Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs

From accounting and marketing to leadership and logistics, a business degree covers a vast scope of topics. People wanting to work in accounting, finance, or management at businesses and organizations may pursue this degree.

With this degree, you can apply for jobs as a business administrator, coordinator, or specialist, whether remote or in person. You can even pursue this degree to start your own businesses.

An online bachelor’s in business may help you meet your career goals. During your studies, you can build your portfolio with class projects.

While the cost of a business degree varies, students at in-state public universities may pay less.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of a bachelor’s degree was $14,690 for the 2022-2023 school year.

This guide highlights the career paths and curriculum for an undergraduate business degree. We also include a ranking of the top affordable online bachelor’s in business degrees.

Affordable online bachelor’s in business programs may help learners reduce college debt. Private colleges tend to cost more than state schools.

Additionally, in-state public programs cost less on average than private programs. The NCES reports that the average cost of an in-state bachelor’s degree was $9,596 per year for the 2021-2022 school year. A four-year degree for out-of-state learners was $27,457 for that same year.

Online learners should also factor in fees when calculating the program’s cost. In fact, online learners may pay extra technology fees compared to traditional students.

When creating a college budget, learners should consider living expenses, supplies, and textbooks. Students can typically use loans, grants, and scholarships to pay for all college-related costs, including living expenses.

While earning a bachelor’s in business, learners can expect to hone leadership and strategic-thinking skills. Students gain foundational knowledge on complex topics like macro- and micro-economics. They also learn the inner workings of the stock market and investing.

Most bachelor’s degrees include 120 credits, totaling 40 classes. Many learners enroll in around 15 credits per semester. However, a student can enroll part time and take fewer classes per semester. Most full-time students complete this degree in four years.

Learners can choose between a bachelor’s of science or a bachelor’s of arts in business. A bachelor’s of science emphasizes the technical aspects of business, math, and science. A bachelor’s of arts requires electives that focus on arts and the humanities.

Many online bachelor’s programs require a virtual or in-person internship component. This course allows students to gain hands-on experience at a business while earning college credit. Some internships offer a salary as well.

Each year, many students begin studying business. Even though business is a popular major, there are often many business job openings each year.

According to the BLS, the business field employed over 13,500,000 people in the United States as of 2022. Many jobs in this field only require a bachelor’s degree. In fact, 54% of people in this field possess only a bachelor’s degree.

Learners should contact the school before enrolling in an online bachelor’s in business. They can ask how many graduates earn a job in the field post graduation. However, keep in mind not every school tracks alumni data.

A bachelor’s in business degree can help you pursue business careers in accounting, finance, human resources, and marketing. The exact salary and projected job outlook vary by specific position. We highlight a few specific business career paths in the following section.

The business field constantly changes. Learners can stay up-to-date on advancements by attending seminars or pursuing certification. Or, they can earn an advanced degree.

Professional organizations like the Project Management Institute and the American Management Association provide certifications. These organizations also host educational conferences and allow professionals to learn from their peers through networking.

People who want to pursue leadership or higher-paying roles may choose to advance their knowledge with an MBA. Students can earn general or specialized MBAs.

Full-time students usually complete this degree in two years. Part-time students may take around four years to finish. This degree may require a thesis or capstone.

Learners can use government funds and apply for loans by filling out the FAFSA. Students filling out the application for the first time spend about an hour. The application saves student info, so renewal takes even less time. Learners who file their taxes as dependents must submit their guardian’s tax information.

Students may use loans to pay for their tuition. Before accepting a student loan, learners should understand the interest rate. They should also remember that they must repay the funds about six months after graduation.

The FAFSA may award learners subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans do not collect interest while the recipient remains in school. These loans require financial needs. Unsubsidized loans begin collecting interest immediately.

This FAFSA determines whether learners qualify for the Pell Grant, the largest federal grant program. Unlike loans, these funds generally do not require repayment.

Some grants feature employment requirements post-graduation. If learners fail to meet the requirements, the grant turns into a loan. Unlike scholarships, grants usually do not require academic merit as a qualification.

This financial aid type allows learners to complete job tasks for a university or participating businesses. Learners earn money that they can apply directly towards tuition. Federally funded work-study programs usually require financial need.

Colleges, foundations, and corporations all offer scholarships. Most scholarship committees grant funds based on academic merit, career goals, and financial need. However, not all scholarships require financial need. Scholarship applications usually require an essay.