The inherent versatility of online bachelor’s in business degrees prepares graduates for careers in high-demand fields with lucrative salaries and significant potential for upward momentum. These degrees provide numerous career opportunities, such as HR specialists, who earn a median salary of $67,650; market research analysts, who earn a median salary of $74,680; and financial analysts, who earn a median salary of $99,890.
With an average investment of $14,688 in annual tuition and about four years of full-time study, pursuing an online bachelor’s in business is a practical and rewarding path for aspiring professionals seeking high-earning career prospects and financial stability.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Business Program
Choose your area of study
As business degrees are relatively versatile, choosing an area of study is an excellent way to make you a more competitive hire. Consider asking yourself:
- What are my career goals?
- Which industries interest me?
- What skills do I want to develop?
For example, those seeking managerial roles may thrive in business administration, while creative individuals interested in market research and advertising may enjoy marketing. Additionally, analytical thinkers focused on financial planning and investments may prefer to specialize in finance. Other options include international business, entrepreneurship, and human resources management.
Research schools and programs
Now that you have a specialization in mind, it’s time to begin researching schools and programs. You may come into this process with questions of your own, but here are a few more to help guide your research:
- Is the program accredited?
- How does the curriculum support my intended specialization?
- What is the program’s graduation rate?
- Are there any residency requirements?
- What support is available for online students?
Most of this information is readily available on program websites, but you’ll also benefit from speaking to an admissions counselor or attending a virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
By this point, you’ll likely have a shortlist of schools to which you’d like to apply. Make sure to request certain application materials — like letters of recommendation and transcripts — early to avoid delays and last-minute stress. Set aside ample time to write your personal statement or essay responses, reflecting on your goals and experiences. If your top schools require standardized test scores, consider enrolling in an SAT or ACT prep program to boost your performance.
These steps ensure a smooth application process and improve your chances of acceptance into a preferred program. Proper preparation also illustrates your dedication and readiness for undergraduate-level coursework.
Select your program
Once acceptance letters arrive, revisit your initial criteria and focus on the factors most important to you, such as program quality, specialization options, and support services for online learners. Then, evaluate how each school performs in these areas.
If you haven’t already done so, assess the total cost of attendance and compare financial aid offers to measure the financial feasibility of each program. This approach ensures you choose the program that best aligns with your academic and career goals while remaining within budget.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To pay for your degree, you’ll want to start by submitting the FAFSA, which determines your federal financial aid eligibility — including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Applying for institutional and external scholarships and grants can further reduce costs.
For part-time work, consider work-study programs that offer resume-boosting experience and additional funding. Employed students should ask their employer about tuition reimbursement programs, which cover some education-related expenses, in exchange for agreeing to work for the company after graduation.
Federal loans are often available to bridge any remaining financial gaps. Still, borrowing cautiously is essential, as every dollar taken out on a loan will eventually need to be repaid with interest.
Most Popular 50 Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs
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How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online bachelor’s in business 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 postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online bachelor’s in business programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Business Program?
By pursuing an online bachelor’s in business, you can gain essential management, marketing, finance, and operations skills. Coursework generally includes accounting, business ethics, economics, and strategic management classes, along with elective options to specialize in areas such as international business or entrepreneurship.
Most programs require a capstone course, where you’ll apply your knowledge to real-world business problems. Often, this capstone course involves creating a resume-boosting portfolio to make graduates more competitive in the job market.
Full-time students can finish in about four years, while part-time students, depending on their course load, might take six to eight years.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in business program
- The Legal Environment of Business: In this foundational course, students explore the legal principles that govern business operations, including contracts, employment law, and regulatory compliance. This class helps students understand the legal context in which businesses operate, ensuring they can navigate legal challenges effectively.
- Business Finance: Another core requirement, this course covers the fundamentals of financial management, including financial analysis, capital budgeting, and risk management. Participants learn to make informed financial decisions and understand the impact of monetary strategies on a company’s performance.
- Principles of Management: Students are introduced to management theories and practices, focusing on planning, organizing, leading, and controlling within an organization. The course emphasizes the development of managerial skills and effective leadership techniques.
- Principles of Entrepreneurship: Typically deemed an elective, this course examines the process of starting and managing new ventures, including idea generation, business planning, and securing financing. Students learn to develop entrepreneurial skills and understand the challenges and opportunities of launching a business.
- Marketing Management: In this elective course, learners study the strategies and tools used in marketing products and services, including market research, consumer behavior, and promotional techniques. The course aims to allow students to create and implement effective marketing plans.
Online Bachelor’s in Business Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor's in business degree program?
While many of these programs have a few specific requirements, they also have standard criteria, including:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT scores, if required
To apply, gather these documents and complete the online application form on the institution’s website. During this process, be sure to speak with an admissions counselor to ensure you understand the program’s specific requirements and deadlines.
How much does an online bachelor's in business degree cost?
The average annual tuition for a bachelor’s degree is $14,688. As an online student, you’ll also want to be prepared for additional expenses like technology fees, textbooks, and software.
Unlike in-person students, online learners save on commuting and housing costs but may need to invest in a reliable computer and high-speed internet. Despite these additional expenses, online programs are often more affordable due to their flexibility and the ability to maintain employment while studying.
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor's in business degree?
For full-time students, obtaining an online bachelor’s in business takes about four years. Depending on their course load, part-time students may take six to eight years. Online learning offers flexibility, which can cause variations in completion time; students can often accelerate or decelerate their pace based on personal and professional commitments. Additionally, it’s crucial to double-check the required credits for your specific program, as these can vary and impact the overall duration of your studies.