Traditional barriers such as distance, time, and schedule constraints no longer hinder one’s educational journey. This is especially true for students interested in business studies, as many prestigious institutions now offer online programs tailored to the needs of modern learners. If you have a passion for business and aspire to build a successful career in this dynamic field, obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration could be your first significant step. This article presents the top 10 online associate degree programs in business administration, providing a comprehensive overview of reputable programs that offer a powerful blend of flexibility, affordability, and quality education. These handpicked programs, recognized for their curriculum design, student support, and market reputation, can be your stepping stone to thriving in the business world.
Top 10 Online Associate’s Degree Programs in Business Administration
This ranking highlights the top online Associate’s Degree programs in Business Administration. The schools on this list were selected from 30 programs that can be completed in two years or less, all of which have received national or regional accreditation as well as a program or school ranking from a significant publication. These institutions were ranked based on affordability. Details on the methodology and sources used are available at the end of this article.
Bethel University
Online Associate’s Degree in Business Administration
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Annual Tuition: $25,800 (as per university official)
Bethel University offers an online Associate of Science degree, comprising 60 credits. This degree, specifically designed for adult learners, boasts one of the fastest completion times on our list. In 12-19 months, students can earn an online Associate’s Degree in Business Administration or Leadership. The same professors teach the online courses as the on-campus classes. Coursework includes business problem-solving, an introduction to business, personal financial literacy, and workplace communication. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report have accredited and ranked Bethel University. In their most recent edition of Best Colleges, Bethel ranks as the 11th best regional university in the Midwest and 27th best value school.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Associate’s Degree in Business Administration
Manchester, New Hampshire
Annual Tuition: $31,136
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited online Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, perfect for those eager to gain essential skills in accounting, business law, human resources, and marketing. The flexible program allows students to earn their undergraduate degree at their own pace with over six eight-week terms per year. Students can access coursework anytime, day or night. The program requires 60 credit hours and includes courses in business law, business systems analysis and design, financial accounting, introduction to international business, and managerial accounting. The university is accredited by both NEASC and ACBSP and has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best regional university in the North and 83rd best value school.
Campbellsville University
Online Associate’s Degree in Business Administration
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Annual Tuition: $24,596
Campbellsville University offers a fully online Associate’s Degree in Business Administration aimed at working students who want to gain a solid business background to help them secure entry-level job opportunities. The program requires 62 credit hours of study and typically takes two years to complete. Core courses include Introduction to Business, Introduction to Finance, macroeconomics, microeconomics, principles of Accounting, and principles of Management. The university is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report, being ranked as the 106th best regional university in the South in their latest edition of Best Colleges.
Limestone College
Online Associate’s Degree in Business Administration
Gaffney, South Carolina
Official Website
Annual Tuition: $23,900
Limestone College provides one of the top online Associate’s Degree programs in Business Administration on our list. The same faculty teach online classes as those who teach on campus. The courses offered include financial accounting, principles of management, and principles of marketing. This program is military-friendly and offers a significant discount to active-duty service members. The school is accredited and has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report, ranking as the 39th best regional college in the South and the 14th best value school in their most recent edition of Best Colleges.
Saint Leo University
Associate’s Degree in Business Administration Online
Location: Saint Leo, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,440
Globally recognized by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), Saint Leo University offers a fully online associate’s degree program in business administration. This flexible program, structured with working students in mind, encompasses fundamental business administration courses such as business law, accounting principles, macroeconomic principles, management principles, and marketing principles.
This liberal arts degree equips students with a diverse array of professional skills that will not only flourish in a classroom setting but also open a multitude of job opportunities across various industries. Saint Leo University, along with its esteemed accreditation, is proudly ranked as the 61st-best regional university in the South and the 23rd-best value school by U.S. News and World Report.
Liberty University
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,292
Liberty University’s online associate’s degree in business administration sets the foundation for students to progress to an online bachelor’s degree offered by the institution. With the program entirely delivered online, students undertake courses like business communications, international business, managerial accounting, and principles of microeconomics. The flexibility is further highlighted by eight different start dates and eight-week course lengths. As a top national university ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Liberty also offers highly-rated programs such as an online MBA or online bachelor’s in business administration for those interested in further studies.
Columbia College
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Columbia, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,936
Columbia College’s online associate’s degree in business administration, hosted by the Business Administration Department, is among the top ten on our list. The entirely online program, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is designed to provide an educational foundation leading seamlessly to an online bachelor’s or entry-level business career. U.S. News and World Report rank the college as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the college’s online bachelor’s programs hold the #103 spot out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
University Park, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,678
Pennsylvania State University features an online associate’s degree in business administration designed for emerging professionals in accounting, management, marketing, and economics. The 60-credit degree program, with online classes preparing students for entry-level business careers or a bachelor’s degree program, provides a seamless transition to Penn State’s online bachelor’s in business administration. With full accreditation and rankings by U.S. News and World Report, the university is recognized as the 52nd-best national university and 114th-best value school in the country.
Florida Institute of Technology
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Melbourne, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,240
Florida Tech offers an online associate’s degree in business administration that can be completed entirely online without any campus visits. The program’s strong liberal arts foundation helps develop communication and critical thinking skills. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university also enjoys national rankings by U.S. News and World Report. It’s one of the most affordable online business administration programs on our list, and it’s ranked as the 151st-best national university.
Colorado Technical University
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,540
Topping our list is Colorado Technical University with the most affordable online associate’s degree in business administration. The ACBSP-accredited program equips students for careers in various industries with a broad focus on subjects like business law, ethics, management, and marketing. U.S. News and World Report rank Colorado Tech as a top regional university in the West. If you’re interested in further studies, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #81, and the online MBA programs rank #160 out of over 1,200 surveyed programs.
How long does it take to earn an associate’s in business administration online degree?
The timeframe to complete an online associate’s degree in business administration varies, but it usually requires up to two years for a total of 60 credits. Some programs offer quicker completion times of less than two years, with the average duration being 19-24 months.
How much can you make with a business administration degree?
The salary for individuals with a business administration degree can vary widely depending on the industry, location, level of experience, and specific job role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $72,250, higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the economy. Keep in mind, this is a median for all business and finance roles, and many higher-level positions, such as financial managers, can earn over $130,000 annually. However, with an associate’s degree, initial earnings may be lower but can increase with experience and additional education.
Choosing an online associate’s degree in business administration opens a multitude of opportunities for students, both professionally and academically. As shown in our compilation of the top 10 online associate’s degree programs in business administration, each institution provides its unique approach and rich learning experiences to develop a solid foundation in business concepts, management principles, and entrepreneurial thinking.
As the world of business continues to evolve, those armed with a quality education in business administration will be best equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. These top 10 online associate’s degree programs in business administration provide just the launch pad needed for this exciting journey.