10 Affordable Online Associate in Business Administration Degrees 2025

Earning an affordable associate degree is a great first step to a wide array of careers. Workers with an associate in business administration can earn entry-level positions across areas of business, including roles as a bookkeeper, billing specialist, and market research analyst.

One of the core fundamentals of business is spending money wisely. Enrollment in a high-quality associate degree in business administration online program doesn't have to cost large amounts of money. Learn more about some of the most affordable online business administration associate degrees available.

What Is an Online Associate Degree in Business Administration?

An online associate degree in business administration is a degree that focuses on the fundamentals of the business world. These degrees take a general business approach and include coursework in topics such as accounting, marketing, and business law. Students with an associate degree will be qualified for entry-level positions but must pursue higher degrees, such as a bachelor's degree, for career advancement.

Most associate's degrees only include around 60 credit hours, compared to 120 for a bachelor's degree. As a result, students won't have the same opportunities for specializations or in-depth focus. Instead, students look at general business skills, such as decision-making, business communications, and macroeconomics. An associate degree is often used as a stepping stone, providing transfer credits to a four-year business degree program.

How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Business Administration Cost?

Online learning is generally more affordable than on-campus learning, and an associate of business administration earned online can cost around $16,000. This total cost can range from as low as $6,000 to as high as $26,000. Costs vary based on factors such as cost per credit hour, total required credit hours, and financial aid amounts. There are scholarships for online students to help reduce costs.

Cheapest Online Business Administration Associate Degrees

Business administration degrees are some of the most commonly offered academic programs, both on-campus and online. These are some of the most affordable associate of science in business administration programs available nationwide.

1. Northwest Mississippi Community College

Northwest Mississippi Community College has an AA in business administration designed for transfer to a four-year higher education institution. Students with this degree can transfer to complete bachelor's degrees in international business, production management, and

• Estimated tuition cost: $100 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Southern University at Shreveport

Students at Southern University at Shreveport (Louisiana) can complete an online business administration degree. This associate degree program includes 61 total credit hours, covering topics such as business management, accounting, and business law. There are also a variety of general education courses to provide context for your future business career.

• Estimated tuition cost: $109 per credit hour (for full-time enrollment)
• Financial aid: Southern University accepts FAFSA-based grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Allen Community College

Allen Community College offers an Associate of Science (AS) in business administration, management, and operations on campus (Iola, KS) and online. Over the course of 62 college credits, students learn about multiple vital aspects of business environments, including project management, organizational leadership, and business law. Students can use their free elective credits to further specialize their online degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $157 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Allen accepts FAFSA results and provides institutional scholarship opportunities.
• Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Southeast Community College

Southeast Community College has both AA and AAS pathways in business administration. Southeast Community College participates in a 2+2 program with seven other Nebraska schools to seamlessly transfer your credits to a bachelor's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $162 per credit hours
• Financial aid: Southeast Community has foundational scholarships and accepts FAFSA-based aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Bay Mills Community College

Bay Mills Community College students can enroll in an Associate of Arts (AA) in business administration. This degree can lead to careers in human resource management, sales management, and executive assistant positions. This degree ranges from 64 to 68 total credits, based on chosen electives. These electives must be chosen from an approved list, including graphic design, communication skills, and entrepreneurship.

• Estimated tuition cost: $190 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Baymills Community College offers in-house scholarships, including ones based on Native American status. The school also accepts FAFSA-based aid packages.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Northwest Florida State College

Northwest Florida State College offers students the opportunity to earn an AS in business administration. Courses in this 60-credit AS include Introduction to Business, Small Business Management, and Organizational Behavior. This degree is designed to take two academic years, and students can begin in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.

• Estimated tuition cost: $215 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Northwest Florida State College accepts FAFSA
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Umpqua Community College

Umpqua Community College has two associate degree pathways for business students. Students can enroll in either an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or an AS designed for a transfer pathway. This allows students to prepare specifically for higher business education or to pursue an entry-level career.

Umpqua also has seven different business-focused certificates that allow students to expand their studies in fields such as accounting, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $254 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Umpqua offers scholarships based on academic department, including business students.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University (CTU) has an online AS in business administration. Courses in this degree are five weeks long, allowing for students to quickly move through courses.

There are 93 total program credits spread out over core and general education classes. Some of the classes included in this degree include marketing, accounting, and spreadsheet applications.

• Estimated tuition cost: $340 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CTU accepts FAFSA-based financial aid packages. There are also programs, such as the CTU Fast Track, designed to reduce costs.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has an AS in business administration available fully online. Students can stop after completing this program or continue their education directly into a Bachelor of Science (BS) at the school.

This degree focuses on the necessary skills in multiple areas of business, including business management, human resource management, and marketing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Financial aid: SNHUI accepts FAFSA-based aid, such as grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

10. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online AA in business offered through 8-week courses. This degree has 60 total credit hours.

Liberty University teaches business operations topics through a Christian lens. This degree includes courses in business management, business communications, and international business.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at Liberty University can apply for federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and third-party scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

There are three strict criteria we use when evaluating schools. This ensures that our recommendations aren't only affordable, but also high-quality to help prepare you for your career or more advanced degrees.

• Accreditation: Each school on this list has regional accreditation, ensuring it meets educational standards. This will enable you to transfer these credits to other schools more easily.
• Affordability: Each school on this list has tuition rates below $400 per credit hour; these schools also have financial aid options to reduce these costs further.
• Program reputation: These schools were selected based on reputation, including third-party awards and institutional recognition.

How To Find an Affordable Online Business Administration Degree

Finding affordable online business administration degrees isn't hard due to the popularity of the program and availability from lower-cost institutions, such as community colleges. To find the best pricing, look for nonprofit, in-state, public community colleges.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Associate in Business Administration Degrees

Even though they are common, many students have questions about online associate's in business administration degrees. These questions include degree length, value, and career opportunities.

Is an Online Business Administration Degree Worth It?

Yes, accredited online business administration degrees are worth it. In addition to helping graduates begin entry-level careers, these degrees are some of the most affordable ways to earn credits toward a four-year business degree.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Associate Degree in Business Administration?

Most associate degree programs will take around four semesters or 24 months to complete. Some schools offer self-paced courses or alternative scheduling that allows students to complete their degree quicker, but two years is the standard length.

What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Business Administration Degree?

An online associate in business administration degree program can lead to a variety of entry-level careers. Some of the most common include assistant store manager, billing specialist, and sales consultant. These positions are generally entry-level, and students will need to earn a higher degree to advance their careers.

How Much Can I Make With an Online Associate Degree in Business Administration?

Potential earnings will vary greatly for associate in business administration degree holders. Some estimates put median salaries around $38,000 to $53,000. Earning potential will be affected by position, employer location, and other experience and education.

Discover Online Business Administration Degrees

Read our school profiles and articles to learn more about these programs and other online business degrees. Once you've found the best programs for your goals, reach out to your schools to request information and begin your application today.