According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business administration is the most popular business major. Why? It builds transferable skills — like leadership, communication, problem-solving, and financial literacy — and offers strong job growth and earning potential across many industries.

An online bachelor's in business administration offers the same benefits, plus added flexibility and lower costs. Many programs let you study on your own schedule and often cost less than traditional on-campus degrees.

Below, you'll find more about a bachelor's degree in business online, including the top programs, career outcomes, and average costs.

Why Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in Business Online

  • Unlock versatile career paths, higher earning potential, and a diverse skill set
  • Study in a flexible formats, with options to study on your own schedule
  • Pay cheaper tuition costs, on average, compared to traditional, on-campus degrees
  • Save money on transportation, housing, and other related costs

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Business Administration Programs

Why Accreditation Matters for Business Degrees

Accreditation matters if you want your degree to be respected by employers or transferable to another school. There are two main types to look for: institutional and programmatic accreditation. Both ensure your education meets recognized quality standards.

Institutional accreditation means a college or university meets standards for overall operations, finances, and student support. Plus, it's required for access to federal student aid. Common institutional accreditors include the Higher Learning Commission and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs and signals that the curriculum meets industry-specific standards. This will matter for graduate school, professional certifications, or competitive business roles. For business majors, key programmatic accreditors include AACSB International, ACBSP, and IACBE.

Learn more about business school accreditation

Types of Business Bachelor's Degrees

There are several types of bachelor's degrees in business, including a bachelor of business administration (BBA), a bachelor of arts (BA) in business, and a bachelor of science (BS) in business. All three cover core business topics like marketing, finance, and management.

The differences lie in the program focus, particularly in general education requirements. A BBA emphasizes broad business fundamentals with a strong focus on leadership and management. A BS in business places more emphasis on math, statistics, and analytical coursework. A BA in business typically includes a mix of liberal arts and humanities courses alongside business classes.

Popular Online BBA Majors

Is a Bachelor's in Business Administration Worth It?

$68,640
Average starting salary for business majors (2024)

13.7 million
Number of workers with a bachelor's in business (2023)

26%
Percent who also hold graduate degrees (2023)

Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers, Bureau of Labor Statistics

A bachelor's in business administration can be worth it for its strong career prospects and earning potential. It meets the entry-level education requirements for in-demand accounting, marketing, and human resources roles.

The BLS projects business and financial occupations to grow faster than average from 2024 to 2034, with more than 940,000 openings expected each year. This demand gives BBA graduates a wide range of career opportunities across industries.

The average starting salary for business majors is $68,640, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). But some roles pay well above $100,000. For example, the top 10% of accountants earn over $142,000, BLS data shows. A BBA can also build a strong foundation for further studies, such as a master of business administration (MBA) or a specialized master's degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a business degree cost?

The average tuition and fees for a bachelor's degree in business was $10,473 in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Adjusted for inflation, that equals about $13,186 in 2025 dollars.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, the average tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students at public institutions was $6,944. At private schools, the average cost was $27,978.

How many years is a bachelor's degree in business?

A bachelor's in business typically takes 4-6 years to complete, depending on your course load. Most full-time students finish in about four years, taking 12-15 credits per term. Part-time students, taking fewer than 12 credits, often take six years or longer. Accelerated business degree programs can shorten the timeline by a year or more, with some allowing students to finish in two years or less.

Is business a hard major?

Being a business major may be challenging if you find subjects like mathematics and analytics difficult. Some specializations, like finance or accounting, are more math-heavy than others, such as human resources or marketing. Business programs also include essays, reports, and presentations, requiring communication and public speaking skills.

What can I do with a BBA degree?

Due to its broad foundation and leadership-oriented skill set, a BBA unlocks a variety of career opportunities. You can pursue careers in various fields, including accounting, finance, management, and consulting, across industries such as banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Many BBA holders also qualify for management or leadership roles early in their careers.

What business major makes the most money?

According to NACE, the highest-paying business major is specialized sales, merchandising, and market operations, with an average starting salary of $78,010 in 2024. The second-highest is finance, at $73,270. Other top-paying majors include management sciences and quantitative ($72,290), international business ($71,51-), and construction management ($71,200).