2023 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Business
An online associate in business is designed for students who want to enter the business industry. These programs cover foundational business principles like accounting, management, and economics. Some potential courses students may come across within an online associate in business include Business Communication, Principles of Accounting, and Quantitative Reasoning. With the knowledge and skills obtained in an online associate’s in business, students can pursue further education by transitioning into a four-year program at a college or university. Or, they can pursue entry-level careers in the business industry, like business administration, marketing, finance, and manufacturing. Graduates of an online associate in business may pursue careers like project managers, administrative assistants, and office managers.
View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for some inspiration.
| Rank | School | Locations | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen County Community College | Iola (KS) (and 1 other) | $2,013 | |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City (KS) (and 1 other) | $2,821 | |
| Albany State University | Albany (GA) | $2,850 | |
| Georgia State University - Perimeter College | Decatur (GA) | $2,850 | |
| Atlanta Metropolitan State College | Atlanta (GA) | $3,032 | |
| Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas | De Queen (AR) | $3,385 | |
| Clovis Community College - NM | Clovis (NM) | $3,404 | |
| Western Nebraska Community College | Scottsbluff (NE) | $3,426 | |
| Highland Community College - KS | Highland (KS) | $3,552 | |
| Ohio University - Main Campus | Athens (OH) | $3,645 |
Allen County Community College Iola (KS) (and 1 other) Allen County Community College (Allen CC) is a public institution offering an online Associate of Science in Business Administration totaling 64 credit hours. The university accepts 100% of graduates, with 25% graduating. Full-time students can spend two years completing the program. At Allen CC, online students complete coursework delivered on Canvas. The program prepares students to pursue careers in the business industry or successfully transition into a four-year college. Sample courses include Managerial Accounting, Public Speaking, and Business Communication. Graduates of the program may pursue careers like accountants, customer service associates, and executive assistants.
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Kansas City Kansas Community College Kansas City (KS) (and 1 other) At Kansas City Kansas Community College (KC KCC), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration requiring 60 credit hours. The community college’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a 28% graduation rate. Prospective students can expect to spend two years completing this program if they maintain a full-time pace. KC KCC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via Blackboard. An associate degree in business administration covers foundational business topics, like accounting, management, and economics. The program’s courses are Small Business Management, Human Relations in Business, and Personal Finance. Students are required to take a freshman seminar. Potential career paths for graduates include sales supervisors, relationship bankers, and store managers.
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Albany State University Albany (GA) Albany State University (ASU) is a public, historically black college and university (HBCU) offering an online Associate of Science in Business Administration, which totals 62-65 credit hours. ASU accepts 73% of applicants, with 28% of students graduating. It can take full-time students around two years to complete this program. ASU’s online students have coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously through the platform GeorgiaView. The associate in business administration program provides a foundation for students to pursue four-year degrees in various business disciplines. Some of the program’s courses are Communication for Management, Fundamentals of Computer Applications, and Cultural Diversity in Communication. First-year students must also take the First Year Experience/Pathway to Success course. Prospective careers include supervisors, project managers, and customer service supervisors.
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Georgia State University - Perimeter College Decatur (GA) Georgia State University - Perimeter College (Perimeter College) is a public institution that offers an online Associate of Science in Business Administration requiring 60 credit hours. Perimeter College accepts 78% of applicants, and it has a 14% graduation rate. Perimeter College’s online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on the learning management system iCollege. Some sample courses from this associate degree include Business, Value, and You; Quantitative Reasoning; and Institutional Foundations. Prospective careers for graduates include human resources managers, payroll and benefits administrators, and management analysts.
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Atlanta Metropolitan State College Atlanta (GA) Atlanta Metropolitan State College (ATLM) is a public institution offering an online Associate of Science in Business Administration that totals 61 credit hours. The college’s acceptance rate is 100%, and perhaps due to this open admissions policy, it has only a 17% graduation rate. Full-time students typically spend at least two years finishing this degree online. At ATLM, distance learners complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats through Brightspace by D2L. An associate in business gives students the skills and knowledge to assume entry-level roles in business industries. Some of the program’s courses are Principles of Accounting, Fundamentals of Computer Applications, and Human Communication. A first-year experience is required for graduation. Alums may go on to pursue careers like sales managers, financial analysts, and business consultants.
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Can You Get an Associate Degree in Business Online?
When compared to other online undergraduate programs, students show a robust interest in pursuing business. In a 2020 survey of college students' preferences across a range of online programs, Wiley Education Services determined that 29% of undergraduates selected business as their preferred field of study. Students can obtain the following online associate degrees in business at two-year community colleges or four-year colleges/universities: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Arts.
Common misconceptions about online programs lead many students to believe that the quality of education will be lower than an in-person commitment. The reality is that both online and in-person programs range significantly in quality. When considering an online degree, it is vital to verify that your chosen school is accredited. This ensures that the program is held to universal academic standards. Check the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation databases to see if your program is accredited.
In a 2020 survey of college students' preferences across a range of online programs, Wiley Education Services determined that 29% of undergraduates selected business as their preferred field of study.
In addition to verifying your chosen school’s accreditation, students may also choose to evaluate the curriculum, level of available academic and student support, graduation rates, alumni salaries, and the professors’ experience.
Common Courses
While earning an associate degree, business students aim to develop valuable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, organization, and communication. These skills prepare students for an entry-level role in the industry by providing them with foundational knowledge.
Students in these programs often take an average of 15 credits per semester to earn their degree in two years. In the coursework, students navigate the financial and legal aspects of the business world to understand how changes impact a business at the individual and global levels. Students may also explore the relationship between the business market and consumers while building their interpersonal and managerial skills, critical competencies in a leadership role.
- Accounting: Introductory accounting classes cover the basics of bookkeeping while emphasizing the accounting cycle. Students may learn how to record business transactions and interpret financial documents. Some programs also require a managerial accounting course, which may discuss how to use financial information to inform business decisions.
- Business Communications: This class covers some of the best practices for written and verbal communication in the business world. Students may practice writing professional letters, emails, reports, proposals, and other business documents. Some courses may also touch on some helpful public speaking skills.
- Business Law: Courses in business law focus on how businesses interact with state and federal laws. Students may also explore the various legal issues that affect day-to-day business activities, including contract law, employment laws, sales, personal property, dispute resolutions, torts, and intellectual property.
- Marketing: Marketing courses often focus on creating effective marketing plans and understanding the relationship between a business, product, and customer. Students may examine consumer behavior, pricing and distribution, and marketing strategies.
- Principles of Management: This class is designed to provide students with an overview of essential managerial functions. The coursework focuses on leadership styles, problem-solving strategies, conflict resolution, and management ethics. By developing valuable leadership and communication skills, students may learn to effectively manage people, projects, and organizations.
How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Business Cost?
The total cost of tuition for the most affordable online business associate programs ranges from $2,436 to $4,576. When students broaden their search beyond the most affordable programs, however, associate degrees in business can cost upwards of $22,800 or even more.
The total cost of tuition for the most affordable online business associate programs ranges from $2,436 to $4,576.
Most associate degrees require the completion of 60-68 credit hours, and the cost per credit hour varies from $81 to $380 or more. Prices can even vary for the same program since some schools may charge more for out-of-state residents than in-state residents. Importantly, the cost of tuition does not include books and other school supplies; meanwhile, some schools charge additional annual fees and one-time-only charges, such as technology and graduation fees.
Funding an Online Associate in Business
If you've decided to earn your associate degree in business through an accredited online school, you may be eligible for financial aid. To begin the application process, fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Once your school reviews this form, they will deliver a financial aid package that details the types and amounts of aid being offered. You may be awarded a scholarship or grant money, which does not have to be repaid. You may also be offered a student loan, which would need to be repaid with interest. Typically, federal student loans have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private student loans.
If you've decided to earn your associate degree in business through an accredited online school, you may be eligible for financial aid.
If you qualify for federal financial aid, you may be eligible for one of the many "promise" scholarship programs offered at two-year and four-year colleges. Promise scholarships help qualifying college students — particularly those completing the first two years of their college education — by covering costs beyond financial aid. The financial aid office at your chosen college may offer more information about this opportunity.
You may also consider applying for additional private scholarships that FAFSA does not offer. Although scholarships for an associate in business are somewhat limited, a couple of options may be worth investigating:
- Future Business Leaders Scholarship: The winner of this essay contest will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
- Clubs of America Scholarship Program: Applicants for this $1,000 scholarship must submit an essay on their career aspirations.
Is It Worth It to Get an Online Associate Degree in Business?
An online associate degree in business can open the door to higher salaries and more job opportunities in the field. During their deliberation, potential students may weigh the program’s cost and duration with the resulting professional and financial benefits. While this degree typically doesn’t lead to the same income level or professional role that a bachelor's degree does, it presents a shorter and more affordable pathway.
Here are some reasons why students may find an online associate degree in business to be a worthwhile endeavor:
An associate degree only takes two years to complete if you enroll full-time.
This allows you to enter the workforce and find a higher-paying job sooner than if you pursued a bachelor's degree. Some online programs even offer accelerated options for students to finish their degree in less than two years.
Associate degrees are more affordable than bachelor's degrees.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, two-year colleges cost an average of $10,704 per year, which is less than half of the average annual tuition at a four-year university. Pursuing an online degree also means that you can choose from affordable options nationwide while saving money on campus-related costs, like transportation and on-campus housing.
An associate degree can lead to a higher salary.
Earning an associate degree in business will often result in a higher salary, qualify you for more job opportunities, and give you a competitive edge over other applicants. On average, professionals with an associate degree earn $39,960 per year and make more money than those with a high school diploma. Moreover, as you gain experience in the industry, your salary is likely to grow even more over time.
Earning an associate degree in business can advance your career.
An associate degree in business can qualify you for entry-level positions in office administration, accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and sales, to name a few. Also, many companies require this degree when hiring for leadership and management roles in general. Once you develop industry-specific skills and knowledge, you'll be able to pursue higher-level positions.
Suppose you're interested in this field but remain unsure of your ultimate professional goals. In that case, an associate degree in business may help you understand the industry before deciding whether to pursue a bachelor's degree. If you decide to continue your education, you'll have already completed many of the necessary credits to earn a bachelor's degree in business. If you prefer to jump into the workforce in an entry-level role, you can gain work experience and begin developing a professional network.
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