Best Online Business Management Degree Programs of 2025

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.

Source: BLS, BestColleges

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.”

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.

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 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:

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.

Source: BLS

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.

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.