Best Online Bachelor's of Business Administration | BestColleges

Considering a business administration degree? Learn more about the top-ranked programs, college costs, and your earning potential with a bachelor’s in business administration.

Business administration programs emphasize management and analytical skills.
Programs offer concentrations in finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and other fields.
Business administration jobs report a median salary of over $76,000 per year.
Online business administration programs offer flexibility and affordability.

Business is the most popular major for undergrads, and it’s easy to see why. With a business administration degree, you can become a financial analyst, market research analyst, or training and development specialist.

These growing fields offer high salaries — for instance, financial analysts earned a median pay of over $95,000 per year in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Market research analysts earned a median annual pay of over $63,000. Is a business administration degree right for you? Our ranking and resources can help you make an informed decision about your future.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration?

Considering a career in business? A business administration degree can help you get there.

You can find job opportunities in public, private, and nonprofit settings as a budget analyst, financial advisor, research analyst, and human resources specialist. This degree can also prepare you for a master’s in business administration (MBA).

“With a degree in business administration, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, including finance, marketing, and human resources, among others. This can help you earn a lot of money.”

— Andrew Lokenauth, BBA, Finance and Accounting Executive

Featured Online Business Administration Degrees

Why Should I Get an Online Business Administration Degree?

A bachelor’s in business administration is an excellent choice if you want to enter the business world with a practical and widely applicable degree.

A bachelor’s degree in business administration meets the entry-level education requirement for careers as a financial analyst, market research analyst, management consultant, or training specialist. Check out more benefits in the tables below.

“I highly recommend considering a degree in business administration. It provides the necessary skills to pursue job opportunities in virtually any industry, positioning you for a successful career path.”

— Trysta Luhanga, BBA

Benefits of a Bachelor’s of Business Administration

Attend a top-ranked online program with a strong placement record without having to relocate.
An online format makes it easier for students to work while pursuing their bachelor’s degree.
Compare online schools based on cost to find an affordable option that fits your budget.
Build a national network while also gaining experience through a finance internship in your local area.

Reasons to Get Your Business Administration Degree Online

An online program gives you the greatest flexibility in your schedule, which particularly helps parents and working students.
Compare online business administration programs to find a program that offers concentrations or electives that appeal to you.
An online format may be more affordable with a strong financial aid package.
During your online business studies, you can gain hands-on experience through an internship in your local area.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Business Administration Degree?

Source: BLS

Enrolling in a business administration degree program can pay off. Business majors work in many lucrative fields. The median business administration salary exceeded $76,000 in May 2021, according to the BLS. This was significantly higher than the median salary for all occupations: $45,760.

And many business administration jobs offer a high potential for raises. For example, financial analysts earned a median wage of over $95,000 in 2021. With experience, they can move up to become financial managers, who earned a median of $131,710 the same year.

5 Popular Jobs and Salaries You Can Get with a Business Degree

Job Title
Median Salary (2021)

Finance Analyst
$95,570

Personal Financial Advisor
94,170

Management Analyst
$93,000

Budget Analyst
$79,940

Human Resources Specialist
$62,290

Is a Business Administration Degree Worth It?

What’s the return on investment (ROI) on a business administration degree? With a median annual wage of over $76,000, business administration jobs are lucrative and can provide a solid ROI to your degree.

When weighing your degree options, consider factors like the total cost of the degree, salaries in your field and area, and your career interests. You can boost the degree’s ROI by researching affordable business programs. Or you can pursue jobs in higher-paying fields like finance to increase your earning potential.

“A bachelor’s in business administration is a worthwhile investment, as it can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a wide range of career paths in the business world.”

— Andrew Lokenauth

Best Online Bachelor’s of Business Administration Programs 2023

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR
4 years
Online + Campus

Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $280
Out of State | $280

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

The BBA in management from University of Arkansas at Little Rock prepares you for various management roles. UA Little Rock’s business administration program allows you to choose between an emphasis in management, human resources management, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

Courses run on a traditional 17-week format. To apply for the program, you need a 2.25 GPA. You must also have completed college algebra and an advanced composition course.

Average Tuition

In-state

$6,495

Out-of-state

$18,750

Retention Rate

73%

Admission Rate

56%

Students Enrolled

8,899

Institution Type

Public

Percent Online Enrollment

84%

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Higher Learning Commission

Franklin University

Columbus, OH
4 years
Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $398
Out of State | $398

Credits to Graduate
124

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | International Accreditation Council for Business Education

Franklin University designed its BS in business administration for adult learners who need a flexible program. In Franklin’s business administration program, you’ll gain hands-on experience through simulations. You’ll learn how to perform a strategic competitive analysis and develop a strategic implementation plan.

You must complete a capstone project, a research methods course, and a business ethics course to finish your degree. To apply, you must submit your high school and college transcripts.

Average Tuition

In-state

$9,552

Out-of-state

$9,552

Retention Rate

Admission Rate

Not provided

Students Enrolled

5,926

Institution Type

Private

Percent Online Enrollment

100%

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Higher Learning Commission

Brenau University

Gainesville, GA
4 years
Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $718
Out of State | $718

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The BBA in general business from Brenau University will prepare you for a career in management, sales, marketing, HR, or entrepreneurship. In Breanu’s general business program, you’ll strengthen your written and oral communication skills so you can be a more effective leader in business.

You can take online or in-person classes to complete your degree. Test scores are optional for admission to Brenau’s undergraduate programs. You must submit transcripts with your application.

Average Tuition

In-state

$30,000

Out-of-state

$30,000

Retention Rate

53%

Admission Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

2,813

Institution Type

Private

Percent Online Enrollment

70%

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL
4 years
Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $18,796
Out of State | $18,796

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

The BS in business administration from Lewis University prepares you to be a business leader with globalization and technology in mind. You’ll learn how to manage people, processes, and resources. The program strengthens decision-making and team building skills.

You must complete an accreditation assessment exam as part of the program. To apply for LU’s business administration program, you must submit your high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores. Letters of recommendation are optional.

Average Tuition

In-state

$34,268

Out-of-state

$34,268

Retention Rate

80%

Admission Rate

66%

Students Enrolled

6,437

Institution Type

Private

Percent Online Enrollment

89%

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Higher Learning Commission

City University of Seattle

Seattle, WA
4 years
Online + Campus

100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $470
Out of State | $470

Credits to Graduate
180

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

The BS in business administration from City University of Seattle prepares you to become an analytical leader. You’ll strengthen basic knowledge you can apply to various work settings. The degree also prepares you to continue your education in an MBA or DBA program.

For CityU’s business administration program, you must choose an emphasis in either data analytics for business decision-making, management, or project management. To apply, submit your transcripts with your online application.

Average Tuition

In-state

$13,658

Out-of-state

$13,658

Retention Rate

Not provided

Admission Rate

Not provided

Students Enrolled

2,052

Institution Type

Private

Percent Online Enrollment

83%

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

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McKendree University

Lebanon, IL
4 years
Online + Campus

100% Online or In-person | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $405
Out of State | $405

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

The online bachelor of business administration degree from McKendree University allows you to explore accounting, business administration, and economics. You’ll also learn about finance, management, and marketing.

Notable courses in McK’s business administration program include international business, business ethics, and consumer behavior. You must earn at least a 2.25 major GPA to graduate from the program.

To apply, you must submit high school or GED transcripts. Standardized test scores and letters of recommendation are optional. Depending on your GPA, you may need to complete an admission interview.

Average Tuition

In-state

$31,100

Out-of-state

$31,100

Retention Rate

76%

Admission Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

2,200

Institution Type

Private

Percent Online Enrollment

28%

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Higher Learning Commission

Texas A & M University-Commerce

Commerce, TX
4 years
Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $351
Out of State | $759

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

The BBA in management from Texas A&M University-Commerce will strengthen your foundational business knowledge and teach opportunity recognition and value creation. TAMUC’s business administration program does not require you to complete a thesis to graduate.

The school bases its admission requirements on completed high school coursework. You must either be in the top 30% of your graduating class or submit your standardized test scores.

Average Tuition

In-state

$4,790

Out-of-state

$17,060

Retention Rate

58%

Admission Rate

60%

Students Enrolled

12,249

Institution Type

Public

Percent Online Enrollment

89%

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA
4 years
Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $530
Out of State | $530

Credits to Graduate
39

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
School Accreditation | WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission

The BA in business management from Fresno Pacific University gives you a practical skill set for a variety of business operations. Each course encourages you to consider the question: What does it mean to do business ethically?

For admittance into FPU’s business administration program, you need a minimum 2.4 GPA. You also need two years of postsecondary experience and at least six transferable undergraduate units. To gain acceptance to the program, you must also have a minimum 60 transferable undergrad units.

Average Tuition

In-state

$32,954

Out-of-state

$32,954

Retention Rate

71%

Admission Rate

67%

Students Enrolled

3,995

Institution Type

Private

Percent Online Enrollment

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Utica College

Utica, NY
4 years
Online + Campus

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $400
Out of State | $400

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
School Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Utica University’s BBA in business administration lets you explore different business subjects. You can complete elective requirements with courses in accounting, economics, management, and finance. You can even take a criminal justice elective.

To apply for Utica’s business administration program, you’ll need a completed application and a minimum 2.5 GPA for transfer credit or a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. You must also submit official transcripts from all colleges attended and official high school transcripts.

Average Tuition

In-state

$21,560

Out-of-state

$21,560

Retention Rate

78%

Admission Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

4,613

Institution Type

Private

Percent Online Enrollment

90%

Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

Accreditation

Yes

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Ottawa University-Online

Ottawa, KS
4 years
Online

100% Online | Self Paced

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $499
Out of State | $499

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

The business administration program at Ottawa University-Online lets you enroll in up to three graduate level courses as an undergraduate. You can count these courses toward your master’s with the business administration bridge option.

You can concentrate in actuarial science, economics, or educational business services. Other options include finance, healthcare management, and human resources.

To enroll in OU’s business administration program, you need 2-3 years of full-time work experience. You must also submit a resume and personal essay with your application.

Average Tuition

In-state

$10,856

Out-of-state

$10,856

Retention Rate

Not provided

Admission Rate

Not provided

Students Enrolled

221

Institution Type

Private

Percent Online Enrollment

Not provided

Accreditation

Yes

Higher Learning Commission

What Jobs Can You Get With a Business Administration Degree?

With a business administration degree, you can pursue opportunities in diverse fields. Business administration majors work as analysts, consultants, and managers. They specialize in areas like finance, human resources, and marketing. You can also work in project management roles.

Outside of the typical career paths listed above, business administration graduates can become entrepreneurs who launch new businesses. You can also pursue administrative roles in healthcare, technology, or the public sector.

How Much Does an Online Business Administration Degree Cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics data shows that in-state learners at public schools paid an average of $9,375 per year in tuition and fees during the 2020-2021 academic year. Those attending private institutions paid an average of $32,825.

You should understand the true cost of a program and the price differences between campus-based and online programs before making your choice.

Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-21

Public Institution

$56,000

Private Institution (Nonprofit)

$112,000

Source: BestColleges

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Online?

An online bachelor’s in business administration usually takes four years to complete for full-time students. If you’re transferring credits from community colleges or four-year institutions, you can finish the required business classes in about two years. You can also look into accelerated online business programs if you want to earn your degree even faster.

Required Course Credits

120 credits*

Field Study Requirements (Y/N)

*Depending on your program and specialization

Everything Else You Need to Know About Business Administration Degrees

Is business administration a good major?

Business administration is a popular major that leads to in-demand careers in finance, human resources, and marketing. During a business administration degree program, you’ll gain analytical and communication skills. You’ll also learn management and leadership principles.

By specializing in an area like accounting, computer information systems, or healthcare, you’ll prepare for a specialized career path after graduation. And many online business administration programs encourage majors to gain hands-on training through an internship in their local area.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s in business administration?

The highest-paying business administration jobs include financial analyst, management analyst, and project management specialist. According to BLS data from May 2021, these careers all pay median salaries of over $90,000 per year.

With experience, business administration professionals can move into management roles. Professionals in management reported the highest median salaries of any field, topping $102,000 in 2021. A master’s degree, such as an MBA, can also help professionals boost their earning potential.

What is business administration?

Business administration is a field that specializes in managing and administering organizations. Business administration majors learn how to manage projects and teams. They also study leadership principles and business analytics.

Successful business administration professionals blend hard skills with soft skills like communication and teamwork. A business administration degree trains you in key business tools and skills while also encouraging public speaking, writing, and interpersonal abilities.