Bachelor's in Business Administration Rankings

The Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs of 2026

Glass-and-steel corporate office towers viewed from street level against a clear sky
$5,995Lowest in-state tuition
$5,995-$16,124In-state tuition range
52Online options analyzed
$105,770Median salary (BLS)

The cheapest online business degree programs clear two bars at once: a confirmed online option, and a published tuition low enough to change the math. Of the 168 business administration degrees we analyzed nationwide, 52 carry a confirmed distance-education option, about 31% of the field. This ranking orders the 25 of those with the lowest in-state tuition that still clear an accreditation and completion floor.

Arkansas Tech University is the lowest at $5,995 a year in-state, graduating 49% of its students. In-state tuition across the ranked online programs runs $5,995 to $16,124 a year. Field median pay is $105,770 per BLS, the same benchmark whether the degree was earned online or on campus.

One thing to check before comparing: many online programs bill every student a flat per-credit rate regardless of where they live. That can beat an out-of-state price while losing to a local public's resident rate, so the order below is a starting point rather than your personal price. The cost section works through it.

Key Takeaways on the Best Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs

  • Arkansas Tech University is the lowest-priced accredited online option here at $5,995/year in-state.
  • In-state tuition across the ranked online programs spans $5,995 to $16,124 per year.
  • 52 of the 168 business administration degrees analyzed offer a confirmed online option, about 31% of the field.
  • Even at the low end of price, the ranked online programs graduate 51% of students on average.
  • Online here means a confirmed distance-education option in the federal data, not a marketing claim.
  • Field median pay is $105,770 (BLS), identical across accredited programs regardless of tuition or delivery format.

We analyzed 168 accredited business administration degrees reported to IPEDS, then ranked the 25 online options with the lowest in-state tuition among programs that clear an accreditation and completion floor. No school pays for inclusion.

The 25 Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs, Ranked for 2026

The 25 cheapest online business degree programs, ranked by in-state tuition
#ProgramTypeIn-state tuitionGrad rateAdmit rateHakia Score
1Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville, AR · online optionPublic$5,99549%96%66.0
2University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock, AR · online optionPublic$6,81042%59%73.1
3Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven, CT · online optionPublic$6,99850%91%70.7
4Colorado State University PuebloPueblo, CO · online optionPublic$7,07640%95%60.9
5University of Alaska SoutheastJuneau, AK · online optionPublic$7,25028%63%76.6
6Athens State UniversityAthens, AL · online optionPublic$7,680NRNR82.8
7Charter Oak State CollegeNew Britain, CT · online optionPublic$7,89667%NR88.6
8University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR · online optionPublic$7,89671%74%87.2
9University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks, AK · online optionPublic$8,07238%NR75.0
10Alabama State UniversityMontgomery, AL · online optionPublic$8,32830%98%57.5
11Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction, CO · online optionPublic$8,80741%82%73.1
12University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, CO · online optionPublic$9,02247%97%71.2
13University of Northern ColoradoGreeley, CO · online optionPublic$9,04751%86%76.1
14Amridge UniversityMontgomery, AL · online optionNonprofit$9,480100%NR86.3
15University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL · online optionPublic$10,20055%87%71.4
16Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville, AL · online optionPublic$10,44055%78%75.3
17Walden UniversityMinneapolis, MN · online optionFor-profit$10,542NRNR86.6
18Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO · online optionPublic$10,61067%89%83.8
19Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL · online optionPublic$11,01682%46%95.4
20Bryan UniversityTempe, AZ · online optionFor-profit$12,19441%NR63.3
21National UniversitySan Diego, CA · online optionNonprofit$13,28443%NR80.4
22Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto CampusesStockton, CA · online optionNonprofit$13,50062%NR71.8
23Baptist University of FloridaGraceville, FL · online optionNonprofit$13,80052%36%79.2
24Post UniversityWaterbury, CT · online optionFor-profit$15,61625%NR73.0
25Edward Waters UniversityJacksonville, FL · online optionNonprofit$16,12428%85%62.8

NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.

The Lowest-Cost Online Business Degree Programs, Compared

In-state tuition for the 10 most affordable programs. Shorter bars cost less; the resident rate is what state schools charge in-state students.

The Top Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs, School by School

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · online option

66.0Hakia Score
Grad rate
49%
Admit rate
96%
In-state
$5,995
Out-of-state
$11,989

At $5,995 a year in-state, Arkansas Tech University is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 66.0 Hakia Score on a 49% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 66.0, #1 of 25
  • 49% graduation rate
  • $5,995 in-state vs $11,989 out-of-state
  • Lowest in-state tuition here

Based in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #1 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 66.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 75.5 group average. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Arkansas Tech University admits 96% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 36% rate at Baptist University of Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 100%.

On cost, Arkansas Tech University charges $5,995 a year in-state, versus $11,989 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $23,980 in tuition for residents, against $47,956 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.

View Arkansas Tech's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR · Public · online option

73.1Hakia Score
Grad rate
42%
Admit rate
59%
In-state
$6,810
Out-of-state
$19,620

At $6,810 a year in-state, University of Arkansas at Little Rock is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 73.1 Hakia Score on a 42% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 73.1, #2 of 25
  • 42% graduation rate
  • $6,810 in-state vs $19,620 out-of-state
  • Online option available

University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public institution in Little Rock, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #2 of the 25 analyzed here with a 73.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. University of Arkansas at Little Rock admits 59% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 36% rate at Baptist University of Florida, the most selective program on this list.

On cost, University of Arkansas at Little Rock charges $6,810 a year in-state, roughly 2.9x the $19,620 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $27,240 in tuition for residents, against $78,480 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.

View Arkansas at Little Rock's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, CT · Public · online option

70.7Hakia Score
Grad rate
50%
Admit rate
91%
In-state
$6,998
Out-of-state
$10,498

At $6,998 a year in-state, Southern Connecticut State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 70.7 Hakia Score on a 50% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 70.7, #3 of 25
  • 50% graduation rate
  • $6,998 in-state vs $10,498 out-of-state
  • Online option available

Based in New Haven, CT, Southern Connecticut State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #3 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 70.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 50% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Southern Connecticut State University admits 91% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 36% rate at Baptist University of Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 100%.

On cost, Southern Connecticut State University charges $6,998 a year in-state, versus $10,498 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $27,992 in tuition for residents, against $41,992 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.

View Southern Connecticut State's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, CO · Public · online option

60.9Hakia Score
Grad rate
40%
Admit rate
95%
In-state
$7,076
Out-of-state
$15,300

At $7,076 a year in-state, Colorado State University Pueblo is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 60.9 Hakia Score on a 40% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 60.9, #4 of 25
  • 40% graduation rate
  • $7,076 in-state vs $15,300 out-of-state
  • Online option available

Colorado State University Pueblo is a public institution in Pueblo, CO. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #4 of the 25 analyzed here with a 60.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs, 5.1 points behind top-ranked Arkansas Tech University. The program graduates 40% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Colorado State University Pueblo admits 95% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 36% rate at Baptist University of Florida, the most selective program on this list.

On cost, Colorado State University Pueblo charges $7,076 a year in-state, roughly 2.2x the $15,300 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $28,304 in tuition for residents, against $61,200 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.

View Colorado State University Pueblo's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

University of Alaska Southeast

Juneau, AK · Public · online option

76.6Hakia Score
Grad rate
28%
Admit rate
63%
In-state
$7,250
Out-of-state
$23,154

At $7,250 a year in-state, University of Alaska Southeast is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 76.6 Hakia Score on a 28% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 76.6, #5 of 25
  • 28% graduation rate
  • $7,250 in-state vs $23,154 out-of-state
  • Online option available

Based in Juneau, AK, University of Alaska Southeast is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #5 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 76.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 28% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. University of Alaska Southeast admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 36% rate at Baptist University of Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 100%.

On cost, University of Alaska Southeast charges $7,250 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $23,154 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $29,000 in tuition for residents, against $92,616 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.

View Alaska Southeast's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

Athens State University

Athens, AL · Public · online option

82.8Hakia Score
Grad rate
NR
Admit rate
NR
In-state
$7,680
Out-of-state
$15,360

At $7,680 a year in-state, Athens State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding an 82.8 Hakia Score.

  • Hakia Score 82.8, #6 of 25
  • $7,680 in-state vs $15,360 out-of-state
  • Online option available

Based in Athens, AL, Athens State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #6 of the 25 ranked here, earning an 82.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,986 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.

On cost, Athens State University charges $7,680 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $15,360 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $30,720 in tuition for residents, against $61,440 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AL residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 14x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.

View Athens State's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

Charter Oak State College

New Britain, CT · Public · online option

88.6Hakia Score
Grad rate
67%
Admit rate
NR
In-state
$7,896
Out-of-state
$7,896

At $7,896 a year in-state, Charter Oak State College is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding an 88.6 Hakia Score on a 67% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 88.6, #7 of 25
  • 67% graduation rate
  • $7,896 tuition
  • Online option available

Based in New Britain, CT, Charter Oak State College is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #7 of the 25 ranked here, earning an 88.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 67% of its students, above the 51% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 100%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,012 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.

On cost, Charter Oak State College charges $7,896 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $31,584 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 13x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.

View Charter Oak State College's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public · online option

87.2Hakia Score
Grad rate
71%
Admit rate
74%
In-state
$7,896
Out-of-state
$27,758

At $7,896 a year in-state, University of Arkansas is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding an 87.2 Hakia Score on a 71% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 87.2, #8 of 25
  • 71% graduation rate
  • $7,896 in-state vs $27,758 out-of-state
  • Online option available

University of Arkansas is a public institution in Fayetteville, AR. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #8 of the 25 analyzed here with an 87.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.5 group average, in the top third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 71% of its students, above the 51% average across the ranked schools. University of Arkansas admits 74% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 36% rate at Baptist University of Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 100%.

On cost, University of Arkansas charges $7,896 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $27,758 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $31,584 in tuition for residents, against $111,032 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.

View Arkansas's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK · Public · online option

75.0Hakia Score
Grad rate
38%
Admit rate
NR
In-state
$8,072
Out-of-state
$23,881

At $8,072 a year in-state, University of Alaska Fairbanks is among the more affordable bachelor's in business administration programs ranked here, holding a 75.0 Hakia Score on a 38% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 75.0, #9 of 25
  • 38% graduation rate
  • $8,072 in-state vs $23,881 out-of-state
  • Online option available

University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution in Fairbanks, AK. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program ranks #9 of the 25 analyzed here with a 75.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 38% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 100%. The university enrolls 6,893 students overall.

On cost, University of Alaska Fairbanks charges $8,072 a year in-state, roughly 3.0x the $23,881 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $32,288 in tuition for residents, against $95,524 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for AK residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 13x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.

View Alaska Fairbanks's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL · Public · online option

57.5Hakia Score
Grad rate
30%
Admit rate
98%
In-state
$8,328
Out-of-state
$16,656

Alabama State University ranks #10 of the 25 bachelor's in business administration programs in this analysis, with a 57.5 Hakia Score and a 30% graduation rate.

  • Hakia Score 57.5, #10 of 25
  • 30% graduation rate
  • $8,328 in-state vs $16,656 out-of-state
  • Online option available

Based in Montgomery, AL, Alabama State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Business Administration program lands at #10 of the 25 ranked here, earning a 57.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.5 group average, in the middle third of the 25 ranked programs. The program graduates 30% of its students, below the 51% average across the ranked schools. Alabama State University admits 98% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 36% rate at Baptist University of Florida, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 25% to 100%.

On cost, Alabama State University charges $8,328 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $16,656 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $33,312 in tuition for residents, against $66,624 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,995 at Arkansas Tech University to $16,124 at Edward Waters University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.

View Alabama State's Bachelor's in Business Administration program →

What the Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs Really Cost

In-state tuition across the ranked online programs runs $5,995 to $16,124 a year. That range is the in-state rate, which is what residents pay at a public school. Online students are often billed differently, on a flat per-credit tuition that applies wherever they live. Where that happens the resident discount disappears, and the cheapest program on this list may not be the cheapest one for you. Add fees and the number of credits required, then compare totals rather than headline rates.

Low Price, Real Accreditation

Price is the sort order on this page, not the entry requirement. Every program ranked is accredited and reports completion data to IPEDS, and anything below a real graduation floor is filtered out before price is considered. That filter earns its keep at the low end of the market, where unaccredited providers compete on tuition alone and leave graduates holding a credential employers and licensing boards do not recognize.

Cheapest Online vs. Best Online

This page sorts on price. To see the strongest online options instead, ranked on graduation rate, selectivity, and outcomes, our best online business administration degrees list uses the same pool ordered by Hakia Score. The most affordable business administration degrees ranking drops the online filter and includes campus programs, which is where the very lowest in-state prices tend to sit.

Best Bachelor's in Business Administration Programs by State

Prefer a state-by-state view? We rank Business Administration Degrees in 24 states, each grounded in that state's real, accredited programs.

Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest online business degree?

Arkansas Tech University has the lowest in-state tuition among accredited online options at $5,995 a year, followed by University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Southern Connecticut State University. Confirm whether the school charges online students that resident rate or a flat per-credit rate.

Are cheap online business degree programs accredited?

The ones ranked here are. Accreditation and a real completion rate are applied as filters before price, so an unaccredited program cannot reach this list by being inexpensive.

Does an online business degree cost less than on campus?

Sometimes. A flat per-credit online rate usually beats out-of-state tuition and often loses to a local public's in-state rate. Online study also removes relocation costs and lets many students keep working, which moves the real cost of the degree more than the tuition line does.

Do online business degree programs charge the in-state rate?

Not always. Some public schools extend the resident rate to every online student; others charge by residency exactly as they do on campus. Confirm it with the school before comparing two programs on this page.

How We Rank Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs

Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:

  • Outcomes44%

    Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?

  • Selectivity & academics38%

    Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).

  • Scale & value18%

    Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).

Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.

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Data sources