Earning a degree in business can help students launch or advance careers in various fields, including finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, project management, and more.
To obtain a legitimate degree or certificate, such as a Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), or Master of Business Administration (MBA), students will most likely need to enroll in a program that charges tuition at an accredited college or university.
However, students may be able to enroll in free online business degree courses through various post-secondary institutions and online learning platforms. These courses can help students build foundational knowledge of business concepts, develop new skills, or explore possible career paths.
This list reviews some of the best free online business courses. It also reviews the differences between free online business courses and business degree programs, the pros and cons of enrolling in free online business courses, and what in-demand business skills students can learn through online classes.
What Can You Expect From a Free Online Business Degree Program?
The key expectation students should understand when enrolling in a free online business course or program is that it will likely not lead to a recognized degree or certificate. Students who encounter online programs that advertise free online degrees should thoroughly investigate the platform to confirm what is being offered and the legitimacy of the education the platform provides.
In most cases, free online business courses and programs are flexible, low-risk ways to refresh existing skills, develop new ones, explore different business areas, or build a foundation for further study. Free online courses are usually taught through pre-recorded lectures and may include reading and writing assignments, quizzes, and other learning activities. Most free online courses are delivered asynchronously, with students accessing lessons according to their own schedules. When registering for a free online business course, students should confirm how long they can access lessons and learning materials, as some platforms place unlimited access to courses behind a paywall.
Free online courses are available in various business-related subjects, including finance, marketing, real estate, entrepreneurship, and more. Many courses teach transferable skills like public speaking and communications, leadership and management strategies, negotiation skills, and more.
Pros and cons of enrolling in a free online business program
Pros
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Developing new skills: Business is a constantly evolving field, and free online business courses allow students to learn about the latest trends and in-demand skills. Expanding their knowledge in business-related topics can be an ideal way for working professionals to increase their value to current and future employers and prepare for promotions and other new opportunities.
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Low-risk way to explore business topics: For individuals interested in business but unsure if it’s the right educational and career path, enrolling in a few free online business courses may be helpful. Learning more about business topics and completing coursework will help students determine if they have the interest and aptitudes to support more in-depth study and employment in the business world.
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Flexibility and convenience: In general, free online business courses are offered asynchronously, so students can access lessons and complete assignments at the times that are most convenient for them. This flexibility can make it easier for individuals to participate in courses. Because there are no tuition fees, if life intervenes and students cannot complete their course, there’s no financial loss.
Cons
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Doesn’t lead to a recognized degree: A free online business course will not open as many doors to job opportunities and higher earning potential as a business degree. Although eligibility criteria for employment vary by role and company, most entry-level jobs in the business sector require either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Higher-level positions, including those in management, often require a master’s degree. When deciding between a free online business course and a complete business degree, students should consider their long-term career goals to help them choose the best option.
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Limited access to faculty and course materials: The resources for free online courses typically are less robust than those for paid courses. Instructors typically pre-record lectures and have limited or no interaction with students, which can impact learning, especially if students have questions or are struggling with the material. Students also may be prevented from saving or accessing lessons and learning materials for future reference after the course ends unless they pay.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best free online Business degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 9 Free Online Business Degree Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Intelligent Score: 99.74In-state: $53,450
Out-of-state: $53,450
In-state: $53,450
Out-of-state: $53,450
SAT: 1510-1580
ACT: 34-36
Free
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
Non-Credit Course
Harvard University
Intelligent Score: 96.1In-state: $49,653
Out-of-state: $49,653
In-state: $49,448
Out-of-state: $49,448
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
Free
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
Non-Credit Course
Yale University
Intelligent Score: 95.95In-state: $57,700
Out-of-state: $57,700
In-state: $44,500
Out-of-state: $44,500
SAT: 1460-1580
ACT: 33-35
Course is free with option to buy $49 completion certificate
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
Non-Credit Course
Princeton University
Intelligent Score: 95.9In-state: $48,502
Out-of-state: $48,502
In-state: $53,890
Out-of-state: $53,890
SAT: 1450-1570
ACT: 32-35
Can enroll for free
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Non-Credit Course
Dartmouth College
Intelligent Score: 95.33In-state: $57,796
Out-of-state: $57,796
In-state: $57,796
Out-of-state: $57,796
SAT: 1440-1560
ACT: 32-35
Open and free for all
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
Non-Credit Course
Stanford University
Intelligent Score: 93.85In-state: $55,473
Out-of-state: $55,473
In-state: $54,315
Out-of-state: $54,315
SAT: 1420-1570
ACT: 31-35
Free
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
Non-Credit Course
University of Michigan
Intelligent Score: 93.31In-state: $16,520
Out-of-state: $53,669
In-state: $24,344
Out-of-state: $24,344
SAT: 1340-1520
ACT: 31-34
Free, optional upgrade available
Online
Higher Learning Commission
Non-Credit Course
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
Intelligent Score: 92.89In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
Free
Online
Higher Learning Commission
Non-Credit Course
New York University
Intelligent Score: 90.59In-state: $52,204
Out-of-state: $52,204
In-state: $34,704
Out-of-state: $34,704
SAT: 1370-1540
ACT: 31-34
Free
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Non-Credit Course
What Can I Do With an Online Business Degree?
Business is an incredibly versatile area of study that can lead to various career paths. While free online business courses may not prepare students for all available opportunities in business and related sectors, they can be a good starting point for individuals interested in this field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be approximately 911,400 new job openings annually in the business and finance sector through 2032. Employment in these areas is expected to grow at a faster-than-average pace during this time. The median annual wage for someone with a business or finance occupation is $79,050. By comparison, the median yearly salary for all occupations is $48,060.
In-demand business skills
Marketing
Marketing encompasses a variety of skills, including storytelling, branding, psychology, and data analysis. Many free online courses are available to help students understand the science and strategy of marketing and learn how those skills can be applied in various contexts.
- Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers — Plan, design, implement, and evaluate online advertising campaigns on social media, email, and websites.
- Median annual salary: $127,830
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 34,000 per year
- Minimum required education level: Bachelor’s degree
Project management
Across industries, individuals who can lead teams and successfully shepherd projects from start to finish are in high demand. Online courses can be ideal for developing these skills and familiarizing themselves with popular project management software and tools like Agile and Basecamp.
- Project management specialist — Coordinate all aspects of a project, including budget, schedule, supervision of the project team, and serving as point of contact for the client.
- Median annual salary: $98,580
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 68,100 new jobs
- Minimum required education level: Bachelor’s degree
Communication
Regardless of the industry you want to work in, communication skills are guaranteed to be essential. Successful job candidates and employees can communicate verbally and in writing to audiences large and small. Enrolling in online business writing, public speaking, and conflict management courses can help you develop in-demand communication skills.
- Public relations specialist — Create and maintain a positive public image for the individuals, groups, or organizations they represent, including writing media releases and developing social media programs to shape public perception and raise awareness of the client’s work.
- Median annual salary: $66,750
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 25,800 per year
- Minimum required education level: Bachelor’s degree
Web design and development
The ability to create and maintain captivating, user-friendly websites is a valuable skill that can lead to many opportunities. Students interested in learning more about web design and development can seek online courses focusing on programming languages, U/X design, and different software platforms.
- Digital designers — Develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. They are responsible for the look and functionality of the website or interface.
- Median annual salary: $98,540
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 16%
- New jobs projected: 19,000 per year
- Minimum required education level: Bachelor’s degree
Management and leadership
All industries need strong leaders and managers to inspire their teams and create healthy, productive work environments. Individuals often need to combine experience with education to ascend to management positions, but a free online course can help students develop their leadership skills, including decision-making, strategic thinking, and communication.
- Top executives — Plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals and directs the work activities of companies and organizations.
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- Median annual salary: $103,840
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 311,600 per year
- Minimum required education level: Master’s degree
Free Online Business Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn a business degree online for free?
In general, to earn a recognized business degree or certificate from a legitimate, accredited post-secondary school, students must enroll in a tuition-charged program. Students interested in attending a degree-granting program without needing student loans or paying out-of-pocket should seek out programs that offer full scholarships or apply for external grants and scholarships to cover costs.
Students who encounter programs advertising free online degree programs should investigate the school and program carefully to confirm its legitimacy. Online college scams are common and can negatively impact students’ educational and professional experiences.
How long does completing a free online business course or program take?
The length of an online business course or program varies widely based on curriculum. Individual courses may be delivered as lectures that last a few hours, while programs encompassing multiple courses may take several months to complete.
Students can learn more about course duration on the website for the free online business course they’re considering or by contacting the school’s admissions department.
Is a free online business course worth it?
Enrolling in a free online business course has several benefits. For students curious about business, a free course can be a low-pressure way to explore their area of interest and determine whether they want to invest more time and resources into pursuing education in that area. These courses can also help working professionals develop new skills or prepare for different roles within their current industry.
However, students should note that they may have more opportunities if they earn a full degree or certificate in business.
Learn More About Online Business Degree Programs
- Online Certificate in Accounting Programs
- Online Certificate in Human Resources Programs
- Online Graduate Certificate in Finance
- Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Programs
- Online Bachelor’s in Business Management Programs
- Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Programs
- Online MBA Degree Programs (No GMAT Requirements)
- Most Affordable Online Master’s in Accounting Programs
- Top Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Degree Programs