By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
Let’s say you’ve started on a career in business and you’re looking to take the next step. Education can be a good investment in your earning potential down the road. We compiled this ranking of the 10 best deals in online bachelor’s in business administration degree programs to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll begin with an FAQ to answer any concerns or questions you might have before narrowing your search down to individual schools. As your focus starts to sharpen, you will find the ranking listed below to be a helpful tool. It provides information on the institutions that offer some of the most affordable online programs in business administration at the bachelor’s degree level.
What does a bachelor’s in business administration do?
A 100% online bachelor’s degree in business administration provides the skills necessary for a wide range of management positions. Among other skills acquired through coursework, you will be prepared to evaluate factors affecting businesses in today’s world–such daily challenges as:
- expenses
- personnel
- patterns in commerce
- risks
- hazards
With the knowledge acquired in earning an online bachelor’s degree in business administration, you can expect to lead a business or a part of a business or organization. This includes everything from overseeing the human elements to marketing to final inspection of the company’s products themselves.
An online bachelor’s degree in business administration will enable you to work for a Fortune 500 company, a small start-up, or your own business. As a manager in a business or segment of a business, you will be prepared to:
- create a business plan
- research and assess your likely options
- troubleshoot all facets of operations
- lead employees in generating and achieving goals
- supervise a wide variety of projects in your area of expertise.
Perhaps most critically of all, an online bachelor’s degree in business administration will teach you how to think like a leader in business:
- creatively
- analytically
- managerially.
What does it cover?
An online bachelor’s degree in business administration gives students a sound foundation in business. Students explore:
- strategies
- marketing
- management
- statistics
- accounting
- operations
- all the practical factors in operating a business
- styles of leadership
Your coursework will cover:
- business law
- ethics
- the basics of communication
- economics
- management of finances
- leadership.
What jobs are available for degree holders?
With an online degree in business administration, you will be qualified for a diverse range of entry-level positions in managing:
- human resources
- advertising
- sales
- public relations
You can apply your skills in:
- businesses
- banking institutions
- civic or governmental organizations
Position titles you might expect to apply for include managers of the following specialties:
- offices
- retail stores
- financial
- operations
- sales
- commercial loans
- accounting
- public relations
- cities
- marketing research analysis
- chief executive.
What is the salary range?
Starting yearly salaries vary widely, but salaries for those with a bachelor’s degree in business administration can range from $38,000 to $158,000.
Here are a few examples, for comparison, rounded up to the nearest thousand, and, of course, dependent on experience and skill:
Accounting–$42,000 to $74,000
City Manager–$56,000 to $107,000
Commercial Loan Officer–$62,000 to $70,000
Financial Officer–$60,000 to $114,000
Human Resources Manager–$54,000 to $93,000
Loan Officer–$41,000 to $158,000
Marketing Research Analyst–$62,000–$76,000
Public Relations Specialist–$38,000 to $115,000
Retail Store Manager–$42,000 to $76,000
Sales Manager–$48,000 to $122,000
Why should I study online instead of at a traditional face to face college?
There are numerous advantages to studying online, especially if you have already begun your professional life or have personal responsibilities. Online education allows you to learn on your own schedule and live your life in the meantime. Many schools offer a reduced rate of tuition for online classes. You will also save on gas and parking fees. Some schools offer accelerated courses of study that allow you to finish your degree more quickly, resulting in even more savings.
What is the difference between an online degree program and an online degree completion program?
An online bachelor’s degree program is a full four-year program that grants an undergraduate degree at the end. Bachelor’s degree completion programs are open only to people with 60+ hours of college credit or an associate’s degree from an accredited institution. It will result in a four-year degree in about two years.
How do I find the online bachelor’s program that is right for me?
Online colleges can be evaluated in ways that are similar to brick and mortar colleges You just don’t need to be physically present at the institution. Any viable institution of higher education offers:
- accreditation
- an attractive faculty/student ratio
- desired courses
- affordable tuition
All these areas may be verified electronically.
Certain areas of student satisfaction are harder to gauge and may include the flexibility of the course offerings and your own needs. Materials and presentation of the coursework will affect student satisfaction with an academic program. Feedback policies are essential elements of a successful college experience. This is definitely the case with online programs where your completion of an assignment may depend on timely notification about previous work. Other driving forces behind a successful fit with an online college involve technology support and post-graduation career resources. Tech support centers should be within reach 24/7. Because job markets continue to be competitive, colleges should offer assistance in finding employment after graduation.
Does getting an online degree get me a different diploma than people who go to a brick and mortar college?
Getting a bachelor’s degree in business administration online from an accredited institution results in the same degree that traditional students receive. You can even attend the same graduation ceremony if you wish. There is no “online” descriptor on the diploma.
How will I pay for a bachelor’s degree in business administration online?
Some online schools offer the same course per hour rate to out-of-state students as to residents. For an online bachelor’s degree in business administration, expect a requirement of 120-124 semester-based credit hours and 180 quarter-based credit hours. A typical online program may last from 18 months to four years and could cost between $60,000 and $85,000. Federal student aid and scholarships are available in the same manner as for traditional college students.
What kind of skills does online college require?
Online studies require particular organizational skills and awareness of your responsibilities. Most schools have a brief online quiz you can take to see where you stand on these skills. Online education also requires a technical component, but if you come to this article without too much help, you likely have the skills necessary to complete an online bachelor’s degree in business administration.
How did you arrive at these rankings?
A number of factors entered into this ranking of the 10 best deals on an online bachelor’s degree in business administration. A wide range of information is analyzed, and many sites are investigated. Particular attention is paid to the following categories:
- tuition value
- faculty/student ratio
- curriculum relevancy
Further discussion of our ranking policies can be found at this link.
#10 – University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 52,367
Tuition: $28,659
The University of Florida’s undergraduate business program was ranked #17 in the nation by US News and World Report. The student/faculty ratio of 20:1. Their bachelor of science in business administration online is a program that focuses on business disciplines. Their online bachelor of arts in business administration includes one of eight specializations:
- anthropology
- business and economic geography
- educational studies
- general business
- geology
- mass communication
- sociology
- sports management
The online program is ranked #1 in the world for program delivery by Financial Times (2016 and 2017). Online students at the University of Florida have full access to the career resource center, which can help with:
- career choice
- a job search
- interview prep
Also on offer is access to the Gator Nation, a network of alumni who can help with both mentoring and the job search. The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#9 – Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Website
Points: 28
Enrollment: 21,998
Tuition: $25,428
Ball State University was ranked #36 in the national online bachelor’s list by US News and World Report. The student/faculty ratio of 14:1. Their online bachelor of business administration is a 120 credit hour degree program that includes coursework in consumer behavior and professional selling. Ball State University offers an online undergraduate non-resident tuition rate of $501 per credit hour for this program.
Ball State University’s Miller College of Business focuses on five Assurance of Learning Goals to ensure some key competencies. Knowledge of the basic business disciplines of:
- finance
- accounting
- management
- operations
- effective communication skills
- ethical awareness
- ability to be a valuable team member
- integration of business knowledge and skills to solve business problems
They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#8 – Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Website
Points: 30
Enrollment: 51,869
Tuition: $26,470
Arizona State University ranked #4 nationally in US News and World Report’s list of the best online bachelor’s programs. The student/faculty ratio is 23:1. Their bachelor of arts in business online is a 120 credit hour degree program that includes coursework in business statistics and global supply operations. Business skills developed through coursework include:
- forecasting demand
- conducting negotiations
- purchasing services
- strategy building
- management and personnel
- finances and risk
Student Support services offer:
- class tutors
- success coaches
- career service personnel
Students will receive help in finding school resources and time management throughout their entire academic experience. Access is provided to Smartthinking.com for online tutoring services and help with writing assignments. Arizona State University charges an online undergraduate tuition rate of $610 per credit hour for this program, regardless of residency. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#7 – West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Website
Points: 30
Enrollment: 9,901
Tuition: $8,945
West Texas A&M University was ranked #6 nationally in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by US News and World Report. The student/faculty ratio of 21:1. Their bachelor of business administration online with a major in general business includes four areas of study to select from:
- general business
- entrepreneurship
- healthcare management
- international business
The office of career services at West Texas A&M University offers career selection and job search services to students and alumni. Also, the Student Support Office provides:
- Online Interview Workshops
- Online Resume Writing Workshops
- Online Internship Orientation that focuses on finding internships and making them successful
Advising Resources offers:
- academic catalogs
- degree checklists
- curriculum guides
- transfer student resources
- veterans services
They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#6 – University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 32
Enrollment: 17,849
Tuition: $30,875
The University of Massachusetts, Lowell was ranked #54 in Online Bachelor’s degrees by US News and World Report. They have a student/faculty ratio of 17:1. Their online bachelor of science in business administration is a 120-122 credit hour degree program that includes coursework in:
- statistics for business and economics
- business ethics
- accounting
- entrepreneurship
- finance
- international business
- management
- management information systems
- marketing
- supply chain and logistics management
UMass online students take classes from the same world-class faculty as students at campuses in:
- Amherst
- Boston
- Dartmouth
- Lowell
- Worcester
The University of Massachusetts, Lowell offers an online, undergraduate tuition rate of $375 per credit hour, regardless of residency. Students become members of a 300,000+ strong alumni network. They are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#5 – Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Website
Points: 32
Enrollment: 30,354
Tuition: $28,846
Oregon State University’s online bachelor’s program was ranked in the top 10 in the nation by US News and World Report in 2017. It has a student/faculty ratio of 18:1. They offer both an online bachelor of arts and an online bachelor of science in business administration. Both degree programs require 180 quarter credit hours and offer four specializations:
- digital marketing
- general business
- retail management
- supply chain and logistics management
The curriculum developed by Oregon State University professors focuses on:
- leadership
- finance
- legal and business practices
- experience-based learning
Well-chosen minors will enhance a business administration degree, and 27 minors are offered. Academic advisers oversee course selection and help students stay on track for graduation. Oregon State University does not charge out of state tuition to online students. Their tuition for this program is $228 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#4 – Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 32
Enrollment: 39,296
Tuition: $27,266
Temple University was ranked second in the nation for online bachelor’s programs by US News and World Report. The student/faculty ratio is 15:1. Their online bachelor of business administration with a business management major is a 123-125 credit hour degree program. It includes coursework in macroeconomics and marketing management. Degrees are available in:
- accounting
- business management
- human resources management
- legal studies in business
- marketing
- supply chain management
The Center for Student Professional Development uses a three-point model focusing on:
- impression management
- personal development
- career and industry awareness
Temple University charges an online undergraduate tuition rate of $595 per credit hour for this program, regardless of residency. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#3 – University of Illinois, Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Website
Points: 32
Enrollment: 29,120
Tuition: $26,520
The University of Illinois, Chicago was ranked #8 (tie) in the category of Online Bachelor’s Programs by US News and World Report. It has a student/faculty ratio of 18:1. Their online bachelor of business administration is a 61 credit hour degree completion program. It includes coursework in problem-solving and leadership, with an emphasis on developing the top competencies that employers seek in new hires:
- verbal communication
- effective teamwork
- initiative
- problem-solving and decision making
- building and maintaining relationships
The University of Illinois, Chicago offers a tuition rate of $406 per credit hour for this online undergraduate program, regardless of residency. The Business Career Center provides one-on-one career advising and resume and cover letter reviews. Employment placement rate for business graduates was 95% (2014). They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#2 – University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Website
Points: 33
Enrollment: 27,194
Tuition: $23,168
The University of Arkansas was ranked #36 in Online Bachelor’s Programs by US News and World Report. It has a student/faculty ratio of 18 to 1. Their online bachelor of science in business administration with a focus in general business is a 120 credit hour degree program. It includes coursework in accounting and public speaking. The University of Arkansas charges an online undergraduate tuition rate of $319.96 per credit hour for this program, regardless of residency. The Career Development Center offers help with resume and cover letter writing. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#1 – Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 34
Enrollment: 13,411
Tuition: $13,678
Pennsylvania State University was ranked #8 (tie) nationally in Online Bachelor’s Degrees in US News and World Report. The student/faculty ratio is 13:1. Their online bachelor of science in business is a 120 credit hour degree program that offers six options for specialization:
- accounting
- entrepreneurship
- financial services
- health services
- management and marketing
- an individualized option
A number of online business programs exist that are affiliated with schools at PSU, such as:
- agribusiness management
- labor and employment relations
- economics
- organization leadership
Pennsylvania State University charges a tuition rate of $555-596 per credit hour, regardless of residency. Student Services include academic advising and career counseling resources. Students may use the Student Support System for help with the application process. They can use university systems such as libraries and tutoring in writing and math-related fields. Transition is a college and career prep course offered to those students who need help in easing into the learning environment. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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November 2017