[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business degrees are one of the most conferred undergraduate degrees. That’s because online business degree programs offer skills that you can apply across industries, along with specializations that can help you reach your desired career path.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But as you know, college degrees are not cheap. That’s where affordable online bachelor’s degree programs come in. You can get a high-quality education and take the next step in your education journey without breaking the bank or even leaving home.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below, you’ll find the most affordable online bachelor’s in business degrees, as well as common career paths, salaries, and scholarships associated with these highly transferable degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Business Degree​s[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an Online Business Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of an online business degree varies by program, school, and whether the university is public or private. According to the most recent data from [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab” target=”_blank”]the NCES[/hen-ui-link], the median tuition cost for online business degrees at public four-year schools was $7,454 in 2020. For private colleges, that cost was $7,784.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When it comes to on-campus versus online degree programs, the NCES reports that the cost of an online business degree program is about $4,000 cheaper, on average, than traditional, on-campus business degree programs. Some of the cheapest online business degrees could be substantially less expensive than on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Median Tuition Costs for Bachelor’s in Business Degree Programs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Online Business Degrees[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]On-Campus Business Degrees[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]$7,367[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online Business Degrees”]$11,749[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose an Online Business Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing between the cheapest online business degrees, you’ll need to look for the specializations that interest you and assess the costs, program format, ongoing support, and student services. Below are a few factors to consider.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Costs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/”]affordable online degrees[/hen-ui-link], the first key consideration is the total cost. Look at both tuition and the average amount of financial aid students receive. If the university offers specialized scholarships or grants, that can help make programs more affordable.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public, in-state schools typically cost less than private schools. As an online student, you can also save money on transportation and housing costs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Program Format[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s also important to consider the program’s format and whether it’s offered full time or part time. Some programs allow you to complete your studies [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]asynchronously, on your own time[/hen-ui-link], while others are synchronous, or taught at set times.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll also want to check whether your chosen program is 100% online, as some programs may have on-campus requirements. Some schools offer [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/business/accelerated//”]accelerated business programs[/hen-ui-link], which can speed up your degree completion time and allow you to enter the workforce faster. If you have transferable credits, consider an accelerated format.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s essential to choose an online business degree offered by an accredited university. You can check for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations” target=”_blank”]institutional accreditation from a regional accreditation board[/hen-ui-link] to ensure that you will qualify for financial aid and that potential employers will accept your degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, look for business degrees with programmatic accreditation from one of the following accreditors:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://acbsp.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacsb.edu/” target=”_blank”]Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://iacbe.org/” target=”_blank”]International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Specializations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business specializations vary widely. Many online [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]business degree[/hen-ui-link] programs offer a few tracks. If you want to specialize in a field such as accounting, finance, human resource management, or marketing, be sure to choose a program that offers that degree track.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other common business specializations include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business technology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-administration/”]Business administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-management/”]Business management[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business analytics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Entrepreneurship[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Student Support Services[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Student services can support you throughout your studies and even after graduation. To get an idea of the support students receive, look at the program’s website and see if it highlights services like individualized academic support and career advising.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also ask about student outcomes, including graduate employment rate, job projections, and salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]8 Ways You Can Save Money on Your Online Business Degree​[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To reduce the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]cost of your online degree[/hen-ui-link], consider the following strategies:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earn some transferable credits at a community college to save on total costs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Check if the college offers credit for professional experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Research and compare the costs of business programs to find one that fits your budget.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fill out the FAFSA to access federal scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Apply for private scholarships and grants to save on tuition.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Check if your employer offers tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Buy used textbooks or rent books, and take advantage of student discounts to save on supplies.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Scholarships for Business Majors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To help lower the cost of a business degree, consider [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]applying for scholarships[/hen-ui-link] and grants. There are hundreds of specialized scholarships for business majors, including:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://bold.org” target=”_blank”]Bold.org Scholarships: [/hen-ui-link] Bold.org offers access to thousands of scholarships ranging from $500 to $50,000. Application deadlines and processes vary by scholarship.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mtfchallenge.org/” target=”_blank”]Modeling the Future Challenge: [/hen-ui-link] Offered by the Actuarial Foundation, this $60,000 scholarship is awarded to the winner of a competition for high school students that combines math modeling, data analysis, and risk management. Applications for the 2025-26 season will be released in late Summer.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/ciam-academic-excellence-scholarship” target=”_blank”]CIAM Academic Excellence Scholarship: [/hen-ui-link] This private scholarship awards up to $12,000 based on academic, professional, or individual achievement.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.extensiv.com/supply-chain-scholarship” target=”_blank”]Extensiv Supply Chain Scholarship: [/hen-ui-link] Students pursuing a supply chain, logistics, or operations management degree can apply for this $2,500 scholarship.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/177270-digital-marketing-scholarship” target=”_blank”]Digital Marketing Scholarship: [/hen-ui-link] This scholarship awards $4,000 to two high school seniors or undergraduate students pursuing digital marketing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Jobs Can You Get With a Business Degree​?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a bachelor’s degree in business, you can pursue a variety of roles across many industries. Popular [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/business-jobs/”]careers for business graduates[/hen-ui-link] include financial examiner, project management specialist, human resources specialist, and logistician.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in pursuing executive leadership and high-level management roles, consider enrolling into [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/”]an MBA program[/hen-ui-link] after completing your undergraduate program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below summarizes the median salary and projected job growth for popular careers requiring only a bachelor’s degree in business.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Business Degree Careers and Salaries[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career Paths[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (May 2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Management Analyst[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm” target=”_blank”]$101,190[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]11%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Accountant[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm” target=”_blank”]$81,680[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Human Resources Specialist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]$72,910[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Project Management Specialist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]$100,750[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Budget Analyst[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm” target=”_blank”]$87,930 [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Financial Analyst[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm” target=”_blank”]$101,910[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]9%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Financial Examiner[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-examiners.htm” target=”_blank”]$90,400[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]21%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Personal Financial Advisor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm” target=”_blank”]$102,140[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]17%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Logistician[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Paths”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm” target=”_blank”]$80,880[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (May 2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Business Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are online bachelor’s degrees cheaper than in-person degrees?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As with on-campus programs, tuition varies significantly among online programs. Generally, online bachelor’s degree programs are cheaper, on average, than on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an online student, you can also save on meal plans, housing, transportation, and relocation costs by living and studying at home. Additionally, many online programs charge the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, allowing you to access out-of-state schools without incurring extra costs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How hard is it to get an online business degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited online business degree programs require the same commitment and coursework as traditional programs. While you can expect the same academic challenges, online programs can offer greater flexibility, allowing you to fit your coursework into your schedule.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an online business degree respected?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, online business degrees are respected as long as you earn your degree from an accredited institution. Accreditation ensures you receive a high-quality education and gain the necessary business skills employers expect. Additionally, your diploma will not state that you earned your degree online.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the easiest degree to get in business?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Which specialization is the easiest for you depends on your strengths and interests. Most business degrees require a combination of mathematical and analytics skills, big-picture management skills like strategic thinking, and people management skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a passion for advertising or graphic design, you may find a marketing degree easier. Alternatively, if you struggle with math, you may find that a finance degree is challenging. Ultimately, when choosing a business degree and specialization, you’ll need to consider your interests and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”323,289,1127″][/hen-ui-article-row]