Best Online Associate in Business Administration Degree Programs

If you’re interested in a career in business, an online associate in business administration degree can provide you with the versatile training needed to succeed in the field. Graduates from top programs are well-prepared to earn their bachelor’s or to start a professional career. Degree holders regularly land positions in areas like human resources, marketing, financial administration, sales management, operational management or technology management.

Students are increasingly turning to web programs to complete their business administration degree. The online format allows distance learners to take classes without disrupting their other responsibilities, which is ideal for military service members or students who need to work while they earn their degree. More students pursue distance degrees every year, and two-year colleges around the country have expanded their online offerings to match demand. Once a rarity, online business administration programs are now refreshingly common.

No matter what aspect of business you’re interested in, the field is always growing. This is especially true for managerial positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% job growth for administrative managers between 2012 and 2022 and 7% growth for all management positions over the same time period.

Below, we’ve ranked the best 25 online associate in business administration programs. As part of our list, we’ve provided a detailed overview of each college under consideration. Here, you’ll find information about specific classes, concentrations and career preparation, along with information about each school’s online platform. If you’re considering an associate degree to launch your business career, start your research with our list of top schools.

Rank School Name School Logo City Cost Address & Contact Info School Links Acclaim for Online Programs School Description
1Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo$$$$$33701 State Road 52
Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665
(352) 588-8200

Saint Leo University, located northeast of Tampa, Florida, offers an online associate degree business program that strengthens critical thinking skills inside and outside the classroom. Students build a strong liberal arts foundation in science, creativity, philosophy, and religion before entering the business program, which explores technology, accounting, law, macro- and microeconomics, and marketing.

Since its conception in 1998, Saint Leo’s online program has grown in influence and course offerings, with fully online degrees now available. Academic advisors guide online students through goal setting and course requirements, and students have access to a free online learning toolkit, which includes helpful guides, ebooks, and magazines devoted to online learning.

2Foothill CollegeLos Altos Hills$$$$$12345 El Monte Rd
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
(650) 949-7777

Foothill College offers an online associate degree in business administration and provides online students with online resources—a bookstore, a help desk, and academic advising. Tutoring is available through the Teaching and Learning Center or the STEM Success Center, and online students can request reduced campus fees.

Foothill College offers online business administration courses at least once every two years. Students can access all coursework online, but courses may require students to take proctored exams at assessment centers. Scheduling is flexible; both 12-week and six-week spring terms are available, and classes are offered in quarters. Foothill College offers unique, practical classes like e-business, entrepreneurship, and international business.

3University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks$$$$$505 South Chandalar Drive
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7500
(907) 474-7211

UAF offers an online associate degree in business management through the eLearning and distance education program. The applied business degree requires 60 credits and covers topics like emerging technologies, advanced business procedures, and business law. After completing the major requirements, associate in business management students can choose from 13 concentrations. The faculty consists of professors, business owners, and professionals with years of experience and insight.

Courses are available in semester-long or accelerated sessions, and students learn in an asynchronous setting, at any time and location. Weekly deadlines keep students on pace with coursework, and some courses use audio and video conferencing or face-to-face lectures. UAF is a military friendly school; it offers services for veterans, and academic advisors assist military and deployed students.

4Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$$$$$2500 North River Road
Manchester, NH 03106-1045
(603) 668-2211

SNHU’s online AS in business administration trains students to strategize using business trends, while also covering ethical principles and theories. Courses cover topics from management to human resources, with 12 free elective credits, allowing students to follow their interests. Students may transfer up to 45 credits from other universities, and active-duty service members and spouses receive a 30% discount on tuition.

Eight-week terms offer flexible pacing, and for students who plan to pursue further education, SNHU offers a fully online BS in business administration. After completion of the BS program, 50 specialized MBAs are available. SNHU’s robust online programs have grown its alumni network, providing nationwide internship and career opportunities.

5Pamlico Community CollegeGrantsboro$$$$$5049 Hwy 306 South
Grantsboro, NC 28529
(252) 249-18513084

PCC, based in Grantsboro, North Carolina, offers an online associate degree in business management, which teaches students about business processes through the lens of a modern, global economy. In the business administration program, students gain valuable skills like income tax preparation, business planning and reporting, and employee supervision and management. Full-time students generally complete the program in two years, or four semesters.

Online orientation helps students understand the variety of services available. The virtual student success center provides free tutoring and academic coaching. Other student services include the electronic library, an online job board, and an online support center, which walks students through the process of solving software problems.

6Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - WorldwideDaytona Beach$$$$$600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900
(800) 522-6787

Embry-Riddle’s aviation business administration program focuses on solving business challenges related to to aviation. Students gain a core foundation in business communication and leadership, along with knowledge specific to aviation and aerospace. This unique business program includes courses like management for aeronautical science and statistics with aviation.

Courses emphasize analytical thinking, which helps students succeed in any field. Students of the worldwide campus learn from its 135 campuses, or through online classes. Embry-Riddle’s online associate degree in business is flexible—twelve undergraduate terms each last nine weeks—and students use EagleVision software to learn in a virtual classroom using real-time collaboration. The virtual crash lab and robotics lab allow students to practice real-world scenarios in an online environment.

7West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegePaducah$$$$$4810 Alben Barkley Drive
Paducah, KY 42002-7380
(270) 554-92000

Areas of specialty for WKCTC’s online associate degree business program in business administration include accounting, human resources, finance, hospitality, real estate, and management. Students can select on-campus, online, or accelerated formats to best fit their schedules. The program teaches business fundamentals, such as interpersonal communication, marketing, economics, and accounting, to prepare students for a broad range of careers.

WKCTC offers two ways to learn: by term or on demand. Learning by term involves the traditional semester schedule, while learning on demand is self-paced. Students may pass pre-assessments to earn credit for prior learning, and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate in-state students. Before applying, students can use WKCTC’s free online orientation to decide if online learning is a good fit.

8Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh$$$$$9101 Fayetteville Road
Raleigh, NC 27603-5696
(919) 866-5000

WTCC offers an online business administration AAS with four areas of concentration: general business administration, global business management, human resources management, and marketing. The coursework emphasizes actionable skills like team-building and computer literacy, and an accelerated, three-semester version of the program is available.

WTCC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities throughout the state and nation, making it easy for students to continue their education after earning their online associate degree in business from WTCC. Online students receive direction with an introduction to eLearning, which includes quizzes and learning modules that guide students through the process of online learning. The Individualized Learning Center tutors students at five campuses and online, and students can apply for scholarships and study abroad programs.

9Albany Technical CollegeAlbany$$$$$1704 South Slappey Boulevard
Albany, GA 31701
(229) 430-3500

ATC’s online associate degree in business management allows students to focus their studies in one of five different specializations. ATC also offers online business administrative technology and business logistics management programs, which can be taken fully online or in a hybrid format. Web-enhanced courses are also available, blending traditional techniques with technology-enhanced learning.

As part of the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection, ATC’s curricula and online classrooms must meet high standards, and online classes begin and end on the same days as on-campus classes. The help desk and technical support help students resolve technical difficulties. ATC offers scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid to online students.

10Pitt Community CollegeWinterville$$$$$1986 Pitt Tech Road
Winterville, NC 28590
(252) 493-7200

PCC’s online associate degree business program offers multiple electives—such as quantitative literacy or introduction to entrepreneurship—allowing students to customize their educations. The business administration AAS program covers computer applications, finance, law, oral and written communications, and human resources. Graduates work on management teams in a variety of business settings.

Online students at PCC can buy books online, access digital library resources, and consult with librarians over the phone. Other online resources include a distance learning orientation, free online tutoring, and a virtual learning community, which is a combined effort by 58 North Carolina community colleges to expand online course offerings.

11Granite State CollegeConcord$$$$$25 Hall Street
Concord, NH 03301-3471
(603) 228-3000

GSU’s AS in business prepares students for careers or BS in business management programs. Students may earn the degree entirely online, but those who prefer to study at the New Hampshire campus can select face-to-face, hybrid, or blended courses. Coursework focuses on business ethics, theories, and practices, and classes include marketing, accounting, and electives to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Students receive credit for prior learning, including military, training, volunteer, and work experience. Of GSU students, 77% take online classes; they are supported by excellent distance learning services, including financial aid, admissions, advising, and career counseling teams.

12Western Wyoming Community CollegeRock Springs$$$$$2500 College Dr
Rock Springs, WY 82902-0428
(307) 382-1600

The online AS in business administration from WWCC can be completed entirely from home. Professors of online associate degree in business management courses have experience owning businesses, managing global marketing programs, and more. Classes integrate case studies and real-world simulations, and an introduction to online learning course is recommended for new students.

WWCC participates in WyClass, making it easy for students to study at multiple colleges. The WyClass search tool displays course schedules for schools throughout Wyoming. WWCC’s engaging online classes are completed at a much higher rate than the national average. Online courses follow same academic calendar as on-campus courses, and on-campus tutors are available through the Peer Tutor Center.

13Gateway Community and Technical CollegeFlorence$$$$$500 Technology Way
Florence, KY 41042
(859) 441-4500

GCTC’s business administration program trains students for entry-level positions and offers specializations in accounting, informatics, and management. Coursework covers a broad spectrum of business topics, such as software, public speaking, and payroll. Flexible day, evening, and online classes make GCTC an excellent choice for full-time and part-time students, and many classes are offered during both spring and fall semesters.

Online associate degree business students can apply credits for earned certificates toward their associate degrees. Courses are available in segments lasting five, eight, ten, or twelve weeks, with multiple start dates per year. The local eLearning support center provides admissions and financial aid assistance, tutoring, counseling, and technical support.

14Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne$$$$$150 West University Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 674-8000

Florida Tech’s online AA in business administration offers six start dates per year. The program is tailored to students intending to start small businesses or pursue careers or further education. Students develop communication and critical thinking skills in classes like law, statistics, and global business. New online students are required to complete a one-credit class to master eLearning. The online associate degree in business program takes two years to complete.

Florida Tech’s online learning platform combines video, discussion boards, and chat rooms, emphasizing group projects and collaboration. The asynchronous coursework can be completed any time, with only weekly assignments following a set schedule. Online students have access to enrollment services, career management, 24/7 tech support, free tutoring, and online library resources.

15Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeGranite Falls$$$$$1593 11th Ave
Granite Falls, MN 56241
(800) 658-2330

MWCTC’s online associate degree in business management is available at the Worthington, Minnesota, campus or entirely online. Classes and electives emphasize topics like selling, microeconomics, and human resource management. Of the degree’s required 60 credits, at least 15 must be taken at Minnesota West. Online students can contact student service advisors for one-on-one assistance, and the online help desk assists students with technical issues.

Online classes are asynchronous; as long as they meet assignment due dates, students can learn at their convenience. Prospective students can take a free introduction to online learning course to decide whether online learning at Minnesota West is a good fit. Online students are eligible for the same merit- and need-based scholarships as on-campus students.

16Northeast Community CollegeNorfolk$$$$$801 E Benjamin
Norfolk, NE 68702-0469
(402) 371-2020

The business and business administration AA degrees at NCC are both available entirely online. Business administration students learn to address real-life situations with problem solving techniques. Online support services use online and phone advising, and online tutoring from the writing clinic utilizes email, video, and telephone conferencing. The career services site provides a job board with hundreds of listings, along with resources and advice for finding a career.

Online associate degree business students can specialize in international, general, or insurance services. These concentrations, combined with unique electives like retail management, banking, and web page development, allow students to customize their education. The insurance services emphasis prepares students for a licensure exam at the end of the program. Faculty have master’s degrees, at minimum, along with valuable field experience.

17Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton$$$$$111 W State St
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372

TESU’s online AS in business administration degree prepares students for a seamless transition to the bachelor’s degree program. Coursework creates a strong business core through classes like accounting, law, and management, along with electives. Tuition payment plans are flexible, and New Jersey residents receive an in-state tuition discount.

Thomas Edison State offers an open course option for online associate degree in business students. After taking free online courses through the Saylor Academy, students complete a portfolio assessment or exam to earn college credit. This allows students to complete much of their associate degree at little or no cost, in a self-paced environment. TESU supports online students with advising and program planning.

18Schoolcraft CollegeLivonia$$$$$18600 Haggerty Road
Livonia, MI 48152-2696
(734) 462-4400

Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan, offers an online associate degree in business management, which prepares students for bachelor’s degree programs. Courses like finance and international business develop a strong business foundation, and students can specialize in areas of interest. Hands-on learning involves completing group projects for local businesses and providing volunteer income tax assistance.

Distance learners take advantage of Schoolcraft library’s digital library collection and on-campus and online tutoring services. Asynchronous classes allow students to study according to their own schedules. In addition to online and on-campus courses, Schoolcraft offers hybrid, independent, and self-paced open entry/exit courses. Open entry/exit courses allow students to add or complete courses during the semester so they can spend more time on difficult topics and less time on easy ones.

19Excelsior CollegeAlbany$$$$$7 Columbia Cir
Albany, NY 12203-5159
(518) 464-8500

EC’s online business administrative/management studies program grants credit for work, training, and military experience, and there is no residential minimum for credits, which is great for transfer students. In fact, some students transfer in 96% of the credits required for their degrees. The flexible, fully online business program covers skills like accounting, managing staff, using business software, and writing reports to give graduates the tools necessary to succeed in the workforce.

The program requires 60 credits—20 in arts and sciences, 20 in career component, and 20 consisting of electives and a capstone course. The online writing lab provides resources to help students improving their writing, and extensive veteran services help military students transition to college and provide tuition assistance and other benefits.

20Surry Community CollegeDobson$$$$$630 S. Main St.
Dobson, NC 27017-8432
(336) 386-81213264

Surry Community College in Dobson, North Carolina, offers an entirely online business administration program designed to teach students how businesses function in the modern global economy. The online associate degree in business program covers topics like accounting, law, taxes, computer skills, and business communications, and students gain specific skills, such as Microsoft proficiency, managerial knowledge, and an analytical business sense.

SCC requires students to complete an orientation to the Moodle software before their first online or hybrid course. Attendance for online courses is marked by participation in chat rooms, discussion boards, quizzes, and group projects. Students must maintain at least 85% participation in their online courses. Academic advising, free one-on-one tutoring, and financial aid assistance are available to online students.

21University of Alaska SoutheastJuneau$$$$$11120 Glacier Highway
Juneau, AK 99801-8697
(877) 465-4827

UA Southeast students earning their business administration degree online can choose from two emphases; the general emphasis leads to a wide array of entry-level job options, and the accounting emphasis prepares graduates to work as bookkeepers or clerks. All business students take business communications, law, and economics classes.

The range of course delivery methods includes web, audio, video, satellite broadcast, and email. Online students have access to admission counseling, faculty advising, financial aid, tutoring, and library services. The career services office provides résumé development, interview practices, assessments, and job and internship opportunities. New students take an online orientation course to become familiar with the process of accessing and completing coursework online.

22Bucks County Community CollegeNewtown$$$$$275 Swamp Rd
Newtown, PA 18940-4106
(215) 968-8000

Located in Newtown, Pennsylvania, BCCC’s online associate degree in business management = prepares students for bachelor’s degree programs, offering the same coursework as students complete during the first two years at comparable four-year programs. Business administration students can consult with the transfer services office make sure their classes will transfer to the university of their choice. Students learn to understand business problems, use tools to solve them, and apply skills to lead effectively.

Online students can access the help desk, tutoring services, and the virtual campus. Online courses are taught by the same renowned faculty as on-campus, with interactive coursework and small class sizes. The virtual ask-a-librarian tool and reference desk guide students through digital library resources.

23Northcentral Technical CollegeWausau$$$$$1000 Campus Dr
Wausau, WI 54401-1899
(715) 675-3331

Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, NTC’s online associate degree in business covers law, leadership, human resources, and accounting. Classes are available at six local campuses or fully online, and the advanced coursework teaches students ethics, law, technology, and statistics. Faculty have experience in the field and prepare students to enter the workplace.

Online classes are available through a traditional online platform or virtual college, which allows students to set their own due dates and schedules. Students can begin classes as late as ten weeks into the semester, and courses can be completed in four to 16 weeks. NTC’s partnership with Lakeland College allows students to seamlessly transition into a flexible online bachelor’s degree program.

24Vance-Granville Community CollegeHenderson$$$$$200 Community College Road
Henderson, NC 27537
(252) 492-2061

Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson, North Carolina, offers day, evening, and fully online courses through its online associate degree in business. The business administration curriculum covers accounting, law, and management and builds computer, communication, and decision making skills. Full-time students can complete the program in four semesters, and students earn credits through applicable work experience.

Online students take a virtual orientation to learn about online resources, and a Moodle 101 course teaches students how to navigate the learning platform. The responsive technical support team resolves issues through email or phone support. Students can purchase textbooks online, and Vance-Granville participates in the electronic campus, which combines courses and programs from different colleges across 16 states.

25SUNY College of Technology at CantonCanton$$$$$34 Cornell Drive
Canton, NY 13617-1098
(315) 386-7011

SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers 100% online AS and AAS in business administration degrees. Students earning the online associate degree in business management develop effective communication, team-building, and decision making skills. Graduates work at banks, state agencies, and oil companies. Built-in electives allow students to customize their learning, and a first year experience course readies students for success.

While the applied program prepares students for careers, the AS degree is designed to transfer to one of SUNY’s four-year business programs. Online students build networks and friendships through discussion boards, chat, video conferencing, and social media and have access to academic advising, tutoring, virtual career fairs, and library resources, with 24/7 virtual chat available.

Career Outlook

Graduates with an online associate degree in business administration have a variety of opportunities in front of them. Degree holders are prepared to pursue a bachelor’s or begin a successful career in business, and they can evaluate their options and pursue the right career path for their financial needs and professional ambitions. Starting with entry-level work, professionals in the field can develop into seasoned managers over time, relying on the principles they learned in their associate program.

Below, we’ve listed a few common career paths for graduates with an associate degree, along with the median salaries in these positions and their expected growth rates through 2022:

Position Median Salary Projected Growth Rate
Marketing Manager $119,480 13%
Sales Manager $105,260 8%
Human Resource Manager $99,720 13%
Accountant $63,550 13%

Keys To Online Success

Find your niche: Online programs offer students an opportunity to pursue concentrations or specializations within the broader business discipline. In an associate program, you’ll be exposed to a variety of subjects and through your coursework, you should be able to develop an academic strength or professional interest in one of them. Whether that’s in finance, accounting, economics or anything else, you can study the subject that intrigues you most.

Use technology to your advantage: The tools available in your online program will prepare you to incorporate technology in your career. Whether you want to work in accounting or information systems, technological developments constantly re-shape the industry, and if you’re in tune with the latest software and web tools, you’ll have a tangible advantage over the rest of the job market. Use your time in school to acclimate yourself to available technology, and develop your competency in common business programs and software. At the very least, you should know Microsoft Excel or an equivalent program like the back of your hand.

Next Steps

Get your bachelor’s: For some students, earning a bachelor’s degree in business is the logical next step. While the associate can help you obtain an entry-level position, a bachelor’s opens the door for additional opportunities and quicker career advancement. If you intend to pursue such a degree, be sure to pick a school that prepares you for a four-year business program. You’ll also want to take as many general requirements as you can while in a two-year program. Tuition is cheaper, and once you graduate with an associate degree, you’ll want to just focus on business courses when you get into a bachelor’s program.

Get your feet wet: Some associate programs include opportunities to collaborate or network with local businesses while in school. Take advantage of these if you can. Any experience you can get will help you build professional connections that can accelerate your career. For the same reason, consider volunteering and joining local clubs. These organizations can also help you build contacts and they afford you an opportunity to develop your communication and leadership skills in a practical setting.