The Best Online Business Degree Programs of 2027
Key Points: Best Online Business Degree Programs
- Auburn University ranks #1 on a 95.4 Program Score, with an 82% graduation rate.
- Only the top 15 programs make this list; every one is ranked on the same federal data, not on reputation.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, University of Alaska Southeast, ranks #11.
- Scores weigh graduation rate most, then selectivity, cost and graduate earnings, from IPEDS, College Scorecard and BLS data. No school pays for a place (methodology).
- Online options analyzed
- 52
- In-state tuition range
- $7,250-$42,730
- Average graduation rate
- 61%
- Median salary (BLS)
- $105,770
The best online business degree programs deliver the same accredited credential as their on-campus counterparts without asking students to move for it. This ranking pulls every confirmed online option from the 168 business administration degrees we analyzed nationwide, 52 of them (about 31% of the field), and scores each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes.
In-state tuition among the ranked online programs runs from $7,250 to $50,084 a year, and the top program, Auburn University, posts a 95.4 Program Score on an 82% graduation rate. National median pay in the field is $105,770 per BLS, the same benchmark whether a graduate earned the degree online or on campus.
Below, the full ranked table, then what actually matters when you compare online business administration degrees: accreditation, how "online" is defined, and where the cost really lands.
The Top Online Business Degree Programs at a Glance
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
How the Online Business Degree Programs Are Scored
We analyzed 168 accredited business administration degrees reported to IPEDS, then ranked the 15 best online options by Program Score. No school pays for inclusion.
Every program earns a Program Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.
The 15 Best Online Business Degree Programs, Ranked for 2027
The 15 best online business degree programs, ranked by Program Score.
Auburn University
Auburn, AL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 82%
- Admit rate
- 46%
- In-state
- $11,016
- Out-of-state
- $33,048
Auburn University's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration lets students tailor elective courses across accounting, analytics, marketing, finance and management, with an online degree completer option.
- 82% graduation rate
- Program Score 95.4
- $11,016 in-state tuition
- Online degree completer option
Auburn University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a business administration major through the Harbert College of Business. Coursework spans accounting, business analytics, marketing, finance and management, and students can focus or specialize their major electives around personal career goals. The page describes the major as flexible enough for graduate study preparation, added marketability or a specific interest. Students who still need to finish a business degree can apply to the online BSBA degree completer program, which the college says carries the same quality and support as the on-campus experience. Student organizations, including honor societies, associations and clubs, round out the experience.
The program's Program Score is 95.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. Auburn graduates 82% of its students and admits 46% of applicants, so entry is selective. In-state tuition is $11,016 a year against $33,048 for out-of-state students. The major fits students who want a broad business foundation and the freedom to shape electives rather than commit to a single functional area on day one, and it suits those finishing a degree online as well as traditional campus students.
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $7,896
- Out-of-state
- $7,896
Charter Oak State College pairs a fully online business administration degree with Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt certifications at one flat tuition rate.
- Program Score 88.6
- 67% graduation rate
- $7,896 flat tuition, in-state and out-of-state
- 100% online, Six Sigma belts
Charter Oak State College offers a BS in Business Administration that is delivered with 100% online coursework, part time or full time. Students choose among three concentrations: entrepreneurship, general business or project management. The core includes financial and managerial accounting, business law, international business, financial management, marketing and organizational behavior, and the program ends with a business administration capstone. Major courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. The school says students can earn Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt certifications, and it describes an on-ramp to CAPM, PMP and Scrum Master credentials. Credit for industry credentials is available, and a fast-track option lets qualified students earn graduate credit at the bachelor's rate toward an M.S. in organizational leadership or health data analytics.
The Program Score is 88.6 out of 100, which is the basis of this ranking. Charter Oak is open admission, and federal data shows a 67% graduation rate. Tuition is a flat $7,896 for in-state and out-of-state students, so residency does not change the price. The program fits working adults, transfer students and community college graduates who need a self-paced online route to a bachelor's degree with certifications built in.
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 100%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $10,542
- Out-of-state
- $10,542
Walden University's online BS in Business Administration lets students stack up to three concentrations using existing electives, with no added credits.
- 100% graduation rate
- Program Score 86.6
- $10,542 tuition, in state or out
- Up to three concentrations
Walden University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration fully online. The school reports ACBSP accreditation for its business and management programs. The standard path is 181 quarter credits, and Walden says students can finish in as few as 48 months, with up to 75% of required credits eligible for transfer. Students can pursue up to three concentrations, including accounting, entrepreneurship, project management, and marketing, by using existing elective courses without extra credits. Featured courses include operations management, human resource management, microeconomics, health informatics, and financial accounting. Walden also offers Tempo Learning, a self-paced option, and an Accelerate into Master's track that lets undergraduates take up to 25 master's-level credit hours.
Walden reports a 100% graduation rate and is open admission, so there is no admit-rate screen. Tuition is $10,542 whether a student lives in state or out of state, since the program is online. The program earns a Program Score of 86.6 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits working adults and transfer students who want a flexible, self-paced bachelor's, plus anyone planning to continue into a master's degree and wanting to bank graduate credits early.
Amridge University
Montgomery, AL · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 100%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $9,480
- Out-of-state
- $9,480
Amridge University's online BS in Business Administration requires 128 semester hours, including 60 in program-specific courses.
- 100% graduation rate
- Program Score 86.3
- $9,480 tuition, in-state and out-of-state
- Online, 128 semester hours
Amridge University is an online, non-profit, Christian institution accredited by SACSCOC, and the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration sits in its College of Business and Leadership. The degree focuses on business operations, with an integrated general education and business core plus concentration courses in economics, accounting, management, organizational communications and marketing. The listed General Business concentration is 32 hours that include Accounting Principles I and II, e-Commerce, Management, Marketing, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Human Resources Management. The degree totals 128 semester hours: 40 general education, 60 program-specific and 28 elective, and at least 40 must be taken at Amridge. Students finish with either a directed field experience internship or an organizational communication course, plus an e-Portfolio. The school frames graduates as prepared for entry-level roles in business operations, purchasing, finance and marketing.
Amridge is an open admission school, and the federal data show a 100% graduation rate. Tuition is $9,480 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program holds a Program Score of 86.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. Distance learning is the format, so the degree fits working adults who need flexibility. It also suits those who want a general business foundation in a faith-based setting, including students aiming at roles in church or non-profit organizations, which the page names.
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $27,631
- Out-of-state
- $27,631
Colorado Christian University's business degree offers ten emphases and a dual-degree option that applies coursework toward its MBA.
- 64% graduation rate
- Program Score 86
- $27,631 tuition
- Ten emphases plus MBA dual degree
Colorado Christian University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management as a major or a dual degree. Students choose an emphasis from accounting, business analytics, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management, marketing, pre-law, and small business ownership. The school says the emphasis credits can count toward a second School of Business and Leadership major. The dual degree option lets students complete some coursework toward CCU's Master of Business Administration while earning the bachelor's. Classes include business law, foundations of management and leadership, principles of marketing, and business data analytics. The school describes a practitioner-professor model and teaches business from a Christian worldview.
CCU graduates 64% of its students and is open admission. Tuition is $27,631 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 86 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want faith integrated into their business coursework, those who may add a second major through shared emphasis credits, and anyone planning to continue to an MBA at the same school and shorten that path through the dual degree.
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 72%
- Admit rate
- 76%
- In-state
- $30,374
- Out-of-state
- $30,374
John Brown University's online BBA in Management has no minimum credit-hour requirement to enroll and offers a 4+1 route to a master's degree.
- Program Score 82.3
- 72% graduation rate
- $30,374 tuition for all students
- 100% online with a 4+1 master's route
John Brown University (JBU) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management that is delivered 100% online. The program teaches how organizations operate and introduces functional areas such as marketing, strategy and finance, with a focus on leading creatively and with a global mindset. Business is taught from a Christian perspective. The page says students do not need a minimum number of prior credit hours to enroll, that the minimum GPA is 2.0 for first-time students, and that no test score is required. An accelerated 4+1 option lets students finish the management degree and a master's degree in five years.
The Program Score of 82.3 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking. Federal data show a 72% graduation rate and a 76% admit rate. Tuition is $30,374 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program fits working adults and distance learners who want a faith-informed management degree on their own schedule, and students who plan to continue to a master's degree. Budget-minded applicants should weigh the private tuition against the flat online structure.
Regis University
Denver, CO · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $23,700
- Out-of-state
- $23,700
Regis University offers a B.S. in Business Administration with a FastForward option to earn a bachelor's and master's together.
- 61% graduation rate
- Program Score 80.5
- $23,700 tuition
- FastForward bachelor's plus master's
Regis University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a general business track or a choice of specializations. The first two years cover foundational courses in accounting, economics, computer applications, statistics, and an introduction to business operations. The final two years bring upper-division work in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and functional management, with sample courses in management essentials, marketing principles, and business finance. The page lists on-campus courses on 16-week semesters. Through the Regis FastForward program, students can earn a bachelor's and a master's degree at a faster pace. Applicants submit an online application, official high school transcripts, and a personal statement, and Regis uses rolling admissions. The university follows a Jesuit Catholic tradition.
Regis graduates 61% of its students and admits 86% of applicants. Tuition is $23,700 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 80.5 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a general business foundation that can lead to management, consulting, or marketing roles, and those who plan to add a master's degree and want to compress the timeline through FastForward.
National University
San Diego, CA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $13,284
- Out-of-state
- $13,284
National University's BBA offers ten concentrations, online and hybrid delivery, and no application essays or exams.
- 43% graduation rate
- Program Score 80.4
- $13,284 in-state and out-of-state tuition
- Ten concentrations, online or hybrid
National University's Bachelor of Business Administration is offered online and hybrid, with year-round enrollment and a $0 application fee, no essays and no exams. The school lists an average completion time of 60 months. Students complete at least 120 semester credit hours, 30 of them in residence at National, 51 at the upper-division level, and a minimum of 47 units of general education. The program uses case studies to teach marketing, statistics, accounting, economics and finance. Students can concentrate in accounting, business analytics, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, human resource management, logistics and supply chain management, marketing, or project management.
The federal graduation rate is 43%, and National University is open admission. In-state and out-of-state tuition are both $13,284. The program holds a Program Score of 80.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The format fits working adults and transfer students who need year-round starts and flexible delivery, and the lower graduation rate is worth weighing for anyone who needs strong support to finish the degree on schedule.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 50%
- Admit rate
- 64%
- In-state
- $35,990
- Out-of-state
- $35,990
Fresno Pacific University's business administration major offers four emphases, including an accounting track that reports 150+ units meeting the California CPA requirement.
- Program Score 80
- 64% admit rate
- $35,990 tuition, in-state and out-of-state
- Four emphases including accounting
Fresno Pacific University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with four emphases: general, accounting, management and marketing. The general emphasis leaves room for a double major or preparation for graduate school. The accounting emphasis includes CPA exam preparation, and the school says most accounting students finish in four years, or two if transferring, with 150+ units that meet the California CPA certificate requirement. Courses stress ethical leadership and social responsibility, and the capstone has students launch their own company. The page also describes internships with Central Valley business partners and projects embedded in the major.
Federal figures put the graduation rate at 50% and the admit rate at 64%, so admission is moderately selective. In-state and out-of-state tuition are the same at $35,990 because this is a private nonprofit school. The program holds a Program Score of 80 out of 100, which sets its ranking. It suits students who want a faith-informed business degree with a clear accounting path to licensure or the flexibility to choose management or marketing instead.
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 68%
- In-state
- $33,780
- Out-of-state
- $33,780
Ouachita Baptist University's BA in Business Administration offers four emphases, entrepreneurship, management, marketing and sport management, within an AACSB-accredited school.
- Program Score 79
- 61% graduation rate
- $33,780 tuition for all students
- Four emphases including sport management
Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration through its Hickingbotham School of Business. Students choose one or more emphases: entrepreneurship (12 hours), management (9 hours), marketing (9 hours) or sport management (12 hours, built with the Department of Kinesiology). Featured courses include business ethics, corporate financial management, global business, management information systems and organizational behavior. Entrepreneurship students can test ideas through the OBU Business Plan Competition. The school reports AACSB accreditation and describes itself as one of a handful of undergraduate-only business schools in the world to hold it. Listed career options include small business owner, consultant, market research analyst and sales manager.
The Program Score of 79 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking. Federal data show a 61% graduation rate and a 68% admit rate. Tuition is $33,780 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program fits students who want a choice of focused emphases inside one flexible business major, and who value a business school dedicated to undergraduates. The school also points to internship and job opportunities fostered by personal attention from faculty.
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 28%
- Admit rate
- 63%
- In-state
- $7,250
- Out-of-state
- $23,154
A Bachelor of Business Administration offered 100% online, with emphases in accounting, human resource management and management.
- Program Score 76.6
- $7,250 in-state tuition
- 100% online
- HR, accounting and management emphases
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration that the department says is available 100% online, with in-person options in Juneau for students who want them. Emphases are available in Accounting, Human Resource Management and Management. The department also lists an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, a minor, an occupational endorsement in Accountant, and certificates in Accounting Technician and Small Business Management, which gives students stackable steps toward the bachelor's. The school reports that its courses are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and that the Society for Human Resource Management recognizes the program for students seeking careers in human resources. UAS says online students receive individual attention from professors, and some programs use a cohort model.
Federal data show a 28% graduation rate and a 63% admit rate. Tuition is $7,250 in-state and $23,154 out-of-state. The Program Score is 76.6, the basis of its ranking. The online format fits working adults, parents and students in Southeast Alaska communities who cannot relocate, and the accounting and HR emphases give a clear direction for career-focused students.
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 52%
- Admit rate
- 73%
- In-state
- $42,730
- Out-of-state
- $42,730
Lynn University's B.S. in Business Administration is 100% online with three start dates a year and a reported 16:1 student to faculty ratio.
- 100% online
- Program Score 76.4
- $42,730 tuition
- 3 start dates a year
Lynn University delivers its B.S. in Business Administration fully online, with three start dates a year and a four year program length. Core courses cover accounting, finance, management, marketing and strategy, and students also study economics, innovation, portfolio management and leadership. Topics include e-commerce fundamentals, project management and decision making. The school reports IACBE accreditation for the business program and SACSCOC accreditation for the university, and says students may work on projects with regional and national companies. Lynn reports a 16:1 student to faculty ratio and assigns each online student a success manager for support.
The program's Program Score is 76.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. Federal data shows a 52% graduation rate and a 73% admit rate. Tuition is $42,730 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The university enrolls 3,514 students. The online format fits working adults and students outside South Florida who need to study on their own schedule. Because the price is that of a private university, compare the cost with public online options before applying.
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $10,440
- Out-of-state
- $20,880
A Bachelor of Science in Management with Human Resource Management and Management Information Systems concentrations, available online.
- Program Score 75.3
- 55% graduation rate
- $10,440 in-state tuition
- HR and MIS concentrations
Jacksonville State University lists a Bachelor of Science in Management in its Management and Marketing department. The page says graduates learn what it takes to be an effective manager, covering clear communication, problem solving, motivation, delegating authority, conflict resolution and team building. Two concentrations are available, Human Resource Management and Management Information Systems. An online degree option and a minor are both offered, and a plan of study is published. Potential careers named include purchasing manager, medical and health services manager, human resources manager and financial manager.
Jacksonville State reports a 55% graduation rate and a 78% admission rate. In-state tuition is $10,440 and out-of-state tuition is $20,880. The program has a Program Score of 75.3 out of 100, the basis for this ranking. The page cites Bureau of Labor Statistics median annual salaries of $69,900 for purchasing managers and $116,720 for human resources managers. The degree fits students who want a general management foundation with the option to lean toward people management or information systems, and those who need the online format.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 38%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $8,072
- Out-of-state
- $23,881
A 120-credit B.B.A. with six concentrations, including Sport Management and Finance & Economics, and a corporate strategy capstone.
- 38% graduation rate
- Program Score 75
- $8,072 in-state tuition
- Six concentrations
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers a Business Administration B.B.A. that requires 120 credits and a C- or better in each course. Students choose from six concentrations: Finance & Economics, General Business, Human Resources, Leadership, Marketing and Sport Management, and may earn more than one. The core covers business ethics, financial management, operations management, marketing, organizational behavior and the legal environment of business, along with Excel and cybersecurity coursework. Students also take one international course, either International Business or International Finance. BA F462 Corporate Strategy serves as the baccalaureate capstone. The catalog requires that 24 of a student's last 30 credits be earned at UAF, so transfer students should plan around that residency rule.
Federal data show a 38% graduation rate, and UAF is open admission, so there is no selective cutoff to clear. Tuition is $8,072 for in-state students and $23,881 for out-of-state students. The program earns a Program Score of 75, the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a broad business foundation with room to specialize, especially those interested in the sport management and human resources tracks.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- 79%
- In-state
- $16,473
- Out-of-state
- $16,473
Grand Canyon University's 120-credit BS in Business Administration runs on campus in 15-week terms or online in 8-week terms and ends in a capstone project.
- Program Score 73.6
- 43% graduation rate
- $16,473 tuition for all students
- On-campus or online with 8-week online terms
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through its Colangelo College of Business. The degree is 120 credits and is delivered on campus in 15-week terms or online in 8-week terms. Coursework starts with business fundamentals such as accounting, then moves into finance, economics, marketing, management, and the ethical and legal side of business. The page lists business planning and development, production systems, labor markets and socially responsible business practices among the topics. Students complete a capstone project, and the school says up to 90 transfer credits are accepted, with no more than 84 at the lower division.
The Program Score of 73.6 out of 100 is the basis of this ranking. Federal data show a 43% graduation rate and a 79% admit rate. Tuition is $16,473 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, and the program is available online. It suits working adults and transfer students who want a general business degree they can finish on a flexible schedule. Applicants who need a very high completion rate should weigh the 43% figure against that flexibility. GCU is a private for-profit university with a very large enrollment.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Online Business Degree Programs
The median school on this list graduates 61% of its students. The highest rates belong to Walden University (100%) and Amridge University (100%). The top graduation rate is not at the #1 school, because the score also weighs selectivity, cost, and earnings.
- #3 Walden University100% graduation rate
- #4 Amridge University100% graduation rate
- #1 Auburn University82% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Online Business Degree Programs?
On this list, 6 of 15 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 1 school admits fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Auburn University at 46%.
- #1 Auburn University46% admitted
- #11 University of Alaska Southeast63% admitted
- #9 Fresno Pacific University64% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Online Business Degree Programs
This list holds 5 public, 8 private nonprofit, and 2 for-profit schools. Their median Program Scores: 76.6 public, 80.5 private nonprofit, and 80.1 for-profit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Where the Online Business Degree Programs Are
The 15 ranked schools are spread across 9 states. Alabama (3), Alaska (2), and Arkansas (2) have the most.
Main campus state as reported to IPEDS.
Campus Size Across the Online Business Degree Programs
Enrollment on this list runs from 639 at Amridge University to 113,257 at Grand Canyon University. Of the 15, 4 enroll 20,000 students or more and 8 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Online Business Degree Programs Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Auburn UniversityAuburn | $80,323 | $25,424 |
| #2 | Charter Oak State CollegeCharter Oak State College | $82,069 | $14,594 |
| #3 | Walden UniversityWalden | $66,978 | $29,899 |
| #5 | Colorado Christian UniversityColorado Christian | $72,519 | $28,605 |
| #6 | John Brown UniversityJohn Brown | $70,720 | $22,476 |
| #7 | Regis UniversityRegis | $81,628 | $18,133 |
| #8 | National UniversityNational | $78,266 | $24,008 |
| #9 | Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno Pacific | $70,983 | $17,491 |
| #10 | Ouachita Baptist UniversityOuachita Baptist | $66,175 | $25,343 |
| #11 | University of Alaska SoutheastAlaska Southeast | $74,392 | $13,407 |
| #12 | Lynn UniversityLynn | $72,802 | $43,806 |
| #13 | Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville State | $56,874 | $17,111 |
| #14 | University of Alaska FairbanksAlaska Fairbanks | $70,539 | $7,570 |
| #15 | Grand Canyon UniversityGrand Canyon | $65,828 | $21,509 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $56,874 at Jacksonville State to $82,069 at Charter Oak State College.
The highest-ranked school in the table, Auburn (#1), reports $80,323, so the highest score and the highest pay are not the same school.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at Alaska Fairbanks, $7,570 a year, and most at Lynn, $43,806.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
What Makes the Best Online Business Degree Programs Worth It
For an online business degree, institutional accreditation is the line between a credential employers and licensing boards recognize and one they don't. Every program ranked here is accredited and reports to IPEDS; the score never rewards an unaccredited school for being cheap or convenient. Programmatic accreditation matters too where the field has it, so look for it before enrolling, not after.
How "Online" Actually Works
"Online" covers a lot of ground: fully asynchronous, live-scheduled, or hybrid with a few required residencies. The federal "distance education" flag we filter on confirms a real online pathway exists, but it does not tell you the format. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section carries the same tuition as the on-campus one, which is sometimes billed as a flat per-credit rate that ignores residency.
What an Online Business Administration Costs
In-state tuition among the ranked online programs runs from $7,250 to $50,084 a year. Online students often pay a single per-credit rate regardless of where they live, which erases the in-state discount that makes a nearby public so cheap, so the lowest sticker price here is not automatically the lowest cost for you. Weigh total credits, fees, and whether your state's public charges online students the resident rate.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Best Bachelor's in Business Administration Programs by State
Prefer a state-by-state view? We rank Business Administration Degrees in 21 states and the District of Columbia, each grounded in that state's real, accredited programs.
Keep Exploring
Online Business Degree Programs: Your Questions, Answered
Is an online business degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. A regionally accredited online business degree lists the same on your diploma and transcript as the on-campus version, and most schools do not note "online" at all. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
How many business administration degrees are offered online?
52 of the 168 accredited business administration degrees we analyzed offer a confirmed online option, roughly 31% of the field.
What is the cheapest online option here?
In-state tuition among the ranked online programs starts at $7,250 a year. See our most affordable business administration degrees ranking for the full low-cost list.
Does online cost less than on campus?
Not always. Online programs frequently charge a flat per-credit rate, which can beat out-of-state tuition but lose to a local public's in-state rate. Compare the total, including fees, not the headline number.