This list ranks the 10 best value online associate’s degree programs in business administration.
- Colorado Technical University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Pennsylvania State University World Campus
- Columbia College
- Liberty University
- Saint Leo University
- Limestone College
- Campbellsville University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Bethel University
Pursuing an associate’s in business administration online provides many benefits. High school graduates are not always ready to jump into a university setting for a variety of reasons. Increasing tuition costs, work-life responsibilities, or other obligations may prevent students from transitioning to a four-year college after high school graduation. Earning a two-year degree, especially online, can provide you with a flexible schedule at a reasonable price. In fact, most students pursuing an online degree work while attending school.
Online associate’s in business administration programs offer convenience and value. The online format is preferential to those with limited time to travel to campus and attend class. And, if you are undecided in your major but want to earn an associate’s degree that can provide a wide range of career options, most business administration programs offer a liberal arts format ideal for education, human resources, law, or other fields.
Ranking the Top Associate’s in Business Administration Online Programs
The schools for this list were compiled from 30 online associate in business administration programs that can be completed in two years or less, and have received national or regional accreditation as well as a program or school ranking with at least one major publication. We ranked the schools according to raw affordability. Additional methodology information and sources used can be found at the bottom of this page.
10. Bethel University
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $25,800 (per university official)
Bethel University offers a fully online Associate of Science that consists of 60 credits. This uniquely designed adult associate’s degree offers one of the quickest completion times of any degree on our list. In just 12-19 months, students may earn an online associate’s in business administration or leadership. Courses are delivered entirely online and taught by the same instructors who lead on-campus classes. Students take a series of business core courses, such as business problem solving, introduction to business, personal financial literacy, and workplace communication. Bethel University is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks Bethel as the 11th best regional university in the Midwest and 27th best value school.
9. Southern New Hampshire University
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,136
For those interested in gaining critical skills in accounting, business law, human resources, and marketing, Southern New Hampshire University offers a comprehensive and accredited online associate’s in business administration. This flexibly designed program allows students to complete an undergraduate degree at their own pace, with over six eight-week terms per year. Students attend classes when it is convenient for them and gain the ability to access coursework at all hours of the day or night. A total of 60 credit hours are required, and includes courses in business law, business systems analysis and design, financial accounting, introduction to international business, and managerial accounting. This program is accredited by both NEASC and ACBSP. Also, major publications like U.S. News and World Report have ranked the institution as the 86th best regional university in the North and 83rd best value school. Access to the online bachelor’s in business administration program at SNHU is convenient for those interested in going beyond the two-year education level.
8. Campbellsville University
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,596
Campbellsville University’s fully online associate’s in business administration degree program is designed for working students looking to gain a solid business background that prepares them for entry-level employment opportunities. The program consists of 62 credit hours of study and takes approximately two years to complete. Core courses include introduction to business, introduction to finance, macroeconomics, microeconomics, principles of accounting, and principles of management. To apply to the online program, students must submit a complete application form, provide official transcripts, and have taken the SAT or ACT. The institution is accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks Campbellsville as the 106th best regional university in the South. Also, for those interested in pursuing additional business education, the school’s online MBA programs rank #86 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
7. Limestone College
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Gaffney, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,900
Limestone College offers one of the top associate’s in business administration online degree programs on our list. Classes can be conveniently taken online and are taught by the same instructors who teach on campus. Some of the courses offered include financial accounting, principles of management, and principles of marketing. This program is military-friendly and offers a significant discount for those serving active duty. Limestone’s associate’s in business administration program is accredited, and the institution has received rankings and recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 39th best regional college in the South and the 14th best value school. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs received a ranking of #175 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News. This is ideal for students interested in going beyond the two-year degree.
6. Saint Leo University
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Saint Leo, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,440
Saint Leo University’s online associate’s in business administration is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), a governing body recognized throughout the world. The online program is designed for working students and covers foundational courses in business administration like business law, principles of accounting, principles of macroeconomics, principles of management, and principles of marketing. The liberal arts degree prepares students with professional competencies that extend far beyond the classroom and open doors to a wide range of employment opportunities. Along with the valuable accreditation, the institution has received rankings with U.S. News and World Report as the 61st best regional university in the South and 23rd best value school. Also, for those interested in pursuing a degree beyond the AA level, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #59 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
5. Liberty University
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,292
The online associate degree programs at Liberty University provide a seamless transition to an online bachelor’s program offered by the institution. Available programs include business administration, and graduates earn an Associate of Arts in Business. Courses for the program are delivered 100% online and include business communications, international business, managerial accounting, and principles of microeconomics. Courses run eight weeks in length, and to add to the program’s flexibility, eight different start dates are offered. Liberty is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate business degree will find the school offers ranked programs, like the online MBA or online bachelor’s in business administration.
4. Columbia College
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Columbia, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,936
Columbia College makes our list for top 10 associate’s in business administration online degree programs. This entirely online degree is offered through the Business Administration Department, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Courses are designed to lay an education foundation that leads to a seamless transition to an online bachelor’s or entry-level business career. Some of the courses offered include accounting, business communication, business finance, business law, introduction to business, principles of management, and principles of marketing. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the college as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, for those interested in continuing their education toward a bachelor’s degree, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #103 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
3. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
University Park, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,678
Pennsylvania State University offers an online associate’s in business administration degree designed for budding accountants, managers, marketers, and economists. The 60-credit degree program features online courses that prepare students for entry-level careers in the business field or to enter a bachelor’s degree program. In fact, the online associate’s in business administration offers a seamless transition to the online bachelor’s in business administration at Penn State. Classes include financial and managerial accounting for decision making, effective writing for business, and introduction to business information systems. The university is fully accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 52nd best national university and 114th best value school in the country.
2. Florida Institute of Technology
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Melbourne, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,240
Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) offers an online associate’s in business administration, which can be completed entirely online and without campus visits. Students enrolled in this program earn a strong liberal arts education designed to develop communication and critical thinking skills. Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award all degree levels, including the associate’s in business administration. In addition to accreditation, Florida Tech has received national rankings from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 151st best national university. Florida Tech also offers one of the most affordable online business administration programs on our list.
1. Colorado Technical University
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,540
Colorado Technical University offers the most affordable online associate’s in business administration degree on our list. This ACBSP-accredited program is designed to help prepare students to pursue careers in business and other industries. The curriculum provides a well-rounded approach to concepts relevant to business law, ethics, management, marketing, and more. Some of the online courses include accounting, business law, introduction to marketing, and management of human resources. Colorado Tech is also ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, for those interested in pursuing a degree beyond the associate’s in business administration, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #81, and the online MBA programs rank #160 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
How long does it take to earn an associate’s in business administration online degree?
One of the most common questions asked about earning an associate’s in business administration online degree is how long it takes. The short time spent studying is one of the benefits of earning this entry-level degree. Most online associate’s in business administration degree programs require a total of 60 credits and take up to two years to complete. Several programs on our list may be completed in less than two years, but the average time to earn the degree is 19-24 months.
How much can you make with a business administration degree?
According to PayScale Human Capital, the average salary for an individual with an associate’s in business administration varies and is contingent on years of experience and level of responsibility. Some positions pay more than others. For example, an administrative assistant with no work experience may earn $27,000 per year while an office manager with similar work experience may earn $31,000 per year. Both positions require an associate’s in business administration but have varying levels of responsibility.
Operations managers with an associate’s degree in business administration are among the highest paid positions. The average salary for an operations manager is $56,796. Office managers earn on average $44,033 annually, and executive assistants earn on average $51,437 annually. Government jobs often pay more than private employers; however, experience is necessary for even entry-level jobs. With relevant work experience, even just one year, an associate’s degree in business administration can prepare you for a promising career in management or administrative services.
What kind of jobs can you get with an online associate’s in business administration degree?
Earning an associate’s degree in business administration is the foundation for building a career in business, education, human resources, law, management, and many more areas. An associate’s degree will get you into the workforce faster or open doors toward the transition to a bachelor’s in business. Career opportunities abound.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for administrative service managers and property managers are expected to grow by 8 percent over the next seven years. This is about the same average growth for all occupations, but shows a slight increase. As tasks in business, such as managing facilities and preparing for emergencies, continue to be valued, more administrative service management jobs will be added to the field.
Entry-level service management careers are available to those with an associate’s degree in business administration. However, experience and/or a bachelor’s in business may be required for advancement. Those with an associate’s degree tend to beat out competition with only a high school diploma and those with a bachelor’s in business (BBA) degree are often considered to be more favorable candidates than those with an AA degree.
Other Colleges Offering an Online Associate’s in Business Administration
American Public University
Associate’s in Business Administration Online
Ashworth College
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Baker College
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Bay State College
Associate’s in Business Administration Online
Bismarck State College
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
California Coast University
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
City College at Montana State University
Associate’s in Business Administration Online
Eastern Florida State College
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Florida State College
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Grantham University
Associate’s in Business Administration Online
Herzing University
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Hodges University
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Jackson College
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Medaille College
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Miami Dade College
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
Monroe College
Associate’s in Business Administration Online
New England College of Business
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Penn Foster College
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Seminole State College
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Strayer University
Associates Degree in Business Administration Online
SOURCES
The most recent undergraduate tuition costs were gathered from The National Center for Education Statistics – College Navigator.
Earnings potential and projected job outlook information were collected from the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics and from PayScale Human Capital’s website.
METHODOLOGY
The methodology used for ranking our list of top 10 associate’s in business administration online degree programs includes accreditation, raw affordability, and school rankings received from at least one major publications like U.S. News and World Report. First, we looked at accreditation to determine if the schools in our pool had received regional or national accreditation. We gave value to those with accreditation. We then looked at affordability and gathered in-state tuition costs from the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator) so that we could list the schools according to raw affordability. We then looked at schools that had received rankings from U.S. News and World Report. We also awarded value to schools that offered an online bachelor’s in business administration. Using the above methodology, we came up with the top 10 associate’s in business administration online programs.
Related Resources:
- 5 Great Jobs with an Associate in Business Administration Degree
- What Careers Are Available with an Associate in Business Administration?
- What Careers are in Business Administration?
