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Best Online Business Administration Associate Degrees 2022: Top Picks
A business administration associate degree offers a solid foundation for learners interested in all aspects of business.
Business administrators manage an organization's financial, human, and scheduling resources.
Popular careers in business administration include small business owner, office manager, operations manager, and marketing associate. According to PayScale survey data, professionals with a business administration associate degree earn an average of $53,000 annually.
Start your search for the perfect two-year program with our ranked list of the best online associate degrees in business administration. Whether you want to transfer to a four-year program or immediately enter the workforce, one of these programs might be right for you.
Top 5 online schools for associate in business administration degrees
College | Program stats | How much? |
Poteau, OK |
| Avg. annual net price: $5,415 Application fee: Free |
Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL |
| Avg. annual net price: $3,916 Application fee: $25 |
Western Nebraska Community College Scottsbluff, NE |
| Avg. annual net price: $5,339 Application fee: Free |
University of Northwestern Ohio Lima, OH |
| Avg. annual net price: $19,055 Application fee: $20 |
Sedalia, MO |
| Avg. annual net price: $4,349 Application fee: Free |
The best online associate in business administration degrees
Prospective online students can rely on our ranked lists for accurate and comprehensive college information. ZDNet's ranking methodology uses federally-reported data and a high level of editorial scrutiny. Schools cannot pay to be featured in ZDNet lists.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Carl Albert State College
Poteau, Oklahoma
About the program: CASC's business administration associate degree requires 62 credits. The program offers emphasis options in accounting, business education, and organizational leadership.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 29%
- Avg. annual net price: $5,415
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online; some on-campus attendance required for general education science labs
2. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
About the program: FSCJ's online business administration associate degree offers concentrations in general business, human resources, entrepreneurship, or marketing.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 35%
- Avg. annual net price: $3,916
- Time to completion: Two years; also available in an accelerated format
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, hybrid
3. Western Nebraska Community College
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
About the program: Students enrolled in WNCC's business administration associate program can select an emphasis in accounting, business administration, or management information systems.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 30%
- Avg. annual net price: $5,339
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
4. University of Northwestern Ohio
Lima, Ohio
About the program: UNOH's online business administration associate degree requires 108 credits. The program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in business with classes in economics, international business, management, and more.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 42%
- Avg. annual net price: $19,055
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Four
- Course delivery methods: Online
5. State Fair Community College
Sedalia, Missouri
About the program: SFCC's 64-credit online business management associate degree emphasizes the development of leadership and decision-making skills. The program includes an optional two-month internship.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 26%
- Avg. annual net price: $4,349
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
6. New River Community College
Dublin, Virginia
About the program: NRCC's online business administration associate degree requires a minimum of 60 credits and prepares students to transfer to a four-year business program.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 22%
- Avg. annual net price: $6,638
- Time to completion: Two years; also available in a part-time format
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
7. Allen County Community College
Iola, Kansas
About the program: Allen's business administration associate degree requires 64 credits and satisfies the first two years of study for a bachelor's at most Kansas universities.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 21%
- Avg. annual net price: $7,760
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
8. Crowder College
Neosho, Missouri
About the program: Designed for learners who plan to transfer to a four-year school, Crowder's online business administration associate degree requires 61 credits.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 29%
- Avg. annual net price: $5,080
- Time to completion: Two years; also available in a part-time format
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
9. Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
About the program: DSU's business management associate degree requires 60 credits and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation rate: 39%
- Avg. annual net price: $17,691
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: 1005-1270
- Minimum GPA: 2.6
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
10. Mountain Empire Community College
Big Stone Gap, Virginia
About the program: MECC's 62-credit business administration associate degree prepares graduates for transfer to a four-year university program.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 34%
- Avg. annual net price: $6,062
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
11. St. Petersburg College
Clearwater, Florida
About the program: SPC's online business administration associate degree requires 60 credits and offers several integrated certificates in subjects including accounting technology operations, business entrepreneurship, and supply chain and logistics.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 33%
- Avg. annual net price: $3,226
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
12. Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, Florida
About the program: Business administration associate students at Seminole State can pursue specializations in human resources management, management, marketing and sales, or insurance risk management.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 41%
- Avg. annual net price: $8,326
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
13. Vance-Granville Community College
Henderson, North Carolina
About the program: VGCC's 69-70-credit business administration associate degree introduces learners to concepts in management, small-business ownership, human resource management, and communications.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 23%
- Avg. annual net price: $2,223
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
14. McKendree University
Lebanon, Illinois
About the program: McKendree's online business administration associate degree requires a minimum of 68 credits. The curriculum exposes learners to business law, marketing, management, and accounting basics.
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- Graduation rate: 56%
- Avg. annual net price: $19,844
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: 859-1268
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
15. John Tyler Community College
Chester, Virginia
About the program: Completing Tyler's associate in business administration enables graduates to transfer to a four-year program in business, accounting, economics, management, or marketing.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 18%
- Avg. annual net price: $6,810
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
16. Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
About the program: Owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU-Idaho's online associate in applied business management allows students to explore fields like hospitality and tourism management, agribusiness management, and social media marketing.
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation rate: 68%
- Avg. annual net price: $7,167
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: 990-1200
- Minimum GPA: 2.0 for advanced path students
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
17. Huntington University
Huntington, Indiana
About the program: HU's fully online associate in organizational management develops leadership skills for students interested in all areas of business. HU is a Christian liberal arts university.
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Graduation rate: 62%
- Avg. annual net price: $22,869
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: 965-1150
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
18. Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton, Virginia
About the program: Thomas Nelson's online business administration associate degree prepares learners for transfer to a university business program. Thomas Nelson maintains admissions agreements with more than 20 Virginia institutions.
- Acceptance rate: Not required
- Graduation rate: 18%
- Avg. annual net price: $7,092
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
19. Southwest Virginia Community College
Cedar Bluff, Virginia
About the program: Southwest's business administration associate degree requires a minimum of 61 credits and offers guaranteed transfer agreements to more than 20 Virginia universities.
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Graduation rate: 28%
- Avg. annual net price: $8,098
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
20. Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, Virginia
About the program: TCC's online business administration associate degree prepares students to transfer to a four-year program such as accounting, economics, marketing, or public administration.
- Acceptance rate: Not required
- Graduation rate: 19%
- Avg. annual net price: $8,408
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
21. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
About the program: SNHU's online associate degree in business administration was developed by industry experts and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation rate: 47%
- Avg. annual net price: $41,095
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling admissions
- Course delivery methods: Online
22. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida
About the program: ERAU's unique associate in aviation business administration explores all areas of business administration and management, focusing on the needs of the aviation and aerospace industries.
- Acceptance rate: 62%
- Graduation rate: 35%
- Avg. annual net price: $20,333
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: 10
- Course delivery methods: Online
23. Lackawanna College
Scranton, Pennsylvania
About the program: Lackawanna's online business administration associate degree features a flexible, part-time schedule. Courses cover business law, OSHA regulations, management principles, and more.
- Acceptance rate: Not required
- Graduation rate: 30%
- Avg. annual net price: $18,120
- Time to completion: Just over two years, on an accelerated, part-time schedule
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Seven
- Course delivery methods: Online
24. Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls, Georgia
About the program: TFC's online business administration associate degree requires 63 credits, including 15 credits of Bible and theology coursework. TFC is a private Christian institution.
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Graduation rate: 53%
- Avg. annual net price: $22,433
- Time to completion: Two years
- SAT range: 920-1150
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery methods: Online
25. Baker University
Baldwin City, Kansas
About the program: Students pursuing Baker's 63-credit associate of arts in business enjoy flexible scheduling — taking one course at a time and attending virtual class meetings.
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation rate: 63%
- Avg. annual net price: $22,879
- Time to completion: Two
- SAT range: 1000-1170
- Minimum GPA: 2.3
- Enrollment periods per year: Eight
- Course delivery methods: Online
What to expect in an online associate in business administration degree program
A business administration associate degree consists of 60-70 credits of coursework.
Many online associate programs provide pre-recorded lectures and other course materials through a web-based course management system. Professors ask students to complete assignments independently, participate in group projects, take online or proctored exams, and contribute to discussions via course message boards and email.
Associate degree in business administration courses
The associate degree curriculum consists of general education, major core, and elective courses. General education courses require studying the humanities, sciences, and communication. Core courses explore key topics in business, like accounting, management, economics, and marketing.
Full-time students typically graduate in two years or four semesters. Four courses you'll likely take during your business administration associate degree include:
Business law and ethics
This course provides an overview of the legal, ethical, and societal environments influencing business. Highlights include corporate social responsibility, state and federal laws, employment law, product liability, and environmental regulation.
Principles of management
This course explores how managers influence organizational structure and function, employee performance, and employee satisfaction. Discussion topics include strategic planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and team management.
Financial accounting
This course introduces financial statement preparation. Students master the four basic types of statements, including their content, purpose, and methods of interpretation.
Elementary statistics
This introductory course teaches students the fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics. Skills include probability distributions, simple linear regression, and methods for analyzing data sets.
Business administration degree levels
While a business administration associate degree provides a strong foundation, the four-year bachelor's remains the most popular business administration degree level.
For those interested in advanced education, learn what to expect in business school at the graduate level or explore online MBA programs. Finally, professionals who earn a doctor of business administration can pursue careers in advanced research and academic contexts.
In conclusion
Whether you want to develop the skills necessary for starting your own business or progress toward a four-year university program, a business administration associate degree serves as a strong foundation.
Inspired by one of these options? Visit your prospective school's website for more details on admission deadlines and requirements.