst can look for programs that offer strong statistics courses.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, some students intend to continue their education. These students may prioritize universities that offer relevant master’s degrees when choosing their undergraduate program. This can help them make a smoother transition from undergrad to grad school. Some graduate programs offer alumni tuition discounts.
Look at Accreditation
Prioritize institutions with accreditation. Independent organizations confer this status, indicating that the school has met strict educational standards. An institution’s accreditation can impact your ability to transfer federal aid credits between schools.
Programs and departments within an institution may also be accredited. Business administration bachelor’s degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business(AACSB), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education(IACBE).
Accreditation by a programmatic body ensures that the program provides a high-quality education and has excellent instructors. Accredited graduates can distinguish themselves from the competition in the job market. Some certifications require that candidates hold degrees from accredited programs.
Cost of an Online Bachelor’s In Business Administration Degree
National Center for Education Statistics publishes annual reports about college costs on various levels. According to the data for 2020-21, public institution undergraduates paid $9,375 in in-state tuition and $27.091 in out-of-state tuition. Private school students spent an estimated average of $32,825 in the same period.
Our ranking of online Business Administration degrees shows that the average net annual price is about $15,000. The average net price of online business administration degrees in our ranking is about $15,000.
Online schools can offer some advantages over traditional programs. Some programs, for example, offer the same rates regardless of where you live. Distance programs can also charge fees related to online technology or online learning.
Methodology
We used 16 data points to score 222 accredited nonprofit colleges in the U.S. that offer online bachelor’s degrees in business administration. These categories included affordability, credibility, student outcomes and student experience. The data we used for these categories was sourced from reputable sources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Educational Data System, private third-party data providers and individual school or program websites. Each category was weighted as follows:
- Student Outcomes: 38%
- Affordability: 28%
- Student Experience: 15%
- Credibility: 10%
- Application Processing: 10%
We looked at the following characteristics within each category:
- Accreditation, nonprofit status
- Average net price per annum
- Median earnings of graduates
- Overall graduation rate
- Socioeconomic diversity
The ten schools we selected to feature received a final curved score of 82.2%.
The top-ranking schools are nonprofit, fully accredited institutions with high graduation rates. The schools ranked well have higher retention rates and median earnings for graduates.
FAQs About Online Bachelor’s In Business Administration Degrees
Is an MBA better than a BA in business?
A BA in Business may be a better choice if you want to pursue a career. MBAs are graduate degrees that focus on organizational leadership, macroeconomics, and business ethics. They prepare students for management positions.
What is the difference between a BBA and a BA in business administration?
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) focuses more on business than a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration. Both degrees require four years of full-time study, but BAs have a more comprehensive range of courses, such as more humanities or general education.
