The career outlook for people with business degrees is generally strong since business knowledge and communication skills are relevant in every industry. There are many famous business schools in the US, but there’s no need to break the bank or travel to get an education since the cheapest online business degree leads to job prospects and career growth.
This guide covers the cheapest online schools for business, including schools that offer associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. It also includes information on financing your studies, the major courses you’ll encounter as a business major, and the jobs you can qualify for with the most affordable online business degree.
Can I Get a Business Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a business degree online. Online learning is possible because many schools offer flexible class options. Working students can complete their degrees without having to take time off work or commute. There are online undergraduate programs and graduate programs, including undergraduate and graduate business administration programs.
Why Should I Get a Business Degree Online?
You should get a business degree online because online classes offer you flexible options to complete your education. Many online programs offer affordable tuition and different types of instruction to work with busy students’ schedules. There are online options for students at every level, from total beginners to those looking to advance in their business careers.
You should study business if you’re interested in gaining a good understanding of economic principles and want a job evaluating the financial health of a company. You can learn everything you would in on-campus classes in an online program, and most diplomas don’t distinguish whether you studied in person or not. An online business degree can help students launch career paths in accounting, finance, human resources, or marketing.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Business Degree Programs in the US?
The most affordable online business degree programs in the US are offered by schools all over the country, including Northeast Community College, Georgia Southwestern State University, Tarleton State University, CUNY School of Professional Studies, and Indiana Wesleyan University.
Cheapest Business Degree Programs Online That Will Help You Stand Out
- AAS in Business at Northeast Community College
- BBA in Management at Georgia Southwestern State University
- BBA in Human Resources Management at Tarleton State University
- BS in Business at CUNY School of Professional Studies
- AS in Business at Indiana Wesleyan University
How Much Does an Online Business Degree Cost?
Online business degrees cost anywhere from $108 to $739 per credit. The cost per credit varies between individual programs and schools, and some degrees require more credits than others to complete. The total cost also depends on additional fees and the cost of books and supplies.
Will Getting a Business Degree Online Save Me Money?
Yes, getting a business degree online will save you money because you don’t have to pay for transportation or housing. Online tuition rates are often more affordable than tuition rates for on-campus students. You might also be able to save money by finding digital versions of textbooks.
Online Business Programs vs In-Person Business Programs
While both online and on-campus programs offer a well-rounded education, online business programs are different from in-person business programs in some ways. We’ve outlined the different benefits each option offers, so you can weigh these factors against your personal preferences, learning style, and career goals.
Benefits of an Online Business Degree
- Time-management skills. An online business degree challenges you to be more independent with your time since you’ll be working and studying alone. You will learn how to be more organized and intentional with how you’ll spend your time, which are skills that will be valuable in the workplace.
- Fewer expenses. Many universities offer lower online tuition rates, so you might spend less on tuition depending on the program you choose. In any case, you will save money because you won’t have to pay for transportation or housing near your campus.
- More flexibility. Most online programs offer options for flexible study, whether that means live classes taught in the evenings or recorded classes that you can take whenever you have time in your schedule. In both cases, you can attend your classes from anywhere in the world so long as you have an internet connection.
- Saves time. Enrolling in an online business school will save you time because you won’t have to commute back and forth to campus. You can use that extra time to take care of other things, such as work or family obligations.
- More free time. Since you will save time commuting and can adapt your class schedule to your personal needs, you will have more time and energy for other activities. That could include supplemental classes from different institutions like bootcamps or your own personal hobbies.
Benefits of In-Person Business Degree Programs
- Fewer distractions. In a classroom setting, there are rules that you have to follow that encourage students to pay more attention during lectures and lessons. When you’re in a classroom with a teacher and your peers, it’s easier to stay on task and not distract yourself.
- Campus facilities. There are lots of resources that are easier to access on campus, like academic advising, counseling, clubs, and fitness facilities. Studying on campus also gives you access to state-of-the-art facilities, robust libraries, and different areas for socializing, relaxing, and studying.
- Social life. Attending in-person classes gives you a lot of opportunities to connect with your peers. With that, you’ll be able to have stronger connections with them and form friendships that could help you with your emotional needs during college.
- Holistic experience. Interacting with your instructors face-to-face can feel very different than watching online lectures. You can ask questions and have them answered immediately and build rapport with your professors. You can also benefit from group projects with your classmates.
- Collaboration and competition. If you study on campus, you’ll be able to work and study with students who are also intelligent and competitive. This could inspire you to do better and study harder, setting you up for success after graduation.
Online Business Degree Career Options
There are many different career paths available to graduates with business degrees. Some of these job titles include financial analyst, accounting assistant, and loan officer. We’ve included some more information about the career outlook and annual salary you might expect with a business degree.
Business Job Outlook
In general, the career outlook for business professions is strong. After successfully completing an online business degree, you can get a job as a marketing specialist. Some business professions experience relatively average job growth. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects six percent job growth for financial analysts through 2030.
Some business professions are also growing more rapidly than average. If you want to choose a field that’s growing quickly, marketing is a strong choice. BLS expects job opportunities for marketing analysts to grow 22 percent through 2030, which is much faster than average.
Business Salary
The average salary for a business graduate is $74,000 a year. Salaries can change based on where you’re working, what company you’re working for, and whether you’re working entry-level jobs or more senior positions. You’ll probably cover some negotiation tactics during your business education, which will help you get higher salaries after graduation.
Can I Enroll in an Online Business Program for Free?
Yes, you can enroll in an online business program for free if you qualify for financial aid. There are many federal and state grants available to students who can demonstrate financial need. Scholarships are also available for other reasons, such as academic performance, sports, or ethnicity. Be sure to thoroughly research all of your financial aid opportunities.
Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs
| School | Online Degree | Degree Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Business | $108/credit (in state); $151/credit (out of state) |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Management | $199/credit |
| Tarleton State University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management | $267.37/credit |
| CUNY School of Professional Studies | Bachelor of Science in Business | $305/credit |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Associate of Science in Business | $305/credit |
| New Mexico State University | Master of Business Administration | $444.40/credit |
| Columbus State University | Master of Business Administration | $739/credit |
| California State University-Bakersfield | Master of Business Administration | $3,002+$270/credit (0-6 credits); $4,508+$270/credit (6+ credits) |
| Southern Utah University | Master of Business Administration – General Emphasis | $16,005 total |
| Aspen University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | $21,600 total |
Business Degrees Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Online Business Programs
We chose the most affordable business degree programs based on tuition and general cost information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
The Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs: A Deep Dive
Common Online Business Degree Courses
Whether you’re studying in an associate or bachelor’s program, most online business degrees have a business core that covers the fundamental topics. You can tailor your degree through electives, but you should expect to take classes in business fundamentals, accounting, research and communications, ethics, and strategic management.
Business Fundamentals
This program is designed to help students get an overview of the external and internal influences on a business’s practices. The concepts that are discussed include organizational structures and forms, human resource development, finance, and marketing. These concepts are illustrated through real-life examples.
Principles of Accounting
In this course, students learn how to record, summarize, report, and interpret economic data. They’ll also learn how to design an accounting system. This is important for a business degree because accounting is concerned with the interpretation and preparation of financial reports, which are essential in any business or organization.
Business Research and Communications
Students in this course learn about real-world business communication issues like ethics, technology, cultural diversity, teamwork, and technology. The course covers communication strategies and techniques and forms of writing that are used in the professional world. Students will be prepared to communicate in the workplace and perform research, interpret data, do case analysis, and write reports.
Ethical Decision Making for Business
In this course, students discover how to resolve ethical dilemmas and make ethical decisions in a complex business organization. They’ll learn how to apply stakeholder perspectives and value-based management approaches to situations that involve individuals and groups with competing demands and interpretations of problems, crises, or opportunities.
Strategic Management
Students learn how to effectively guide an organization towards a profitable and dynamic future in this class. They learn how to define the organization’s purpose and align the business practices and values to achieve revenue goals. They also examine developing technologies in the information sector that are vital for strategic planning.
Can I Apply for Federal Aid to Finance My Online Business Degree?
Yes, you can apply for federal aid to finance your online business degree. The government is very supportive in helping students who can demonstrate financial need, so the first step towards getting financial aid should be completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Make sure that you submit all necessary documents and meet the deadline.
Options to Help Pay for an Online Business Degree
There are different options to help pay for an online business degree, especially for students who can demonstrate financial need. Financing options include federal and state grants, federal and private loans, and work-study programs. More information about these different financing options is included below.
Federal and State Grants
The significant difference between grants and loans is that grants don’t have to be repaid. Grants are given to students who can prove financial need and can be given by the federal government or state governments. Some federal grants include the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).
To start your application for these grants, you have to fill out the FAFSA form. Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll hear from the financial aid departments at the schools you’ve applied to about how much grant money you qualify for.
Federal and Private Loans
Getting a federal or private student loan can be another funding option. There are significant differences between these two types of loans. The main difference is that federal loan terms and conditions are set by the federal government, whereas the conditions of private loans are determined by the lender, typically a bank or credit union.
Another major difference is the interest rates. A federal loan has a fixed interest rate and the payments are usually due when you leave school and start working. A private loan, on the other hand, might not have fixed interest rates and might require payments while you’re still in school.
Work-Study
Another option is getting to a work-study program. These programs encourage civic education and work that’s related to your course of study. There’s the possibility of working on campus or working in private, non-profit organizations. Work-study programs are available for both graduate and undergraduate students but might be easier to access on campus.
Cheapest Business Degree Programs Online
The cheapest business degree programs online are available wherever you are. You just have to find the school that offers the right degree or specific business concentration that you want. To help you with your school search, this list categorizes programs by degree type.
Most Affordable Online Business Associate Degrees
- Northeast Community College | AAS in Business. The recommended core courses in this program include Investing in Strengths, Business Math, and Business Communications. Students have the option to complete an internship.
- Indiana Wesleyan University | AS Business. In this program, students develop essential business analysis skills and global perspectives on business decision-making.
- Atlanta Technical College | AAS in Business Management. Online students learn about different skills and attitudes needed in hiring, promoting employees to management, and employee retention. Some of the coursework includes Leadership and Business Ethics.
- University of Maryland Global Campus | AA in Business Management. This online degree prepares students for business careers by teaching the basics, like accounting principles, economics, and information systems.
- University of Arkansas Grantham | AA in Business Administration. This is a good program for those who are starting their careers in business since it covers different principles, theories, and practices that are essential in the business field.
Most Affordable Online Business Bachelor’s Degrees
- Aspen University | BS in Business Administration. In this program, students will learn about the continuous stream of innovations in information technology that transform the business world. Students also learn about how a business operates on a global scale.
- CUNY School of Professional Studies | BS in Business. Students who are looking for a more traditional structure to their online degree will enjoy this program, which includes the option to complete a thesis project. CUNY faculty are based in New York City and are immersed in the New York business world.
- Georgia Southwestern State University | BBA in Management. This degree helps students gain a broader understanding of different aspects of business operations. They’re able to explore different methods to move the organization towards its specific goals.
- Tarleton State University | BBA in Human Resources Management. Students in this program will learn to create business concepts and strategies. They will be prepared to meet the demands of modern, fast-paced, competitive, and challenging work environments.
- Western Governors University | BS in Business Administration–Management. This degree in business management teaches students values-based leadership. Students gain business communication skills, learning how to write reports and deliver oral presentations.
Most Affordable Online Business Master’s Degrees
- Southern Utah University | Master of Business Administration–General Emphasis. Graduates of this program are expected to understand the ethical, global, and sociopolitical contexts of business. They’ll be able to integrate and use knowledge from core business fields, including marketing, finance, and accounting.
- New Mexico State University | Master of Business Administration. This master’s program is taught by experts in the field who can help students achieve their professional goals. It prepares online students for managerial and administrative positions in different organizations, including government and private institutions.
- Columbus State University | Master of Business Administration. Through this program, online learners learn to assess and analyze alternative courses of action using quantitative and qualitative tools.
- California State University–Bakersfield | Master of Business Administration. The core courses included in this MBA program are managerial skills, financial management and policies, and human resource management.
- Fort Hays State University | MBA–Human Resource Management. The students in this program learn about various management theories and practices used in recruitment and people management. They can choose from electives like Recruitment Selection and Retention, Total Compensation, and Training and Development.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Most In-Demand Business Jobs With an Online Business Degree
| Business Job | Required Education | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Assistant | Bachelor’s degree | -3% |
| Marketing Specialist | Bachelor’s degree | 22% |
| Financial Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | 6% |
| Loan Officers | Bachelor’s degree | 1% |
| Human Resources Assistant | Bachelor’s degree | 10% |
Best Jobs With an Online Business Degree Explained
There are a lot of opportunities available for graduates with online business degrees, since skills like business management, financial accounting, and marketing are useful in almost every field. Going through a business education program can help you acquire the skills needed to get the jobs listed below.
Is an Online Business Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online business degree is worth it. Professionals who have online business associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees are in high demand. A business degree is a great option if you’re not sure what field you’d like to work in since business professionals are not only needed in financial organizations but in startups, non-profits, and cultural institutions, as well.
An online business degree is a great way to ensure you’ll have in-demand skills and job security for your whole career. By studying online, you can save money while getting a great education, setting yourself up for a future with good job prospects and less student debt.
Additional Reading About Business
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Cheapest Online Business Degrees FAQ
Yes, taking a cheap online business degree is easy. Aside from the flexibility that online programs offer, basic economic principles, budgeting, accounting, and marketing are subjects that anyone can learn. The usual coursework in these degrees includes financial accounting, college algebra, microeconomics, and macroeconomics.
The cheapest way to get a business degree online is to complete an online associate degree first. An associate degree can be completed within two years, unlike a bachelor’s degree which usually takes four years. An associate degree usually consists of 60 credits, and many of those credits can be transferred towards a bachelor’s program if you choose to continue your studies.
The business degree that pays the most is a master’s or doctorate because students tackle advanced business topics like Strategic Marketing, Business Strategy, and Managerial Finance. According to PayScale, MBAs earn $92,000 per year on average, a number that can increase depending on your experience, the organization, and job responsibilities.
Yes, a business degree requires math. Math skills are necessary for analyzing data and assessing figures and facts. If you’re a business major and you want to focus on finance, you’ll have to apply algebra and statistics skills. You’ll also need math to do financial analysis, inventory management, and accounting.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
