The 7 Best Online Schools for Business in 2024 | Exhaustive Top Programs Guide

Online education in business is more popular than ever! Identifying the best online schools for business has become paramount for valuable skills and knowledge that leads to great salaries.

The business field offers countless career paths. These range from entrepreneurship and financial analysis to market strategy and various other roles. Each career demands distinct education, with business schools offering diverse undergrad and graduate programs. But how do you choose the best fit for you?

The best colleges with online business degrees typically feature an accreditation. They are recognized by employers, peers, and other institutions. These colleges also have a good track record of career success and offer several degree options and resources. In truth, there’s a lot to consider in selecting top-notch business schools, and this article helps to streamline the process.

What are the Best Online Schools for Business?

When it comes to online business schools, the best options are always accredited. These accredited online business colleges meet specific quality and academic standards, and their degree programs are recognized and respected by employers and other schools.

However, there are several other factors to consider aside from accreditation. We outline eight of the best online schools for business, considering other factors like the average cost and the span and expertise of their business programs.

Article Navigation: Undergraduate Accredited Business Degrees Online | Graduate Colleges with Online Business Degrees | The 7 Best Online Schools for Business | Accreditation for the Best Online Schools for Business | Are Colleges that Offer Online Business Degrees Worth it? | Start Your Journey to Success Today with the Top Online Business Schools

Undergraduate Accredited Business Degrees Online

Choosing a business degree is pivotal in every professional’s career pursuit. Thankfully, the convenience of online education has made it easier to earn business degrees.

Undergraduate business degrees lean towards foundational knowledge in the field. Certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degrees prepare students for entry- to mid-level careers in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more. The best online undergraduate business schools generally provide these programs to suit all kinds of aspirations.

Certificate

An undergraduate certificate business program is short-term and focused. It aims to provide students with basic skills and knowledge. The best certificate programs are offered by accredited colleges, aimed at helping students enhance their professional credentials, change careers, or pursue further education in business.

These programs typically require 9 to 18 credits, depending on the institution and area of specialization. As such, it can be completed in less than a year. Online certificate programs provide students with access to various resources and support services. Some of these resources include academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and networking opportunities.

Choosing an undergraduate certificate program means engaging in business topics and skills relevant and applicable to your industry. Some common courses included in a business certificate program include:

• Introduction to Business
• Business Communication
• Statistics
• Business Law
• Finance
• Marketing and Management

These courses form the foundation for every undergraduate business education. The average cost of an undergraduate certificate business program is about $4,580.

Associate

An associate degree is a two-year program. Like certificates, an associate degree helps students prepare for entry-level positions in business. However, it also helps students transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

Associate degrees typically require 60 to 64 credits, depending on the school and curriculum. The format for an associate’s degree in business features courses such as:

• Core business courses
• Elective courses
• Online resources
• Assignments
• Examinations

Overall, an associate’s degree is a valuable and rewarding option because it’s helpful for students seeking to improve their business knowledge and skills within a short timeframe. Students can advance their careers, explore new opportunities, or pursue higher education in business. An online associate’s degree in business costs an average of around $14,930.

Bachelor

A bachelor’s business degree provides students with more complete knowledge and skills in business education. This program also features areas of focus, which prepare students for more specific careers compared to certificate and associate degree programs.

Typically, a bachelor’s degree program requires 120 to 128 credits. However, students who pursue fast-track business courses or have prior credits can complete this program faster. Regardless of the timeframe, these online degrees cost about $50,000 on average.

Many online bachelor’s in business programs offer a concentration, such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, international business, or HR. This allows students to tailor their degree to a specific career goal or interest. The program also features the basic business courses that form the foundation for business education.

Graduate Colleges with Online Business Degrees

Aside from undergrad programs, most colleges with online business degrees also offer graduate programs. Graduate degrees provide more advanced knowledge and skills in various business fields and disciplines. The prevalent graduate business programs include:

Graduate Certificate

Similar to undergraduate certificate programs, these are also short-term and flexible credentials. However, they provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in a specified area of business. Graduate programs generally require 9 to 18 credits, depending on the institution and area of specialization, and can be completed in about a year.

The online format of these programs makes them convenient, eliminating most in-person requirements. Students also benefit from resources and support services to make their learning more thorough and fulfilling. Certificates can cover a range of business topics and skills. These topics are consistent with all graduate programs and include:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Management
• Entrepreneurship

To earn an online graduate certificate in business, students must complete all required courses with a satisfactory grade and meet any program or college-specific requirements. On average, this program costs around $9,860.

Master’s Programs

Master’s degrees represent some of the best business degrees online. Think online MBAs, master’s in human resources online, and more. They tackle advanced business leadership topics across every sector. A master’s in business typically requires 30 to 60 credits and can take about two years. Students with prior work experience, certificates, or bachelor’s degrees can also transfer credit toward this program.

Online master’s programs in business cover topics from business strategy to economics, operations, and ethics. Students have elective topics to choose from, which helps to deepen their perspectives. Sometimes, they can even customize their degrees to match specific preferences.

These programs frequently incorporate thesis or capstone projects where students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges. A MBA online costs an average of about $27,900.

Doctorate Degrees

Doctorate degrees in business online are the highest level of academic qualification in the fields of business management, administration, etc. These programs lead to careers in research, teaching, consulting, or leadership. Top-rated online colleges for business generally offer two main types of doctorate degrees in business: PhD and DBA.

A PhD in business is more research-oriented. It focuses on improving theoretical and empirical knowledge of the business landscape. On the other hand, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is practice-oriented. DBA’s focus on applying business knowledge to solve real-world problems. Both programs offer benefits for students advancing their careers or furthering their education.

Doctorate degrees feature components including core coursework, specialization, research proposal, and dissertation research. It takes roughly three to six years to complete this program, depending on the structure and student’s progress. The tuition for doctorate degrees in business averages around $51,580.

The 7 Best Online Schools for Business

For those ready to take the next step in their business education and career, it can help to find top-rated schools. These online schools offer superior quality of education that significantly impacts students’ learning experience, career prospects, and personal development.

1. Michigan State University

   Business School: Eli Broad College of Business
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $7,355 – $32,700
   Accreditation: AACSB

   MSU is a prestigious public research university located in East Lansing, Michigan. It is well known for its commitment to research, innovation, and academic excellence across diverse fields of study, including the business field.

   MSU’s business school, Eli Broad College of Business, is an exceptional institution. This business school offers a variety of undergrad, graduate, and doctoral programs ideal for exploring professional development and career advancement.

   The business college also offers diverse programs and specialties. They suit the preferences of all kinds of students. These programs include seven majors and nine minors in business, as well as top rated MBA programs online. Students can also seek out programs like the School of Hospitality Business.

   MSU’s business school features a top-ranked faculty with members consisting of researchers and consultants who actively contribute to various business disciplines. Students can also explore the college’s global network of alums and corporate partners when needed.

   The Eli Broad College of Business is a quality college that prepares students to become the future of business. Here, students learn from the best, connect with top professionals, and create positive change in the business field.

   Find Out More:
   Michigan State University

    

2. Ohio State University

   Business School: Fisher College of Business
   Tuition in-state: $18,420 – $36,840
   Tuition out-of-state: $18,720 – $37,440
   Accreditation: AACSB

   OSU is another well-regarded public research university located in Athens, Ohio. It boasts strong academic programs, with a wide range of undergrad, graduate, and professional degree offerings. Over time, Ohio University has earned recognition for its education, engineering, health, and business programs.

   These business programs are offered through the university’s business school, Fisher College of Business. This online business college distinguishes its programs and faculty from others by providing the space for students to experience business rather than just studying it. In this regard, OSU’s business programs are designed to offer a transformative academic experience. The learning experience roots in ethical leadership, global awareness, and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

   The Fisher College of Business offers AACSB-accredited business degrees online. These include undergrad, MBA and specialized master’s, PhD, and executive education programs to suit students’ diverse needs. Currently, there are over 8,000 students enrolled at Fisher and over 80,000 Fisher alumni thriving across the globe.

   Find Out More:
   Ohio State University

    

3. Western Governors University

   Business School: College of Business
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $19,820 – $30,040
   Accreditation: ACBSP

   Western Governors University is a non-profit online university, known for its innovative competency-based education model. WGU reflects this model across the business field, providing an innovative approach through its College of Business.

   WGU’s College of Business collaborates with industry leaders to design its curriculum capable of meeting the workforce demands. Academic pathways are also developed to foster the skills needed to thrive in the current business landscape. The school features a network of over 80,000 alums, ensuring students can become highly connected leaders capable of delivering solutions to today’s business problems.

   WGU’s BSBA in Accounting and MS in Accounting degrees are ranked first and second nationally. The school has also seen its MBA and BSBA in Management listed as top return on investment programs by the Wall Street Journal. All these accolades combine to make WGU’s School of Business one of the best schools for various business management degrees online.

   All of WGU’s School of Business bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are ACBSP-accredited, highlighting its commitment to continuous improvement. Furthermore, the college’s HR Management bachelor’s degree aligns with SHRM’s recommended minimum standards.

   Find Out More:
   Western Governors University

    

4. Liberty University

   Business School: School of Business
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $20,340 – $46,800
   Accreditation: ACBSP

   Liberty University offers students relevant, employable skills with a residential or online degree from its School of Business. As with every other program it offers, Liberty’s business programs take a Christian perspective. Through this, students can build character, ethics, and integrity for business success.

   LU’s School of Business provides associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in the field of business. It also features over 90 areas of study, providing students extensive options for their degree. In addition, there is a fast-track option by qualifying for the 3+1 business degree. In this case you’d earn both an undergrad and graduate degree in four years.

   Liberty prides itself in having some of the most committed faculty and staff members who focus on student’s growth. This dynamic network of Christian faculty brings extensive real-world experience into the classroom, providing students with the practical knowledge needed to thrive in a business career.

   In addition to other program-specific accreditation and the university’s institutional accreditation, Liberty University’s School of Business programs also hold ACBSP accreditation. This guarantees LU’s business students get the full benefits associated with accredited business degrees online.

   Find Out More:
   Liberty University

    

5. Grand Canyon University

   Business School: Colangelo College of Business
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $20,700 – $58,200
   Accreditation: ACBSP

   Grand Canyon University also offers some of the best business degrees online through its well-renowned business school. Named after Jerry Colangelo, the Colangelo College of Business provides the skills required to address the needs of modern business environments.

   The Colangelo College of Business features over 16,000 traditional and online students. They benefit from the college’s student-centric culture, ethical standards, and entrepreneurial spirit. As a Christian school, there is also an ever-present commitment to providing students with biblically-rooted education centered on Christian principles.

   GCU’s Business School challenges and inspires students to be servant leaders with the business skills and values to drive success. The college’s business programs encompass different specializations to help students in their field. This includes a bachelor’s degree in business information systems, an MBA with a focus in sports business, and an MSN-MBA dual degree option.

   The ACBSP accredits 23 programs of the Colangelo College of Business. Including degrees in accounting, finance, marketing, leadership, and more. Furthermore, the college features a scholarship program that recognizes incoming first-year students who have demonstrated service, leadership, and academic excellence. This makes GCU one of the best online schools for business.

   Find Out More:
   Grand Canyon University

    

6. Regent University

   Business School: School of Business and Leadership
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $25,020 – $37,920
   Accreditation: ACBSP

   Regent University is another Christian institution that offers degree programs for high-quality education and leadership development. Through its prestigious School of Business and Leadership, Regent provides a range of business programs that prepare students for successful careers.

   This business school trains students on time-tested theories and practical skills that can be applied directly within workplaces. Students also get to explore innovative business strategies, all from a biblical and global perspective. All of these combine to provide practical skills required for every successful business person.

   Regent’s Business School has diverse program offerings, with a wide range of undergrad, graduate, and doctoral degrees. These programs touch on core business areas, from administration to leadership, entrepreneurship, management, and more. The faculty also features experienced specialists who bring real-world expertise to the classroom and provide students with valuable insights and practical knowledge.

   Over time, Regent University’s School of Business and Leadership has been ranked among the top ten military-friendly schools. Its accelerated MBA program also ranks among the best, making it one of the most top-rated MBA programs online. Furthermore, these programs are ACBSP-accredited. They meet high academic standards and provide students with quality education.

   Find Out More:
   Regent University

7. National University

   Business School: School of Business and Economics
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $49,026 – $79,555
   Accreditation: IACBE

   National University is a private, non-profit institution based in San Diego. It’s known for its commitment to providing accessible and practical higher education for a diverse range of students, including working professionals and adult learners.

   Among the numerous degree programs NU offers, it also features one of the best business schools online. The School of Business and Economics delivers top-quality education for students pursuing a top-tier career. NU offers rigorous, market-driven degree programs and professional certificates designed to meet the growing business needs of modern society.

   The school features small class sizes and faculty mentors who bring real-world experience into their curriculums. Skilled faculty help students develop the practical skills needed to navigate today’s evolving business environment. Students can opt for certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in finance, economics, marketing, and accounting.

   National University follows a Whole Human Education approach to student success. With this approach, students get the academic, emotional, career, financial, and family support needed to stay focused and earn a degree faster. Furthermore, students can be sure of top education with NU’s business programs accredited by the IACBE.

   Find Out More:
   National University

    

Accreditation for the Best Online Schools for Business

Anyone looking for the best online schools for business should consider the accreditation status of the school and, particularly, their program. Accreditation is the quality assurance process that evaluates the academic standards and outcomes of business schools and programs.

Programmatic accreditation is prevalent among these online business schools and programs. Many of the best business schools and business management degrees online have received programmatic accreditation from one of the three main accrediting bodies.

AACSB

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is a global, non-profit association that connects educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal. This association aims to create the next generation of great leaders. AACSB is also the oldest and most recognized accrediting body for business schools and programs globally.

AACSB accreditation signifies a business school or program meets the highest standards of teaching, research, and curriculum. Furthermore, this accreditation provides benefits for students, like financial aid eligibility, scholarships, and improved learning experiences. For now, AACSB accredits over 900 business schools and programs in more than 50 countries.

ACBSP

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs also offers accreditation services to business programs. ACBSP centers on education and learning success, making accredited colleges some of the best business schools online for teaching and learning.

ACBSP accredits business programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels, as well as certificate programs. It also features four types of accreditation: standard, specialized, dual, and reaffirmation. With the Baldrige model of accreditation, ACBSP focuses on programs with teaching excellence, good learning outcomes, and an improvement culture.

IACBE

The International Accreditation Council for Business Education is another major accrediting body that oversees business, accounting, and business-related programs. These programs are accredited at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in higher learning institutions worldwide.

IACBE-accredited online business schools deliver business programs by an established academic business unit. They are also recognized for their excellent student outcomes, quality education, and innovative culture. By opting for an IACBE-accredited program, students can explore financial aid, scholarships, grants, and articulation agreements. Furthermore, this accreditation provides global recognition and distinction for programs.

Are Colleges that Offer Online Business Degrees Worth it?

Top-rated online business schools are ideal for those who want to excel in today’s modern business landscape. With these programs, students can save time and money while also accessing a variety of courses and programs from any location. Online business degrees have also proven to be effective in landing some best-paying jobs in the business field.

For instance, an AACSB accredited online MBA program can provide the technical, numerical, and analytical skills required of finance managers. This career path has a median annual salary of about $134,180 and is projected to grow by 15% between 2020 and 2030. Some other top business positions you can explore with online business degrees include:

• Marketing Manager – $138,730
• Human Resource Manager – $130,000
• Supply Chain Manager – $77,520
• Management Analyst – $95,290

Do Any Ivy League Schools Offer Online MBAs?

Like other prestigious colleges, Ivy League schools also offer online MBA programs. Earning a business degree from an Ivy League college is a mark of academic and social excellence. They combine the best scenarios for the ultimate education, making them top online schools for business. Explore available online MBA programs from Ivy League universities.

Start Your Journey to Success Today with the Top Online Business Schools

Having a solid education is essential to stand out and thrive in your business career. Fortunately, online education has made it easier than ever to access high-quality business programs from the comfort of your home.

Are you looking to earn an undergraduate degree or take your career to the next level with a master’s degree? Maybe you seek to explore research positions with a doctorate program. Whichever the case, the best online business schools can provide the knowledge and skills you need.