Best Online Business Management Degree Programs of 2025
An online degree in business management can prepare you for leadership roles across industries without ever having to leave the workforce.
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At This Site, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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If you’re looking to enter the management field without leaving your current job, an online business management degree may be a good option. These degrees are often designed for working professionals, allowing you to fit your coursework around your busy schedule.
Moreover, business management programs can help you hone valuable skills, such as strategic thinking and problem solving. These skills are still highly valued by employers, even with the increased use of AI and other technologies.
If you need help choosing the right program for you, read on for our list of the best online business management programs based on factors such as affordability and student outcome.
Business Management Degree Highlights
- Management professionals earned a median annual wage of $116,880 as of May 2023.
- An online bachelor’s degree in business management usually costs around $10,000 per year.
- Business management degrees often take four years to complete, but you can graduate faster by enrolling in an accelerated program.
Source: BLS, BestColleges
Start Your Business Management Degree Journey Today
Best Online Business Management Degrees
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$15,978
$26,388
73%
20%
$19,657
$19,657
87%
5,521
Public
Yes
$15,978
$26,388
Mahwah, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$15,978
$26,388
73%
20%
$19,657
$19,657
87%
5,521
Public
Yes
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$12,850
$34,744
93%
67%
$12,618
$25,956
86%
28,238
Public
Yes
$12,850
$34,744
Richmond, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$12,850
$34,744
93%
67%
$12,618
$25,956
86%
28,238
Public
Yes
Ball State University
Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$8,688
$26,696
72%
59%
$9,884
$21,222
77%
20,440
Public
Yes
$8,688
$26,696
Muncie, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$8,688
$26,696
72%
59%
$9,884
$21,222
77%
20,440
Public
Yes
Why You Should Get a Business Management Degree
Learn High-Demand Skills: Many business management degrees incorporate STEM topics such as data analytics to prepare you for tech-focused workplaces.
Work Across Several Industries: You can learn core skills such as accounting, analytics, leadership, and finance, which can boost your resume regardless of the industry you aim to work in.
Network With Peers: Some online programs incorporate collaborative, team-based learning and networking opportunities that can help you expand your professional network.
Enhance Your Business Knowledge: As AI and other technologies continue to change the workplace, employers are increasingly seeking individuals who can think strategically and make data-driven decisions.
Benefits of Getting a Business Management Degree Online
BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report found that 97% of online business students and graduates would recommend online education to others.
Additionally, 81% of those students said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
Moreover, in another BestColleges survey, 64% of business students said their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
How to Choose the Best Business Management Program for You
When choosing a business management program, consider factors such as affordability, program length, accreditation, flexibility, and possible career paths.
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, says you should also consider the program’s modality. “Some programs are on-site only, others are online, and some may be a hybrid. One may be more suitable depending on learning preferences and scheduling availability.”
How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Business Management Cost?
Business Bachelor’s Degree, 2019-2020
Online
$10,476 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$5,928 Avg. Net Price
In-Person
$16,921 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,231 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats
Online degrees offer a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional, in-person programs.
For instance, the average annual cost for an on-campus business degree is approximately $17,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. And with financial aid, the average price is reduced to around $9,200.
On the other hand, an online bachelor’s degree in business usually costs around $10,500 per year, and grants and scholarships can reduce that figure to about $6,000.
That brings the net price for a four-year online business degree to about $24,000 with financial aid. This is $12,800 less than the $36,800 cost for an in-person program.
However, keep in mind that business degree prices can vary significantly by institution. Attending an elite M7 business school, for instance, will usually be much more expensive than getting your degree at a regional public institution.
You can cut down the cost of your degree by landing business scholarships, filling out the FAFSA, or transferring credits from prior college experience.
Find Financial Aid for Your Business Management Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Management Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A business management bachelor’s degree typically takes four years and 120 credits to complete, but that isn’t always the case.
If you previously attended a university or community college or if you already have an associate degree, you might be able to transfer your credits and cut down on the time it takes to get your degree.
While each college has its own transfer policy, credits for general education requirements are usually accepted.
Some schools offer business management programs in an accelerated format. Accelerated online degrees condense courses into shorter, more intensive sessions, allowing you to complete your degree requirements in less time.
Accreditation for Business Management Degrees
Accreditation is granted by independent organizations recognized by the US Department of Education that ensure business schools are teaching a relevant curriculum and students achieve positive outcomes.
Business schools generally hold institutional-level accreditation, but they can also hold programmatic accreditation for individual programs.
Programmatic accreditation is granted by professional organizations and highlights that a particular program meets established industry standards. This recognition can enhance your employment prospects after graduation.
Here are some of the accreditors to look for when researching business schools:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs: The ACBSP accredits individual programs based on factors like student outcomes and faculty expertise.
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: The AACSB accredits major business schools and also offers accounting accreditation.
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education: The IACBE looks at factors like student success and outcomes and university’s mission.

Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accreditation for Business Management?
“Accreditation is very important, and it is a factor that prospective students need to consider [when] selecting a degree program. It signals that the programs have met quality standards. Some employers will recognize only degrees from accredited programs.”
What Can You Do With a Business Management Degree?
A business management degree opens up job opportunities in several fast-growing fields.
The BLS predicts that management-related jobs, such as human resources manager and facilities manager, will experience faster than average growth. By 2033, both of these occupations are projected to grow by 6%, while the average growth rate for all occupations is 4%.
However, keep in mind that what you can do with a business management degree ultimately depends on your work experience. Don’t expect to step into a leadership role right out of college if you don’t have some real-world experience under your belt.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Description |
---|---|---|
Management Analyst | $99,410 | Identifies areas of inefficiency, implements cost-saving measures, and develops strategies to increase overall profitability |
Human Resources Manager | $136,350 | Oversees activities such as hiring, recruitment, retention, and training |
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager | $104,900 | Manages daily business operations, including personnel, resources, and workflows to achieve organizational goals. |
Sales Manager | $135,160 | Manages sales teams, establishes objectives, and delivers results |
Operations Research Analyst | $83,640 | Analyzes an organization’s functions to address problems and improve efficiency |
Source: BLS
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Is a Business Management Degree Worth It?
A bachelor’s degree in business management can lead to a high-demand job with a salary well above the median salary for all occupations, which hovers at around $48,000. And, getting your degree online means you’ll have more flexibility to better balance your schedule.
Online business students we surveyed were optimistic: 94% said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment. Additionally, 64% of these students found their online classes to be career-focused, with assignments that helped them explore potential career paths.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s Degree
If you want to keep studying after completing your bachelor’s in business management, consider enrolling in an MBA program. An MBA offers a deeper knowledge of business disciplines and opens doors to leadership roles and a higher salary.
MBAs generally offer a wide range of courses on subjects such as finance and management. However, some MBA programs offer concentrations that align with specific fields, such as healthcare management or marketing.
While MBAs have long been the gold standard of graduate business education, there are also specialized business master’s degrees in areas like project management that can also advance your career. Several business schools are also rolling out master’s in management programs tailored to younger professionals who don’t have prior leadership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Management Degrees
A business management degree prepares students to lead organizations with a focus on business fundamentals, planning, and leadership. Business management degrees usually focus on giving students a well-rounded understanding of how businesses and teams work.
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