50 Most Affordable Business Administration Colleges and Universities

Get Matched With Business Administration Programs

There's more to an education than mere cost. An education functions on many different levels which go beyond finances. However, those who are seeking a degree in business administration still need to find the best value program, even if that doesn’t mean the least expensive necessarily. In our rankings we strive to show not only how affordable a program is, but its overall academic value. Thus, the programs with the best academic statistics and the lowest tuition rates are deemed the best values in business education.

This page discusses business administration degrees from a variety of angles. We cover online business degrees, associate degrees, and the almighty Master of Business Administration, which many professionals consider vital after spending a few years in their field. Within those degrees we also discuss various concentrations and specializations business students can pursue. This page should be helpful for all aspiring business administration students and professionals.

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Top 50 Affordable Business Administration Colleges and Universities

1

Berea College

Score: 100

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,326
- Out-of-State: $49,326
Net Price: $2,020
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 1,433
Undergrad Students: 1,433
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

2

St. Petersburg College

Score: 99.56

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State: $9,286
Net Price: $2,132
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 23,501
Undergrad Students: 23,501
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

3

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Score: 98.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,878
- Out-of-State: $9,992
Net Price: $2,341
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 20,363
Undergrad Students: 20,363
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $59,000
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

4

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Score: 96.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,420
- Out-of-State: $9,124
Net Price: $3,029
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 2,288
Undergrad Students: 2,288
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

5

Chipola College

Score: 94.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,120
- Out-of-State: $8,950
Net Price: $3,316
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 1,826
Undergrad Students: 1,826
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

6

Elizabeth City State University

Score: 91.7

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,412
- Out-of-State: $7,412
Net Price: $4,120
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 2,149
Undergrad Students: 2,033
Graduate Students: 116
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

7

CUNY Lehman College

Score: 88.33

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,410
- Out-of-State: $15,360
Net Price: $4,974
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 13,015
Undergrad Students: 11,211
Graduate Students: 1,804
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

8

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Score: 88.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,464
- Out-of-State: $15,414
Net Price: $4,991
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 19,854
Undergrad Students: 15,896
Graduate Students: 3,958
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

9

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Score: 87.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State: $18,944
Net Price: $5,068
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 16,426
Undergrad Students: 13,969
Graduate Students: 2,457
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

10

CUNY City College

Score: 87.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,340
- Out-of-State: $15,290
Net Price: $5,181
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 14,489
Undergrad Students: 11,929
Graduate Students: 2,560
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

11

Texas A&M International University

Score: 86.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,846
- Out-of-State: $19,382
Net Price: $5,383
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 8,505
Undergrad Students: 6,979
Graduate Students: 1,526
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

12

Dalton State College

Score: 86.12

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,283
- Out-of-State: $10,189
Net Price: $5,532
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 4,527
Undergrad Students: 4,527
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $57,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

13

California State University-Los Angeles

Score: 85.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,818
- Out-of-State: $18,698
Net Price: $5,801
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 26,460
Undergrad Students: 22,737
Graduate Students: 3,723
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

14

CUNY Brooklyn College

Score: 84.38

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,452
- Out-of-State: $15,402
Net Price: $5,972
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 14,195
Undergrad Students: 11,661
Graduate Students: 2,534
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

15

Colorado Mountain College

Score: 83.91

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,100
- Out-of-State: $12,540
Net Price: $6,092
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 43%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 5,184
Undergrad Students: 5,184
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $55,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

16

Le Moyne-Owen College

Score: 83.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,076
- Out-of-State: $12,076
Net Price: $6,308
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 609
Undergrad Students: 609
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

17

Fayetteville State University

Score: 82.87

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State: $7,969
Net Price: $6,355
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 6,787
Undergrad Students: 5,748
Graduate Students: 1,039
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

18

Chicago State University

Score: 82.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,754
- Out-of-State: $12,754
Net Price: $6,446
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 28%
Total Enrollment: 2,317
Undergrad Students: 1,450
Graduate Students: 867
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

19

Jamestown Business College

Score: 82.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,945
- Out-of-State: $12,945
Net Price: $6,572
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 287
Undergrad Students: 287
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,000
Student-to-faculty: 47:1

20

CUNY York College

Score: 81.62

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,358
- Out-of-State: $15,308
Net Price: $6,670
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 6,446
Undergrad Students: 6,199
Graduate Students: 247
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

21

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Score: 81.28

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,105
- Out-of-State: $9,731
Net Price: $6,758
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 48%

Graduation Rate: 24%
Total Enrollment: 1,435
Undergrad Students: 1,435
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $59,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

22

Northern Kentucky University

Score: 79.3

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State: $21,480
Net Price: $7,259
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 15,801
Undergrad Students: 10,776
Graduate Students: 5,025
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

23

Louisiana State University-Alexandria

Score: 79.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,050
- Out-of-State: $14,650
Net Price: $7,274
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 4,289
Undergrad Students: 4,289
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $53,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

24

California State University-Fresno

Score: 78.32

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,980
- Out-of-State: $18,860
Net Price: $7,507
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 23,999
Undergrad Students: 21,354
Graduate Students: 2,645
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

25

California State University-Bakersfield

Score: 78.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,696
- Out-of-State: $19,576
Net Price: $7,521
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 9,613
Undergrad Students: 8,188
Graduate Students: 1,425
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

26

California State University-Stanislaus

Score: 78.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,826
- Out-of-State: $19,706
Net Price: $7,555
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 10,154
Undergrad Students: 8,926
Graduate Students: 1,228
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

27

Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Score: 78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,327
- Out-of-State: $20,481
Net Price: $7,587
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 8,721
Undergrad Students: 2,465
Graduate Students: 6,256
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

28

Heritage University

Score: 77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,920
- Out-of-State: $19,920
Net Price: $7,841
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 853
Undergrad Students: 796
Graduate Students: 57
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

29

California State University-Fullerton

Score: 76.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,073
- Out-of-State: $18,953
Net Price: $7,925
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 40,386
Undergrad Students: 35,432
Graduate Students: 4,954
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

30

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Score: 75.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,859
- Out-of-State: $19,939
Net Price: $8,105
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 31,559
Undergrad Students: 26,434
Graduate Students: 5,125
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

31

Rust College

Score: 75.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,840
- Out-of-State: $13,840
Net Price: $8,151
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 755
Undergrad Students: 755
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

32

Gordon State College

Score: 75.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,475
- Out-of-State: $10,381
Net Price: $8,185
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 23%
Total Enrollment: 3,135
Undergrad Students: 3,135
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $53,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

33

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Score: 75.55

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,571
- Out-of-State: $7,571
Net Price: $8,208
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 7,666
Undergrad Students: 5,643
Graduate Students: 2,023
Grads Salary: $56,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

34

Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Score: 75.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,922
- Out-of-State: $8,673
Net Price: $8,325
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 35%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 1,242
Undergrad Students: 1,242
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $50,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

35

Northern New Mexico College

Score: 74.85

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,400
- Out-of-State: $14,328
Net Price: $8,383
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 53%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 1,154
Undergrad Students: 1,154
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

36

Concord University

Score: 74.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,700
- Out-of-State: $20,600
Net Price: $8,464
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 1,748
Undergrad Students: 1,399
Graduate Students: 349
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

37

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Score: 74.35

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,855
- Out-of-State: $16,497
Net Price: $8,510
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 3,947
Undergrad Students: 3,236
Graduate Students: 711
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

38

The University of West Florida

Score: 73.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State: $19,241
Net Price: $8,609
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 13,521
Undergrad Students: 9,291
Graduate Students: 4,230
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

39

Eastern New Mexico University

Score: 73.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,863
- Out-of-State: $8,843
Net Price: $8,702
Acceptance Rate: 28%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 5,106
Undergrad Students: 3,833
Graduate Students: 1,273
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

40

Marshall University

Score: 73.38

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,942
- Out-of-State: $20,294
Net Price: $8,756
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 10,691
Undergrad Students: 7,952
Graduate Students: 2,739
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

41

California State University-San Bernardino

Score: 73.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,675
- Out-of-State: $19,555
Net Price: $8,805
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 19,803
Undergrad Students: 17,034
Graduate Students: 2,769
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

42

California State University-Northridge

Score: 72.67

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,095
- Out-of-State: $18,975
Net Price: $8,936
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 37,579
Undergrad Students: 32,181
Graduate Students: 5,398
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

43

University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Score: 72.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,584
- Out-of-State: $20,544
Net Price: $9,103
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 2,913
Undergrad Students: 2,913
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

44

Monroe College

Score: 71.79

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: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

45

Purdue University Northwest

Score: 71.78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,419
- Out-of-State: $15,620
Net Price: $9,162
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 8,911
Undergrad Students: 8,176
Graduate Students: 735
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

46

North Carolina A&T State University

Score: 71.67

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,748
- Out-of-State: $20,408
Net Price: $9,189
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 13,487
Undergrad Students: 11,833
Graduate Students: 1,654
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

47

Western Governors University

Score: 71.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,300
- Out-of-State: $8,300
Net Price: $9,207
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 156,935
Undergrad Students: 112,807
Graduate Students: 44,128
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 42:1

48

Utah Valley University

Score: 71.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,270
- Out-of-State: $17,830
Net Price: $9,346
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 43,099
Undergrad Students: 42,296
Graduate Students: 803
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

49

California State University-Long Beach

Score: 71.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,008
- Out-of-State: $18,888
Net Price: $9,346
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 73%
Total Enrollment: 38,973
Undergrad Students: 32,931
Graduate Students: 6,042
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

50

University of Washington-Bothell

Score: 71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,559
- Out-of-State: $41,913
Net Price: $9,357
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 5,735
Undergrad Students: 5,192
Graduate Students: 543
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Why Earn a Degree in Business Administration?

A degree from an affordable business administration program is almost always a great idea. If the program has regional or national accreditation, that makes it not only affordable, but a good value. Students should aim to seek out programs that are within their budgets and which also provide solid general business education that can open up a variety of opportunities.

General business degrees are terrific options for nearly everyone. This is because business degree programs teach fundamental skills that are useful no matter what industry you're in. Since business, as a field, addresses human organizations and their relationship to money, the field can help anyone organize and administrate any group of people. Even people who desire a career in non-profit organizations can apply the lessons they learn in a business degree program. After all, even non-profits must create budgets, generate revenue, hire and manage personnel, and perform all the functions of a business. Even non-profits need accountants who can keep their books in compliance with the tax law that governs non-profits.

The flexibility of a business degree even extends to professions such as law, medicine, and dentistry. In fact, many of these professionals have private practices that require business acumen that goes beyond their ability to litigate or treat patients. On the other hand, students may choose a more specific business degree program. There are business degree programs that confer degrees in finance, human resources, supply chain management, and marketing, among many other concentrations. Nevertheless, general business degrees are often a perfect launchpad for a brilliant career in commerce, or whatever industry you choose.

Choosing an Affordable Business Administration School

There are many factors that students can weigh when deciding on the best, affordable business administration college or university. Keep in mind that an affordable business administration degree might be one that offers more value in relation to its initial price. Some of the factors students can consider include things like in-state or out-of-state tuition, accreditation, whether the program offers online courses, the overall flexibility of the program, as well as a school's reputation.

One of the first factors students and their families often weigh is the overall cost of the diploma including tuition, books, and living expenses. The list of possible schools may include out-of-state colleges or universities that might charge more for non-resident students. For students in the western part of the United States, this might not be such a problem if the school is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, and there are similar exchange programs elsewhere once you know what you’re looking for.

Students and their families should also try to look deeper into the gross cost of tuition. Some institutions are able to offer stunning financial aid packages that can bring the cost of a degree down significantly. Thus, an out-of-state program might rival an in-state institution once financial aid is factored into the equation.

Accreditation should also weigh heavily in the decision-making process. Regional accreditation should be considered a minimum standard. If a student is accepted to a nationally accredited business program, they should strive to attend. When reviewing programs, look for accreditation from the AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. Employers are more likely to respond positively when they see those accredited programs on a resume. For students who are working and seeking tuition reimbursement, national accreditation can go far.

Working students might also seek out programs that offer online courses, if not a whole business degree that is conducted online. The online option may mean that a far-off program can be easily accessed without having to travel or move far away. There are also programs that off a hybrid of online and traditional classroom education. In fact, some undergraduate business programs insist that a certain portion of a student's work be online.

Het Matched With Business Administration Colleges

Online Options

Online education is still a relatively new phenomenon in the world of academia. Many professors and administrators question whether or not students are able to learn as well online as in person. However, educational research indicates that student outcomes are nearly even when comparing the two modalities. Furthermore, online education continues to expand and develop.

Business programs, especially at the MBA level, are flocking to online platforms. Since classes are comprised of lectures and reading, course materials are easily conveyed over the electronic media, which helps students access a level of education not previously available in their local area. There are fully accredited online business degree programs that boast the same regional, AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE credentials of traditional campus programs. There are also a number of undergraduate programs that are 100% online.

While there seems to be a fair amount of skepticism regarding online education, the fact is that many, if not most, employers don't worry about where students took their classes. Online education requires an extra level of discipline and determination, two qualities that are highly valued in the business community. Students can also use the flexibility of online education to gain work experience while also attending a program full-time. For instance, a student might create a small business that provides income until they graduate. Then when they apply to a top firm, they can present a portfolio of success on top of their supreme academic credentials.

Are Business Administration Schools in High Demand?

Business degrees are continually in high demand. The world of commerce and finance is perpetually in need of young, talented professionals who bring top-notch knowledge and skills to the workplace. As the world of business adapts and changes to new technologies and market conditions, so do the academic programs that provide the well-prepared workers and business leaders of tomorrow.

According to the Princeton Review, business and economics rank fourth and fifth among top degree programs. Interestingly, the top degree in their ranking is computer science, which is a vital part of business today. In fact, many of today's computer science students will later return to school for an MBA with a concentration in computer science, or another related field. Academia recognizes the close bond between technology and business, and some of them are offering management information systems (MIS) degrees which bridge the gap between these parallel disciplines.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the governmental agency that tracks careers throughout the economy. Their research indicates great things for those with degrees in business. For those in business operations, management analysts and logisticians (supply chain managers) lead the pack in terms of median income. Management analysts also are leading in terms of job growth, which the BLS projects as likely to be over 93,000, or 11%, through 2024.

For finance majors, the BLS projects great things for personal financial advisors who are projected to grow their field by over 11,000 jobs. The general financial sector is also boasting terrific salaries, with median earnings ranging from $65,000 for insurance underwriters to $89,000 for personal financial advisors. Other top earning business majors are found in management, with computer and information system managers earning a median salary of over $130,000.

What Can You Do With a Diploma in Business Administration?

A degree in business administration can lead to many different careers. Those who earn a general business degree might pursue work in management, marketing, or operations, if not finance or even IT. These students should consider pursuing internships to help them find a true focus to accompany their general business training.

On the other hand, many larger business schools offer specialized degrees in fields such as finance, operations, supply chain management, or technology. Such a focused degree will certainly help narrow down a person's job search and may help students land internships and even entry-level jobs. That's because their credentials will indicate a clear focus that employers can identify.

Business degrees can open up many opportunities. Some programs focus on topics such as entrepreneurship or leadership, for example. With an academic foundation in entrepreneurship, students will understand how to develop a sound business idea, test it against market data, and then secure business loans or interest from venture capital firms. Especially daring and creative students should consider programs that support their entrepreneurial spirit.

Leadership, on the other hand, is a degree that can lead students to pursue all sorts of careers. Many apply their knowledge and leadership abilities to management or sales careers while others might even pursue politics.

Over the long-haul, a degree in business administration will lead to terrific successes. Students who decide to pursue an MBA can further enhance their knowledge and skills while diving deeper into their area of specialty. While some MBA programs are general, most require that students complete a concentration in fields such as finance, accounting, supply chain management, information technology, human resources, or marketing, to name a few. Once they've earned an MBA, professionals find that their earnings and opportunities expand many-fold. In fact, the graduate degree will open the door to the life of a top executive.

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Business Administration Graduates Earn More After College

Those who wish to launch a career that immediately begins to show a return on one's educational investment should major in business administration. After all, a business degree is targeted towards the generation of capital, and that extends to starting salaries. In fact, Payscale.com reports that top firms start their salaries in the low to high $50,000 range. J.P. Morgan Chase, for example, typically starts their degreed professionals out with a salary of around $59,000. That's before bonuses and other compensation are factored in, so it's easy to see how a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration can start paying off shortly after graduation.

Meanwhile, even those with a two-year Associate of Science in Business Administration can expect to enter the working world with a higher salary than those with no degree at all. Community colleges can still offer nationally accredited business curriculums and degrees that focus on specific parts of business administration such as finance, accounting, or marketing. Payscale.com reports that the average salary for associate degree holders is around $57,000. In fact, Payscale's research indicates that average salaries range from $43k for systems administration to $83k for systems analysts.

No matter what level of a degree you use to launch a career in business, those who excel in their positions may find that their employer will pay for them to earn the next level degree. Tuition reimbursement programs tend to favor BS and MBA programs with national accreditation, but employers are also pleased when their employees seek a regionally accredited business administration program.

FAQs

What is the difference between business management and business administration?
These two degrees certainly sound synonymous, but they have significant differences. Business administration is an umbrella term that includes a many specializations. For instance, an accountant might graduate with a diploma that reads: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting. Meanwhile, business management can even be a sort of degree within a business administration program. Management is concerned with managing personnel so a person with a management degree might manage accountants, IT professionals, or an HR department.
Can you find an MBA in business management?
Yes. In fact, management is a common concentration for MBA programs.
How much money can you make with a business management degree?
Well, that would depend on your company and its payroll. Some managers start out earning around $50,000, but others may start with a lower base salary, but will strive for bonuses that come once their department succeeds. For instance, a sales manager may have part of their salary tied to the success of the sales professionals they lead.
I'm an IT worker. Is an MBA a good idea for me?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, there are MBA programs that offer high-tech concentrations, and some students even seek a dual MBA paired with a master's degree in information technology or computer science, among other options. When tech workers earn an MBA, they can rise into a position such as CIO or CISO.
Are online MBAs taken seriously?
Absolutely. In fact, an online MBA from a nationally accredited institution demonstrates not only top business knowledge and skill but an extra level of self-discipline and motivation not often found in traditional programs.

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