Cheapest Online Business Administration Degrees of 2025

An affordable online business degree can help you in more ways than just lower tuition costs. It may also qualify you for high-paying roles, such as management analyst or operations specialties manager.

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the demand for these professionals will experience a faster growth rate between 2023 and 2033 compared to other occupations.

Beyond affordability and strong career prospects, online business administration degrees can provide a solid educational foundation that’s equivalent to traditional, in-person learning. In fact, our 2024 Online Education Trends Report found that over 80% of online business students and graduates think online programs are equal to or better than learning on campus.

Read to learn more about the cheapest online business degrees available and how they can help advance your career.

When comparing the cheapest online business degrees, you should consider more than cost. Program length and accreditation should also impact your decision.

Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, also recommends thinking about your career goals and finding a business program that offers courses in that area.

“If you are interested in AI, for example, then it will be important to research and select a business program that will provide a solid foundation in areas such as data analytics, computer science, and mathematics,” she says.

Based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), you can save just over 30% on tuition and fees by studying online. This substantial savings could lower or even eliminate the need for student loans.

Also, keep in mind that you may save even more money beyond tuition and fees if you enroll in an online program. Online students don’t have to pay for on-campus housing, transportation to campus, or meal plans, for example.

Like other bachelor’s degrees, online business degrees require about 120 credits to complete. However, make sure to check program websites while researching for the latest information on credit requirements.

You can graduate sooner if you took transfer credits from previous college experience, study during summer, or receive credit for work experience.

Top bachelor of business administration programs usually hold programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

This organization grants accreditation to programs with a rigorous, career-aligned curriculum. To determine this, examiners review programs based on factors such as faculty resources, teaching effectiveness, and scholarship impact.

Besides programmatic accreditation, institutional accreditation should also guide your college search. Degrees from schools lacking proper accreditation may not be considered valid by employers and graduate programs.

You can explore many well-paying careers with a degree in business administration.

As of May 2023, the BLS reports that business professionals earn an average salary exceeding $79,000. However, keep in mind that some professions may require more than a bachelor’s degree or years of practical experience to earn top salaries.

A business administration degree can equip you with essential business skills, including management, finance, marketing, and operations. This knowledge can be applied in various industries, making it a popular choice for students seeking flexible career paths.

Additionally, a bachelor’s degree in business administration can prepare you for many well-paying jobs. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that the average starting salary for business graduates in 2023 exceeded $66,000.

Bachelor’s in business administration graduates can continue their education by enrolling in a master of business administration (MBA) program. MBA programs provide advanced business knowledge, leadership skills, and networking opportunities that can further your career advancement.

As an MBA graduate, you can work in many fields, including the healthcare, nonprofit, or education sectors, depending on your specialization and professional background.

If grad school doesn’t appeal to you, pursuing a graduate certificate can be a strategic alternative. Graduate certificates require less time (and money) than a master’s degree and allow you to quickly upskill or specialize in a particular area. They are a flexible option for professionals looking to enhance their qualifications and stay competitive in the job market.