10 Best Accelerated Online Associate Business Degrees in 2025

Earning your associate degree in business opens up entry-level opportunities in various fields, including healthcare and accounting. Many programs, even accelerated online associate business degrees, allow students to choose a specialization that helps them further narrow their career focus. Keep reading to discover 10 of the fastest online associate business degrees.

What Is an Accelerated Associate Degree in Business?

An accelerated online business associate degree is any business degree that is completed faster than the traditional two years. Schools offer Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Arts (AA) degree options. Online programs may be available synchronously, asynchronously, or in a hybrid format.

Students in an accelerated program must be focused, driven, and organized. These programs often involve taking an overloaded course load and learning a lot of material in a short period.

How Fast Can I Complete a Business Associate Degree Online?

The fastest program on our list takes just one year, but many programs range from 18 to 22 months. The quickest way to complete your degree is to sign up for an accelerated program, but there are other ways to speed up graduation as well.

Transferring credits can eliminate some required courses and help you finish your degree faster. Enrolling full-time is also the fastest way to complete your program, but it will involve more of a time commitment, even for online students.

10 Best Accelerated Online Business Associate Degrees

These 10 schools offer accelerated business degree programs or generous transfer credit options. All programs can be completed online.

1. University of the People

Earn an Associate of Science in Business Administration in less than a year and a half at University of the People. This accelerated program focuses on building problem-solving skills as enrollees study economics, communications, accounting, and other related subjects.

Courses are offered asynchronously, and students can transfer up to 75% of their total credits. Graduates will be ready to begin their business career or transfer into a bachelor's degree program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $160 assessment fee per course
• Program length: About 18 months
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Immaculata University

Immaculata offers a 63-credit AS in business in-person and through seven-week accelerated online classes. Students will learn the principles of accounting, the differences between microeconomics and macroeconomics, how global markets function, and more.

Immaculata's business program is further accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); students can be confident in receiving a top-quality business education from experienced faculty.

• Estimated tuition cost: $250 per credit hour
• Program length: Just under two years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. University of Cincinnati

Even without transfer credits, full-time students at the University of Cincinnati can finish their Associate of Applied Business in business management technology in just five semesters (including summer terms) in less than two years.

This fully online program offers six start dates per year. Courses focus on the fundamentals of business, including marketing, sales, operations, and accounting.

• Estimated tuition cost: $260 per credit hour
• Program length: Five semesters
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Community College of Philadelphia

Students in this accelerated online program are grouped into a cohort that moves through seven-week courses together. In addition to coursework, students will earn experiential learning credit by participating in a weekly synchronous check-in, engaging in workshops, and attending guest speakers and community events.

The Associate of Arts in Business is a 63-credit program. Discounted tuition rates are available for Philadelphia residents.

• Estimated tuition cost: $318 per credit hour
• Program length: About 18 months
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Students at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell can earn their AS in business in about one year. This program is further accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Coursework includes statistics, business information systems, marketing, and an introduction to entrepreneurship. All earned credits can be applied to UMass' Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $385 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: New England Commission for Higher Education (NECHE)

6. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian's AS in business administration program emphasizes ethical leadership and values. The 60-credit program includes studies of global economics, marketing concepts, and using accounting information to make evidence-based decisions — all through a faith-based worldview.

Courses are completed in five-week blocks, allowing students to graduate in less than two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $494 per credit hour
• Program length: Just under two years
• Accreditation: HLC

7. DeVry University

Students in DeVry's accelerated business degree program can choose from seven specializations, including budgeting and forecasting, human resources, and healthcare management. Along with building a strong foundation in business essentials, students develop soft skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

The ACBSP-accredited program can be completed in four semesters working full-time, and scholarships are available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $514 per credit hour
• Program length: Four semesters
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Herzing University

Graduates of Herzing's business management program will be ready to begin entry-level work in just 20 months. Students here can also transfer up to 46 approved credits.

Business students will study project management, business ethics and law, the principles of marketing, and other related topics before completing a research project or internship. Financial aid is available through scholarships and discounts for military members and veterans.

• Estimated tuition cost: $515 per credit hour
• Program length: 20 months
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Monroe University

Monroe's School of Business and Accounting offers an online AAS in business administration that can be completed in four semesters. Online students take the same courses as on-campus students, from the same highly qualified faculty.

Business students will build their project management skills, study microeconomics, and learn to read and generate financial reports. Specializations are available in sports management, finance, business law, marketing, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $701 per credit hour
• Program length: About 18 months
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Penn Foster

Fast-track students can complete Penn Foster's self-paced, 65-credit online business degree in just 20 months. Graduates can begin work as a client services manager, office manager, or in sales.

Students will learn foundational business topics like economics, accounting, and management. They will also learn how to integrate social and mobile marketing, how to build ethical marketing strategies, and how to perform market research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,049 per semester
• Program length: 20 months
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

How We Rank Schools

It's exciting to start your journey into higher education with an associate degree, but it can also feel slightly overwhelming. That's why we narrowed down our list to only include the best options.

• Accreditation: All of our schools are nationally accredited, meaning they are adhering to strict educational standards. Many have further program accreditation.
• Program length: We only included accelerated programs that will help you graduate faster. Earn your associate degree in less than two years.
• Affordability: We don't want college to be a financial burden for anyone. All of our schools offer affordable tuition, discounts, and financial aid.

FAQs About Accelerated Online Business Associate Degrees

If you still have questions about earning your business associate degree online, then you are not alone. Below, we will answer some common FAQs about accelerated business degrees.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for an Associate Degree in Business?

Many associate degree programs require students to hold a high school diploma or GED. Some programs have grade point average (GPA) requirements or may require students to complete prerequisite courses. And while many schools no longer require standardized test scores, others want first-year students to submit SAT or ACT results.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Business Associate Degree?

A business associate degree gives you the skills and knowledge to excel in many roles. Depending on your specialization, you could work as a project manager, customer service associate, sales manager, or human resources coordinator. You could work in finance, healthcare, real estate, or many other fields.

How Much Does an Accelerated Online Business Degree Cost?

The cost of your degree depends on the school you attend and any financial aid you receive. Some of the schools on our lists are community colleges, which means the lowest tuition rates are reserved for state or county residents. The cheapest option on our list is University of the People; programs are tuition-free, but students do have to pay a $160 fee per course.

Are Accelerated Online Degrees Respected by Employers?

Your diploma will not generally include any information about how you completed the coursework — whether online or in-person. All that matters to employers is that you graduated from a respected, accredited university with a solid understanding of the subject material.

Can I Transfer Business Associate Degree Credits to a Bachelor's Program Later?

Yes, many associate degree programs allow you to transfer directly into a bachelor's degree program. Schools may offer their own bachelor's degree programs, or they may partner with a local four-year college or university to facilitate easy student transfer. If you are interested in using your associate degree credits to transfer to a bachelor's program, speak with your school's admissions office.

Explore Online Business Degrees

Whether you want to finish your degree fast and get to work or transfer into a bachelor's degree program, an accelerated online associate degree is a great first step. Similar programs are featured on Learn.org. Reach out to one today to make a plan for your education and your future.