Why This Matters
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DEVELOP IN-DEMAND BUSINESS SKILLS IN MORE THAN 10 AREAS
An introductory associate’s degree includes foundational business skills such as management, accounting, and business ethics. You’ll become proficient in computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks, too.
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BUSINESS JOB GROWTH THROUGH 2026 IS INCREASING BY 10%
The United States will add around 773,800 new jobs in business over the next seven years. That’s a 10% increase, leaving plenty of opportunity for newcomers.
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POTENTIALLY SAVE $6,570 ANNUALLY ON TUITION
Associate’s degrees are available from many community colleges. Public community colleges’ annual tuitions average $3,660, compared to the $10,230 average that public four-year universities charge.
Our Research
Associate’s degrees are offered as Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science, and Associate of Art Degrees. We included all three of these options on our list so you can find a degree program that’s well-suited to your educational and career aspirations.
Every program listed is regionally accredited by a respected academic body, and many have business-specific accreditation from the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Accreditation is essential if you ever want to transfer into a four-year bachelor’s program.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 59 hours to write this article
- 188 universities and colleges we assessed
- 396 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Associate in Business Administration Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
An associate degree is typically intended for students who have no prior postsecondary education, and most of these degrees include a combination of focused and general courses. Expect to study subjects like science, math, and English alongside your business classes.
While an associate in business will prepare you for entry-level jobs in different business fields, this isn’t meant to replace a bachelor’s degree. You may want or need a bachelor’s degree eventually in order to advance your career. Even if you do need a bachelor’s, though, earning an associate degree first can save you time and money. It may also enable you to begin working within the field sooner.
The coursework for online associate in business degrees can be completed remotely, but some programs have brief in-person sessions or in-person internships. These in-person components might be mandatory or optional. Make sure your chosen program is suitable for your situation.
The field of business administration is broad, but some associate degrees focus on a specific aspect of the field. Opportunities to specialize in aviation business administration, entrepreneurship, and other areas are available if you already know where within business you’d like to ultimately work.
What’s Next?
Here are a couple of questions to ask when considering an associate in business administration degree:
- Am I eligible for this program? Most associate degrees require a high school diploma or the equivalent. If you never completed high school, you can earn a GED and then enroll in a program. If you’re in high school and want to get a head start on post-secondary education, speak with your guidance counselor and a community college admissions counselor about a potential exception so you can take associate level courses while still in high school.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? An associate in business administration normally takes two years to complete if studying full-time. Studying part-time extends the program length.
When you have compiled a list of potential degree programs you’re interested in, learn more by contacting the programs directly or visiting their websites. You can find out programs’ application deadlines and admission requirements online as well.
Funding might be available to help pay for your degree. Ask programs about financial aid and scholarships, and look into submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal funds.