Best Online Business Administration Associate Degrees
An online business administration associate degree helps you develop general business skills that can be applied to entry-level administrative and support roles across industries. It can also be a great option to build some initial professional experience and academic knowledge before pursuing a bachelor’s in business administration program.
Regardless of whether you choose to further your business education or enter the workforce immediately, an associate degree in business can be a valuable credential to jumpstart your career. Plus, the best online business associate degree programs give you the flexibility to continue working while you earn your degree.
10 Best Online Business Associate Degree Programs
How We Chose These Schools
At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.
This ranking is from 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.
Reality Check: Will An Online Associate Degree in Business Administration Actually Pay Off?
The short answer is yes, it can pay off. The median cost of an online associate in business is about $4,500, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Given that the median weekly earnings of associate degree-holders was $1,099 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an associate degree could pay off quickly. Comparatively, those with only a high school diploma had weekly earnings of $930.
Why Get an Associate Degree in Business?
An associate degree can qualify you for a wide spectrum of entry-level business positions. Alternatively, this degree can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s program in business or an MBA program.
After earning your associate degree in business, you could become an executive secretary, administrative assistant, real estate broker, or human resources assistant. And after developing some experience in these roles, you could rise into more advanced positions, increasing your earning potential.
Why Get Your Business Associate Degree Online?
- Convenience: Earning an associate in business online allows you to earn a degree from anywhere in the world. You don’t have to give up your job or other responsibilities while working toward your degree.
- Flexibility: Many online business administration associate degree programs offer asynchronous courses and the flexibility to choose your course load so that you can study around your schedule.
- Cost Savings: You’ll save on transportation costs when you learn from home. Many programs also charge less for online degrees.
- Earning Potential: According to the BLS, business leadership positions are often compensated at almost double the median U.S. salary. An associate degree in business can qualify you for some entry-level business positions, which may offer compensation at or above the median national salary.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
With an associate degree in business administration, you can pursue professional and academic opportunities. Some graduates enter the workforce, while others move directly into a bachelor of business administration or a bachelor of business management program. These business degrees can help you expand your career in business.
Job Outlook for Entry-Level Business Careers
With an associate in business administration degree, you can qualify for jobs in a variety of industries. A general business education equips you to enter sales, accounting, human resources, or management positions. For example, you could become an insurance sales agent, an administrative services manager, or a human resources assistant.
| 8 Careers You Can Pursue With an Associate Degree | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Projected Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Services Managers | $108,390 | 6%-8% |
| Facilities Managers | $104,690 | 3%-5% |
| Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $74,260 | 0% |
| Real Estate Brokers | $72,280 | 1%-2% |
| Insurance Sales Agents | $60,370 | 6%-8% |
| Human Resources Assistants | $49,440 | -1% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $49,210 | -6% |
| Travel Agents | $48,450 | 2% |
How Much Does an Online Associate in Business Administration Degree Cost?
According to NCES, the median cost of an online associate degree in business is $2,248 per year. That is lower than the national average for public two-year institutions, where in-state tuition costs an average of $3,598 and out-of-state tuition averages $8,565 in the 2022–23 academic year.
Median Annual Cost of an Associate Degree in Business
$2,248
Online Associate Degree in Business
$2,207
Traditional, On-Campus Associate Degree in Business
Is an Associate Degree in Business Worth It?
An associate degree in business can be worth it if you want to increase your earning potential or secure a position that requires an associate degree. It can also be a good option if you want to pursue a bachelor’s eventually but don’t have the money or time to do so now.
In some cases, you can actually save money by earning your associate degree first. For example, if you earn an online associate degree in business and transfer your credits to a business bachelor’s degree program, you could save thousands on tuition.
| Factor | Associate Degree | Bachelor’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 years (60 credits) | 4 years (120 credits) |
| Median Cost | $4,496 | $29,468 |
| Average Salary (October 2025) | $66,000 | $81,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Associate Degrees in Business
How long does it take to get an associate degree in business administration?
An online business administration associate degree typically takes two years to complete. However, several factors can affect this timeline. For example, if you have previous college or AP credits, you may be able to graduate more quickly.
Alternatively, working professionals or parents may need to enroll on a part-time basis, which can slow their progress. As a part-time student, you can expect to spend an extra year working through your degree requirements, putting your graduation timeline around three years.
What’s the difference between an AAS and AA in business administration?
When researching prospective programs, you may notice several different types of business administration degrees. Associate of applied science (AAS) and associate of arts in business administration (AA) programs can both transfer to a four-year institution after graduation. An AAS prepares you for professional roles and can help you to enter the workforce immediately.
These programs require fewer general education credits and include more business-specific classes. However, AAS degrees may not allow as many transfer credits if you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree later.
Are online business degrees respected?
Yes, employers respect online business degrees as long as they hold accreditation. Not all online business associate degree programs are created equal, which is why it’s crucial to research and compare online programs. One of the most common accreditors for associate-level business degrees is the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
How much can you make with an associate degree in business?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for an associate degree-holder is $57,150. But, the average salaries for common business careers can vary widely depending on the industry.
For example, while human resources assistants only saw a median salary of $49,440 in 2024, administrative services and facilities managers earned a median salary of $106,880. Ultimately, your experience, industry, job, and location will all impact how much you can make with an associate degree in business.