Best Online Associate in Business Administration

BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online associate in business administration degree programs to prepare students to compete for jobs in fields like sales, human resources, medical and health services, and fundraising.

Top 10 Online Associate in Business Administration Degrees

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  1. University of Cincinnati
  2. Fisk University
  3. Thomas Jefferson University
  4. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  5. Hampton University
  6. Liberty University
  7. Andrews University
  8. Campbell University
  9. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  10. Southern New Hampshire University
  1. New England College 100%
  2. Liberty University 99%
  3. Baker University 99%
  4. Davenport University 98%
  5. Keiser University 96%
  6. Southern New Hampshire University 92%
  7. Franklin Pierce University 89%
  8. Campbell University 87%
  9. University of Massachusetts Lowell 85%
  10. University of Cincinnati 85%
  1. Blinn College 36 to 1
  2. City College of San Francisco 22 to 1
  3. Southern New Hampshire University 21 to 1
  4. University of Cincinnati 19 to 1
  5. University of Massachusetts Lowell 19 to 1
  6. Liberty University 17 to 1
  7. Murray State University 17 to 1
  8. Grand Rapids Community College 17 to 1
  9. Hawaii Pacific University 16 to 1
  10. National University 16 to 1
  1. Thomas Jefferson University $43,116
  2. Franklin Pierce University $42,100
  3. New England College $40,642
  4. Campbell University $38,160
  5. Upper Iowa University $33,609
  6. Andrews University $31,782
  7. Baker University $31,700
  8. Hawaii Pacific University $30,020
  9. Hampton University $29,312
  10. Fisk University $22,906
  1. Franklin Pierce University $36,150
  2. Keiser University $29,632
  3. Andrews University $28,656
  4. Thomas Jefferson University $22,068
  5. Fisk University $21,238
  6. Hawaii Pacific University $20,250
  7. Upper Iowa University $19,685
  8. Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
  9. Davenport University $16,308
  10. National University $15,480
  1. Grand Rapids Community College
  2. Davenport University
  3. Blinn College
  4. Franklin Pierce University
  5. Keiser University
  6. New England College
  7. Upper Iowa University
  8. National University
  9. Hawaii Pacific University
  10. Murray State University
  1. National University 55%
  2. Fisk University 61%
  3. University of Alaska Fairbanks 65%
  4. Upper Iowa University 65%
  5. Thomas Jefferson University 78%
  6. Hampton University 80%
  7. Andrews University 82%
  8. Hawaii Pacific University 85%
  9. Murray State University 85%
  10. University of Cincinnati 85%
  1. Andrews University 10 to 1
  2. Baker University 10 to 1
  3. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  4. Upper Iowa University 11 to 1
  5. Franklin Pierce University 12 to 1
  6. New England College 13 to 1
  7. Thomas Jefferson University 13 to 1
  8. Davenport University 13 to 1
  9. Idaho State University 13 to 1
  10. Fisk University 14 to 1
  1. Blinn College $3,510
  2. Idaho State University $5,928
  3. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,296
  4. Grand Rapids Community College $7,410
  5. Murray State University $8,040
  6. University of Cincinnati $10,099
  7. National University $13,320
  8. University of Massachusetts Lowell $15,078
  9. Southern New Hampshire University $15,380
  10. Davenport University $20,964
  1. Liberty University $7,847
  2. Idaho State University $8,380
  3. Murray State University $8,982
  4. University of Alaska Fairbanks $11,265
  5. Baker University $11,466
  6. Hampton University $13,099
  7. University of Cincinnati $13,224
  8. Campbell University $14,041
  9. New England College $14,568
  10. University of Massachusetts Lowell $14,590

Key Takeaways

  • The associate degree in business administration is an affordable way to get started on your college education. The typical associate degree will take about two years to complete.

  • Many community colleges and two-year schools offer both traditional and online degree programs for students pursuing their associate degree in business administration.

  • Earning an online associate degree in business administration can prepare you for a variety of entry level jobs in your field. Many students also continue into a bachelor’s degree program in business administration or a related area.

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Administration Degrees

Why get an associate in business administration?

While many associate degrees are used as a stepping stone to higher degrees, an associate degree in business administration, along with a few years of work experience, can help students not only enter the workforce, but quickly advance to leadership positions in their field as well.

The online associate degree is a great way to receive an excellent business education and develop critical business skills for entry level jobs in areas like human resource management, small business management, and even financial and managerial accounting. It’s also worth noting that most students pursuing accredited online associate degree programs will be eligible for federal financial aid.

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How long does it take to get an associate in business administration?

Most associate business administration programs require the completion of 60 credits. Most students can complete the business administration degree program in about two years. Many business schools will provide access to both brick-and-mortar and online associate degree programs.

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What will I learn while getting an associate in business administration?

Students pursuing completing the business administration program will typically take general education courses alongside core business courses in areas like business law, human resource management, managerial accounting, management principles and more. Additional topics may include marketing strategies, international business, business writing, financial accounting, and the principles of management. Students earning the associate’s degree will typically also learn the kinds of organizational leadership, decision making, and critical thinking skills required for a successful business career.

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What can I do with an associate in business administration?

Students who earn an online associate degree in business administration can compete for entry level jobs in fields like sales, human resources management, medical and health services, and fundraising. Many leadership roles in business will be reserved for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration or in related areas such as business management programs. The online associate degree can be an affordable and accessible starting point on your way to a bachelor’s degree at one of the nation’s top business schools.

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Learn more about how to major in business.

Best Online Associate in Business Administration Degree Programs

An associate degree is a great way for many to start their educational journey, but you may want to also consider an online bachelor’s in business administration.

Best Online Associate in Business Administration Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #11 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Online Degrees

    AAS in Applied Business in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AAB in Business Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    AAB in Business Management Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Hampton University

    Hampton , VA
    #1 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #3 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #8 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #3 Best Small Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    AS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2023 #2 Best Online Associate in Information Technology #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Online Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    102K

    Online Degrees

    AS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Fisk University

    Nashville , TN
    #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/23

    Online Degrees

    AS in Business

    Concentrations

    • Human Development & Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 24 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #1 Best Colleges in Alaska 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/22

    Online Degrees

    AAB in Applied Business

    Concentrations

    • Administrative Management
    • Computer Applications
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Health Care Management
    • Human Resources
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Public Management
    • Recreation and Guiding Management
    • Tourism
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2023 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2023 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    79K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Online Degrees

    AA in Business
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  11. #10

    National University

    La Jolla , CA
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2023 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California #3 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    25K

    Online Degrees

    Associate of Science in Business

    Concentrations

    • Business
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Associate of Arts in Business

    Concentrations

    • Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2023 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/23

    Online Degrees

    AA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 90
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Online Business Programs Looking for You

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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