Business degrees are the top-awarded degree in the United States. Graduates of business degree programs go on to have careers in accounting, business management and administration, finance, general business, marketing, and marketing research.
The median salary is $76,850 for business degree graduates. Higher-earning fields include accountants with an average yearly salary of $86,740, financial analysts at $96,220, and marketing managers at $138,730.
Business students can complete an associate degree in two years and a bachelor’s degree in four years of full-time study. Depending on the field you choose, a master’s degree can take from one to three additional years of full-time study.
The average cost per year is $14,688 for an associate degree in business, $17,709 for a bachelor’s degree, and $20,513 for a master’s degree. The final cost depends on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student, if you opt for room and board, and if it’s a public or private institution.
How to Choose a Business Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Before you look at schools and their programs, consider your career goals. Your preferred final field of study should guide your program choice.
A degree in business opens the door to opportunities in a wide range of industries. Graduates with associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in business commonly work in management, operations, and sales.
Within these fields are areas of specialization, including project management specialists, human resources managers, accountants, financial services sales agents, and information security analysts.
As you narrow your field of study, consider your logistical requirements. Will you live out of state, work and study part-time, or utilize in-person or online classes? What is your learning style — do you prefer to learn with the collective (synchronous), alone and self-paced (asynchronous), or a hybrid of the two?
Research schools and programs
Whether searching for an undergraduate school or seeking a post-graduate master’s degree, only consider accredited schools. A lack of accreditation can impact your ability to attain federal or state funding and can influence potential employer decisions. A school’s accreditation can also determine your ability to sit for state licensure examinations.
As you finalize your list, set aside time to visit the school in person, if possible. Contact an admissions counselor or alum of the program, and follow the institution on social media to learn more about school culture, student life, and support provided to students.
Prepare for tests and applications
Applicants to most undergraduate business degree programs must provide their school transcripts and any college prep test scores, including Advanced Placement (AP), honors, and transferable college courses. Some colleges may also consider your SAT and ACT scores.
You’ll likely need to submit a personal statement or original essay. Focus on the academic achievements and life experiences that set you apart from other candidates. Include information about your personal challenges, volunteer work and community involvement, and leadership positions.
Not all schools require a letter of recommendation, but it’s worth having at least one available upon request. When in doubt about what an application requires, contact the school’s admissions counselors, who can offer the most accurate and up-to-date information and personal guidance.
Select your program
When it’s time to make your final decision, revisit your needs and goals. Your preferences may change as you learn more information about programs, funding availability, and potential living situations. An academic counselor can help you narrow down your choices and make a final selection that works best for you.
If you decide to start your studies at a two-year college, confirm your credits qualify as transferrable before committing. Not all courses are equal between learning institutions. The admissions counselor at your preferred two-year and four-year school should be able to confirm your transferable courses.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
If you need financial aid to help pay for your business degree, visit the financial aid counselor at your school of choice, who can provide you with options you may not have considered, like grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if you qualify for federal student aid, or reach out to current or potential employers about tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Business Degree Programs
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How we rank schools
This list features some of the best business degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), both reputable organizations that assess business programs for educational excellence.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of business degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Business Degree Program?
The course load during the first two years of business school includes general, introductory courses like arts and humanities, science, and accounting. The third and fourth-year curriculum focuses almost entirely on your program specialty. The course load may include classes in macroeconomics, microeconomics, data analytics, management accounting, consumer behavior, and market research. Each course you take should count towards your degree — having a solid idea of your career aspirations will set you on the most direct path to completing your degree in a time frame that’s comfortable for you.
Graduates of a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program can expect to enter the workforce with advanced communication, organization, and critical thinking skills, as well as a fundamental knowledge of business accounting and data analysis.
Business students can choose an accelerated program or fast-track their studies with a dual bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Potential courses you’ll take in a business degree program
- Auditing. This course teaches students the principles and generally accepted standards of auditing. They gain a strong understanding of the decision-making process involved in assessing risk and how to make adjustments in processes to account for those risks.
- Communications. Students learn to develop communication strategies, deliver effective presentations, analyze an audience, and prepare professional documents, including SOWs and press releases.
- Human Resources Management. In this course, students learn concepts and skills related to resolving conflict in a business environment and how to manage relationships between employers, management, and employees. They’ll learn how to evaluate business functions, including job analysis and descriptions, as well as procedures and practices for recruiting.
- Marketing Research. Students learn the guiding principles and procedures needed to problem-solve practical marketing issues. They’ll learn how to collect and analyze data and apply it to marketing research. Learning outcomes include research design, problem definition, and report preparation.
Business Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a business degree program?
Each application process varies by the institution. Visit their website to understand their process and locate step-by-step instructions. Be prepared to submit your transcripts and scores for any relevant prep courses. During the application process, it’s helpful to have a short essay prepared with answers to questions like what sets you apart and why you’re interested in this specific program. If you have any questions, contact the admissions counselor for guidance.
How much does a business degree cost?
An associate degree in business can cost as little as $3,855 per year. A bachelor’s degree costs about $17,709 per year, and a master’s degree averages $20,513 per year. A variety of financial aid programs can help you pay for your degree — talk to the financial aid officer at your chosen institution for more information.
How long does it take to earn a business degree?
Associate degrees can take 12 to 18 months and 60 credits to complete. Bachelor’s degrees in business take up to four years of full-time study and usually require 120 credits to complete. A master’s degree in business usually requires an additional 30 credits and another year or two of study. Some programs allow you to work on more than one degree at a time, expediting your studies.