Graduates of a program for a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship understand the basics of starting a profitable business, from idea generation to practical application. These individuals understand organizational principles, sales and marketing strategies, accounting best practices, and human resources management.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, those working in business and financial positions earn an average annual salary of $76,570. However, successful entrepreneurs and top executives have the potential to make significantly more. Aspiring business owners do not necessarily need a formal degree; however, this credential will make them more savvy entrepreneurs and qualify them for potential leadership positions within existing enterprises.
Most online bachelor’s in entrepreneurship require 120 credit hours (or 40 classes). Full-time students can graduate in four years. Regarding cost, the tuition for this online degree varies from $28,000 to $94,000, or an average of $61,000.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Program
Choose your area of study
In most cases, entrepreneurship is a specialization within a school’s business program. You will pursue core business coursework and then engage in a more focused study into innovation, strategy, and financial risk management.
You will earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA), or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in entrepreneurship. The BSBA focuses on mathematics, whereas the BABA emphasizes a liberal arts approach. The BBA has limited general education requirements, prioritizing business-specific topics. However, coursework is largely similar across programs.
Research schools and programs
An online program for a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship should closely mirror a traditional in-person degree. As you research different options, confirm that each BBA degree is recognized by one of the three top accrediting agencies for business schools: AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ), or IACBE (the International Accreditation Council for Business Education). Accreditation ensures that coursework meets academic standards and prepares graduates for professional success.
After confirming accreditation, prospective students should research the following programmatic questions:
- Is coursework delivered in real-time remote sessions or completed independently through pre-recorded webinars?
- Do online students have access to free supplemental support resources, including tutoring, career coaching, technical support, and library databases?
- How is mentorship and professional networking integrated into the program?
- Do graduation requirements include a capstone project, internship, or similar comprehensive assignment?
Reflect on your personal responsibilities and learning style. Then, determine whether a program will work around and ultimately support your needs and professional goals. You can find the answers to most questions via each program’s website. For specific questions, attend virtual open houses or chat one-on-one with a program advisor.
Prepare for tests and applications
Online programs for a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship require applicants to have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5, though a higher GPA will make you more competitive. Most programs request SAT or ACT scores. You should also prepare to submit a personal statement and recommendation letters. These materials take time to gather, so be mindful of application deadlines.
Select your program
After identifying a list of programs that meet your personal and professional aspirations, weigh the following factors to determine the best fit:
- Tuition
- Availability of scholarships
- Faculty-to-student ratio
- Internship opportunities
- Professional networking opportunities
- Mentorship
To better understand the online community and general culture, speak with the admissions staff or a faculty member for each program.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
After determining your top choice, meet with the school’s financial aid office and discuss scholarship and other tuition assistance options. You may be eligible for military discounts or transfer credit based on your high school coursework. All interested applicants should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their loan options, even if they do not plan on taking out student aid.
Best 50 Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Programs
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How We Rank Schools
This list focuses on the best online bachelor’s in entrepreneurship programs in the United States. All of the entrepreneurship programs featured in this list are offered by regionally accredited schools that deliver their curriculum online.
A degree in entrepreneurship provides a solid foundation in business development, marketing research, business management, and finance as well as human behavior, business law, and ethics. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits entrepreneurship bachelor’s programs that meet their high standards of rigorous business education.
What Can You Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Program?
Those with strong entrepreneurial skills may aspire to start their own businesses or seek leading strategic positions within existing organizations. Students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship can expect a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that helps them specialize in various facets of running a successful business, including sales, marketing, accounting, big-picture strategy building, and management.
An online bachelor’s in entrepreneurship is a four-year degree, though those taking summer courses could finish in less time. Programs require 120 credit hours, including core business coursework as well as specialty topics in entrepreneurship and innovation, and may involve a capstone or internship assignment. Part-time students may need up to six years.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in entrepreneurship degree program
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship. Students learn how to foster and develop their business ideas. Coursework focuses on the necessary attitudes and motivations for maintaining a positive entrepreneurial spirit.
- Managing Innovation. This course introduces participants to management models within 21st-century organizations. Classes emphasize strong leadership principles within an economically challenging environment.
- Sales. Students develop a practical understanding of the sales process through real-world case studies. Participants engage in high-level discussions regarding sales strategies.
- New Ventures Discovery. This course aims to help students grow business ideas from start to finish. Students will learn from successful entrepreneurs about their personal business journeys and study business plans for new ventures.
- Entrepreneurial Funding. Participants learn the basics of sustainably funding a new business venture. Coursework covers cash management, capital management, financial analysis, and reporting.
Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor's in entrepreneurship degree program?
First, review the admission requirements and confirm eligibility. Then, gather all necessary materials requested through the program’s website. From there, contact an admissions staff member for any specific questions related to the application process and subsequent deadlines. Prepare your materials well before the posted deadlines. Some of the more common application materials for an online entrepreneurship undergraduate degree include:
- A personal statement
- Copies of high school transcripts
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- SAT/ACT test scores
- An application fee
- A completed undergraduate school application form
- English proficiency scores (if applicable)
How much does an online bachelor's in entrepreneurship degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition for 20-21 was $25,910 per year. The tuition for a bachelor’s in entrepreneurship can be as high as $94,000. Online programs tend to cost the same as traditional in-person options. The main factors that affect tuition are your residency status and whether the school qualifies as a private or public institution.
In addition to tuition, online students must also consider the cost of books, technology fees, specialty business software, and personal remote learning expenses (including a home computer, camera, and internet service).
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor's in entrepreneurship degree?
Online bachelor’s degrees in entrepreneurship require 120 credits (or 40 classes). Full-time attendees (those taking four courses each semester) can graduate in four years. Those who work while enrolled in school will likely attend part-time instead. If students choose to participate in one or two classes each semester, they can graduate in five to six years.