The business world is an increasingly diverse place, where success could mean becoming the CEO of an international billion-dollar firm or starting a venture out of your living room. But as our global economy constantly evolves, one thing remains the same: we need savvy, skilled workers to keep innovating and leading organizational change. A business administration degree can give you the tools you need to navigate these challenges – on the local, national, or international levels – and thrive in several different career paths, including finance, marketing, human resources, supply chain management, and many others.
What is a bachelor of business administration?
An undergraduate business degree is versatile, helping students build the strong foundation of business management principles and soft skills they need to succeed in many different workplace settings. Generally, the curriculum includes classes on core business functions, which might look like:
- Business Statistics
- Business Law
- Business Communication
- Principles of Management
- Accounting
- Information Technology
- Human Resources
- Marketing
What business degree specializations can I choose from?
Most business administration degree programs will blend core business classes with a liberal arts curriculum. Once students have mastered the fundamentals in their core business classes, they can focus their studies on a concentration/track for the duration of their program. Options might include:
- Accounting
- Management
- Communication
- Marketing
- Finance
- Supply Chain Management
- Sports Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Small Business Management
- Nonprofit Management
A business administration degree prepares students to work in diverse careers in different sectors, including corporate, government, and non-profit. Most programs will provide opportunities for practical, hands-on experience, including internships with local businesses, simulations of business problems in labs, or other special projects.
How can I earn my business administration degree online?
Many business administration schools recognize that students may need the flexibility and convenience of an online degree program, which is why there are now so many online business administration degree options. Take a look at the 25 best business administration degree programs we’ve listed for you below! We have also created a list of PhD in business administration programs.
Many include online and hybrid options so you can balance school, work, and other obligations.
What is the difference between a Business Management degree and a Business Administration degree?
Business management and business administration are similar, but there are some key differences. Business management usually focuses on more general business concepts and running a business in its entirety. Business administration focuses on particular job functions within a business and requires students to choose a particular area of concentration, such as accounting or marketing, which they’ll directly use in a related career path after graduation.
Should I earn a bachelor of business administration before an MBA?
It’s not required to earn a bachelor of business administration before enrolling in an MBA program, but there could be some advantages. Some schools have accelerated programs that enable you to transition directly from a bachelor’s degree into their graduate program, enabling you to graduate in just five years. Also, a bachelor’s degree program in business administration could give you a jumpstart on knowing the materials in your MBA program.
There are many options available if you’re interested in a business administration degree, and you might not know where to start. That’s why we’ve ranked 25 of the best business administration school options and their programs based on two factors: tuition cost (lowest is best and tuition comprised two-thirds of our ranking score) and enrollment (highest is best and enrollment comprised one-third of the score).
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Binghamton University State University (68 points) | Binghamton, New York |
2 | Thomas Edison State University (67 points) | Trenton, New Jersey |
3 | University at Albany (65 points) | Albany, New York |
4 | Metropolitan State University (63 points) | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
5 | Baker College (60 points) | Flint, Michigan |
Best 25 Business Administration Degree
Binghamton University State University (68 points)
Binghamton University State University of New York’s School of Management offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with several different concentrations/tracks. In addition to liberal arts classes and a curriculum that provides a solid foundation in management and business, students can choose to focus on areas like Quantitative Finance, Leadership and Consulting, Supply Chain Management, or Entrepreneurship. As early as freshman year, students can gain practical, hands-on experience through internships, jobs, and research opportunities.
School Overview
Thomas Edison State University (67 points)
This Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Thomas Edison State University is a 120-credit program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This program allows students to choose a path of study that fits their interest and career goals, including areas like Accounting, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Operations Management, and more. There’s also an option to attend a Demonstration of Currency (DOC) conference with a mentor.
School Overview
University at Albany (65 points)
The University at Albany (SUNY) offers a B.S. in Business Administration through their School of Business, which has concentrations available in marketing, information systems & business analytics, and a financial analyst honors program. Students can also choose combined tracks that include finance, management, and entrepreneurship. The business school’s close relationships with recruiters and alumni, and its in-house career services resources, lead to internship opportunities during school and career opportunities upon graduation.
School Overview
Metropolitan State University (63 points)
Metropolitan State University offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Business Administration available online or on-campus. Students take courses that prepare them for roles in both the private and public sectors while helping them develop strong communication and critical thinking skills. The program also provides the opportunity to build a strong network with alumni and professionals in the business world.
School Overview
Baker College (60 points)
Baker College offers an Accelerated Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration that students can take online or on-campus at their Owosso, Michigan campus. This program allows students to earn their degree in one to two years by applying credit for prior knowledge or experience. They can transfer up to 90 credit hours to meet certain course requirements, and even some related work experience can count toward the degree. Courses include Strategic Development and Implementation, International Business, and Marketing Management.
School Overview
Northern Illinois University (57 points)
Northern Illinois University offers a B.S. in Business Administration that provides students with a solid foundation in marketing, finance, accounting, operations management, and information systems. In addition to the main degree in business administration, students can minor in entrepreneurship and business innovation or earn a social entrepreneurship certificate to become more well-rounded job candidates. Faculty is comprised of real-world business leaders, including CEOs, consultants, published authors, and global executives.
School Overview
University of New Orleans (53 points)
The University of New Orleans offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that helps students become both business generalists as well as knowledgeable experts in their particular field. Taught on their New Orleans campus, this degree program teaches critical soft skills like communication, problem solving, public speaking, and ethical decision making. A liberal arts curriculum ensures students receive a well-rounded education whether they pursue a career as an entrepreneur or look for a role in an established organization.
School Overview
Southern Oregon University (48 points)
The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts programs in Business Administration at Southern Oregon University offers some unique benefits, including small class sizes, community involvement, international exchange, and degree supplementation. Students get the chance to study abroad for up to a full two semesters. The average class size in their Schools of Business is only 26 students, enabling classmates to fully interact with instructors and each other.
School Overview
Lindenwood University (46 points)
At Lindenwood University, students can choose either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. With options to learn fully on-campus or online, students can further specialize their degree program by choosing particular tracks of study, like Sport Management, Nonprofit Administration, or International Business. Students benefit from small class sizes and experienced faculty with practical experience in the subjects they teach.
School Overview
Rutgers University (45 points)
Rutgers University-Camden offers a specialized opportunity for students who have earned their associate degree to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. This program’s convenient format allows students to take classes at local community college campuses while still earning their degree from Rutgers School of Business-Camden. Local partner schools include Camden County College, Brookdale Community College, Atlantic Cape Community College, Mercer Community College, Rowan College of South Jersey, and Rowan College of Burlington College. You can also earn your BBA fully online.
School Overview
Maryville University (40 points)
Maryville University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on helping students build flexible business skills for the rapidly changing workplace. The program offers unique opportunities for experiential learning, like their Disney Youth Education Series where students visit Walt Disney World to see business administration practices in action. Maryville also works with companies in the local St. Louis area, including Edward Jones, Mercy, and Rawlings, to allow students to have practical, hands-on opportunities with real businesses.
School Overview
Davenport University (38 points)
Davenport University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration – Business degree with both online and on-campus options available at its Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Midland locations in Michigan. This degree program helps students enhance soft skills like communication and teamwork while also teaching important core business management principles. Two specialty areas of study are available: Global project management and Supply chain logistics, which students can round out with courses in ethics, finance, and analytics, and business-focused IT classes.
School Overview
University of Illinois Springfield (38 points)
University of Illinois Springfield offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) with six concentration options. Students can narrow their studies by choosing to focus on Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, Sports Management, or a Comprehensive option. The goal of the B.B.A is to help students strengthen their knowledge of operations management, finance, marketing, or sports management for jobs in both the private or public sectors.
School Overview
DePaul University (31 points)
DePaul University offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration offering various courses in topics like marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and economics. Students can build a curriculum tailored to their career goals while also building a strong liberal arts foundation. Located centrally in Chicago, DePaul provides access to career opportunities with leading consulting firms and businesses in the nearby community.
School Overview
Rider University (31 points)
Rider University offers a B.S.B.A. in Business Administration at its Lawrenceville, NJ campus. This degree is aimed at students who want to attend graduate school and earn their MBA, enter a management training or marketing program at a future job, or start or enter a family business. Rather than focusing on a particular area of business, it offers a more holistic overview of business management and administration as a whole.
School Overview
Waldorf University (29 points)
Waldorf University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Communications, Project Management, Psychology, Health Care Management, Finance, and more. This program provides 120 total credits with a mix of topics covering both business fundamentals and general core education topics. Students learn skills in areas like banking, insurance, international business, and production, preparing them to navigate the increasingly competitive world of business.
School Overview
American University (28 points)
American University in Washington, DC offers a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration through their Kogod School of Business. This program focuses on creating graduates who can make smart business decisions with solid problem solving-skills and may want to continue their education in one of Kogod’s business master’s programs. They cover topics like Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, International Business, and Financial Accounting.
School Overview
Fordham University (26 points)
This unique Business Administration undergraduate program from Fordham University gives students the opportunity to collectively manage a global portfolio with $1 million of Fordham’s endowment. Available through the renowned Gabelli school of business, the global portfolio program is just one of many ways students get practical, real-world experience in business administration and management. Fordham also balances its business curriculum with a traditional liberal arts education, including classes in English and philosophy.
School Overview
Colorado Christian University (26 points)
At Colorado Christian University, their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration places a strong focus on creating business leaders with the highest ethical standards. The school sees the business world as a place to extend the Christian mission and worldview, and equips students with the skills they need to be better leaders and decision-makers. Students can also earn up to 18 credit hours toward an MBA for no extra cost or time to graduation by selecting certain 500-level elective credits.
School Overview
LeTourneau University (22 points)
At LeTourneau University, their B.B.A. prepares students with the skills and knowledge they need to transition into exciting business careers. All classes are taught from a Christian, biblical perspective with an emphasis on blending business principles with ethics. The program includes 121 credit hours of courses and is taught by expert faculty on their Longview, Texas campus.
School Overview
McKendree University (22 points)
McKendree University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with ten majors from which to choose. The BBA is offered on the main campus in Lebanon, IL, at a satellite campus in Radcliff, KY, and online. The program helps students develop the comprehensive knowledge and skills they need to succeed in many different areas of business. In addition to providing small, interactive classes and practical internship opportunities, students can experience the rich culture of downtown St. Louis, which is located less than 30 minutes away. The Business Administration degree is also offered in a total on-line format.
School Overview
Lewis University (21 points)
Lewis University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that is Accelerated and also offered with a 100% online, flexible option to help working students manage school and their work/personal life. In addition to the accelerated Bachelor’s degree program, Lewis also offers a fast track to their MBA program, requiring undergraduate students to take just ten additional courses. The curriculum shapes students into business leaders who are ready to navigate the ever-increasing challenges of today’s business world.
School Overview
Pepperdine University (19 points)
Pepperdine University offers a B.S. in Business Administration taught by expert faculty at Seaver College. Located in Malibu, Pepperdine prepares business administration students for careers in marketing, finance, management, and accounting. They also blend business and community service with their required Service Leadership Project, where students use the skills and concepts they’ve learned in class to assist not-for-profit organizations.
School Overview
Milligan University (17 points)
Milligan University, located in Milligan, Tennessee, is a small Christian college that offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The school offers a 3-year accelerated degree option for students who are highly motivated to start grad school or enter the workforce earlier. In both the traditional 4-year and accelerated 3-year programs, students take core classes in accounting, management, business law, ethics, and business administration, and then choose from one of eleven concentrations, which include Secondary Education Licensure and Health Sector Management.
School Overview
Stevenson University (15 points)
The Brown School of Business and Leadership at Stevenson University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with campuses located in Owings Mills and Stevenson, Maryland. In addition to learning the skills they need to succeed in various fields like marketing, finance, accounting, and economics, students can choose certain electives to create a more customized degree experience based on their interests and career goals. There’s also the unique opportunity to experience the school’s Applied Finance Lab, which simulates a real financial market with data displays and digital stock tickers.
School Overview
Our Ranking Methodology
In order to come up with our rankings, we used a formula based on tuition and enrollment rates for each school. We took yearly tuition rates and used in-state where applicable. Tuition rates were weighted by a factor of two and comprised two-thirds of the score, while enrollment rates comprised the remaining one-third.
After sorting first by the weighted tuition rate and then by enrollment rates, we assigned points to each school and added these points to get a final ranking score.
Need to Contact us about our Ranking?
If you’ve noticed an error in any of the information about a school we’ve listed, please contact us directly so we can work together to make any necessary corrections.