While some schools are limiting their MBA programs, others are proving that you can train strong, intelligent, ethical business people. If you are looking to move up into management or the C-suites of your current company, or even start your own with a foundation of solid business principles, then you’re in the right place. Here you’ll find a comprehensive list of some of the best business administration bachelors and masters (MBA) programs in the country. Wherever you live, and whatever your plans, you’ll be able to find a school here that can meet and exceed your expectations. We’ve pulled the best college programs from across the nation and at various price points that will give you the flexible education you need to continue to succeed.
Why Attend a Business Administration College?
A business administration degree offers broad career opportunities by providing a strong foundation in management, marketing, finance, and operations, applicable in many industries. Graduates can pursue roles like business analyst, project manager, or financial advisor, and the degree can also serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurship.
This degree often leads to higher earning potential, as it equips graduates with skills in business strategy, financial management, and leadership. It also develops transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and decision-making, which are highly valued by employers. Additionally, a business administration degree provides valuable networking opportunities through internships and industry connections, helping to open doors for career advancement and long-term success.
How to Choose a Business Administration Program
When selecting a business administration program, it's crucial to evaluate several key factors to ensure you're choosing a program that aligns with your goals and provides a high-quality education. Whether you're pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration or considering graduate-level study with an MBA, the right program can make all the difference. This first means ensuring that your chosen school offers the major you’re looking for: finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, etc.
You should probably start by researching the school’s ranking and reputation of the business school. After all, students are usually looking to attend the best business schools available, which are known for their strong academic rigor, experienced faculty, and extensive alumni networks. High-ranking schools are also more likely to offer better internship and job placement opportunities, which can significantly enhance career prospects.
Another important factor to consider is accreditation. Look for schools with accredited business programs, as accreditation ensures the program meets industry standards for quality and rigor. The two primary accreditation bodies for business schools are the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs). Graduating from an accredited program provides greater credibility and increases the value of your degree.
If you’re considering further education with an MBA, you’ll want to look for advanced coursework, leadership training, and networking opportunities. Many of the best business schools offer flexible MBA formats such as full-time, part-time, or online options - allowing you to continue working while earning your degree.
You can also look at the strength of the school of business in terms of faculty, resources, and industry connections. Some schools offer hands-on experiences like internships, consulting projects, or live case studies, while others may have a more traditional classroom-based approach. Choose a program that matches your learning style and long-term career objectives.
Top 25 Campus Business Administration Schools
Stanford University
Score: 96.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,484
- Out-of-State:$62,484
- Net Price: $18,279
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 18,283
- Undergrad Students: 8,049
- Graduate Students: 10,234
- Grads Salary: $116,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Harvard University
Score: 89.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $59,076
- Out-of-State:$59,076
- Net Price: $19,491
- Acceptance Rate: 3%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Total Enrollment: 30,631
- Undergrad Students: 9,368
- Graduate Students: 21,263
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Dartmouth College
Score: 88.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,739
- Out-of-State:$65,739
- Net Price: $19,208
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 6,744
- Undergrad Students: 4,458
- Graduate Students: 2,286
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Duke University
Score: 86.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,805
- Out-of-State:$65,805
- Net Price: $23,694
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 18,023
- Undergrad Students: 6,640
- Graduate Students: 11,383
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Carnegie Mellon University
Score: 86.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,829
- Out-of-State:$63,829
- Net Price: $33,499
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 16,002
- Undergrad Students: 7,059
- Graduate Students: 8,943
- Grads Salary: $108,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Columbia University
Score: 85.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $69,045
- Out-of-State:$69,045
- Net Price: $22,058
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 34,782
- Undergrad Students: 8,902
- Graduate Students: 25,880
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Johns Hopkins University
Score: 85.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,340
- Out-of-State:$63,340
- Net Price: $24,034
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 31,275
- Undergrad Students: 6,044
- Graduate Students: 25,231
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Northwestern University
Score: 85.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,997
- Out-of-State:$65,997
- Net Price: $22,095
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 23,161
- Undergrad Students: 8,993
- Graduate Students: 14,168
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Pennsylvania
Score: 84.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,104
- Out-of-State:$66,104
- Net Price: $26,123
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 28,201
- Undergrad Students: 11,250
- Graduate Students: 16,951
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
University of California-Berkeley
Score: 84.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,850
- Out-of-State:$45,627
- Net Price: $19,257
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 45,307
- Undergrad Students: 32,479
- Graduate Students: 12,828
- Grads Salary: $97,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Cornell University
Score: 83.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,014
- Out-of-State:$66,014
- Net Price: $26,060
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 25,898
- Undergrad Students: 15,735
- Graduate Students: 10,163
- Grads Salary: $93,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Score: 82.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,228
- Out-of-State:$58,072
- Net Price: $19,318
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 51,225
- Undergrad Students: 32,695
- Graduate Students: 18,530
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Vanderbilt University
Score: 82.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,946
- Out-of-State:$63,946
- Net Price: $25,606
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 13,710
- Undergrad Students: 7,151
- Graduate Students: 6,559
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
University of California-Los Angeles
Score: 82.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,747
- Out-of-State:$44,524
- Net Price: $16,999
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 46,430
- Undergrad Students: 32,423
- Graduate Students: 14,007
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Washington University in St. Louis
Score: 81.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,982
- Out-of-State:$62,982
- Net Price: $23,432
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 17,012
- Undergrad Students: 8,132
- Graduate Students: 8,880
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
University of Notre Dame
Score: 80.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,693
- Out-of-State:$62,693
- Net Price: $28,474
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 13,105
- Undergrad Students: 8,971
- Graduate Students: 4,134
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Virginia
Score: 80.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,986
- Out-of-State:$58,014
- Net Price: $19,469
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 26,082
- Undergrad Students: 17,444
- Graduate Students: 8,638
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Florida
Score: 80.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,381
- Out-of-State:$28,659
- Net Price: $11,740
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 55,211
- Undergrad Students: 34,552
- Graduate Students: 20,659
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of California-San Diego
Score: 80.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,265
- Out-of-State:$46,042
- Net Price: $16,111
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 42,006
- Undergrad Students: 33,096
- Graduate Students: 8,910
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Score: 80.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,989
- Out-of-State:$39,330
- Net Price: $10,614
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 31,705
- Undergrad Students: 20,029
- Graduate Students: 11,676
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Emory University
Score: 78.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,774
- Out-of-State:$60,774
- Net Price: $26,680
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 14,841
- Undergrad Students: 7,101
- Graduate Students: 7,740
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Washington
Score: 78.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,643
- Out-of-State:$41,997
- Net Price: $10,603
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 52,319
- Undergrad Students: 36,213
- Graduate Students: 16,106
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of Southern California
Score: 78.46
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $68,237
- Out-of-State:$68,237
- Net Price: $36,808
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 48,945
- Undergrad Students: 20,699
- Graduate Students: 28,246
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
New York University
Score: 78.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,438
- Out-of-State:$60,438
- Net Price: $29,499
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 59,144
- Undergrad Students: 29,401
- Graduate Students: 29,743
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Lehigh University
Score: 77.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,180
- Out-of-State:$62,180
- Net Price: $30,453
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 7,394
- Undergrad Students: 5,624
- Graduate Students: 1,770
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Business Administration Education Levels
There are various types of business degrees available, each catering to different career goals, time commitments, and levels of education. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of business degrees:
- Associate’s
A two-year program that provides foundational knowledge in business concepts. Ideal for those looking to enter the workforce quickly or pursue further education while starting out on a budget. Commonly offered at community colleges and technical schools, this degree can lead to entry-level roles in administration, marketing, and sales. - Bachelor’s
A four-year undergraduate degree, such as a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) or BS in Business, offering a deeper dive into business principles. Students can specialize in areas like finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. A bachelor’s degree is often required for mid-level positions and is a steppingstone to advanced degrees. - Master’s
A graduate-level degree, such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration), designed for professionals looking to advance their careers or switch industries. MBA programs offer specialization in areas such as finance, leadership, operations, and marketing. They typically require one to two years of study and are ideal for those seeking executive or managerial roles. - Doctorate
A PhD in Business or DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is a research-focused degree for those who want to teach at the university level, conduct high-level research, or become experts in a specific business field. Doctorate programs typically take three to five years to complete and require a significant commitment to original research and dissertation work. - Online Degrees
Many universities offer online business programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral levels. These programs offer flexibility for working professionals or those with personal commitments. Online learning allows students to earn degrees from accredited institutions without the need to attend in-person classes, making education more accessible.
Each type of business degree offers unique advantages, depending on your career stage and aspirations. Choosing the right one will depend on your goals, whether you're looking to enter the workforce quickly, advance in your current career, or pursue academic research in the field of business.
Specializations
A business administration degree offers a versatile foundation for a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Whether you earn a BBA or an advanced MBA, the skills and knowledge you gain will prepare you for roles in leadership, strategy, and operations. Here are some of the career paths you can pursue with a business administration degree:
- Management and Leadership Roles
One of the most common paths for business admin graduates is management. Whether as a general manager, operations manager, or department head, you’ll be responsible for overseeing teams, making strategic decisions, and ensuring business operations run smoothly. These positions are found across all industries including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. - Project Management
This degree can prepare you to manage projects from start to finish. Project managers coordinate teams, resources, and timelines to ensure that business projects are completed efficiently and within budget. This role is essential in industries like construction, IT, marketing, and consulting. - Entrepreneurship and Small Business Ownership
For those interested in starting their own venture, a business admin degree provides essential knowledge for running a business. From developing business plans to managing finances and marketing, graduates are well-equipped to launch and manage their own startups or small businesses. - Marketing and Sales Management
A degree in this field can lead to roles in marketing and sales. Graduates can become marketing managers, responsible for developing strategies to promote products and services or sales managers, leading teams to drive revenue. These roles require a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and strategic planning. - Human Resources (HR)
This can also open doors to careers in human resources. HR professionals manage talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and performance management. Whether you're working in recruitment, training, or organizational development, HR professionals play a key role in shaping a company’s culture and workforce. - Finance and Accounting
Graduates can pursue careers in finance or accounting, taking on roles like financial analysts, accountants, or budget managers. These positions involve managing financial operations, analyzing financial data, and helping businesses make strategic decisions based on their financial health. - Consulting
Business administration graduates can also be recruited into consulting roles, where they advise businesses on improving their operations, profitability, or overall strategy. Whether in management consulting, IT consulting, or business strategy, consultants work with clients to identify problems and implement effective solutions. - Operations and Supply Chain Management
This field might also lead to positions in operations and supply chain management. These roles involve overseeing the production process, managing inventory, and ensuring that goods and services are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively. - Corporate Strategy and Business Development
For those interested in high-level decision-making, roles in corporate strategy and business development are a natural fit. Graduates can work on expanding the company’s market reach, identifying new growth opportunities, and shaping long-term strategies. - Nonprofit and Public Sector Management
You might also find roles in the nonprofit and government sectors. Whether managing a nonprofit organization, working in public administration, or running government projects, these roles offer opportunities to lead initiatives that create social impact while applying business management principles.
A business administration degree provides you with a broad skill set in leadership, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and organizational management, making it one of the most versatile and valuable degrees in the business world. Whether you're managing teams, developing strategies, or launching a business, this degree can set you up for success across a wide range of industries and career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good major in the US?
Yes, business administration is one of the most popular and versatile majors in the US. It offers a broad skill set that is applicable across many industries, from finance to marketing to management. Graduates often find job opportunities in high-demand fields with strong earning potential.
Are these degrees worth it?
Yes, a business administration degree can be very worthwhile. It provides foundational knowledge in key areas such as leadership, finance, marketing, and operations, making it a solid investment for those looking to advance in their careers or start their own businesses. Additionally, it opens doors to many different career paths, offering long-term growth and earning potential.
How long does it take to earn a degree?
A bachelor’s in business administration typically takes about four years to complete if studying full-time. If you pursue an MBA, it usually takes one to two years after earning your bachelor's degree, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
What are some skills that are useful in this field?
Key skills for business administration include leadership, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management. A strong understanding of finance, marketing, and organizational behavior is also beneficial, as well as the ability to manage teams, make strategic decisions, and adapt to changing business environments.
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