The best online sports management degrees stand out for delivering real value, balancing affordability with strong student outcomes and a reputable institution behind the program.
In evaluating top options, we looked for schools that keep costs low while helping you build a meaningful career in the sports industry. Just as important, these programs come from colleges and universities with proven track records for quality, credibility, and student support.
These programs build fundamental business skills and sports industry insights, often involving immersive internships and capstone projects. Read on to learn how to choose the right bachelor's degree in sports management for you.
Start Your Bachelor's in Sports Management Journey Today
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Sports Management Programs
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 Online Sports Management Program for You
You should consider a variety of factors, including tuition costs, program length, and your individual career goals, in selecting your ideal sports management program.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost per credit for the sports management degrees on our list ranges from roughly $120 to $560 for in-state tuition. However, costs are impacted by other factors, including:
Ticket Price: A low ticket price (full cost of attendance before financial aid) is good, but not definitive.
FAFSA: Schools require you to complete the FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility.
Residency: In-state versus out-of-state costs often still apply to online programs.
Find Financial Aid for Your Sports Management Program
Accreditation and Program Quality
Institutional accreditation ensures your degree offers value. Many of the programs on our list also feature sports management accreditation through organizations like the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).
Aside from accreditation, a program's alumni network also underscores its reputation. Members of Northwood's large sports management alumni network, for example, are employed by organizations like the Detroit Pistons, Live Nation, and the NCAA.
Internships and Hands-On Experience
Most programs require students to complete an internship as part of an online program. However, since internships may focus on career development rather than experiential learning in the sports management field, you should consider a program's internship opportunities among a wider set of criteria to determine if the program works for you.
Career Outcomes and Job Placement
Career outcomes, including job placement rates, are important to consider when evaluating an online program.
A survey of student outcomes from the 2023-24 academic year at the University of Florida reported 40% of baccalaureate sports management graduates had secured full-time employment, including 38.9% in athletics occupations and 58.6% within the sports and entertainment industry.
How Much Does an Online Sports Management Degree Cost?
While costs vary for sports management degrees, the average cost per credit hour for the programs on our list is $555. That's slightly higher than the average cost of $490 per credit hour for all bachelor's degrees. Financial aid can often lower the cost of tuition and fees by thousands of dollars.
What Can You Do With a Sports Management Degree?
In the 2023-24 academic year, more than 17,000 students graduated with degrees in sport and fitness administration/management, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a total employment of 12,870 agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes as of May 2023.
Thankfully, graduates of an online sports management degree are uniquely prepared to pursue a wider variety of jobs in the field. See examples in the table below.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $159,660 | Leads marketing teams, uses data analysis to find new markets, and increases interest in products and services |
| Agents and Business Managers of Athletes | $84,900 | Represents athletes by negotiating contracts, managing public appearances, and giving career advice |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $62,360 | Competes in public sporting events, often representing a team |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,920 | Prepares athletes to win competitions, teaching them relevant sports skills |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers | $77,180 | Plans and manages various recreational or wellness activities, including events |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Management Programs
Yes, employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree for jobs in athletics management. Hiring managers generally view accredited online degrees as on par with traditional, on-campus programs.
