Best Online Business Administration Degrees of 2025
An online bachelor of business administration can boost your career prospects without taking you out of the workforce.
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2025Business administration remains one of the most practical and in-demand fields, and online programs make it easier than ever to earn your degree on your schedule.
Online business administration degrees give you the option to specialize in different areas, from marketing to supply chain management. Some also offer hands-on experiences, like internships or capstone projects, that let gain real-world experience to help you stand out in a competitive job market.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best online business administration programs out there base on affordability, flexibility and return on investment.
Business Administration Highlights
- This degree typically takes 120 credits or four years to complete.
- Some programs offer accelerated degrees.
- Demand for managers is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
- 94% of online business students and graduates we surveyed said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Source: BLS, BestColleges
Top Online Bachelor of Business Administration Programs
How We Rank Schools
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The online bachelor of business administration with a concentration in management from Florida International University is AACSB accredited.
You'll learn essential management functions like leadership, planning, and organizing. Some courses you'll take are human resource management, writing the business plan, and executive skill development.
To apply, submit an online application, $30 application fee, SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, and high school transcripts. If you're a transfer student, you don't need to submit test scores.
Pros
- Affordable tuition
- Transfer up to 90 credits
Cons
- General program not available online
67%
$ 6,168
92%
$18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 59%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,085
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Lowell, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
With a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, you'll develop business communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
The AACSB-accredited program is available online, in-person, or in a hybrid format.
You can complete the general program or choose up to two concentrations from operations management, management information systems, marketing, finance, or international business, among others. You'll take courses like macroeconomics, strategic management, and organizational behavior.
Pros
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Flat-rate tuition
- Seven concentrations available
Cons
- Has residency requirements
39%
$15,850
82%
$34,676
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,959
- Institution Type
- Public
Appalachian State University
- Boone, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Appalachian State University's BSBA in management is available in person or fully online with full-time and part-time options. The program is AACSB accredited.
You'll take courses in marketing, management, and finance and complete a capstone course. You'll need to satisfy a global issues requirement by completing an upper-level foreign language course, international business course, or full-time international internship.
To apply, submit the Common Application, high school transcripts, the $65 application fee, and test scores. Test scores are required for students with a weighted GPA below 2.8.
Pros
- $204 per credit for in-state students
- Sustainable business courses available
Cons
- Not all courses available online
- High out-of-state tuition
56%
$ 4,242
85%
$21,238
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,253
- Institution Type
- Public
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
LSU's bachelor of science in business administration is a fully online ACBSP-accredited program. With LSU's prior learning assessment, you can get credits toward your degree from past certifications and military experience. You'll be eligible to join the Omega Nu Lambda Honors Society, exclusively for online students.
To be accepted as a first-year student, you'll need a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher and an ACT composite score of 20 or higher.
Pros
- Credits offered for non-coursework experience
- Asynchronous course format
- Transfer up to 75% of degree requirements
Cons
- High net price
48%
$ 8,047
84%
$24,731
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,418
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
With an online BBA in management from Florida Atlantic University, you'll learn how to analyze market research, manage supply chains, and assess performance. This program is AACSB accredited.
You can pursue a general course of study or choose the leadership and change management concentration. You'll take coursework in economics, accounting, and information systems.
For the leadership and change management concentration, you'll take additional courses in globalized negotiations and change leadership. You can also complete an internship for course credit.
Pros
- Rolling admissions
- Flat-rate tuition
Cons
- Limitations on repeated courses
- Limitations on the number of withdraws
68%
$ 6,099
84%
$21,665
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,849
- Institution Type
- Public
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
KSU's fully online business administration bachelor's degree is AACSB accredited. You can choose from concentrations like marketing, business analytics, HR management, or operations/supply chain management.
Some courses you'll take are accounting for business operations, strategic management, and principles of finance. You can also get credit for experienced-based learning such as internships and community engagement.
To apply as a first-year student, you must have a cumulative 3.25 GPA or higher.
Pros
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Asynchronous course format
- Scholarships for non-residents
Cons
- Non-residents must be in an approved online course to qualify for in-state tuition
49%
$ 9,632
87%
$25,944
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 19,745
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The general business BSBA from the University of Arkansas is a fully online AACSB-accredited program. Courses are taught asynchronously within a 15-week fall and spring semester schedule. You can also complete coursework during two five-week sessions available every summer to earn your degree sooner.
Some courses you may take in the program are dispute resolution, talent acquisition, and organizational compensation. You can also take an independent study. To apply, submit an application, transcripts, and a $40 application fee.
Pros
- Online students pay in-state tuition
- Credits for military training
Cons
- More rules around transferring credits
36%
$ 7,666
86%
$26,690
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 32,140
- Institution Type
- Public
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Oklahoma State University's degree in management is available in person or online. You can specialize in management or sports management.
If you choose the management concentration, you'll take courses in corporate and social responsibility, technical writing, and business communication. In the sports management concentration, you'll take courses in international sports management, professional selling, and the economics of sports.
If you're on active duty in the military, you might qualify for resident tuition rates and get course credit for military training. This program is AACSB-accredited.
Pros
- Same semester tuition rate for up to 18 credit hours
- Asynchronous course format
Cons
- Non-resident rates for online programs
53%
$ 5,417
84%
$20,937
- Acceptance Rate
- 71%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,008
- Institution Type
- Public
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
- Fargo, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
A business administration degree from North Dakota State University helps prepare you to adapt to rapidly changing business environments. This AACSB-accredited program is offered in person or fully online.
The program includes fundamental business coursework in accounting, business writing, and marketing. With 21 business electives, you can add the supply chain management track to your major. You can also complete certificates or minors in entrepreneurship or professional selling.
Pros
- Practicum for real-world experience
Cons
- Fewer free electives
49%
$ 9,309
77%
$13,963
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,952
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Illinois Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The BBA degree completion program from the University of Chicago Illinois is an AACSB-accredited program available online or on campus. The 61-credit curriculum includes coursework in marketing, management, and business strategy.
Courses run for 8 weeks in the fall, spring, and summer. UIC also has a dedicated business career center to help you land an internship or career after graduation.
To meet admission requirements, you must have completed at least 60 hours of coursework that fulfill specific general education requirements.
Pros
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Asynchronous courses
Cons
- Only offered as a degree-completion program
- Has transfer admission requirements
72%
$11,178
78%
$26,200
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 33,522
- Institution Type
- Public
Why You Should Get a Business Administration Degree
Learn Emerging Skills: Business administration programs are adopting STEM-focused curricula, teaching students how to use AI and other emerging technologies that can help you stay up-to-date.- Strengthen Your Human Skills: A recent survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) found that skills like strategic thinking and leaderships are still valuable, and a business administration degree can help you bolster them.
- Access Networking Opportunities: Business administration programs feature networking opportunities that can help you get career advice and support, find job opportunities, build your confidence, and more.
- Earn a Specialized Degree: Business schools often offer specializations that can better fit your interests and career goals, such as marketing, accounting, and finance.
Benefits of Getting a Business Administration Degree Online
According to our 2024 Online Education Education Trends Report:
- 97% of online business students and graduates told us they would recommend online education to others.
- 81% of those students said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- More than half of those students said their programs incorporated online networking opportunities.
How to Choose the Best Business Administration Program for You
When comparing business administration programs, it’s important to consider factors such as their cost, length, and accreditation status. Return on investment is also key, so make sure to choose an affordable program from an accredited institution with a curriculum that is relevant to your career goals.
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, adds that programs often offer different areas of expertise, so “the first step is for the prospective applicant to identify the areas in which they would like to hone their skills.”
How Much Does an Online Business Degree Cost?
Business Bachelor’s Degree (2019-2020)
Online, Avg. Tuition & Fees
10,476
Online, Avg. Net Price
5,928
In-Person, Avg. Tuition & Fees
16,921
In-Person, Avg. Net Price
$9,231
Source: NCES PowerStats
The cost of an online bachelor’s degree in business administration can vary significantly across schools. However, keep in mind that private nonprofit institutions usually cost more compared to public universities, and part-time programs typically cost less than full-time programs.
You might be able to transfer credits from previous college experience to cut down on the total cost of your degree.
Financial aid can also help you cut down on college costs, so make sure to fill out the FAFSA. Also, contact your school’s financial aid office to learn more about institution-level scholarships and grants.
Find Financial Aid for Your Business Administration Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Administration Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A business administration bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete, as it usually includes general education requirements, business core classes, and additional electives.
Some online business administration programs are offered in an accelerated format, which can be completed in two years or less. These programs usually confer the same degree as their traditional counterparts, but they cut down the time it takes to graduate by offering intensive classes over a shorter period of time.
Transferring credits from a previous college experience can also help you reduce the time it takes to get your degree.
Accreditation for Online Business Administration Degree
Enrolling in an accredited business administration program is a great way to make sure you’re getting a high-quality education.
Colleges usually hold institutional accreditation, but business schools can also hold program-specific accreditation from third-party accreditors. These organizations that evaluate factors such as student outcomes, faculty expertise, and curricula to make sure that students are getting good value out of their degrees.
Here are some of the larger business-specific accreditation bodies you should look for when comparing programs:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business:The AACSB accredits some of the world’s top business schools at an institutional level.
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs: The ACBSP accredits individual programs with a heavy focus on teaching and faculty excellence, as well as student outcomes.
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education: The IACBE uses a principles-based process that weighs student success and outcomes with a university’s overall mission.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accreditation for Business Administration?
“Accreditation is very important. It signals to employers that the business administration program meets rigorous curriculum standards, which can also improve the degree holder’s career prospects.”
What Can You Do With a Business Administration Degree?
A business administration degree opens up job opportunities across a wide range of industries. However, the job you ultimately land depends on your specialization within the field of business administration.
For instance, you could end up working in marketing, tech, finance, or general business. Also, a number of programs now offer even more specialized classes, focusing on areas like cybersecurity and AI.
Check out the list below for of the most common roles you can qualify for with a business administration degree:
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant | $81,680 | Conducts audits, prepares financial documents, and keeps track of an organization’s finances |
| Marketing Manager | $159,660 | Leads an organization’s marketing efforts with both internal and external stakeholders |
| Project Management Specialist | $100,750 | Works across teams to ensure projects are finished on deadline |
| Financial Analyst | $101,910 | Evaluates an organization’s finances and makes forecasts based on industry and organizational changes |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,950 | Researches customers and potential market opportunities for products or services |
Learn More About Business Administration Jobs
Is a Bachelor of Business Administration Worth It?
An online bachelor of business administration degree can help you land a job with a high salary. For example, 2023 business administration graduates from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business made a median base salary of $100,000.
While that’s just one example from a top-tier institution, a business administration degree can land you a job in a number of high-paying fields. You can specialize in areas like cybersecurity, information technology, or analytics to meet employer needs and earn a quality return on your investment.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
A master of business administration degree (MBA) has long been the gold standard in graduate business administration. That degree, coupled with work experience, can boost your earnings and career prospects with its leadership-focused curriculum.
But an MBA isn’t your only option for continuing your education. You might also pursue a master’s in management degree, which is geared toward younger professionals. Specialized master’s degrees are also popular options for early-career professionals. A master’s in business analytics, accounting, or finance can help you stand out in the job market.
A number of schools are also rolling out even further specialized master’s degrees in AI or fintech.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Administration
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.
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