The 25 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Business Administration of 2021

Updated November 17, 2022

Our ranking of the best online bachelor's programs in business administration for 2021 rates programs by academic quality, affordability, and flexibility.

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Students seeking a business administration degree online will find a variety of programs to choose from. Graduates of these online schools for business administration often qualify for jobs in business-related fields, such as accounting, finance, and human resources. Many jobs in these areas offer strong salaries. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that facilities managers and administrative services practitioners make a median annual salary of $96,940

In addition, the BLS projects a 6% growth rate for professionals in business-related fields between 2019-2029, faster than the national average for all occupations. If you graduate from an accredited business administration program, you may be able to look forward to a well-paying career with ample opportunities for professional growth in this field.

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Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

The Top 25 Online Bachelor's Degrees in Business Administration for 2021

  1. Peirce College
    Location

    Philadelphia, PA

    Tuition

    $6395

    Peirce, which has a focus on adult learners, dates back to 1865. At Peirce, you can earn your bachelor's degree in business administration online.The customized program, one of the top online business degrees available, offers concentrations in management and entrepreneurship and small business management. In the 121-credit business administration degree, you take courses in financial accounting, human resource management, and ethical leadership. The curriculum also includes courses in operations management and policy and strategy formation. You can customize your degree through business electives in your interest area. Peirce accepts up to 90 credits toward the degree, helping transfer students save money. Many graduates from the business administration program pursue graduate training in organizational leadership, law, and business administration. The degree also prepares for professional certifications in supply chain management, project management, or management consultancy. The school's business administration program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Peirce College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

    • School status: Private
    • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
    • Average Tuition Cost: $600 per credit
    • Graduation Rate: 35%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED
  2. University of Florida
    Location

    Gainesville, FL

    Tuition

    $11313

    Founded in 1853 as a public institution, UF grants on-campus degrees from its Gainesville campus. UF also offers online bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor of business administration. The program prioritizes customization and flexibility, letting you choose between a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA) in business administration. The online business administration degree at UF introduces you to a variety of business disciplines, preparing you for careers in many fields. The curriculum covers key concepts such as business law, finance, marketing, and management. The BS program covers the technical and practical facets of business through professional development courses. In the BA program, you pursue an interdisciplinary course of study with specialization options in business and economic geography, educational studies, mass communication, and sociology. The program also offers concentrations in sport management and travel and tourism management. The Warrington College of Business holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    • School status:Public
    • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
    • Tuition cost:$112/credit hour instate, $500/credit hour out of state
    • Graduation Rate: 90%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 2.0 GPA, SAT or ACT scores
  3. Florida International University
    Location

    Miami, FL

    Tuition

    $9180

    FIU located in University Park, FIU dates back to 1965. In addition to enrolling students on campus, FIU offers online bachelor's degrees, including an online bachelor of business administration degree. The flexible program includes concentration options in finance, human resource management, international business, logistics, and management. FIU also offers a concentration in marketing to out-of-state students. The curriculum in FIU's business administration program includes coursework in financial management, operations management, business analysis, and strategic management. The 120-credit program also includes coursework in marketing, applied business statistics, and organization and management. FIU pairs you with a success coach to help you complete your degree. The business administration program offers start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. If you are an out-of-state student, you will receive a tuition discount for attending classes online. The online bachelor's program in business holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    • School status: Public
    • Program Name: Bachelor’s of Business Administration
    • Tuition cost: $2,849/semester in state; $4,254/semester out of state
    • Graduation Rate: 58%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, SAT or ACT scores
  4. University of Illinois at Springfield
    Location

    Springfield, IL

    Tuition

    $10733

    Founded in 1969, UIS offers on-campus and online bachelor's degrees. At UIS, you can pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration through a fully online format. The online degree uses the same graduation requirements and the same faculty as the school's on-campus business degree.

    As an online business administration student at UIS, you can choose between a comprehensive business administration option and a management concentration. In the comprehensive option, you develop a broad-based education through studying finance, management, marketing, and operations management. The management concentration emphasizes the conceptual and interpersonal skills necessary for leadership roles. During the online program, you work with advisors to develop a degree plan that meets your interests and professional goals. The program prefers to admit students who have completed most of their general education requirements and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. The online business administration degree at UIS holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The University of Illinois Springfield is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

    • School status: Public
    • Program Name: Bachelor of Business Administration
    • Tuition cost: $358/credit hourGraduation Rate: 51%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 3.0 GPA
  5. Dickinson State University
    Location

    Dickinson, ND

    Tuition

    $6768

    Founded in 1918, DSU offers a business administration bachelor's degree onlineonline with accounting, administration, finance, or human resource management as your area of focus. Within the business administration degree, you will take core courses in organizational behavior, international business, and business policy. The curriculum also includes coursework in entrepreneurship, managerial finance, and marketing to introduce you to foundational business disciplines. Each focus area adds specialized upper-division coursework. For example, the administration focus includes courses in financial statement analysis, corporate finance, and human resource management. DSU holds programmatic accreditation for its business programs from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Dickinson State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

    • School status: Public
    • Program Name: Bachelor of Business Administration
    • Tuition cost: $249/credit hour for students in North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota in the U.S., Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada; $319/credit hour for all others
    • Graduation Rate: 34%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 2.0 GPA, SAT or ACT scores
  6. Thomas Edison State University
    Location

    Trenton, NJ

    Tuition

    $7519

    Primarily offers online bachelor's degrees, TESU serves New Jersey's working professionals with flexible, career-oriented programs. At TESU, you can pursue a bachelor of science in business administration with 10 focus options.These specializations tailor the degree around your interests and career goals. These include accounting, accounting/CPA, computer information systems, entrepreneurship, finance, general management, healthcare management, human resources management, marketing, and operations management. In TESU's accounting for certified public accountants specialization, you will be able to complete the prerequisites for the CPA exam in New Jersey. In the entrepreneurship program, you will develop management and finance skills. As an online business administration major, you will complete a capstone requirement in strategic management, which brings together the knowledge and skills gained during the program. TESU's business administration program holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

    • School status: Public
    • Program Name: Bachelor’s of Business Administration
    • Tuition cost: $3,579/semester in state; $4,639/semester out of state
    • Graduation Rate: 54%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED
  7. Trine Online
    Location

    Fort Wayne, IN

    Tuition

    $14712

    A private institution located in Angola, Indiana, Trine dates back to 1884. At Trine, you can earn a business administration bachelor's degreewhich includes majors in accounting, management, applied management, and human resources management. These specialized options prepare you for focused career paths after earning your degree. In the accounting focus, for example, you can build practical, hands-on experience through internships and prepare for professional certifications after graduation. In the management track, you will build managerial leadership skills while being introduced to core business areas such as marketing, finance, and operations. All business administration majors at Trine complete online courses in core topics such as international business, managerial finance, organizational behavior, and strategic management. You either complete a business internship or a business capstone simulation. Trine's business administration degrees hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Trine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

    • School status: Private
    • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
    • Tuition cost: $399/credit hour
    • Graduation Rate: 50%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED
  8. University of Louisiana at Monroe
    Location

    Monroe, LA

    Tuition

    $9455

    Founded in 1931, ULM is a public institution. At ULM, students can earn online bachelor's degrees in multiple subjects, including a bachelor's in business administration degree. This degree offers a broad background in all areas of business, while letting you customize your degree by selecting two concentration areas from finance, management, computer information systems, and international business. At ULM, online business administration majors take core courses in management, marketing, accounting, and economics. The curriculum also incorporates finance and computer information systems coursework. The program prioritizes small class sizes to ensure you receive personal attention from your instructors. The fully online program appeals to part-time students who want to continue working while earning a degree. ULM's online business administration degree holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    • School status: Public
    • Program Name: Bachelor of Business Administration
    • Tuition cost: $400/credit hour
    • Graduation Rate: 44%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED
  9. Oklahoma State University
    Location

    Stillwater, OK

    Tuition

    $6707

    As Oklahoma's flagship institution in the state's public university system, OSU has granted degrees from its Stillwater campus since 1890. Today, OSU offers online bachelor's degrees, including a bachelor of science in business administrationwhere you can choose to specialize in general business, management, or marketing. The general business focus offers a flexible course of study that exposes you to many business areas. The broad curriculum provides a solid foundation of business content. In the management degree, you learn to apply management theory, address strategic problems, and develop interpersonal skills. The marketing focus introduces you to product development, pricing methods, and consumer needs, preparing you for marketing careers. In all three specializations, you will take core business classes in topics such as entrepreneurship, strategic management, and data analytics. The Spears School of Business at OSU holds programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

    • School status: Public
    • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
    • Tuition cost: $6,324/semester in state; $14,084/semester out of state
    • Graduation Rate: 61%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 3.0 GPA
  10. Rutgers University-Camden
    Location

    Camden, NJ

    Tuition

    $12279

    Founded in 1766, Rutgers University-Camden is one of three public Rutgers campuses in New Jersey. At Rutgers-Camden, students can earn an online bachelor of arts in business administration. The program runs fully online and allows you to choose from five industry-focused concentrations to customize your program. These include corporate finance, financial analyst, data analytics, digital marketing, and strategic human resource management. Before choosing an optional concentration, you will complete 27 credits of core courses in business communications, finance, organizational behavior, and operations management. The concentrations add upper-division coursework in specific areas. The corporate finance track prepares you to use financial data to make business decisions, while the data analytics concentration trains you to analyze business data. The business administration degree at Rutgers-Camden holds programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Rutgers University-Camden is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

    • School status: Public
    • Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
    • Tuition cost: $550/credit hour, plus $300 online fee/course
    • Graduation Rate: 58%
    • Program Length: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 18 college credits, 2.5 GPA

Methodology: Here's How We Rank Schools

At Best Value Schools, we help students of all ages get the best possible value for their education. When choosing the best schools and programs, we prioritize tuition rates, student debt, financial aid opportunities, graduation rates, and the availability of online programs. We source unbiased data from government and educational databases like the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 6,374 schools across the U.S. We organize that data into five weighted categories to compile our school rankings.
Metric Data Used Percentage
Academic Quality Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates 25%
Affordability Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid 35%
Reputation Admission and enrollment rates 15%
Program Offerings Number of program options 10%
Online Enrollment Score Portion of learners taking at least one online course 15%
You can read more about our comprehensive evaluation process on our methodology page.

What can you do with a bachelor's in business administration?

A bachelor’s in business administration qualifies you for jobs in areas like marketing, management, and human resources. The degree also prepares you to pursue graduate study.

Is a BA or BS in business administration better?

A BA program typically builds on a liberal arts curriculum, while a bachelor of science degree focuses more on science and math. Both types of degrees cover key business topics.

How long is a bachelor's in business administration?

It typically takes four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor's in business administration. However, some programs offer accelerated timelines that allow students to graduate faster.

Is a bachelor's in business administration hard?

The best business administration bachelor’s programs offer a rigorous and challenging curriculum. However, the difficulty level of any college program often depends on your willingness to learn and the effort you put into your studies.

How much does a business administration major make?

Your projected salary depends on the position you’re looking at. The BLS projects a faster than average growth rate of about 6% from 2019 to 2029 for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, with a median income of $135,900 per year. Human resource managers are also projected to have a 6% growth rate from 2019 to 2029, with a median salary of $116,720 per year. Furthermore, the BLS projects an average growth rate of 4% for accountants and auditors from 2019 to 2029, with a median pay of $71,550 per year.

Similar Industries

When studying for a bachelor's in business administration, you'll study a wide range of business theories and principles. Most business administration programs include some foundations classes in business law, financial accounting, and business communication.

And, many programs will offer students a deeper dive into business and business-adjacent topics, like finance, economics, and accounting. You'll learn how to use information technology that is related to business, how to manage and lead, and how to market and sell services and products effectively.

Clinical psychology graduate programs also require supervised clinical hours. Most states require at least 3,000 supervised clinical hours for licensure. Because most programs tailor the curriculum to meet state licensure requirements, prospective students should research schools in the state in which they plan to practice.

Business Administration Degree Online Common Courses

Business Administration Online Degree Requirements

Typical admission requirements for bachelor’s degree in business administration programs include a high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores. Some programs, particularly those online, function as degree-completion programs. In these instances, schools typically require an associate degree or at least 60 transferable credits.

To graduate with a degree in business administration, you'll need to complete both your general education or core classes and classes that specialize in all areas of business and business administration. Most bachelor's degree programs require you to complete at least 120 credit hours to graduate. The requirements can vary based on the program and school, though.

In general, most business programs will also require you to complete practical capstone projects, group projects within the courses, and you'll likely be encouraged or required to complete internships as well.

How Much Does It Cost to Get an Online Degree for Business Management?

A bachelor’s in business administration degree can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000 on average for tuition and some or all fees. There are many factors that determine what you pay in tuition and the costs will vary by program. Some universities charge more for out-of-state students, others have a flat tuition rate for online programs, whether you live in state or out. 

Our list of business administration degrees typically range in tuition cost between $100 per credit and $500 per credit. Each university weighs credit hours differently — some programs are completed with 60 credits while others require 120 credits to graduate. You may also have the option of transferring your previous college credits to count toward your degree and lower overall costs. 

Business Administration Career Path

If you earn a bachelor's in business administration, you'll be able to pursue a variety of different roles, since administration encompasses both tasks that are accomplished by entry-level business workers and some the most complex leadership roles within a business.

Among these are positions such as analyst; budget, compensation, and financial management; and marketing research. Other career paths include accounting and auditing; claims adjusting; cost estimating; fundraising; human resource specialist; insurance underwriting; labor relations specialist; loan officer; logistics specialist; meeting, convention, and event planning; personal financial advising; property appraising; purchasing management; tax examiner; and training and development specialist.

Business administration graduates can also opt to pursue jobs like computer and information systems managerarchitectural and engineering manager, and medical and health services manager, among others. You may need a master's in business administration to obtain employment among the highest level business associates, but there are online MBA programs readily available to help students build analytical skills, analyze the market and economic trends, and organizational performance data.

Online Business Administration Degree Job Outlook and Salary

The growth rate for the career paths mentioned above range from average to faster than average, or from 4% to 6%, according to the BLS. The median pay for these careers ranges from $50,600 for meeting, convention, and event planners to $87,850 for personal financial advisors.

According to the BLS, the positions with the fastest growth rate include:

PositionGrowth RateMedian (50%) Annual SalaryTop (90%) Annual Salary
Market Research Analysts18%$63,790$122,630
Fundraisers14%$57,970$100,410
Management Analysts$11%$85,260$154,310
Training and Development Specialists9%$61,210$104,200
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists8%$64,560$105,600

These five careers surpass the median pay for all occupations, which is $39,810. With tuition in our top 25 programs starting at $12,120, many graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business administration could recoup their investment in two to three years, making for a good ROI.

Business Administration Specializations

A broad field of study, business administration can choose from several popular concentrations that allow you to tailor your studies to your personal and professional interests. The following list outlines several specializations commonly found in bachelor's in business administration programs.

Accounting

Many business administration programs offer accounting concentrations. Learners pursuing this specialization often study topics like managerial and cost accounting, auditing, and finance principles.

Economics

This specialization examines topics such as monetary and fiscal policies, inflation, and emerging market trends. Students learn how these and other concepts impact business, profitability, and forecasting.

Entrepreneurship

This specialization prepares students to start their own businesses. Learners study topics like effective management techniques, budgeting, and negotiation and strategy.

Finance

Finance specializations examine topics such as investments, capital planning, and global markets. The specialization serves business administration majors who plan to pursue careers in finance.

Human Resources

Students pursuing this specialization study topics such as human asset management, conflict resolution, performance standards and appraisal, and compensation structure.

International Business

This specialization covers topics like global trade and finance policies, management and business practices in foreign markets, and international laws and regulations.

Management

This specialization focuses on the study and application of business management principles in real-world business environments. Students learn about various management styles while gaining leadership skills.

Marketing

Business majors specializing in marketing study topics such as sales forecasting, product and brand management, pricing, and distribution.

Project Management

This specialization develops the skills necessary to lead different types of projects to completion in a timely and cost-effective manner. Students learn how to create project plans and manage task scheduling and costs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s in business administration, you may be able to take advantage of scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of the degree. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid.

GFOA Minorities in Government Finance Scholarships

Who Can Apply: Graduate and upper-level undergraduate students pursuing a major in accounting, finance, or business administration with a concentration in government or nonprofit management can apply for these scholarships. Additional eligibility criteria vary by scholarship.

Amount: $5,000-$20,000

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Zonta International offers this scholarship to women earning an undergraduate business degree at an accredited institution. Applicants need at least sophomore status to qualify.

Amount: $2,000-$8,000

IMA Scholarships

Who Can Apply: The Institute of Management Accounts offers several scholarships for students pursuing a bachelor's in business administration degree. Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship, but they may include transcripts, student IMA membership, and/or a minimum GPA. Amount: Varies

Business Management Related Degrees

There are several other degrees that are related to a bachelor’s in business administration. These include:

This degree is very similar to a business administration degree and there may be overlap in courses. However, business administration degrees focus on a specialization in certain business functions that will help you run a department. Business management degrees focus on more general business knowledge related to larger issues, such as growing or diversifying a business.

While many business administration programs offer human resources as an area of concentration, other programs offer it as a separate major. Students on this degree path will study more in-depth human resources coursework. For some programs, this major will prepare you for human resources certifications.

While similar to a business administration degree, this program focuses on the unique components of international business. The courses include language, culture, import/export, global supply chain, trade policies, and banking in foreign markets.

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Danika Miller

EDUCATION REPORTER

Danika Miller is a staff education reporter at Best Value Schools. She graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in creative writing. Danika has since specialized in education and finance writing as a reporter at Affordable Colleges Online, The Simple Dollar, Her Campus, CreditCards.com, Reviews.com, and elsewhere.

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Angelica Leicht

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Angelica Leicht is the schools editor at Best Value Schools who oversees our college rankings, school profiles, and other higher education coverage. She previously served as an education reporter at Kearney Hub, and an editor at the Dallas Observer and Houston Press. Her writing has appeared in Affordable Colleges Online, Bankrate, The Simple Dollar, and elsewhere.

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