At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Online Business Management Programs
#1: San Diego State University — You can complete SDSU's asynchronous online bachelor's program in as little as two years.
#2: California State University, Fullerton — CSUF's online program boasts a 91% in-field employment rate and has comparably lower tuition.
#3: Florida International University — FIU's online business management bachelor's program is transfer-friendly and has a competitive tuition rate.
The best business management programs deliver real return on investment without sacrificing quality. We ranked the fully online degrees on this list highly for their student outcomes, affordability, and reputation.
When choosing an online business management program, consider total cost, program flexibility, accreditation, and specializations. Read on to discover BestColleges' top programs and how to choose the best one for you.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Business Management Degrees
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren't part of our ranking methodology.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
Choosing the right online business management program starts with knowing what matters most to you. Use these five steps to evaluate options, compare features, and make a confident, informed decision.
Step 1: Define Your Top Priority
The first step to choosing the right online business management program for you is to determine what your top priority is, whether that's cost, flexibility, reputation, or career outcomes.
Also, consider both your short- and long-term priorities. If you want affordability in the short-term, but great career prospects, for example, you likely should choose a program with not just low tuition, but also a solid job placement rate.
Step 2: Verify Program Accreditation
Choose a program with business-specific accreditation to ensure it meets established industry standards. This recognition can enhance your employment prospects after graduation. Some top accreditors to look for include:
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: The AACSB accredits major business schools and also offers accounting accreditation.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs: The ACBSP accredits individual programs based on factors like student outcomes and faculty expertise.
International Accreditation Council for Business Education: The IACBE looks at factors like student success, outcomes, and a university's mission.
Step 3: Compare Cost
When assessing programs, make sure to not only compare the tuition and fees listed, but also the net price of the degree, which is what you'll pay after financial aid you receive through the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). This can include federal student loans, scholarships, and grants.
Some of the programs on our list offer calculators to help you estimate your costs. They also might list the average aid awarded to students in the program.
Step 4: Consider Program Format and Flexibility
If flexibility is in your top priorities, consider programs that offer asynchronous courses. This format allows you to do classes on your own schedule, with no set class times. Some schools on our list, including San Diego State University and California State University-Fullerton, offer asynchronous classes in their online business management programs.
Synchronous courses, on the other hand, allow for more face time with professors and classmates.
The length of terms in the program you choose can also dictate how flexible it is. Traditional 16-week terms might allow you to digest the course content more than shorter, seven- or eight-week terms.
Step 5: Review Curriculum and Specializations
If you have a specific career goal in mind, look for online business management degree programs that offer courses and specializations that align with your desired job. For example, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell's program offers seven concentrations, ranging from analytics to finance.
However, if you're looking for a more general business management education, a program like CSU Fullerton's, which offers no concentrations, might fit your goals better.
How Much Does a Bachelor's in Business Management Cost?
An online business management bachelor's degree costs around $10,500 per year. Financial aid, like grants and scholarships, can reduce that price to about $6,000.
However, tuition can vary widely by institution. More selective private universities typically charge higher tuition, while public colleges tend to be more affordable — especially for in-state students.
Cost of a Business Bachelor's Degree, 2019-2020
Online
$10,476 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$5,928 Avg. Net Price
In-Person
$16,921 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,231 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats
