In the 1920s, President Calvin Coolidge famously said, “[The] business of America is business.” He was, of course, right, but he also lived in an era in which you could be successful in business with simple hard work. That’s not the case today. Success in business now requires a set of skills honed in an academic setting, which is where a bachelor’s in business plays a vital role.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Business?
Entry-level business positions in the 21st century require a broad knowledge base in a variety of business topics and principles. A bachelor’s in business will acquaint you with those subjects, and you’ll gain the skills necessary to succeed. Business and industry employers prefer employees who have the knowledge and training gained with a degree in business, so pursuing that baccalaureate education is a no-brainer.
How Much Can You Earn With a Bachelor’s in Business?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth for bachelor’s-prepared business employees to see an increase of between six and nine percent, which is a growth rate as fast or faster than the national average. Depending on your profession, that range may vary.
As with job growth, salary expectations are going to be tied to your position, where you work, and where you live. In general, however, salaries can range from $65,000-$83,000 a year. Compensation and sign-on bonuses should also be considered. You should calculate benefits, too, such as 401k employer matching programs, paid time off, and healthcare insurance (which can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 monthly) or child care (costing on average $3,500-$18,000 a year).
What Is Required for a Bachelor’s in Business?
Admission to the majority of business programs will require a high school diploma or GED, GRE/SAT test scores, academic transcripts, and admission application fees. Some schools also request you submit a personal essay as part of the admission package.
During your four-year degree program, you’ll take general education courses in subjects such as history, English, math, physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Topics in accounting, finance, micro- and macro-economics, marketing, leadership, management, and global business are often included in most online Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Business programs. Some programs offer internships in real-world settings and even study abroad programs to experience international business.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Bellevue University
20-Year ROI$1,077,529
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,152(in state) / $7,152(out of state)
- Requires 127 credit hours
- Includes Kirkpatrick Signature Series
- Home to over 50,000 graduates worldwide
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThis undergraduate major features the Kirkpatrick Signature Series’ classes in American Vision and Values, Freedom and Responsibly, and Tradition and Change. In addition to these emphases, general education classes are required. The major also includes foundational business courses and a capstone project prior to graduation.
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Cleary University
20-Year ROI$1,068,664
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $19,500(in state) / $19,500(out of state)
- 100% Online
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Offers credits for work and life experience
School Wide
Program Level
93%OSR ScoreThis school offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Business Management concentration. Throughout the program, students can expect to cover business topics in marketing, accounting, negotiations, macroeconomics, and much more. As a guiding principle, this program’s focus is on ethical, business leadership.
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Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,800(in state) / $13,800(out of state)
- Features fast-track degree option
- Accepts up to 91 transfer credits
- 95% of faculty have real-world experience
School Wide
Program Level
86%OSR ScoreWalsh College’s fast-track degree option allows you to earn your Bachelor of Business Administration and take MBA courses at the same time. This means that you could walk home with both a BBA and an MBA degree in five years’ time. Course topics in the program include finance, accounting, economics, and business communication.
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Faulkner University
20-Year ROI$699,817
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $19,160(in state) / $19,160(out of state)
- Incorporates Christian values
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Degree-completion program
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreBecause Faulkner University is a school with spiritual conviction, general education studies with this BS in Business will also include Bible courses. In the major, business topics are divided into four categories: business management, logistics management, health administration, and website perspectives. The university also offers an Executive BS in Business, which can be completed in as short as one year.
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Davenport University
20-Year ROI$606,885
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,728(in state) / $16,728(out of state)
- 11 Business Majors Available
- 91% job-placement rate among program graduates
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreAmong the business programs available at Davenport University, majors range from General Business to Sport Management and are all offered online. For this reason, and more, this school is ranked as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Universities Midwest. Here, you’re able to tailor your studies through a wide selection of electives and internships so you can enter the business world ready to tackle your specific goals.
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Webber International University
20-Year ROI$731,107
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $22,770(in state) / $22,770(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- 100% Online
- Requires SAT/ACT scores for admission
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreWebber International University was founded as a private school in 1927 and has since developed to offer an excellent general business bachelor’s degree. Once in the major, students can expect to cover business foundation topics like accounting, finance, ethics, statistics, and computer application. The goal of this program is to equip today’s aspiring business leaders and pioneers to make an impact in the field tomorrow.
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Columbia College
20-Year ROI$755,005
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,712(in state) / $8,712(out of state)
- Can be completed in under four years
- Financial aid available
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreYou can choose between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Business at Columbia College. Regardless of the track you choose, you’ll first have to master general education courses in areas like the humanities, sciences, and mathematics. Then, you can choose from major options in the Business program like Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, and Marketing, to name only a few of the ones available.
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Excelsior College
Quick Facts
- Two degrees available
- Features a generous transfer credit policy
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreExcelsior College offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business for aspiring professionals to choose from. If you want to finish the program at an accelerated rate, the school accepts work, life, and military experience for academic credit. As a no-nonsense program, admission here is straightforward, requiring only academic transcripts and an application for financial aid.
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Southwestern Assemblies of God University
20-Year ROI$700,785
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $19,700(in state) / $19,700(out of state)
- Features reduced tuition for online students
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features small class sizes
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreSouthwestern Assemblies of God University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration degree that provides both the general and focused training necessary to excel in a competitive business world. Here, you can choose from concentrations in Marketing, Accounting, Human Resource Management, or Management. Best of all, prior to graduation, all students must complete a hands-on internship.
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Piedmont International University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,680(in state) / $8,680(out of state)
- Three concentrations available
- Requires 120 Credit Hours
- Requires ACT/SAT scores and FAFSA application
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThe Patterson School of Business at this university recognizes that incoming business professionals need to be able to think conceptually and possess concrete skills in order to succeed in the field. For this reason and more, U.S. News & World Report ranked PIU among the top 30 Best Value Schools in 2020. This program also allows you to hone your education by selecting from concentrations in Sports Management, Management, and Information Systems.
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Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
20-Year ROI$841,408
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,315(in state) / $11,315(out of state)
- 14 Concentrations Available
- Requires 180 Credit Hours
- Offers academic credits for prior experience
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreAs a testament to its quality, this program has been ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Online Programs for the past six years. This online BS in Business Management has a fast-track option designed to let you skip information you already learned in the field and get to the material you need to reach your business goals. This program also includes a host of concentration areas, including those in business and supply chain management, digital marketing, project management, and international business.
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Regis University
20-Year ROI$1,120,155
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $35,260(in state) / $35,260(out of state)
- Features an accelerated program
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Five concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreAt Regis University, you can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in General Business, Management, Marketing, Project Management, or Human Resource Management. If you’re in a hurry to get into the field, the school awards academic credit for prior work and life experiences. The accelerated format provides classes in eight-week blocks.
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Buena Vista University
20-Year ROI$792,587
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $32,854(in state) / $32,854(out of state)
- Can be completed entirely online
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Five concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreBuena Vista University, located in Iowa, offers an online Bachelor’s in Business. Unlike many programs of its kind, this degree features a unique concentration in Agricultural Business, concentrating on the economic and management side of the farming profession. What’s more, BVU is an official military-friendly school.
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Saint Leo University
20-Year ROI$869,248
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $21,600(in state) / $21,600(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Largest Catholic business college in the U.S.
- Features four online business concentrations
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreAt Saint Leo University, you can choose a Bachelor of Business Administration degree specialized in Logistics, Project or Technology Management, or Marketing. If you’re worried about your business degree being too conceptual, Saint Leo’s got you covered; this program offers business internships, professional memberships, and the opportunity to present a paper at its annual international business conference in Tampa, FL.
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Monroe College
20-Year ROI$603,267
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,896(in state) / $13,896(out of state)
- Requires 120 Credit Hours
- Ranked among the Best Colleges for Veterans and Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report
- Features dedicated Veterans and Military Affairs Office
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreYou can earn an online Bachelor of Business Management degree from this excellent Bronx, NY, college. Subjects covered in this program include business law, global business, marketing, accounting, finance, and others. In order to be considered for acceptance to Monroe College, you must supply academic transcripts and a high school diploma (or GRE scores) to the office of admissions.
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Strayer University-District of Columbia
20-Year ROI$909,951
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,662(in state) / $13,662(out of state)
- 25% tuition discounts available
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Offers credit for life and military experience
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreStrayer University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a whopping 13 concentrations. Among the concentrations are specialties such as accounting, hospitality and tourism management, and social media marketing, to name only a few. If you’re eager to apply to this program, rest assured that admission is simple and straightforward.
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Sullivan University
20-Year ROI$612,050
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $20,540(in state) / $20,540(out of state)
- Can be completed in a few as 18 months following associate’s degree
- Requires 180 credit hours
- Features faculty with real-world business experience
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreIf you’re looking for an online BS in Business Administration that will train you in business basics, then you should check this program out. Here, you’ll concentrate on management with courses in accounting, diversity management, business law, ethics, and more. Best of all, the program is highly flexible, meaning you can complete coursework when it’s convenient for your schedule.
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Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
20-Year ROI$708,304
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,550(in state) / $5,550(out of state)
- Focuses on practical business skills
- Two degree options available
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreCentral Methodist University provides both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Business. Core business topics in both programs include accounting, contracts, and a senior capstone. To be considered for either of these majors, incoming freshmen need a 2.0 GPA, SAT/GRE scores, and general admission information.
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University of Houston-Downtown
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,996(in state) / $14,616(out of state)
- Nine business concentrations available
- Offers 24/7 technical support
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThe online Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Houston is taught by the same faculty and uses the same textbooks and syllabi as the on-campus program. Among the many concentrations that learners can choose from are emphases in marketing, supply chain management, international business, and more. If you’re concerned about paying for this excellent program, financial aid is available for qualifying students.
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John Brown University
20-Year ROI$908,092
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $25,000(in state) / $25,000(out of state)
- Incorporates Christian values
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features faculty with real-world experience
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreWith its spiritual convictions, this school aims to produce business professionals who appeal to the mind and soul alike. As an extension of this mission, this Arkansas university provides a quality Bachelor of Science in Business degree online. In this program, you’ll learn clinical reasoning, communication, and business skills from a Christian point of view.
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,484(in state) / $13,484(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- One of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Six concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreLong recognized for its online educational quality, Penn State World Campus includes a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in its catalog. This program features concentrations in areas like health services, entrepreneurship, management and marketing, and more. To ensure that its graduates are prepared for the real world, this program emphasizes a theory-to-practice approach.
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SUNY Empire State College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,670(in state) / $16,320(out of state)
- Requires 124 credit hours
- Accepts up to 93 transfer credits
- GRE/SAT scores not required
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreThe online BS in Business Administration from SUNY Empire State College has the same requirements as the on-campus program, which means it is delivered with the same quality and rigor. Among business classes offered are Business Ethics, Corporate Finance, Managerial Leadership, and more. The program also features coursework covering international business and modern China.
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Midway University
20-Year ROI$675,975
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $23,700(in state) / $23,700(out of state)
- Offers credit for prior learning and life experience
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Accounting concentration available
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreLocated in Midway, KY, this university offers a fully online Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree. Along with general education courses, you’ll take courses in global business, finance, management, ethics, and other subjects relevant to the modern business world. Best of all, if you put in your best effort, you may even qualify for the school’s study abroad program.
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Briar Cliff University
20-Year ROI$832,793
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,650(in state) / $28,650(out of state)
- Requires 39 credit hours
- Degree completion program
- 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreIf you have an associate’s degree or a certain number of transferable credits, you may qualify for Briar Cliff’s online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. This program dives into topics like the principles of corporate finance, marketing, global and strategic management, and much more. If that weren’t enough, this Iowa school also matches you with internships in your area to further prepare you for professional success.
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Oklahoma Wesleyan University
20-Year ROI$1,008,232
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $24,710(in state) / $24,710(out of state)
- Five concentrations available
- Requires 126 credit hours
- Official military-friendly school
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreThis Christian school has an online undergraduate degree in Business Administration. If you want to hone your business education, you can choose from program specializations in healthcare administration, finance, accounting, marketing, and management. In order to be eligible for this program, you must have either an associate’s degree or a high school transcript.
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Mount Mercy University
20-Year ROI$897,844
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,382(in state) / $30,382(out of state)
- Accepts up to 93 credit hours
- No additional fees
- Requires 123 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreMount Mercy University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration completely online. Here, you’ll study English, accounting, management, administration, and economics, providing you with a well-rounded business training. Active and former military members should also note that this university is a Yellow Ribbon program member.
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Florida Technical College
20-Year ROI$479,642
Quick Facts
- Requires 180 quarter credit hours
- Can be completed in 36 months
- Features online career center
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreThe degree name says it all: this is a bachelor’s program in Business-Entrepreneurship, Management, and Marketing. In this program, entrepreneurial studies examine capital, costs and budgets, and strategy, so pioneering students are prepared to trailblaze in the business world. In addition to the entrepreneurial subjects, you’ll also study leadership, advertising, and consumer behavior.
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Dickinson State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,344(in state) / $8,016(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features Administration concentration
- Ranked No. 4 among the Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreNorth Dakota’s Dickinson State University provides an online Bachelor in Business Administration. The program consists of general education courses, pre-major classes, business core classes, and administration coursework for the major. Interested applicants should note that the admissions office requires ACT scores and a 2.0 high school GPA for program eligibility.
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Trine University
20-Year ROI$856,467
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $31,080(in state) / $31,080(out of state)
- A U.S. News & World Report Best Value School
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Can be completed in one year
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreTrine University in Indiana has an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Management concentration. The curriculum here covers business topics in law, accounting, marketing, human resources, and more, making this a well-rounded approach to the profession. Trine University’s business programs hold ACSBP accreditation, so you can trust that you’ll be receiving a high-quality education.
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Indiana State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,716(in state) / $19,252(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Over 70 online programs available
- Scholarships available
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreIf you’re looking for a solid business foundation, then check out this BS in Business Administration. All required courses in this program touch on either the business core, economics, or three of the business-emphasis courses. This degree is the most popular major in the Scott College of Business at Indiana State, which further highlights the strong reputation the program carries.
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Tarleton State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,008(in state) / $13,752(out of state)
- Part of the Texas A&M University System
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Study abroad program available
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreThis Bachelor of Business Administration concentrates on the basics of general business principles, ensuring that students are equipped to enter a variety of positions after graduation. Coursework in this program surveys human resource management, marketing, business communications, and business statistics. The school also has a dedicated veterans services department for those aspiring business professionals who have served in the military.
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Missouri State University-Springfield
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,300(in state) / $13,740(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Taught by on-campus faculty
- Scholarships and financial aid available
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreMissouri State’s Bachelor of Science in General Business offers specialties in Computer Information Systems, Finance, Marketing, Management, and Accounting. Learners can expect to take courses in Managerial Cost Accounting, Technical Writing, Financial Management, and more. This BS degree is designed to help you gain and excel in an entry-level business position after graduation.
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CUNY Graduate School and University Center
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,530(in state) / $13,920(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Minimum 24 transfer credits required
- Includes required capstone project
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreCUNY School of Professional Studies rates in the top 5% of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for 2020. On completion of this program, you’ll receive a highly regarded BS in Business. Before you reach that point, however, you’ll have to complete courses like Global Business, Managerial Accounting, and Microeconomics.
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Indiana University-East
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,601(in state) / $18,432(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features interactive online orientation
- Career services available
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreThe online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Indiana University East is a collaborative program of five Indiana University campuses. This program has a broad approach, touching on fundamental business topics and principles at play in today’s industry. If you’re eager to get to work in the field and have previous collegiate experience, you may be able to transfer up to 90 credits of the required 120.
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University of the Cumberlands
20-Year ROI$693,847
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $22,640(in state) / $22,640(out of state)
- Designed for working adults
- Requires 128 credit hours
- Features only in-state tuition
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Cumberlands is both affordable and flexible. Here, you’ll take general education courses and transition into core business classes later in the program. Some of the topics covered in this degree include accounting, statistics, marketing, and micro- and macro-economics, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be more than ready to tackle a host of business-related challenges.
