Online Associates Degree in Business Administration - Best of 2024

Get Matched With Business Administration Programs

In order to succeed in business, you will need a degree. One of the quickest ways to attain a degree in business and get to work is by completing a two-year associate degree program or an accelerated option. These degrees are often found at your local community college, but they are also available online and from some four-year universities. Since associate degree programs take only two years, perhaps less with an online option, many current students see this as a quick way to get out of learning in school and into the real world and successful employment. This is true, but an associate degree, whether a business management or business administration degree program, will only take a graduate's career so far. It may be difficult to get into leadership positions with their corporate employers, but they can start earning experience and working toward their long-term goals. Keep reading to learn more about associate degrees in business administration.

PROS

A degree in business administration at the associate level comes with many benefits. During your online or on-campus education, you will learn the nuts and bolts of business (including academics in customer service, human resource management, principles of finance, etc.), along with your general on-campus or online education courses. Once you graduate, you will have a solid foundation on which to build a long and successful business career.

One chief positive of attaining an associate's degree is that you can complete the degree in as few as two years after you complete high school. Further, AA and AS degrees are often offered online and on-campus through local community colleges. Thus, if you live far from a four-year public school, you can still jumpstart your business career through online learning, without a lengthy commute or other inconveniences.

Another of the chief pros of an associate's degree program is that degree holders can command a higher salary than those without a degree can. Your knowledge and skills in the field of business also mean that you can advance in your career faster than if you were trying to learn on the job.

CONS

On the negative end of online associate degree programs focused on business management or a degree in business administration, you'll find that, while it's great for getting started, you may hit a glass ceiling before too long. Two years’ worth of knowledge and skill only go so far. You may also find that you are ineligible to attain additional certificates. Even if you are an entrepreneur, you may find that banks prefer to loan to those with a bachelor's degree over those with a lower-level degree in business administration.

A two-year Associate Business Administration Degree also limits you in that, it's difficult to broaden your knowledge on the field of business in a brief two-year span. Your time will probably be filled with core curriculum and the few business courses you're able to take for your major concentration. When you move on to a four-year bachelor's degree, you'll see that there's more opportunity to add a minor concentration and gain a breadth of knowledge you don’t otherwise have access to. For instance, you could add a minor in accounting, marketing, or even economics to increase the scope of your knowledge. Ultimately, while a two-year degree is far better than no degree at all, it's a good idea for you to progress through a full bachelor's degree in business administration, business management, or a related degree in business in order to have the career you've always dreamed of. These degrees can be completed online or in other flexible learning platforms so that you needn't stop working in order to gain more education.

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25 Best Online Associate in Business Administration Programs

American Public University System

Score: 76.7

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
Net Price: $11,172
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206
Graduate Students: 9,462
Grads Salary: $53,700
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Foothill College

Score: 75.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,565
- Out-of-State: $12,320
Net Price: $11,013
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 12,434
Undergrad Students: 12,434
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $48,800
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

Marian University-Indianapolis

Score: 74.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,100
- Out-of-State: $39,100
Net Price: $22,554
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 3,701
Undergrad Students: 2,633
Graduate Students: 1,068
Grads Salary: $54,200
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Immaculata University

Score: 71.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,550
- Out-of-State: $28,550
Net Price: $29,188
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 2,361
Undergrad Students: 1,496
Graduate Students: 865
Grads Salary: $52,500
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Southern Arkansas University Tech

Score: 71.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,685
- Out-of-State: $4,685
Net Price: $4,153
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 943
Undergrad Students: 943
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Saint Francis University

Score: 70.42

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,720
- Out-of-State: $41,720
Net Price: $27,459
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 72%
Total Enrollment: 2,857
Undergrad Students: 2,461
Graduate Students: 396
Grads Salary: $44,200
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Trine University

Score: 70.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,600
- Out-of-State: $35,600
Net Price: $24,276
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 4,088
Undergrad Students: 3,819
Graduate Students: 269
Grads Salary: $48,300
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Cambridge College

Score: 69.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,072
- Out-of-State: $18,072
Net Price: $21,178
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 2,135
Undergrad Students: 840
Graduate Students: 1,295
Grads Salary: $49,200
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

Atlantis University

Score: 68.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,720
- Out-of-State: $12,720
Net Price: $16,108
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 73%
Total Enrollment: 850
Undergrad Students: 443
Graduate Students: 407
Grads Salary: $40,900
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

Davenport University

Score: 68.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,324
- Out-of-State: $23,324
Net Price: $18,350
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 5,073
Undergrad Students: 4,069
Graduate Students: 1,004
Grads Salary: $50,600
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Florida Gateway College

Score: 68.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,100
- Out-of-State: $11,747
Net Price: $3,079
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 2,706
Undergrad Students: 2,706
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $31,100
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Toledo

Score: 68.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,377
- Out-of-State: $21,737
Net Price: $17,654
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 15,545
Undergrad Students: 11,965
Graduate Students: 3,580
Grads Salary: $46,200
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Dakota County Technical College

Score: 67.91

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,419
- Out-of-State: $6,419
Net Price: $11,339
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 2,717
Undergrad Students: 2,717
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $44,300
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

Great Basin College

Score: 67.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,855
- Out-of-State: $13,448
Net Price: $7,058
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 38%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 3,197
Undergrad Students: 3,197
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Score: 67.2

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,524
- Out-of-State: $35,524
Net Price: $23,391
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 1,941
Undergrad Students: 1,628
Graduate Students: 313
Grads Salary: $40,800
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Cleary University

Score: 66.72

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,842
- Out-of-State: $24,842
Net Price: $27,209
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 52%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 891
Undergrad Students: 719
Graduate Students: 172
Grads Salary: $46,800
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Monroe College

Score: 66.28

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,922
- Out-of-State: $17,922
Net Price: $9,157
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 7,011
Undergrad Students: 5,916
Graduate Students: 1,095
Grads Salary: $34,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

West Valley College

Score: 66.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,490
- Out-of-State: $8,702
Net Price: $5,468
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 6,513
Undergrad Students: 6,513
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $39,200
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Northwestern College

Score: 65.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,300
- Out-of-State: $35,300
Net Price: $25,198
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 1,651
Undergrad Students: 1,153
Graduate Students: 498
Grads Salary: $42,500
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Penn State World Campus

Score: 65.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,204
- Out-of-State: $15,204
Net Price: $19,551
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 13,979
Undergrad Students: 8,210
Graduate Students: 5,769
Grads Salary: $52,100
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Colorado Christian University

Score: 65.18

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,266
- Out-of-State: $39,266
Net Price: $23,313
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 8,964
Undergrad Students: 7,602
Graduate Students: 1,362
Grads Salary: $42,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Score: 64.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,970
- Out-of-State: $29,970
Net Price: $27,315
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 2,369
Undergrad Students: 1,583
Graduate Students: 786
Grads Salary: $41,700
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Franklin University

Score: 64.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,577
- Out-of-State: $9,577
Net Price: $18,989
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 8,044
Undergrad Students: 5,647
Graduate Students: 2,397
Grads Salary: $48,700
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

William Rainey Harper College

Score: 64.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,990
- Out-of-State: $11,802
Net Price: $8,065
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 12,434
Undergrad Students: 12,434
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Bay Path University

Score: 64.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,227
- Out-of-State: $37,227
Net Price: $18,502
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 2,465
Undergrad Students: 1,315
Graduate Students: 1,150
Grads Salary: $43,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Certificate vs. Associates

An online certificate in business administration is a great way to broaden your business opportunities. Certificate programs are most often offered to students who already have attained a bachelor's degree in any field plus some significant experience, often at least a year in a business environment. However, there are business programs that admit non-degreed students on a non-credit basis. Non-credit options often require more experience for admission and since there is no college credit involved, you won't be able to apply your work toward a degree.

Thus, if you don't yet have an online associate degree, your best bet is to enroll in a two-year degree program and progress from that point. Your coursework will likely cover the same material as a certificate course, and you'll have college credit that will help when you move onto an online or on-campus bachelor's degree in business administration program. And earning a bachelor's degree in business will give you access to even more entry-level and higher opportunities, such as in international business, business policy creation, consumer research, as an executive assistant, customer service rep, or human resources specialist, etc.

What Online Business Administration Associate Degrees are Available?

Associate of Science:
Generally speaking, an AS degree indicates that you have studied a STEM subject. Though Business is heavily math oriented, it also incorporates other elements from humanities.
Associate of Applied Science:
This degree places an emphasis on applying one's knowledge and skills to a practical purpose.
Associate of Arts:
An AA degree is one that is not in a STEM subject, such as Literature, Philosophy, History, or Political Science, for example.
Associate of Applied Business:
If hold an AAB, your degree implies that you have studied with the sole purpose of entering the workforce. The downside of an "applied" associate degree in business administration online or any other field is that your credits may not all transfer.
Associate of Applied Arts:
This type of degree implies that the holder has placed a priority on job skills. An AAA degree might include coursework that does not transfer to a baccalaureate program.
Which Degree is Better, an AA or AS?

Admission Requirements

Each Online Associate of Business Administration program will have its own admission requirements. However, you should count on showing a high school diploma and SAT scores. Generally speaking, a GPA of 2.0 and SAT scores over 900 will suffice for many online undergraduate programs. However, there are always exceptions and there are online undergraduate programs that will accept a high school diploma equivalency certificate and/or significant experience in business or management.

One strong suit of many two-year programs vs a bachelor's degree is that they have great flexibility in their admissions standards and will provide you with opportunities despite shortcomings in the past. However, is it vital that you make sure your business management program is fully accredited and has a strong reputation in academia and your local business community.

Find Your Online Business Administration Program

How long does it take to earn an Online Business Administration Associates?

Most online business associate degree programs take two years to complete. However, many business students opt to take longer by not attending full-time. While it may be tempting to prioritize your work or home life over a degree, try to resist this temptation. The faster you can complete your online associate degree program, the faster you can get your career in to high gear. The short term sacrifices you'll endure for the sake of online education will pay off once you've graduated. Further, the faster you can complete your degree the less likely you are to incur additional charges, such as tuition increases or the rising cost of books.

Online Business Administration Course Work

Potential Careers in Business Administration with an Associates

Marketing Specialist:
In this job, you will work to promote your company's products and services in the most effective ways possible. Depending on the product, you might oversee television ad campaigns, print ads, or other approaches to your target markets. The average annual salary for this job is $51,400.
Operations Manager:
Your degree will help you oversee a company's operations as a manager. Depending on your company's business, you could manage all or part of a manufacturing process, warehouse facilities, or purchasing. Operations Managers command an average annual salary of $66,100.
Bookkeeping:
Bookkeepers are the core of business support. You will put your two-year degree to work ensuring that all incoming or outgoing funds are appropriately recorded for later auditing. You'll need top-notch spreadsheet abilities and a quick 10-key hand, but from this position you will find many opportunities. Bookkeepers earn an average annual salary of $43,500
Office Manager:
In order for any business to operate smoothly, it needs an office manager. You'll need to be able to manage a budget, have creative solutions for the best use of office space and materials, and also provide a helpful and friendly face for the business. Office managers earn an average annual salary of $48,800
Outside Sales Representative:
This general job description can apply to many industries. For each, you'll follow up sales leads, meet company sales expectations, and manage your current customers. Sales Reps generally work on a strictly commission-only basis, meaning that you must produce sales in order to earn a salary. Though earnings vary depending on your industry, sales representatives earn an average annual salary of $50,000.

Options to Advance

Once you have a solid foundation set in place with your online Associate degree in Business Administration, you will have more opportunities to advance than if you had no degree at all. However, you still need to pursue added schooling if you want to add more responsibility to your plate.

You should consider taking more business classes after you've graduated with a two-year degree. While your associate business administration degree will provide a leg-up in the business world, if you continue taking courses on a part-time basis, you may be able to complete a business admin bachelor's degree in three years or so. Your employer might be able to help with tuition assistance and they might even reward your studies with bonuses or promotions, even before you complete a baccalaureate degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an associate degree in business administration worth it?

There are many things which would make an associate degree worth earning. When it comes to earning a degree in the most popular subject in the country, an associate degree can let you finish your program and get into the field faster than those who earn four-year degrees. And earning your degree in business administration instead of general business will mean that your program will include a focus on management theory and techniques. Whether you use this to gain a position and work your way through the rest of your college career or you want to jump into management positions in local businesses, there is plenty to be gained by earning this degree. It can prepare you for both a variety of career opportunities and more education.

What subjects should an associate degree program in business administration cover?

Accounting
Business Fundamentals
Business Law & Ethics
Financial Management
Management Techniques
Marketing Strategies
Human Resources
And More

Is a business administration degree hard?

It’s true that a business degree is not for everyone. However, it’s more complicated to tell you if the degree will be difficult or not. While some people might struggle with business degrees, that is usually due to certain weaknesses they have in communication skills, dealing with people, or math skills. A business management degree does not require higher-level mathematics, but you may need to pass basic accounting and/or statistic courses. And you’ll need to be skilled in dealing with people and understanding how they think if you want to become an excellent manager. If these are your strengths, then a business administration degree shouldn’t be too difficult for you.

How do I get federal financial aid for my college education?

For many future college students, attending one of the business schools is a dream that can quickly become an intimidating reality when the inevitable question of how to pay for it comes up. With the cost of tuition continuing to rise, many are unaware of the available avenues for federal financial aid. Whether you’re a high school student looking ahead or already in college and needing help paying your bills, there are resources that can provide assistance with college costs.

The first step in getting started on your path to securing federal financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA will determine whether or not you qualify for federal grants and loans along with other forms of aid such as work-study programs and scholarships. After submitting your application, you can monitor its status online and receive information about any awards you may be eligible for.

What are some occupations I can pursue after earning my associate degree in business administration?

If you've recently earned your associate degree in business administration, congratulations! You have taken the first step to achieving success in a variety of career paths. With a business administration degree, you can pursue many different types of occupations and take advantage of the growing job market. From entry-level positions to higher executive roles, there are plenty of opportunities for those with an associate degree in business administration to begin their career journey.

You can use your new skills and knowledge as a foundation to pursue roles such as financial analyst, administrative assistant, customer service representative, or human resources assistant. These positions require strong problem solving abilities, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and analytical thinking from individuals who possess the dedication and commitment needed for success within these fields. With further training or education, these jobs may lead to higher-level positions such as financial manager, human resource management, international business, business law, or human resource director.

Are there any benefits to taking business administration classes online?

In today’s world, online education has become increasingly popular. As technology continues to evolve and make our lives easier, more and more people are electing to pursue higher education from the comfort of their own homes. One of the most popular fields that individuals are choosing to study online is business administration. Taking business online classes offers learners several advantages over traditional learning in a physical classroom setting. With this new technology-driven approach to learning, those interested in this business management program can gain the same level of knowledge and skills as those who take part in regular classes while also having some additional benefits. These extra benefits for online business programs include providing learners with more flexibility when it comes to completing coursework, allowing them access to global resources that may not be available offline, and reducing costs associated with traditional education such as textbooks or transportation fees.

Best Online Associate in Business Administration Degrees for 2024