Most Affordable Online Business Management Degrees
An online business management program is a great way to enter the business field. Learn more about top online programs here.
Updated August 24, 2023
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An online business management degree prepares learners to lead small teams or entire organizations. Graduates may work as department directors, managers, or chief executive officers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects business and financial occupations to grow 8% from 2020-2030. Professionals in this field earn a median $72,250 annually.
Business management degree-seekers hone their interpersonal communication skills. They learn how to use strategy to increase financial growth. They also study marketing, accounting, and logistics.
This page lists the most affordable online business management degrees. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and potential careers for graduates with a degree in business management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Management
What kind of jobs can you get with a business management degree?
Graduates may work as managers or directors at corporations or nonprofits. Degree-holders can also start their own businesses.
How much is a business management salary?
Professionals in management occupations earn a median $109,760 annually, according to the BLS.
What is the highest-paying job in business management?
Architectural and engineering managers rank among the highest earners. They earn a median income of $149,530 annually.
Online Business Management Degrees
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Eastern New Mexico University-Main CampusLocation
Portales, NM
Tuition$10918
Graduation Rate35%
Eastern New Mexico University is the state's largest comprehensive college. ENMU's robust virtual college offers a BBA in management entirely online. Students learn how to manage people and processes in any industry.
Students complete general education and major coursework. All BBA students complete coursework in accounting, marketing, business law, and spreadsheets and data analysis. They also study advanced topics such as organizational behavior and production and operations management. A capstone course focuses on business strategy and policy.
Enrollees receive access to the writing center, tutoring services, and the success center. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores and school transcripts.
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Appalachian State UniversityLocation
Boone, NC
Tuition$10491
Graduation Rate72%
Appalachian State University offers an online BSBA in management that allows nontraditional students with significant prior credits to complete their bachelor's degree. The degree-completion program covers topics such as finance, marketing, and operations management.
All enrollees must also fulfill a global issues requirement, choosing from five options, such as a study abroad experience or a 400-hour international internship. The curriculum devotes 15 credits to managerial topics, such as HR management. Learners culminate the degree with integrative exercises.
Admission to the BSBA requires at least 67 transfer credits with a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA.
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University of Louisiana at MonroeLocation
Monroe, LA
Tuition$9455
Graduation Rate44%
ULM Online offers 35 fully online degrees, including an online BBA in management. The 120-credit curriculum includes general education courses in areas such as English, math, and psychology. During their junior year, students take business-related courses in areas such as business finance, organizational behavior, and the fundamentals of marketing.
Students can use elective credits to pursue specialized training in areas such as talent acquisition and human resource development. All students take a management information systems course that focuses on the use of technology for managerial decision-making.
ULM Online charges a flat tuition rate for all students pursuing the business management degree online, regardless of residency. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores and transcripts.
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Southeastern UniversityLocation
Lakeland, FL
Graduation Rate42%
A Christian college located in Florida, Southeastern University offers an online BS in organizational leadership. The 120-credit curriculum requires general education courses on subjects such as sociology, psychology, and marriage and family. The major explores leadership theory and practice. Students learn about principled leadership and how to lead organizational change.
An optional internship gives students hands-on experience in a business environment. The capstone course explores the essential qualities of a servant leader and how to apply servant leadership concepts in the workplace.
SEU's eight-week sessions facilitate accelerated learning. Admission to this online business management degree program requires SAT or ACT scores and transcripts.
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Florida International UniversityLocation
Miami, FL
Tuition$9180
Graduation Rate58%
Florida International University boasts 20 years of experience delivering online degrees. The BBA in management continues that tradition with a fully online curriculum. The 120-credit program covers topics such as financial management, operations management, and applied business statistics.
Students learn how to manage their careers and engage in effective business communication. One notable course focuses on how to achieve happiness at work. Learners also take courses on topics like business ethics, executive skill development, and human resource management.
Each online learner works with a success coach to help them accomplish their academic goals. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores and prerequisite business courses with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA.
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McNeese State UniversityLocation
Lake Charles, LA
Tuition$9985
Graduation Rate45%
Located in Louisiana, McNeese State University administers more than 100 academic programs. The school's online BS in management blends theoretical knowledge with real-world experience. The 120-credit curriculum includes general education courses such as English composition and finite math. Enrollees begin to develop foundational business skills during their sophomore year. Learners study topics like accounting, Microsoft Excel for business, and strategic and operations management.
Students can optionally pursue an HR management concentration that cultivates skills in training and development and managing compensation and benefits. Internship opportunities give students hands-on experience with local employers.
Six- and seven-week sessions help students quickly complete the business management degree online. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores for freshmen and a minimum 2.0 GPA for transfer students.
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University of Nebraska at KearneyLocation
Kearney, NE
Tuition$15975
Graduation Rate58%
Established in 1905, the University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an online BS in business administration with a management emphasis. The 120-credit program develops skills in accounting, finance, and operations management. Students explore the legal, ethical, and corporate responsibility challenges faced by businesses.
The management emphasis requires seven courses that include HR management and small business management. This track also provides specialized training in areas such as labor relations and healthcare management.
Students pursuing the business management degree online receive access to the writing center and other academic support. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores for freshmen and a minimum 2.0 GPA for transfer students.
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Northern State UniversityLocation
Aberdeen, SD
Tuition$15668
Graduation Rate48%
Located in South Dakota, Northern State University offers an online BS in management. Learners study business best practices and modern management methodologies. Students complete a 48-credit business core that develops competencies in key areas such as accounting, business finance, and marketing.
Students can pursue one of three concentrations: entrepreneurship, leadership, or supply chain analytics management. In lieu of a concentration, students can pursue the general management track. Students complete an internship, which helps learners explore career opportunities in fields such as banking and accounting.
Admission requires SAT or ACT scores or a minimum 2.6 high school GPA.
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West Texas A & M UniversityLocation
Canyon, TX
Tuition$13325
Graduation Rate44%
West Texas A & M University offers a fully online BBA in management. The BBA's core courses explore accounting, business finance, and management information systems. A strategic management and policy course teaches students how to make sound decisions under uncertain conditions.
The management major explores five topics, including organizational behavior and production operations management. Students can use 12 credits to take advanced management electives. Student organizations, such as Enactus and the Accounting and Finance Association, provide extracurricular activities that can help students prepare for their career.
The school offers a tuition guarantee that helps keep the BBA affordable. Admission to the online business management degree requires SAT or ACT scores.
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Florida Atlantic UniversityLocation
Boca Raton, FL
Tuition$9486
Graduation Rate52%
Florida Atlantic University operates six campuses in Florida. Online students can complete the BBA in management completely online. The 120-credit degree prepares managers and entrepreneurs to guide business operations across functional areas. Students interested in the online business management degree must complete 60 credits of lower-division courses before declaring the major.
All BBA students complete a business core that develops competencies in financial management, marketing management, and global strategy and policy. The BBA offers two management concentrations: entrepreneurship and leadership and applied managerial skills (LAMS). Students pursuing the entrepreneurship concentration learn how to launch a new venture and successfully manage it. The LAMS concentration examines areas such as employment law, HR recruitment and selection, and global business operations.
Admission to the BBA requires pre-business foundation courses in areas such as accounting and calculus with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
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University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterLocation
Whitewater, WI
Tuition$12094
Graduation Rate58%
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers a BBA in general management that students can complete entirely online or in a hybrid format. The 120-credit degree requires general education and general management coursework. Learners study topics such as leadership in management and organizational development and change.
Students can pursue one of three concentrations: nonprofit management, healthcare management, or sports management. Regardless of their concentration, all students cultivate critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Students may declare the business major at any time in their studies.
UWW boasts tuition lower than other four-year colleges in the UW system. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Admission to the online business management degree program requires a minimum 2.0-2.8 GPA, depending on the applicant's number of prior credits.
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Gardner-Webb UniversityLocation
Boiling Springs, NC
Graduation Rate53%
Gardner-Webb University is a Christian college located in North Carolina. Gardner-Webb offers an online BS in management degree-completion program. Students develop competencies in areas such as accounting, business strategy, and management information systems.
Participants also learn about leadership and operations management. A sales management elective examines strategies used in direct and personal selling and effective sales force management. Students learn sales persuasion skills and simulation selling techniques.
The online business management degree also requires an internship that gives enrollees direct experience in the workplace. Admission requires at least 24 prior credits and college transcripts.
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Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityLocation
Durant, OK
Tuition$8490
Graduation Rate33%
Southeastern Oklahoma State University enrolls about 4,800 students annually. The school's online BBA in management comprises 124 credits. Students take core business courses in areas such as financial accounting, marketing, and business information management.
Learners also study management topics, such as management science, small business management, and supervisory management. Learners can customize the degree with two elective courses. The program requires general education credits that students can complete at SOSU or transfer from prior colleges.
SOSU charges a flat tuition rate for all students pursuing the business management degree online regardless of residency. Admission requires SAT or ACT scores for freshmen and a minimum 2.0 GPA for transfer students.
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Northern Arizona UniversityLocation
Flagstaff, AZ
Tuition$14882
Graduation Rate52%
With campuses throughout the state, Northern Arizona University maintains a strong footprint in Arizona. Distance learners can earn the 120-unit BA in management online. The degree prepares students for managerial roles across industries. Learners develop critical thinking, business communication, and leadership skills.
The management core cultivates business skills in areas such as accounting, marketing, and IT function management. A required course teaches students how to run effective meetings and empower teams who can successfully complete projects. Students choose one of three emphasis areas: healthcare, human resource, or entrepreneurship and business development. Each emphasis area requires 21 credits.
Students culminate the BA with a capstone course that applies lessons learned. NAU offers some of the state's most affordable tuition. Admission to the online business management degree requires SAT or ACT scores.
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University of Northwestern-St PaulLocation
Saint Paul, MN
Graduation Rate63%
The University of Northwestern-St. Paul offers an online BS in business management as a degree-completion program. Learners typically complete the degree in 18-22 months by transferring prior college credit, such as an associate degree.
Learners study topics such as accounting, finance, and marketing. Students also complete a course on worldview and ethics. Learners may pursue a minor in areas such as psychology or communication studies. Students pursuing this online business management degree can optionally pursue a healthcare management concentration.
Small classes facilitate personalized learning. Participants can save money with free open-source textbooks for 15 business courses. Admission requires college transcripts.
Why Get a Degree in Business Management?
A degree in business management may lead to lucrative jobs that pay higher salaries than the national median. Many professionals in this field do not work weekends or evenings.
Most organizations consider business managers top-level executives. These professionals typically earn more than coordinators or specialists. Some professionals work their way up to management status without a degree. However, they may lack knowledge of management theory.
Students pursuing online business management degrees benefit from flexibility. They can often continue their careers while earning their degree.
How Much Does a Business Management Degree Cost?
College costs an average of $35,331 annually, according to EducationData.org. This figure includes books and supplies. However, online learners may spend less. Students spend an average of $51,091 to earn an online bachelor's degree.
Many factors influence degree costs. For example, public state schools usually charge less than private colleges. In addition, schools typically charge less for in-state students.
Program length may also impact cost. Students who finish their degrees quickly can save money. Colleges often raise tuition rates annually to account for inflation.
Additional Online Student Fees
Students pursuing an online business management degree should budget for extra expenses. Many online programs charge technology fees that cover virtual classroom platforms and video conferencing services. These fees may also cover technical support for distance learners.
Earning an online degree requires a reliable computer and internet access. Business students may need to pay for software like Microsoft Excel. Online students should also budget for textbooks. They can save money by buying used or digital versions.
Other expenses may include charges for a diploma or official transcript copies.
How Much Do Business Management Graduates Make?
Earning an advanced degree in business management may lead to higher-paying positions than many other U.S. occupations. Professionals with an MBA earn an average of $87,000 annually, according to Jan. 2022 Payscale data.
Salaries vary depending on professionals' roles and employers. For example, human resources managers earn an annual median salary of $121,220. Lodging managers earn $56,670.
Geographic location also influences salary. For example, Californian financial managers earn a mean annual wage of $162,650. The same professionals in Colorado earn $172,400.
Courses in Business Management
Most bachelor's programs require 120 credits and take four years to complete. Master's programs usually require 60 credits and take two years to finish. Students pursuing a degree in business management practice their active listening and interpersonal communication skills. They explore strategic planning and how to set goals. Learners also explore ways to motivate other professionals.
Most business management degrees cover many subjects, such as public relations and finance. See below for three common classes in business management programs. Keep in mind that courses vary by program.
Learners explore various management approaches. They read case studies about contrasting methods and study research reports that test the covered theories. This class encourages critical thinking through classroom discussion. Students discover different ways to motivate people depending on their characteristics and strengths.Management Theories
Students learn how marketing and public relations influence a company's success. They explore best practices for communicating with company stakeholders. Coursework may cover social media strategy, audience messaging, and brand awareness. Some business management programs let learners select a concentration in marketing or public relations.Foundations of Marketing and Public Relations
Degree-seekers learn the foundations of supply and demand. Learners discover how to source materials and oversee the design, manufacturing, and transportation of goods. The class covers how expenses influence a product's price. Part of the class also covers best practices for logistics coordination.Logistics Business
Career and Salary Outlook for Business Management
An online business management degree prepares students for jobs in many industries. Every large business needs various managers to function properly.
See below for three types of managers. Each position requires a unique skill set, which we identify in the descriptions.
Financial Managers
These professionals prepare financial statements and make recommendations to increase profits. They supervise employees who manage budgets, like department directors. Financial managers need accounting knowledge. They must also know how to analyze market trends. These professionals usually work for one organization. However, some provide consulting services.Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
These managers use their strategy knowledge to increase sales. They work with a variety of professionals to ensure a clear message. These professionals also collaborate with photographers, copywriters, and graphic designers to build brand awareness.Sales Managers
These managers oversee sales teams. They provide advice and direction to professionals who pitch ads and products directly to consumers. Sales managers must know how to set realistic sales goals for employees. They may write scripts and offer critiques to enhance sales success.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers | $134,180 | 17% |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $141,490 | 10% |
| Sales Manager | $132,290 | 7% |
Source: BLS
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