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A business degree can be a great investment because it can help you qualify for high-paying business careers in finance, marketing, or human resources.
Your return on that investment will be even better if you keep your costs low on the front end. This is why we've rounded up a list of the most affordable online business degrees available in 2024.
Keep reading to find out how the right online program can save you money, give you more flexibility, and prepare you for a promising, in-demand career.
Featured Online Business Degree Programs
2024’s Most Affordable Online Business Degrees
#1 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $626 (less than 60 credits); $671 (60 credits or more)
Out-of-State | $626 (less than 60 credits); $671 (60 credits or more)
Credits to Graduate: 120
The Penn State World Campus online bachelor of science in business combines an intensive business core with a supplementary project management focus. Learning emphasizes versatile, adaptable skills for the workforce. Students engage with coursework in accounting and finance, organizational management, and marketing.
Six 18-credit specialization options offer customization opportunities. Students can specialize in accounting, entrepreneurship, financial or health services, marketing and management, or a self-designed concentration.
Learners gain full access to Penn State's extensive career services center. Resources include career counselors, internships, recruitment opportunities, and occupational research support.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $219
Out-of-State | $342 (with waiver); $648 (without waiver)
Credits to Graduate: 120
UWF's online BS in business administration emphasizes data-driven problem-solving and decision-making skills. Course content focuses on business management, economics, finance, and marketing, along with coverage of modern enterprise information systems.
Working professionals seeking educational upgrades and ambitious learners planning to pursue advanced business degrees can benefit from this program. Transfer students can bring up to 90 credits from accredited programs, creating a path to graduation in as little as one year.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $220
Out-of-State | $220
Credits to Graduate: 120
Cumberlands' online business administration degree focuses on proven organizational management principles. Learning also emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping graduates with the skills to guide new and developing ventures to commercial success.
Students can pursue generalist degrees or concentrations in business administration, finance, retail marketing, and strategic marketing.
Cumberlands may appeal to cost-conscious students for its low tuition costs and assistance. Beyond low online tuition rates, Cumberlands provides financing to 96% of students through its generous aid program.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
University of Missouri
- Columbia, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $617
Out-of-State | $617
Credits to Graduate: 120
Mizzou's online BS in business administration covers business fundamentals while emphasizing data analysis. Offered through the acclaimed Trulaske College of Business, the program is ideal for working professionals and other returning students. It features a 100% online delivery model that requires no physical campus presence.
Mizzou allows students to reduce costs by overloading their full-time study schedules. Learners taking 12-18 credits per semester pay a flat rate, providing the opportunity to cut per-credit costs by up to one-third.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
George Mason University
- Fairfax, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $577
Out-of-State | $1,555
Credits to Graduate: 120
Mason's online BS in business emphasizes adaptable skills for an increasingly technology-focused global business environment. Learners benefit from an enriched lineup of eight concentrations. Options include accounting, information systems, marketing, operations, and supply chain management.
Mason allows students to transfer up to 90 credits into the 100% online program. Graduates may qualify for traditional and emerging business careers, including technical roles in data science and IT project management.
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
University of Missouri-St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $541
Out-of-State | $812 (Midwest Student Exchange); $1,255 (nonresident)
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMSL's online BS in business administration grounds students in foundational topics, including accounting, economics, and organizational management. Degree-seekers then proceed into concentrated learning in their choice of nine specialization areas, including business information systems, cybersecurity, organizational management, and supply chain management.
The program's flexibility profile includes 100% online and hybrid learning options. Internship components add experiential value and networking opportunities. Students can seek placements with the guidance of UMSL's internship coordinator.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 120
Excelsior's online business bachelor's degrees include two program options. Learners can earn a bachelor of science in business or a bachelor of professional studies in business and management. Both programs hold IACBE accreditation.
The BS in business emphasizes practical skills. Students can pursue concentrations in accounting, finance, general business, HR management, and more.
Learners in the BPA in business and management path engage with a well-rounded, comprehensive curriculum. Coursework covers organizational management essentials, along with communication, leadership, and employee relations skills.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $527
Out-of-State | $527
Credits to Graduate: 120
UofL's online bachelor of business administration appeals to students seeking an in-depth curriculum. Core requirements include intensive coverage of accounting, economics, finance, information systems, and statistical analysis. Learners can then use their business and non-business electives to build focused knowledge in areas of personal interest.
Enrollees can also pursue undergraduate certificates in franchise management. The optional four-course path builds expertise for students planning franchising careers.
Degree-seekers can study from anywhere in the world, thanks to a 100% online, asynchronous delivery model. Certain electives are only available on campus, however.
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
Lamar University
- Beaumont, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $314
Out-of-State | $314
Credits to Graduate: 120
LU's online BBA in general business emphasizes cross-functional versatility. Students engage with economics, finance, marketing, and management coursework. Built-in training for systems, applications, and products enriches the curriculum, along with classes exploring the intersection of business and public policy.
Learners can also pursue specialized online BBA degrees at LU. Concentrated programs cover entrepreneurship, finance, HR management, information systems and business analytics, management accounting and analytics, marketing, and organizational management.
The general and concentrated programs both allow students to transfer up to 75% of their degree requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees 2024
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $424
Out-of-State | $424
Credits to Graduate: 120
CU's online bachelor's in business administration develops advanced managerial and business administration skills while providing diverse specialization opportunities. Students can concentrate their studies in areas like business information technology, cybersecurity and forensics, healthcare management, and marketing.
Delivered 100% online, the program's asynchronous flexibility makes it a good match for busy learners and working professionals. CU's profile as a leading affordable Christian college reflects its generous aid policies, which include financing options not based on need.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Why Get an Online Business Degree?
There are a lot of advantages to getting your bachelor's degree in business online.
-
Cost Savings
In addition to potentially saving money on tuition and fees, going to school online can reduce your commuting and living expenses.
-
Flexible schedule
Online programs offer a lot more flexibility than traditional programs, with asynchronous learning, self-paced coursework, and continuous access to course materials.
-
Tech Skills
Online degree programs will help you become familiar with digital tools and platforms that are increasingly important in today's business environment.
-
Location Freedom
Study from anywhere. No need to live near (or on) a campus.
-
Career Advancement
Online business degrees give you the opportunity to pursue an education without interrupting your employment, which means you can continue to gain work experience while applying your new skills and knowledge in real time.
Business Degree Specializations
Many online business programs allow you to select a specialization, which can help you develop focused knowledge and skills in a particular field. Some common specializations include:
Dive into the nitty-gritty of financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and financial analysis.
Best For:
- Students interested in becoming certified accountants
- Financial analysts
- Auditors, tax specialists
- Finance managers
Learn how best to manage people, organizations, and resources by studying organizational behavior, operations management, human resources, and more.
Best For:
- Students interested in becoming project managers
- Operations managers
- Business consultants
- Entrepreneurs
Expand your understanding of financial concepts, risk management, markets, and decision-making.
Best For:
- Students interested in becoming financial analysts
- Investment bankers
- Corporate finance officers
- Financial planners
Discover what it takes to recruit, hire, train, place, promote, and manage employees – the most important asset of any successful business.
Best For:
- Students pursuing roles like HR specialist
- Benefits manager
- Training and development specialist
- HR director
Get a big-picture understanding of international trade, global markets, cross-cultural management, and world economies.
Best For:
- Students who want to land jobs like global supply chain manager
- International trade specialist
- International market research analyst
- International consultant
Study marketing principles, channels, promotion strategies, consumer behavior, and market research so you can build a brand, move consumers, and drive profits.
Best For:
Learn all about sales strategies, negotiation, customer relationships, and sales analytics.
Best For:
- Students who want roles like sales manager
- Account manager
- Business development manager
- Sales operations analyst
Featured Online Business Degree Programs
How Much Does a Degree in Business Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition and fees for a bachelor's degree from a full-time, public institution was $9,700 in 2021-2022.
For private, for-profit schools, tuition and fees averaged $17,800, and for private, nonprofit schools they averaged $38,800.
What Can I Do With a Business Degree?
A business degree will give you highly transferable knowledge and skills that you can leverage in almost any career path, field, or industry. Check out these five high-earning careers for people with a bachelor's in business.
Develop strategies, promotions, and advertising campaigns to drive profits and generate interest in a product, service, or brand.
Source: BLS
Median Salary (2022):
$138,730
Take control of the financial health of an entire organization -- manage investments, develop budgets, analyze market trends, and supervise employees.
Source: BLS
Median Salary (2022):
$139,790
Develop and manage the wage and benefits structure for your organization and business partners.
Source: BLS
Median Salary (2022):
$131,280
Manage the entire life cycle of your organization's employees, from hiring to promotions.
Source: BLS
Median Salary (2022):
$130,000
Develop sales goals, analyze data, and lead sales teams for your organization.
Source: BLS
Median Salary (2022):
$130,600
Source: BLS
Featured Online Business Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Business Degrees
How do I know if a business degree is right for me?
It's best to get a degree (and pursue a career) in something you already like or are good at. A business degree could be a good fit for you if you are interested in business, are a strong communicator, enjoy problem-solving, and are decent with numbers.
Is getting a business degree online worth it?
Yes, it certainly can be. Payscale reports that the average salary for someone with a bachelor's degree in business is nearly $80,000 a year. An online business degree can open the door to steady jobs with good salaries while providing you with flexibility and cost savings.
What is the easiest business degree to get?
That depends on what comes easily to you. If you're good at math, you may find accounting or finance easiest. If you're naturally creative or persuasive, then marketing or sales might be the most natural. If you're a born leader, then management or administration could feel like a breeze.
What is the lowest-paying business major?
The lowest-paying business degree is the one you don't finish — which is why your first priority should be picking a major you're interested in. Almost any business major can be leveraged into a high-paying job.
That said, the lowest-paid job on our list is human resources specialist, at a median salary of $64,240 a year.
Which degree is best for online business?
If your goal is to make as much money as possible, online business majors like marketing, finance, and international business pull in some of the highest starting salaries.
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