Business degrees can help graduates increase their salaries and expand their job prospects. Business degree holders may work as financial analysts, human resources specialists, or accountants. Schools offer business degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Earning an online business degree provides flexibility. Enrollees do not need to commute to campus and can attend the most affordable programs without relocating. Online students receive the same education as in-person students, often at a lower price.
Our list ranks the most affordable online business degrees. Read on to learn about an online degree in business’ costs and common courses. This page also includes potential careers for business graduates.
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Questions About Online Business Degrees
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Q. Can you earn a business degree online?
Yes. Many top-ranked schools offer online business degrees. Enrollees complete core courses and electives. Some programs offer specializations.
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Q. What is the most valuable business degree?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for business and finance professionals to grow 8% from 2020-30. In-demand business specialties include finance, marketing, management, and business analytics. Prospective students should consider their strengths and career goals when choosing specializations.
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Q. How much does it cost to get an online business degree?
The cost of online business degrees ranges from $300-$500 per credit. Students can save money by applying transfer credits toward their business degree.
Why Get a Degree in Business?
Business degree-seekers gain knowledge in core areas like accounting, finance, and marketing. These degrees are highly versatile, allowing graduates to pursue careers in diverse fields.
Students pursuing a business degree online can often complete coursework around other responsibilities. This flexibility allows learners to continue working while earning their degrees.
How Much Does a Business Degree Cost?
Business degree costs vary by school and program. Learners can save money by attending in-state schools. The average cost of in-state tuition is $9,580, according to EducationData.org. Out-of-state students spend an average of $27,440.
Public schools typically offer more affordable online business degrees than private schools. In 2019-20, public online colleges charged about $300 per credit. Private online colleges charged just under $500 per credit.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners should budget for extra expenses such as books and course materials. Some schools charge graduation and distance-learning fees. Online students may need to buy new computers or upgrade their internet.
Some online programs require in-person components. These may add travel and transportation costs. Online enrollees should also budget for professional certification fees. When researching affordable online business degrees, learners can contact their prospective schools for information on total degree costs.
How Much Do Business Majors Make?
Salaries vary depending on professionals’ job title, experience, and employer. Management analysts earn a median of $87,660 per year while operations research analysts make about $86,000 annually.
Professionals can increase their salary potential by pursuing advanced degrees. They can also pursue specialized master’s degrees in areas such as management or finance. With experience, business majors can work as financial managers. These professionals earn median annual salaries of $134,180.
Courses in Business
Learners completing online business degrees develop analytical and problem-solving skills. They also build their decision-making abilities. Some business programs offer specializations in areas like marketing and finance.
Online learners complete coursework from anywhere. However, many programs include in-person learning components. Students may complete internships or projects locally to gain real-world experience.
See below for typical business courses. Keep in mind that course titles and descriptions vary by school.
Principles of Management
Students explore management principles and theories. Coursework covers management functions and team motivation. Learners study business analytics and problem-solving from a managerial position. Core management classes prepare majors for advanced business coursework.Business Statistics
Professionals in every sector use statistics to analyze profitability, make decisions based on data, and promote new strategies. These courses train students in data analysis and visualization. Enrollees also study probability distributions and forecasting. The class strengthens analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.work as market research analysts or marketing specialists.Managerial Accounting
Learners examine accounting principles for corporations, including cost accounting systems and cost control. Coursework builds strong accounting skills and conveys how to use financial statements in managerial decision-making. The course prepares students for advanced coursework in management, finance, and accounting.
Career and Salary Outlook for Business Majors
Business degrees can lead to opportunities in many fields. Graduates may work in financial services, marketing, or international trade.
Business graduates can pursue entry-level roles such as budget analyst. These professionals earn median annual salaries of nearly $79,000. The highest-earning budget analysts earn more than $121,000 annually. The median annual salary for all occupations is $41,950.
Financial Examiners
These professionals ensure companies comply with financial regulations and laws. They examine financial reports and loan documents. They also evaluate records of monetary transactions to identify fraud or insolvency. Financial examiners create reports on their findings that may rate organizations on their financial risk and soundness. Many financial examiners pursue professional certification.Accountants and Auditors
These professionals create financial statements and other financial reports. They review financial documents for accuracy and determine potential financial risks. Accountants and auditors also prepare tax reports and review tax filings. They work in specialties like public accounting, internal auditing, and managerial accounting.Financial Analyst
These analysts recommend investment strategies and manage portfolios for individuals and organizations. They evaluate investment performance, research financial trends, and analyze financial data. Financial analysts may also review financial statements to determine a company’s value. Experienced financial analysts can work as financial managers.
Source: BLS
Most Affordable Online Business Degrees
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A public university located in Richmond, IU East offers an online bachelor of science in business administration. Students complete 120 credits and may transfer up to half of the required credits from previous college work toward their degree.
In addition to general education courses, learners specialize in business core coursework like , quantitative business analysis and finance, marketing. Required courses include fundamentals of business, analytics and decision modeling, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and professional career skills. A business capstone allows students to demonstrate skills mastery and complete a project for real-world experience.
Applicants need a high school transcript or GED to begin the application process. The school does not require students to submit standardized test scores.
IU East is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
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University of Missouri Saint Louis
A public land-grant university founded in 1839, UMSL offers two online business degrees: a bachelor of arts or science in business administration and a master of business administration. Enrollees complete coursework for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees solely online, with no campus requirements.
Students in the bachelor’s track complete foundational courses such as business analytics and statistics, and introduction to supply chain management. Learners can then move to graduate work and take upper-level courses like supply chain strategies and law, ethics, and business. In both tracks, students complete capstone courses and complete hands-on projects solving real-world problems.
Applicants for the bachelor’s programs need a high school diploma and must submit SAT or ACT scores. Applicants to the master's program need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a GMAT score of 500.
UMSL is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school also possesses programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
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University of the Cumberlands
Location
Williamsburg, KY
A private Baptist university located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands offers several online undergraduate business degrees. Students may choose a general business program or can specialize in finance or strategic marketing.
In each program, students take foundational business courses such as the principles of accounting, microeconomics, business statistics, and the legal environment of business. Learners also complete general education courses to finish a minimum of 120 credits for the undergraduate degree. Students who choose a concentration must also complete a course series in concentration-related topics.
Applicants need a high school diploma with at least a 2.0 GPA to qualify for admission. Students with at least 12 transfer credits also need a 2.0 GPA in all college credits attempted. The school does not require prospective students to submit standardized test scores.
Cumberlands is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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West Texas A&M University
A public university in Canyon, WTAMU offers an online bachelor of business administration with a concentration in general business. Students may also choose a concentration in accounting, computer information systems, or marketing.
Learners complete courses such as international business, international management, business ethics and society, or corporate governance and ethics. In addition to the education core and electives, general business students may choose a course series for a minor in a business topic. Degree-seekers do not need to complete any on-campus requirements to complete their degree.
Applicants need a high school diploma and must meet one of two requirements: a minimum GPA of 2.0 GPA or an ACT score of 18 English, 22 reading, 22 mathematics, and 23 science (SAT 480 for EBRW and 530 for math).
WTAMU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school earned programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
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Dickinson State University
Located in Dickinson, North Dakota, DSU offers an online bachelor of business administration. Students can choose from four concentrations: accounting, administration, finance, and human resource management.
Students begin with general business courses before moving on to concentration-specific coursework. Business courses include management and leadership, organizational behavior, management information systems, and international business. From there, degree-seekers complete a course series related to their majors.
Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for admission. Prospective students must send ACT (minimum score of 18) or SAT (minimum score of 950) to receive admission in good standing (waived through summer 2022).
DSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
