& Universities
What Are The Best Online Bachelors of Business Administration Degrees?
Earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration prepares you with important skills for a career in management, finance, or marketing. When looking to earn your degree, consider a reputable online program. The following 20 institutions provide a quality education with the convenience of studying from home.
The best online Bachelors of Business Administration ranking was calculated based on affordability, three and six-year graduation rates, student retention and assessment, faculty credentials, and program prestige.
20. Liberty University
The world’s largest Christian university boasts an impressive online business administration program. Integrating faith with learning, Liberty offers concentrations in project management, healthcare management, and economics. Prices are average to high at $360 credit, but with a decent 70% retention, it makes a great selection for distance education.
Students are able to finish in four years, but most graduate in closer to six. Fifty percent of credit hours must be taken with Liberty. They accept transfer credits and offer a seamless transition for their graduate program.
19. American Public University System
APU ranks competitively on the U.S. News list of online bachelor’s programs. The 121-credit business administration sequence covers management, information systems, finance, and law. Special focuses include entrepreneurship, international business, and information technology.
At $250 credit, the for-profit institution has strong ties to the American military for students looking to work in the service or government. Reviews indicate efficient student services and technical support.
18. Southeast Missouri State University
The online bachelor of science program caters to part-time students, offering a flexible curriculum. SMSU guarantees an experience on par with their traditional classroom-led courses, so prices are hefty at $381 per credit. Instructor credentials are favorable, and an online Live Chat feature improves communication.
The business administration track shows a satisfactory retention rate of 72%, and over 30% of students graduate in three years. Foundational coursework covers disciplines including strategy and policy, economics, statistics, and ethics.
17. Drexel University
The LeBow College of Business offers a competitive online bachelor’s program, but with Drexel’s renowned name, it’ll cost you a whopping $502 per credit. Regular on-campus professors run the courses, ensuring a quality education led by the university’s Philadelphia-based professionals.
Despite its price tag, Drexel’s program boasts fair retention, high rates of graduation, and satisfied students. The school shows a favorable peer assessment compared to other online institutions.
Undergraduates may only enroll part-time.
16. Washington State University
WSU’s ranking depends largely on its highly-respected faculty. The global campus stands on its international reputation, and the safe backing of your diploma will cost $569 per credit.
They will transfer completed courses for most core requirements, but to certify as a business major, Washington demands 60 credits and a 2.5-grade point average. Students must choose between two track options. The business school offers specialization in innovation and change, which focuses on entrepreneurship and e-commerce, or in human resource management.
Undergraduates needing extra guidance will benefit from Washington’s assigned academic advisors. The majority of students need six years to graduate, but the school’s flexible scheduling and start dates are convenient.
15. Ball State University
Ball State capitalizes on today’s great business career opportunities by preparing students with a range of marketable skills. The Miller College of Business, available 100% online, is one of only 15% of programs accredited by the AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). The rigorous curriculum is based upon five “assurance of learning goals.”
According to their website, BSU spearheaded distance learning back in the 1980s, broadcasting lessons via satellite and television. Students can rely on their experienced digital team, but they pay a bit more at $499 credit. Unique aspects of the program include courses in professional sales, actuarial science, and risk management.
Ball’s clear vision keeps students focused while they juggle other demands of life. Student retention and graduation rates rank average.
14. Pace University
Pace University’s distance learning program offers custom options. Many undergraduates blend live classroom courses with online ones, but you can also earn your degree remotely. The Lubin School of Business runs courses on a 15-week schedule with specific start and end dates. With rolling admissions, enrollment is flexible.
The school scores overall highest on the list for technology and student services. Staff and students correspond via Blackboard, an online system featuring email, announcements, discussion boards, quizzes, and readings. For extra support throughout the process, administrators assist students new to online learning.
Pace currently ranks 10th on the U.S. News list of best online degree programs, and the New York institution celebrates its prominent faculty. Unfortunately, the price tag for a B.S. in Business Administration fits at $570 credit, the highest among the top 20.
13. Siena Heights University
SHU caters to working adults. The business administration program’s unique 8-week schedule provides an opportune format for busy students. At $455 credit, Siena promises top-notch academic advisement, online database access, and technical support.
In addition to financial aid, the Michigan institution offers minors in health care management, marketing, and information technology management. As an educational perk, students assume the role of CEO in their senior year, gaining real-life experience by presenting in front of a mock panel of professionals.
Siena Heights leads the ranks with an impressive 86% three-year graduation rate. However, new student retention of 37% complicates their standing.
12. University of Illinois – Springfield
The College of Business and Management vets prospective students with a strenuous application process. If you meet their general education requirements, the broad-based curriculum is perfect for students uncertain of their exact career paths.
Undergraduates at the University of Illinois must achieve a minimum C- average in foundational classes including accountancy, statistics, advanced math, and behavioral science. The faculty at UIS is accomplished, and past students claim very high satisfaction with the business program. Courses are challenging, but with responsive coordinators and small class sizes, the payoff is rewarding.
Cost per credit is average at $359.
11. Old Dominion University
ODU Online maintains strong ties with the American military, helping deployed soldiers begin or finish their degrees via distance learning. The Virginia-based school expanded its offerings for all students who wish to study remotely. They can also attend classes in one of fifty satellite campuses across the nation.
The Strome College of Business incorporates real-life learning scenarios via their partnerships with local government, regional industries, and the Department of Defense. For a reasonable $314 credit, the accelerated degree program features 8-week long courses that cover the same amount of information as a traditional semester. Strome does not require any prior business credits upon application.
Add-ons to your major include modeling, stimulation and visualization, maritime, ports and logistics management, and other specialized certificates. For some courses, students log-in at the same time, making for great peer and professor interaction.
ODU’s high retention rate is a plus.
10. Colorado State University
Colorado State University cracks the top ten with its online undergraduate degree in business management. The school designed the program with current professionals in mind, offering specializations they can use to climb the corporate ladder. Endorsements for your resume include healthcare, IT, and criminology.
At CSU, many students are full-time workers completing their degrees to advance in the workplace. They show promising graduation rates.
Colorado residents and non-residents pay the same at $397 per credit. Most attractive of all, CSU guarantees a unique detail unmatched in the industry: locked-in tuition.
9. University of Missouri – St. Louis
UMSL’s program benefits students who’ve completed about half their undergraduate coursework and are looking to finish their degrees. The business school emphasizes connectedness, ensuring quality feedback and interaction with professors and peers. Efficient communication with an “online concierge,” technical support, and program mentors rank UMSL high for student services and technology.
As of Fall 2015, the remote school will offer a business degree in administration. A recently revamped curriculum provides classes in social media, cybersecurity, and business intelligence. Flexible scheduling lets you take a last-minute class on campus if desired.
At $452 a credit, their price is average compared to other programs in the top ten. But unrivaled 82% three-year and 93% six-year graduation rates propel Missouri at St. Louis into a top spot.
8. Utah State University
On the U.S. News list, Utah State University places 13th among online bachelor’s programs. At $290 a credit, USU’s general sequence is an affordable option for savvy business undergrads looking to satisfy common degree requirements. The military-friendly institution shows decent graduate and retention rates.
Top-notch support includes free student success webinars, an Academic Resource Center, eTutoring with live chat, and the guidance of expert professors.
The John M. Huntsman School of Business only offers core classes in online format. Finishing your bachelor’s in business administration will require supplemental classroom-led courses or transfer to another online institution. This caveat makes USU an ideal option for new students hoping to expedite their general education, but not for those with existing credits.
7. Graceland University
From core to major classes, Graceland offers a bachelor’s in business administration completely online. Courses include organizational behavior, finance, marketing, and policy. The CH Sandage School of Business prices credits at $395 and the classes were designed with the adult learner in mind.
What Graceland lacks in notoriety it makes up for in its 78% three-year and 100% six-year graduation rates. GU is the only school in the top 20 to achieve a perfect score in the category. A sizable 95% of new students stay enrolled after the first year.
If you’re a serious student on a focused path toward a degree, this small but selective Christian-based school makes the ideal choice.
6. University of Florida
The Warrington School of Business offers an administration degree with added major in general business. Required courses demand a strong foundation in accounting, economics, business law, and international finance. Special areas include entrepreneurship and real estate.
For $500 a credit plus fees, out-of-state students gain access to some of the most experienced business faculty. Students show 90% retention with average graduation rates.
The AACSB accredited public institution enjoys a stellar reputation and ranks consistently for best value. If you are a Florida resident, University of Florida is the obvious choice at a thrifty $129 a credit.
5. Oregon State University
OSU’s Ecampus deserves 5th on the countdown and ranks the same on the U.S. News list of top online bachelor’s programs. The new business administration track debuts in the fall of 2015. With Oregon State’s renowned faculty and $291 price tag, undergrads earn a highly-respected diploma for a reasonable value.
The Ecampus offers some minors to outfit your bachelor’s degree. Students also receive career planning assistance from OSU’s unique Business Career Center for Success. The free service provides valuable resources for you to gain internships, interviews, and eventual jobs.
Graduation rates are average, but with Oregon State’s favorable peer assessment, business go-getters have a great chance to thrive.
4. California University of Pennsylvania
Students report high engagement in Cal U’s global online program. With virtual open houses, remote orientation, and a dedicated online staff, their experience offers comprehensive help for enrollees. Many international graduates claim through support for students with English as a second language.
At $347 a credit, California University boasts 82% three-year and 89% six-year graduation rates, the highest of the top 5. Students are assigned a “cohort” of 30-40 classmates who are accepted at the same time. This offers an ideal support system for remote learners.
While Cal U’s general business administration degree cannot be completed 100% online, they do offer a full-service B.A. in the specialty of land management.
3. Daytona State College
DSC participates in Florida’s Virtual Campus, an online hub offering convenient one-stop access to registration, transcripts, and state library resources. Once accepted, B.A. candidates receive a quality education from faculty with expertise ranked highest on the list. Their student services also lead the top ten schools.
Enrollment in the competitive business program requires students to have earned an associate’s degree. Luckily, DSC offers a number of online 2-year degrees and certifications that lead to a bachelor’s. Classes in supervision and management emphasize applied skills, preparing students for quick entry into the workplace.
Daytona State ranks #2 on the U.S. News report but loses traction here with its $560 a credit charge. Undergraduate retention is strong at 81%.
2. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus
The entire world recognizes Penn State University as the premier online school for higher education. Topping the U.S. News rankings, PSU has an accomplished faculty leading students in a 100% remote bachelor’s in a business program.
The World Campus lands highest on the list for its peer assessment score, as students enjoy custom degree options, 24/7 live tech support, and a superb sense of engagement. Enrollees share in the great Penn State tradition. Privileges include honor society membership, alumni association networking, and participation in the State College commencement ceremony.
An online PSU education comes with a substantial price tag of $535 a credit, and students tend to take longer to graduate. The Nittany Lion reputation, however, makes your degree well worth it. Studying from home, your diploma will read the same as one earned on campus.
1. Fort Hays State University
With its modest cost of $187 a credit, FHSU’s degree in business administration tops the list. Among national online programs, their tuition is in the lowest 2%. For students with prior credits, the school allows for maximum transfer and gives competitive financial aid awards.
They also cater to all branches of the American military.
The Virtual College’s 124-hour sequence provides the knowledge, leadership, and communication skills necessary for success in the modern business world. FHSU prides itself on all-around outstanding faculty, graduation rates, and student services. An 86% retention score shows great promise for new undergraduates.
Fort Hays State provides a personal, academic advisor, easy-to-use Blackboard application, and other amenities found throughout the top 20 list. With 600 offered courses a semester, the program delivers unmatched convenience and flexibility for busy undergraduates.
FHSU’s Virtual College appears at #16 on the U.S. News list of online bachelor’s, but its quality distance education and unequaled price make it #1 here.
