An associate degree in business administration provides an excellent foundation in principles of management, administration, marketing, business law, organizational behavior, and more. Graduates can apply these skills to careers in a variety of industries or pursue further education at the bachelor’s degree level.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that overall employment in business and finance occupations will grow at a faster-than-average pace throughout 2032, with an average of 911,400 new jobs per year. Individuals with an associate in business administration degree can pursue entry-level positions in areas like human resources, office administration, and project management.
Associate degrees typically require a minimum of 60 credits and can be completed in two years of full-time study. For the 2022-23 academic year, the average cost of tuition and fees was $3,598 at public two-year institutions and $17,408 at private colleges.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best Business Administration 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 13 Accredited Associate in Business Administration 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
Dallas College El Centro
Intelligent Score: 98.62In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $79 - $135
Out-of-State: $200
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Loyola University Chicago
Intelligent Score: 96.36In-state: $67,818
Out-of-state: $67,818
In-state: $97,480
Out-of-state: $97,480
SAT: 1190-1370
ACT: 27-32
$407
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
62
Coastline Community College
Intelligent Score: 95.89In-state: $32,656
Out-of-state: $42,904
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $46
Out-of-State: $427
On-Campus
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
60
Cerritos College
Intelligent Score: 91.83In-state: $24,872
Out-of-state: $33,832
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Resident: $46
Non-Resident: $426
On-Campus
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
60
College of Southern Nevada
Intelligent Score: 91.38In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $189
Out-of-State: $208
On-Campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
60
Trinity Valley Community College
Intelligent Score: 90.55In-state: $19,123
Out-of-state: $20,173
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 560 or higher
ACT: 26 or higher
In-State: $88 - $164
Out-of-State: $199
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University
Intelligent Score: 90.35In-state: $36,456
Out-of-state: $36,456
In-state: $18,228
Out-of-state: $18,228
SAT: 1140-1320
ACT: 23-29
$1,767
On-Campus
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
60
Broward College
Intelligent Score: 89.39In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $82
Out-of-State: $226
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Saint. Leo University
Intelligent Score: 89.2In-state: $23,990
Out-of-state: $23,990
In-state: $14,568
Out-of-state: $14,568
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$360
On-Campus, Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Tulsa Community College
Intelligent Score: 89.02In-state: $21,301
Out-of-state: $26,701
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 990 composite
ACT: 19 composite
In-State: $117
Out-of-State: $342
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Bucks County Community College
Intelligent Score: 87.6In-state: $22,491
Out-of-state: $26,691
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
County Resident: $$165 Out-of-County Resident: $330
Out-of-State: $495
On-Campus
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
61-62
Thomas Edison State University
Intelligent Score: 87.23In-state: $14,742
Out-of-state: $16,926
In-state: $22,623
Out-of-state: $22,623
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $419
Out-of-State: $545
On-Campus
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
60
Pasadena City College
Intelligent Score: 85.32In-state: $24,968
Out-of-state: $33,368
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
In-State: $46
Out-of-State: $378
On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
60
How to Choose an Associate in Business Administration Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Before you begin researching the many options for associate in business administration degree programs, it’s helpful to clarify what your career and educational goals are so you can find a program that aligns with your aspirations.
Most associate in business administration degree programs present a general curriculum that introduces students to foundational business principles and practices in administration, management, accounting, marketing, communication, human resources, and more. If you are interested in specializing in one of these areas, seek out programs that offer a concentration related to your interests.
While many students earn an associate degree so they can enter the workforce faster, going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field can unlock more job opportunities and higher earning potential. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s may want to look for schools that offer a direct entry from their associate degree to their bachelor’s degree program.
This is also the appropriate time to consider how an associate degree program will fit into your life. Do you want to attend school full-time or part-time? Can you attend classes during the day, or do you need a program with evening and weekend classes? If an in-person program doesn’t fit into your schedule, an online program may make getting your associate degree more accessible.
Research schools and programs
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin exploring your options for associate in business administration programs.
The following questions can help guide you in selecting a program that meets your needs and interests:
- What does the program’s curriculum consist of?
- Who are the faculty members, and what are their qualifications?
- Is there an experiential learning component, such as an internship?
- What financial aid resources are available?
- What support services does the school offer to students?
- What networking opportunities do students have?
- What is the school’s accreditation status?
This last question is particularly important, as a school’s accreditation status can affect financial aid eligibility, employment opportunities, and the transferability of credits to other schools. Regional accreditation is the most widely respected form of institutional accreditation for U.S. schools. Most colleges include their accreditation status on their website, but you can also confirm with the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.
To learn more about schools and programs, visit their website or contact program representatives. If you can visit the school for an open house or information session, this is an excellent way to get a sense of whether the school is a good fit.
Prepare for tests and applications
The admissions process will vary for each school you apply to, so for the most accurate information, visit the school’s website or contact an admissions counselor. You should also confirm whether there are hard deadlines for submitting applications or if the school operates on a rolling admissions cycle.
In general, an application for an associate degree in business administration requires:
- Completed application and applicable fees
- Official transcripts showing proof of high school graduation or GED
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
- Resume or CV
- SAT or ACT scores
Before applying, check to see if there are any eligibility requirements, such as a minimum high school GPA.
Select your program
There’s no specific number of schools you should apply to. Some students focus on one school based on proximity or curriculum, while others cast a wider net to increase their chances of admission.
When it comes time to decide which program you’ll attend, return to the priorities you established in step one to find the program that most closely aligns with them. You can also consider factors like cost, financial aid offers, schedule, and school resources to help you determine which program is the best fit.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
As part of your research, you should also collect information about the program’s tuition and fees and what financial aid resources the school offers. You can find this information on the school’s website or by contacting the financial aid office.
If you plan on using federal student aid to help pay for your degree, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form gathers information about you and your family’s finances that schools use to determine your eligibility for need-based aid like federal student loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships. Many schools and external resources also offer merit-based assistance for academic or extracurricular achievement. Students who are planning on working while earning their associate degree should inquire with their employer to see if they’re eligible for tuition assistance benefits. Active duty service members and veterans can ask about GI Bill benefits and military discounts.
What Can You Expect From an Associate in Business Administration Degree Program?
Associate degrees in business administration are designed to give students an introduction to the various aspects of the business field, including administration, management, accounting, marketing, human resources, communication, and more. These programs help students develop skills in leadership, organization, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication.
Associate degrees typically require a minimum of 60 credits, which are divided between core courses, electives, and general education requirements. Some programs may also include an internship, which gives students hands-on experience in a professional business environment.
Some programs only offer classes during daytime hours on weekdays, while others cater to working professionals with evening and weekend classes. Others may operate in a hybrid format, with a mixture of in-person and online classes. When researching programs, be sure to review their class schedules to ensure you can accommodate classes.
Potential courses you’ll take in an associate in business administration degree program
- Introduction to Business: This course introduces students to the business profession and modern business principles and philosophies.
- Business Law: Provides students with an overview of the key areas of business law, including torts, crimes, intellectual property, and contracts.
- Principles of Management: Reviews the role of management in the modern business environment, with a focus on the terminology, theories, and principles that make up the core of business management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
- Business Communication: This course applies the principles of ethical and effective communication to the creation of letters, memos, emails, and written and oral reports for a variety of business situations using word processing software and presentation design programs.
- Financial Accounting: Gives students an understanding of the accounting cycle, generally accepted accounting principles, financial statements, and statement analysis.
Associate in Business Administration Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an associate in business administration degree program?
Visit the school’s website or contact an admissions counselor for specific instructions on how to apply to a particular program, as procedures and requirements may vary.
In general, an application for an associate degree program consists of the school’s application, official transcripts from high school and any previously attended post-secondary institutions, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a resume or CV, and standardized test scores. Students can usually submit their applications and other supporting documents online.
How much does an associate in business administration degree cost?
The cost of an associate degree in business administration will vary based on factors like the school’s status as public or private and whether students attending a public college are considered in-state or out-of-state. Students should also consider what kind of financial support they will receive, such as scholarships, grants, and employer tuition benefits, which can reduce the amount they have to pay out-of-pocket.
During the 2022-23 academic year, the average cost of tuition and fees was $3,598 at public two-year institutions and $17,408 at private two-year colleges. For more specific information, visit the websites or speak to a financial aid counselor at the schools you’re considering.
How long does it take to earn an associate in business administration degree?
Full-time students can typically complete an associate degree in business administration in two years. Associate degrees require a minimum of 60 credits, with full-time students taking a total of 30 credits per year. Students who enroll in programs part-time may take three years or more to complete their associate degree, as they are taking a lighter course load over an extended period of time.