Why This Matters
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION GRADUATES EARN $72,250 PER YEAR ON AVERAGE
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in May 2020, individuals in business careers earned a median annual wage of $72,250.
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JOBS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ARE EXPECTED TO GROW BY 5%
It’s estimated that the number of job openings for those with a business administration degree will grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029, which amounts to 476,200 job openings.
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CA, TX, NY HAVE THE MOST BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION JOBS
California, Texas, and New York have the most business and financial jobs for individuals with a business administration degree, followed by Florida and Illinois.
Our Research
We examined online business administration programs in depth to determine which are the most affordable. To find this information, we reviewed tuition costs and the number of credits needed to graduate to arrive at an estimated cost per credit amount. The online business administration programs that made it onto our list are offered through accredited schools and have the lowest cost per credit.
Many of the schools on our most-affordable list are accredited by the Association for Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). This organization accredits business schools based on 10 Guiding Principles, which include diversity and inclusion, curriculum content, and post-graduation success. Regional accreditors such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) are also featured on the list.
- 57 hours to write this article
- 200 universities and colleges we assessed
- 207 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Affordable Online Business Administration Programs

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What You Should Know About This Degree
It’s important to consider the cost of an online degree in business administration. You can look at the number of credits needed to graduate and the tuition rate to find out how much the program should cost.
Research your financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and loans. The amount of student loans you can obtain from the U.S. Department of Education does have a limit, so it’s important to know how much you can actually borrow when choosing an online business administration program.
Working students often prefer online degree programs because of the flexibility. Even so, proper time management and lasting motivation are both essential, as are the technology skills required for online learning. Students also need reliable internet service to participate in an online business administration program.
What’s Next?
Ask these questions when searching for an online business administration program:
- Am I eligible for this program? Requirements vary according to school and degree level when it comes to getting accepted to an online business administration program. Associate-level programs may require a minimum SAT score, while bachelor’s degree programs require successful completion of an associate program.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Different programs have different formats — some may offer asynchronous courses that allow you to work at your own pace, but others have synchronous courses scheduled at specific times.
- How long does it take to complete an online degree in business administration? The amount of time it takes to earn an online business administration degree varies depending on degree level and specific program requirements.
- What tests are required for an online degree in business administration? For associate and bachelor-level online programs, a passing score on midterm and final exams is required. Master’s degree students may have GRE test requirements.