Whether seeking to break into a successful business career or secure their place in a top MBA degree program, more students are pursuing undergraduate business degrees online than ever before. We’ve published our first ever Smart Choice ranking of online bachelor’s in business and business administration degree programs to meet the growing demand for an objective, unbiased evaluation of the best online business programs available to prospective students today.
Featured Online Programs
- Ashford University – Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Kaplan University – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Liberty University – Bachelor of Business Administration
How We Developed our Smart Choice Ranking of Online Bachelor’s of Business Administration Programs
In constructing our Smart Choice ranking of schools for online bachelor’s in business degrees only regionally accredited colleges and universities listed in the National Center for Education Statistics database were considered. Programs that met this initial standard were then evaluated and ranked based on publicly available data related to market reputation, program offerings, academic quality, student satisfaction, and economic value. The result is a ranked list of twenty five schools we believe to be a smart choice for students looking to earn a bachelor’s in business degree online. We recommend using this list as a starting point on your journey towards finding the best degree program for you, which depends on your own unique set of interests and needs.
#1. Arizona State University (ASU Online)
Founded in 1885, Arizona State University, is one institution spread over four campuses around the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Recent advances in quality, particularly in the already highly regarded Carey School of Business, have led to ASU’s reputation as an up-and-coming university and our pick as the top college for an online bachelor’s degree in business.
Program Detail: ASU Online offers an accredited online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in Organizational Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Technological and Entrepreneurial Management. The BIS degree prepares students for managerial positions in business, including courses in business ethics, diversity, technology, and managerial styles. The BS prepares students for technology-based entrepreneurial ventures, start-ups, and employment in technology management. Both of these programs are full 120 credit-hour bachelor’s degrees.
Accreditation: Arizona State University (ASU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The Carey School of Business is accredited by the AACSB.
#2. Florida International University
Florida International University, a first-tier public research university in University Park, Miami, FL, was first planned in 1945, but was not founded until 1965. From there the new university moved quickly, establishing itself as a top university with a desirable student:teacher ratio, competitive admissions standards, and the highest rate of degrees awarded to minorities in the US, leading to accolades from Hispanic Business and Hispanic Trends. It deserves to be near the top of the list for anyone seeking a business degree online.
Program Details: FIU offers accredited online Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in International Business, Management, Marketing, Human Resources, and Finance. Each of these 120-credit hour programs require 60 hours of core courses (including business pre-courses) and 60 hours of specialized courses. Each prepares students for employment in various areas of business – banking, advertising, management, and so on. Courses are taught online, but may require proctored examination.
Accreditation: Florida International University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
#3. University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois, Chicago, is the largest university in the Chicago area and the second university in the University of Illinois system. Founded in 1867, the Chicago campus was originally a technical branch of the Champaign-Urbana main campus, but became a university in its own right in 1935. Today UIC is considered one of the top 100 regional universities by US News and World Report, and in the top 200 by The Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The school’s online bachelor of business administration program has been recognized by a number of publications.
Program Details: UIC offers an accredited online Bachelor of Business Administration degree completion program. This 60 credit-hour program is designed for students who already possess an associate’s degree in business or any other field to complete a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA to enter the program, where they will learn management, marketing, business ethics, conflict resolution, and other business skills.
Accreditation: The University of Illinois at Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The BBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
#4. Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia PA. Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, Drexel’s cooperative education program may be the best in the nation. Drexel students follow a unique 5-year track, including 18 months of real corporate internship experience, leading to an exceptional degree of experience and a wide network of business contacts upon graduation. For a top online bachelor’s of business degree, you may not need to look much further.
Program Details: Drexel University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The 180 credit-hour BSBA prepares students for practical aspects of business – decision making, financing – and theory. With ten specializations to choose from, students will concentrate in some functional aspect: Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, International Business, Legal Studies, Management Information Systems, Marketing, or Operations and Supply Chain Management.
Accreditation: Drexel University’s educational program is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSCHE).
#5. Colorado State University-Global Campus
Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) is an independent, 100% online, fully accredited public campus in the Colorado State University System. CSU-Global sets the standard for quality and innovation in higher education through its expert faculty who are recognized as industry leaders and trained in working with adults in an online learning environment. CSU-Global is ranked #7 by U.S. News & World Report for “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.” CSU-Global offers an number of highly respected programs, including a top online bachelor’s in business management.
Program Details: CSU-Global offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with 19 different specializations to fit most any student’s interest. All students will learn the basics of business ethics, the legal aspects of business, analysis, decision-making, and strategic planning. Courses can be completed entirely online and at the student’s convenience. No travel is required.
Accreditation: CSU-Global is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#6. Southern New Hampshire University
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private university with campuses in Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. Originally an accounting school, SNHU was chartered by the state of New Hampshire as a non-profit institution. SNHU, with its acclaimed business school, is ranked highly by US News and World Report as a regional university and deserves to be high on any list of schools with top online bachelor’s of business degree programs.
Program Details: SNHU offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students may take concentrations in three fields: Human Resources Management, Organizational Leadership, or Small Business Management. Students in this program receive core instruction in management, accounting, marketing, and human resources, as well as specialized coursework in their concentration areas. SNHU also offers a BS in Business Studies for a more comprehensive study of business, a degree which includes ten concentrations, from Accounting to Sports Management.
Accreditation: SNHU is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
#7. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a historic land-grant university founded in 1853 and located in Gainesville FL since 1906. The Warrington College of Business Administration was one of the first colleges of business to engage in distance learning and has been acclaimed by The Economist and US News and World Report. The college’s online degree in business administration enjoys an outstanding reputation for quality and value.
Program Details: The University of Florida offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This 60 credit-hour degree completion program requires students to enter with an Associate’s degree or two years of college coursework and takes two years to complete. Lectures are available through streaming video; coursework is online but requires proctored testing.
Accreditation: The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Warrington College of Business Administration is accredited by AACSB International.
#8. University of Iowa
The oldest university in the state, the University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. Founded in 1847, the university has a history of firsts – the first university in the US to admit women and men equally, the first to establish a GLBT union, the first to televise lectures, and the first to develop an MFA degree. UI has the distinction of being considered a public ivy and it’s business schools is one of the best in the country, helping make it an outstanding choice for an online bachelor’s in business administration.
Program Details: The Henry B. Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa offers an accredited online Bachelor of Business Administration degree. This degree specializes in Management, with a possible concentration in Entrepreneurial Management to develop managers with an inspiring, entrepreneurial focus. This 120 credit-hour BBA requires 48 hours of business courses and 60 core credit hours, with electives to complete the program. The Tippie College is ranked by US News and World Report as one of the top 25 undergraduate business schools in the US.
Accreditation: Iowa State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Tippie College of Business is accredited by the AACSB.
#9. Washington State University
Washington State University is Washington’s oldest and largest public university, Founded in 1890, WSU established the College of Business in 1940, though it offered business degrees from its inception. The College of Business maintains programs at three campuses in Washington state as well as international programs in China, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, and Thailand. Its online business degree programs are among the best in the world.
Program Details: Washington State University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with concentrations in Accounting, Management and Operations, or Management Information Systems. Students must complete 60 hours of general curriculum courses, as well as business core requirements and the specialization requirements. Students who concentrate in Accounting will take courses in accounting and economic theory; those in Management and Operations will focus on motivating and leading; and Management Information Systems provides specialized training in business technology.
Accreditation: Washington State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. WSU’s College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
#10. Penn State World Campus
Founded in 1855, Penn State is one of the largest “public ivy” universities in the nation through its many campuses and robust online program. Beginning with mail programs in 1898 Penn State claims over one hundred years of experience in distance learning. Penn State’s online-learning program, The Penn State World Campus, launched in 1998 and now offers over 70 degrees from associate to bachelor. There are few better places for a bachelor of business administration degree program online.
Program Details: Penn State World Campus offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business degree. This full 120 credit-hour program prepares students for careers in management by instructing in management theory, marketing strategies, communication, and financial/accounting expertise. Students may also take an 18 credit-hour specialization in Management and Marketing that emphasizes selling, small business and global marketing, and further management applications.
Accreditation: Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Penn State’s World Campus business programs are accredited by the AACSB.
#11. University of Massachusetts (UMassOnline)
One of the most respected public research universities in New England, The University of Massachusetts was, established in 1863 as a land-grant research university. Located in Amherst, MA, one of the best college towns in America, UMass is consistently ranked as one of the greatest in the nation, and its online program is a model to other schools. Their online bachelor’s in business degree program is one their best and most popular programs.
Program Details: UMass Online offers two accredited business bachelor degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies, and a Bachelor of Business Administration. The UMass online program is designed for ultimate flexibility for working professionals who have demanding schedules and cannot take the time for residential requirements of campus visits. The BA requires at least 12 completed credit hours to enter; the BBA requires at least one year, or 27 hours, or completed coursework before entering.
Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The Isenberg School of Management is accredited by AACSB.
#12. Full Sail University
Originally founded as an audio recording trade school in Dayton, Ohio, in 1979, Full Sail University moved to Winter Park, Florida in 1980 and began expanding. Today Full Sail is a private, for-profit trade school owned by TA Associates, and is one of the most highly regarded entertainment and media-focused universities in the world. For online bachelor’s of business degrees geared towards music and entertainment, they’re the best in the business
Program Details: Full Sail University offers accredited online Bachelor of Science degrees in Entertainment Business and Music Business. These degree programs provide a solid core foundation in business theory and practice, with specialized coursework in the particular demands of the entertainment and music businesses. Students will learn to understand copyright and intellectual property laws, marketing, artist management, and other skills necessary for success in entertainment and music.
Accreditation: Full Sail University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
#13. Regis University
Founded in 1877 by Jesuit missionaries in Denver, CO, Regis University was and remains a private, co-ed Jesuit university. Instruction is guided by Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises and the Jesuit principles of intellectual, spiritual, and social development and responsibility. One of the best online bachelor’s of business administration programs for those interested in changing the world for the better.
Program Details: Regis University offers an accredited online Bachelor Business of Science in Business Administration. This 128 credit-hour program prepares students for management with all of the theory and skills necessary for success in the contemporary business world, but with a Jesuit-influenced focus on ethics and service. Students may concentrate in five concentrations: Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, and Public Administration, as well as dual and flexible concentrations.
Accreditation: Regis University is accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission.
#14. University of Illinois Springfield
The University of Illinois Springfield is a public four-year university in Springfield, IL with an AACSB accredited College of Business and Management. Originally founded in 1969 as Sangamon State University, it was absorbed into the University of Illinois system in 1995. US News and World Report ranks UIS highly as a regional university for the Midwest, and the university has been offering online degrees since 1999. Their online undergraduate business program is uniquely suited for those interested in business with a social conscience.
Program Details: The UIS College of Business and Management offers an AACSB accredited Bachelor of Business Administration. This 120 credit-hour program includes 13 hours of Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE), a program designed to encourage social responsibility, ethics, and diversity. BBA students will learn a core curriculum of marketing, financial responsibility, organizational behavior, and other basics of business management.
Accreditation: The University of Illinois at Springfield is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools. The UIS College of Business and Management is accredited by the AACSB.
#15. California State University Fullerton
California State University Fullerton (or Cal State Fullerton) is a public state university in Fullerton, California. With the largest enrollment of students in the California State system, Cal State Fullerton is the third largest college in California. Originally founded in 1959, Cal State Fullerton is known for its futuristic Googie architecture and as the home of the Phillip K Dick Science Fiction Collection. It may soon be known for having one of the top online bachelor of business administration degrees around.
Program Details: Cal State Fullerton offers an accredited online Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. This 60 credit-hour degree completion program requires students to have completed the 60 credit general-education requirements before entering the program. This general degree does not have specializations, but is designed for the benefit of students working full time. The program is a three-year cohort program, allowing students to work closely with the same group of peers for support and continuity.
Accreditation: California State University, Fullerton, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
#16. University of Minnesota Crookston
The University of Minnesota Crookston is a public four-year university in Crookston, Minnesota. A small university, UMC was founded as an agricultural high school in 1905, developing into a two-year college in 1965 and joining the University of Minnesota system in 1968. Known as the first college to issue laptop computers to students and faculty (in 1993), UMC’s commitment to technology is obvious in its online degree programs, including its top rated online bachelor’s in business management program.
Program Details: UMC offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business Management. This 120 credit-hour program offers students a liberal arts core curriculum, and a business management core to learn basic business practices. Students may also choose a Management Emphasis, taking courses directed toward small business, human resources, business writing, and other skills needed for business managers.
Accreditation: The University of Minnesota Crookston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
#17. Robert Morris University
Located in Moon Township, a suburb of Pittsburg, PA, Robert Morris University is a private, co-ed university. Not to be confused with Robert Morris University in Illinois, both are named for the financier of the American Revolution. RMU has resided in a number of interesting locations, including the William Penn Hotel, the Rust Engineering Building, and the mansion of Oliver Kaufmann. Many of its top ranked degree programs are now available online.
Program Details: RMU offers an accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with two possible concentrations: Economics or Hospitality and Tourism. Students take a core of basic courses, as well as specialized business courses and a group of courses in their concentration. Students who concentrate in Economics will study economic theory, finance, and decision-making theory; students who concentrate in Hospitality and Tourism benefit from the most highly-ranked hospitality and tourism management program in the US, learning the skills necessary for management in hotels, restaurants, country clubs, and such industries.
Accreditation: Accreditation: Robert Morris University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#18. University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a public university in Platteville, Wisconsin. This small university began offering distance education courses to remote areas of Wisconsin by mail, and began an online program in 1999. Its online bachelor of business administration degree program is quickly establishing itself as one of the best undergraduate business degrees online.
Program Details: UW-Platteville offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. This 120 credit-hour program (which is also available in print) prepares students for general business skills, and also offers three concentrations: Finance, General Business, or Human Resources Management. UW-Platteville has a larger than average graduation rate of 75%, much higher than the usual graduation rate for online degree programs.
Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
#19. University of the Incarnate Word
A private Catholic university located in San Antonio, Texas, The University of the Incarnate Word was founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. With campus extensions in China and Mexico, 93 sister schools throughout the world, and an unparalleled study-abroad program, UIW, the largest Catholic university in the state of Texas, has maintained a commitment to its mission. The list of high quality online degree programs offered by UIW’s Virtual University includes its online bachelor’s in business administration.
Program Details: UIW offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This 120 credit-hour program includes core curriculum courses, 39 hours of major field coursework, and 24 hours of a specialization. Students may choose specializations in Accounting, Finance, General Business, Information Systems, International Business, Management, or Marketing. As a Catholic university, UIW’s program emphasizes the ethics of business, preparing students to be responsible, socially-conscious business-people.
Accreditation: The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
#20. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University operates as a highly-ranked liberal arts university, with a grounding in Benedictine education. Saint Leo was the first Catholic institution in Florida, founded in 1889. Having begun its Center for Online Learning in 1999, Saint Leo is a leader in online learning and a top-ten military-friendly school with a reputation much larger than its small size would suggest. Anyone looking for a top online bachelor’s in business administration should give Saint Leo a close look.
Program Details: Saint Leo University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. This full 120 credit-hour program includes three possible concentrations. For students who wish to pursue a career as a CPA or CMA, the accounting specialization offers coursework in tax, auditing, and business law; for those who wish to go into management, the Management specialization focuses on entrepreneurship, human resources, and labor relations; for students interested in sales, advertising, and consumer relations, the Marketing specialization focuses on selling, consumer behavior, and international business.
Accreditation: The Donald R. Tapia School of Business is accredited by the IACBE.
#21. Brenau University
Brenau University is a private university in Gainesville, GA. A historic women’s college, Brenau was founded in 1878 as Georgia Baptist Female Seminary. Today Brenau’s graduate programs are co-ed, and an online college formed in 2002 offers distance-education for anyone. Its name, a coinage based on the German brennen and the Latin aurum, means “gold refined by fire.” It has been named a best value in the South by US News and World Report and offers a top distance education business degree program.
Program Details: Brenau University offers an accredited Bachelor of Business Administration degree, as well as two concentrations in Marketing or Accounting. These 120 credit-hour programs provide a broad foundation in business theory and practice, while the Marketing and Accounting concentrations provide more directed, focused attention to the skills needed for success in those areas of business.
Accreditation: Brenau University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
#22. Liberty University
Liberty University has grown tremendously in its short existence into the largest private university in the nation. Founded in 1971 by Rev. Jerry Falwell, Liberty ensures that it meets all standards accreditation entails, as a SACS-accredited institution, as well as continuing its commitment to conservative evangelical values. Liberty is located in Lynchburg, VA, but its online undergraduate business degree programs are available anywhere.
Program Details: Liberty University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students may choose specializations in Communications, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare Management, International Business, Marketing, Project Management, or Public Administration. As a Christian university, Liberty emphasizes business ethics and the integration of faith with professional behavior.
Accreditation: Liberty University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC).
#23. Bellevue University
Founded in 1965, Bellevue University is a private university located in Bellevue, Nebraska. Located near Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue was intended to provide an educational option for students who could not travel to the University of Omaha from the growing Bellevue. It is now one of the most highly regarded schools for online degree programs, including its excellent online bachelor of business administration.
Program Details: Bellevue University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This 127 credit-hour program provides students with a grounding in business theory and practice, with specializations in Finance, Human Resources Management, or Marketing. These specializations require 9 hours beyond the core curriculum and major field coursework.
Accreditation: University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#24. Everglades University
Everglades University is a small, private university in Boca Raton, Florida. Originally American Flyers College, the college was purchased by Arthur and Belinda Keiser in 1998 and changed to Everglades University. It’s small class sizes and solid completion rate help make it one of the best schools for an online bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Program Details: Everglades University offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. This 123 credit-hour program prepares students for the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills of the modern business world, with small classes for the support and attention that leads to academic success.
Accreditation: Everglades University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).
#25. Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University is a Christian university in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 1873 in association with the Free Methodist Church, Spring Arbor University began as a seminary with elementary and secondary education, growing into a junior college in 1930 and a university in 2001. It’s growing online degree division now offers an excellent online bachelor in business degree completion program.
Program Details: SAU Online offers an accredited online Bachelor of Science degree in Business. This 47 credit-hour degree completion program prepares students who already have 58 credit-hours of transferable credit for employment in business or graduate education. Taught in a cohort model, SAU Online’s program combines a liberal arts education with professional preparation, and as a Christian university teaches business practice with an emphasis on Biblical and ethical standards.
Accreditation: Spring Arbor University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.