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 You Should Trust
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- Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
- 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
- All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
- Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
- Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded
Our Methodology
We ranked 256 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online business administration bachelor’s degree programs in the U.S. using 17 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.
We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.
We scored schools based on the following metrics.
Student Outcomes:
- Graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Median earnings 10 years after graduation
- Pell Grant recipient graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Retention rate
- Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate
Affordability:
- Average in-state tuition rate and fees
- Median federal student loan debt
- Student loan default rate
- Percentage of students who take out loans
- Student Experience:
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Socioeconomic diversity
- Program’s coursework (excluding student orientations, field experiences and labs) is available 100% online
- Proportion of undergraduate students enrolled in at least some distance learning courses
Credibility:
- Fully accredited
- Nonprofit status
Application Process:
- Acceptance rate
- Uses Common App
We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 88% or higher.
Find our full list of methodologies here.
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