Best online business administration degrees 2021: Top picks

Earning a business administration degree online provides a convenient and cost-effective way to start your career. From administrative assistants to chief executive officers, a business administration degree teaches students the finance, management, and networking skills they need to ensure success. 

Undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration train students in topics such as accounting, marketing, human resources, and information technology. Many programs include specializations that grow business expertise in a particular field. Graduate degrees in business administration also train managers and leaders. This bodes well with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 9% growth in managerial positions to 2030. 

To find out which online business administration degree is right for you, check out our topic picks below. 

Table of Contents

The best online bachelor’s in business administration degrees

The rankings below are ZDNet’s top picks for business administration degrees online. ZDNet’s ranking methodology takes numerous factors into consideration to help you get a clear look at how to find the best online business administration degree.

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

About the program: UF offers both a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts in business administration online. The former focuses on business foundations, while the latter allows learners to explore an additional specialized area.

Acceptance rate: 37%

Graduation rate: 87%

Annual net price: $6,302

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 1310-1470

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

2. Florida International University

Miami, Florida

About the program: FIU’s online bachelor of business administration degree with a finance track emphasizes banking, corporate finance, investments, and financial institutions and markets. 

Acceptance rate: 58%

Graduation rate: 64%

Avg. annual net price: $7,296

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 1110-1280

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Florida International University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

3. California State University, Fullerton

Fullerton, California

About the program: Cal State Fullerton’s online business administration degree in professional business serves as a degree-completion program. Students choose from among seven specialization options.

Acceptance rate: 53%

Graduation rate: 76%

Avg. annual net price: $7,991

Years to degree: Three

SAT range: 1030-1200

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Enrollment periods per year: Two

Course delivery methods: Synchronous

Accreditation: California State University, Fullerton is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

4. Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

About the program: Designed for students who have completed two years of coursework, FAU’s online bachelor of business administration includes majors in accounting, hospitality and tourism management, management, and marketing.

Acceptance rate: 63%

Graduation rate: 61%

Avg. annual net price: $10,186

Years to degree: Two

SAT range: 1080-1240

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Florida Atlantic University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

5. San Diego State University

San Diego, California

About the program: As a degree-completion program, SDSU’s online bachelor’s in business administration emphasizes fundamental topics like leadership, international strategies, marketing, and investments. 

Acceptance rate: 34%

Graduation rate: 78%

Avg. annual net price: $14,788

Years to degree: Two

SAT range: 1110-1330

Minimum GPA: 2.75

Enrollment periods per year: Two

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: San Diego State University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

6. The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

About the program: UA’s online bachelor’s in commerce and business administration allows students to specialize in management, marking, or accounting.

Acceptance rate: 83%

Graduation rate: 67%

Avg. annual net price: $22,597

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 1080-1340

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by the Southern Commission of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

7. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, Louisiana

About the program: ULM’s bachelor’s of business administration online includes 120 credit hours of coursework. Learners choose two concentration areas as part of the program.

Acceptance rate: 80%

Graduation rate: 45%

Avg. annual net price: $10,453

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: Not publicly available

Minimum GPA: Not publicly available

Enrollment periods per year: Six

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: The University of Louisiana at Monroe is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

8. New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, New Mexico

About the program: NMSU’s online bachelor’s in business administration allows learners to specialize in information systems or marketing. Students have the option to take part in an internship as part of the program.

Acceptance rate: 55%

Graduation rate: 52%

Avg. annual net price: $8,659

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 950-1150

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: New Mexico State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

9. Central Washington University

Ellensburg, Washington

About the program: Designed to accommodate students with an associate degree in business, CWU’s online business administration bachelor’s includes optional specializations in human resource management, marketing management, and supply chain management.

Acceptance rate: 85%

Graduation rate: 60%

Avg. annual net price: $15,397

Years to degree: 1.5-4 

SAT range: 950-1170

Minimum GPA: 2.25

Enrollment periods per year: Four

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Central Washington University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

10. University of Northwestern Ohio

Lima, Ohio

About the program: Online business administration degrees at UNOH include optional concentrations in agribusiness management, automotive management and automotive aftermarket, and marketing.

Acceptance rate: Not publicly available

Graduation rate: 42%

Avg. annual net price: $19,055

Years to degree: 1.5-4

SAT range: Not publicly available

Minimum GPA: Not publicly available

Enrollment periods per year: Four

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: The University of Northwestern Ohio is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

11. Lincoln Christian University

Lincoln, Illinois

About the program: LCU’s online business administration bachelor’s degree works a biblical worldview into a comprehensive business curriculum.

Acceptance rate: Not publicly available

Graduation rate: 55%

Avg. annual net price: $18,141

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: Not publicly available

Minimum GPA: Not publicly available

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Lincoln Christian University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

12. University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

About the program: UIS offers a comprehensive online bachelor of business administration degree with specialization options in management or human resource management.

Acceptance rate: 77%

Graduation rate: 55%

Avg. annual net price: $12,477

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 995-1210

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: The University of Illinois at Springfield is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

13. Eastern New Mexico University

Portales, New Mexico

About the program: ENMU’s online business administration bachelor’s degree accommodates students who want to specialize in finance, hospitality management, information systems, marketing, and personal financial planning. 

Acceptance rate: 58%

Graduation rate: 42%

Avg. annual net price: $9,516

Years to degree: Two

SAT range: 900-1110

Minimum GPA: Not publicly available

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Eastern New Mexico University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

14. University of Mary

Bismarck, North Dakota

About the program: Mary’s online business administration bachelor’s degree includes 124 credit hours of coursework. The comprehensive curriculum integrates business fundamentals and Benedictine values.

Acceptance rate: 74%

Graduation rate: 55%

Avg. annual net price: $17,410

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 1048-1280

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Rolling

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation:The University of Mary is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

15. Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

About the program: CMU’s online bachelor’s degree in business administration includes 120 credit hours of core, major, and elective coursework. Students can specialize in information systems.

Acceptance rate: 70%

Graduation rate: 59%

Avg. annual net price: $15,981

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 990-1200

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Enrollment periods per year: Four

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Central Michigan University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

16. John Brown University

Siloam Springs, Arkansas

About the program: JBU’s online business administration bachelor’s degree in management emphasizes functional aspects of business. Learners explore marketing, strategy, and finance from a Christian perspective.

Acceptance rate: 76%

Graduation rate: 70%

Avg. annual net price: $21,963

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 1060-1260

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Two

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: John Brown University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

17. Montana State University Northern

Havre, Montana

About the program: Within MSUN’s comprehensive online bachelor’s program in business administration, students have an array of minors to choose from to tailor their degree. 

Acceptance rate: Not publicly available

Graduation rate: 42%

Avg. annual net price: $13,174

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: Not publicly available

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Montana State University Northern is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

18. Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

About the program: FSCJ’s online bachelor’s degree in business administration provides concentration options in human resources, entrepreneurship, and marketing.

Acceptance rate: Not publicly available

Graduation rate: 35%

Avg. annual net price: $3,916

Years to degree: Four, accelerated option available

SAT range: Not publicly available

Minimum GPA: Not publicly available

Enrollment periods per year: Rolling

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Florida State College at Jacksonville is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

19. Mayville State University

Mayville, North Dakota

About the program: As part of the online business administration degree at Maryville, students can double-major or minor in accounting or select specializations in two of the following topics: accounting, marketing, management, banking and finance, and agribusiness.

Acceptance rate: 70%

Graduation rate: 39%

Avg. annual net price: $12,378

Years to degree: 2-4

SAT range: 900-1130

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Mayville State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

20. Mississippi College

Clinton, Mississippi

About the program: MC offers an online business administration program that provides a Christian-focused look at business fundamentals, principles, and practices.

Acceptance rate: 42%

Graduation rate: 55%

Avg. annual net price: $17,186

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 1060-1230

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Rolling

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Mississippi College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

21. Eastern Florida State College

Cocoa, Florida

About the program: EFSC’s online management degree with a concentration in general business trains students in decision-making, leadership, and organizational management. 

Acceptance rate: Not publicly available

Graduation rate: 40%

Avg. annual net price: $4,955

Years to degree: Two

SAT range: Not publicly available

Minimum GPA: Not publicly available

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Eastern Florida State College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

22. Peru State University

Peru, Nebraska

About the program: PSU’s online business administration bachelor’s degree provides seven specialization options. Notable tracks include management applied science and computer management information systems.

Acceptance rate: Not publicly available

Graduation rate: 46%

Avg. annual net price: $14,058

Years to degree: 2-4

SAT range: Not publicly available

Minimum GPA: Not publicly available

Enrollment periods per year: Rolling

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Peru State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

23. Southeastern University

Lakeland, Florida

About the program: With concentrations in business leadership and marketing communication, SEU’s online business administration bachelor’s degree blends business theory and practice through 120 credit hours of coursework.

Acceptance rate: 48%

Graduation rate: 45%

Avg. annual net price: $24.909

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 940-1180

Minimum GPA: 2.0

Enrollment periods per year: Rolling

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Southeastern University is regionally accredited by the Southern Commission of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

24. Eastern Oregon University

La Grande, Oregon

About the program: Students can earn an online bachelor of arts or an online bachelor of science in business administration from EOU. Two degree concentrations are available.

Acceptance rate: 98%

Graduation rate: 42%

Avg. annual net price: $14,300

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: 930-1145

Minimum GPA: 2.75 (high school transcripts), 2.25 (previous college coursework)

Enrollment periods per year: Three

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Eastern Oregon University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

25. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Daytona Beach, Florida

About the program: Embry-Riddle’s online bachelor’s degree in aviation business administration emphasizes economics, management, and business statistics and marketing as they relate to the airline industry.

Acceptance rate: 62%

Graduation rate: 35%

Avg. annual net price: $20,333

Years to degree: Four

SAT range: Not publicly available

Minimum GPA: Not publicly available

Enrollment periods per year: Rolling

Course delivery methods: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Insights from a graduate who majored in business administration

Darien Chui, a man with short black hair and wearing a navy suit, smiles at the camera.

 Darien Chui obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University – Vancouver. During his undergrad, he served as president of Beta Alpha Psi and the Institute of Managerial Accountants to help fellow students bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. Darien was also a student ambassador for the Carson College of Business and a student leader in other non-business-related organizations on campus. 

Since graduating, Darien has been working full time as a data analyst. Outside of the 9-5, Darien also owns his own wedding photography studio, which is ranked top 10 in the United States.

ZDNet: Was there anything about being a business administration major that you didn’t expect or anticipate?

Darien Chui: To be honest, I didn’t entirely know what to expect because I wasn’t 100% sure what my exact career goals were when I first started. However, I didn’t expect for there to be so many options for study and career paths within the business admin major. It was nice to be exposed to so much variety.

ZDNet: What misconceptions do people have about majoring in business administration, and what would you tell them?

DC: I think many people think a business administration major will prepare them to run their own business. From my experience, I’d tell them that a business administration major is a good foundation; however, it’s not enough to fully guarantee your success in starting a business from scratch.

ZDNet: What was the most challenging course you took as a business administration major? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course?

DC: My most challenging course was statistics. I struggled with stats because there were a lot of formulas that you had to memorize by rote memory, which wasn’t my strong suit. My advice to students taking a stats course is to find real-life scenarios for where each type of formula or concept takes place. Having real-life examples to study, and a story to help you remember, will improve your understanding of statistics.

ZDNet: How did you make the most of your time as a business administration major so that you were competitive in the job market after graduation?

DC: I took advantage of all the extra-curricular opportunities that were available. Good grades aren’t enough. When your university offers workshops such as professional resume reviews, interview prep, networking events, etc., be sure to go to as many of them as you can. 

Also, get involved with business clubs where available. Being involved in Beta Alpha Psi (an accounting club) helped me better understand the accounting profession and helped me make connections with accounting firms in the area, which led to an internship. Even after I decided to discontinue my path into accounting, the connections with other student leaders and employers eventually helped me land a full-time job in the industry I decided to go into. 

When employers see that you’re putting in effort outside of the classroom to educate and prepare yourself for the workplace, you’ll stand out amongst the competition.

What to expect in an online bachelor’s in business administration degree program

An online bachelor’s in business administration introduces students to business theories, principles, and practices. What to expect in a business degree program varies, but generally some consistencies exist across the board. 

With coursework in accounting, finance, and management, learners build the skills to work in business settings across industries and organizations. Classes in organizational behavior, information technology, statistics, and human resources provide essential insights into optimizing people, technology, and data to achieve business goals. 

Online bachelor’s in business administration courses

Introductory coursework in economics, finance, and business communication help establish foundational knowledge for program-specific business administration classes. While earning a business administration degree, students learn data analytics, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management while simultaneously applying the principles of each through assignments, group projects, and practical learning exercises.

Business Analytics

A business analytics course introduces students to methods used to assess quantitative and qualitative information. Learners develop skills to interpret and apply information from data to business situations. 

Global Business

Global business courses emphasize the business connections between organizations, companies, and individuals around the world. Students explore social, economic, and political influences on business and how to apply that information to making effective, efficient business decisions on the global stage.

Marketing

Marketing classes focus on strategies to promote goods and services. By emphasizing advertising, business communications, and market strategy and research, students develop skills to engage with and influence consumers and the general public.

Project Management

In a project management class, students learn about how to effectively manage all aspects of a project’s life cycle. Project management coursework emphasizes time management, budgeting, risk management, and communication skills alongside planning, development, and execution of a specific project.

In conclusion

A business administration degree online paves the way to a fulfilling business career. The wide scope of a business administration degree allows students to apply what they learn across industries and organizations. Check out the top online business administration degree picks here and find out which program is right for you.