Best Online Associate's in Business Administration
Updated January 13, 2024
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Associate Degree in Business Administration
An online associate degree in business administration allows graduates to compete for entry-level administrative and support roles.
The curriculum builds both professional experience and academic knowledge and opens the door to bachelor's in business administration programs while helping learners save money on tuition.
Students pursuing this degree enter a thriving field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that roles for administrative service managers will grow 5% between 2022-2032 — faster than the average for all occupations. This role also offers a substantial salary, as the median pay reached $101,870. Note that some employers prefer a bachelor's degree for this role, but others will accept an associate degree.
Prospective students researching programs may notice several different types of business administration degrees. Associate of science (AAS) and associate of art programs both prepare learners to transfer to a four-year institution after graduation. An associate of applied science prepares graduates for professional roles and best meet the needs of graduates who want to immediately enter the workforce. These programs require fewer general education credits and include more business-specific classes. However, AAS graduates may not be able to transfer as many credits if they decide to pursue a bachelor's degree later.
Featured Business Administration Associate's Programs
The Best Online Associate's in Business Administration Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA - 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in New Orleans, Delgado Community College boasts a highly-ranked online associate in business administration, one of five online associate degree programs. The program prepares students for the demands of the business management field through foundational and advanced coursework. Learners seeking to advance through further studies can apply their credits towards a bachelor's degree.
While enrolled, students can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources. Other institutional resources include virtual library services and academic tutoring.
The average student is awarded $5,257 in financial aid, to offset the cost of education. Of its enrollees, the college reports that 89% receive financial aid, and 50% receive loans.
Delgado Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,335
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,624
#2 Best Online Associate’s in Business Administration
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Paducah, KY - 2 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Paducah, West Kentucky Community and Technical College boasts a highly-ranked online associate of applied science in business administration, one of six online associate degree programs. Students in the business management program gain knowledge and industry-relevant skills through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Upon completion, students can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
The college connects business management students with career services, academic advising, and other success-geared resources. Distance learners can access other resources such as virtual library services and academic tutoring.
The average financial aid award, the college reports, is $5,270. Typically, 96% of all degree-seekers receive financial aid, with 13% receiving loans.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Paducah, Kentucky
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,176
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $14,616
#3 Best Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in online education, Central Maine Community College supports six online associate degree programs, including its associate in business administration and management. Students in the business management program gain foundational and advanced knowledge relevant to the business management field. Graduates seeking to advance in their studies can apply their credits toward a bachelor's degree.
During their studies, enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources. Other resources available for distance learners include academic tutoring and virtual library services.
The college connects students with numerous financial aid opportunities, reporting that enrollees receive an average of $6,460 in financial aid. Approximately 88% of all incoming learners receive financial aid, with 28% receiving student loans.
Central Maine Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Auburn, Maine
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,820
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,640
#4 Best Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Moorefield, WV - 2 years
- Online + Campus
At Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, the associate in business management is offered online. The program prepares students for the demands of the business management field through foundational and advanced coursework. Students seeking further education can apply their business management credits toward a bachelor's degree.
Students can access numerous college resources such as career services and academic advising. Distance learners benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources.
Typically, enrollees receive $6,772 in financial aid awards. The institution reports that 92% of all enrollees receive financial aid, and 12% receive student loans.
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Moorefield, West Virginia
Student-Faculty Ratio: 9-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,432
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,816
#5 Best Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Genesee Community College
Batavia, NY - 2 years
- Online + Campus
At Genesee Community College, the associate in business administration is one of seven online associate programs offered online. Students in the business management program gain foundational and advanced knowledge relevant to business administration careers. Enrollees can apply their earned credit towards a bachelor's degree, certificates, and educational credentials.
Degree-seekers can access career services, academic advising, and other support options during their studies. Other resources available for distance learners include academic tutoring and virtual library services.
Typically, students are awarded $6,752 in financial aid. The institution reports that 90% of all enrollees receive financial aid, and 23% receive student loans.
Genesee Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, two-year
Location: Batavia, New York
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,350
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,950
Online Associate in Business Administration Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following schools based on the quality of their online associate degree in business programs, the types of courses offered, and their faculty, rankings, awards, and reputations, including each school's reputation for effectively providing quality online programs.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Featured Business Administration Associate's Programs
Why Get an Associate Degree in Business?
Earning an associate degree in business online helps first-time college students seeking an introduction to the field. The curriculum includes approximately 60 credits focused on both general education and core degree topics. Common courses include introduction to international business, human relations in administration, business systems analysis and design, and financial accounting.
Graduates should have a basic yet thorough understanding of cornerstone business concepts in marketing, human relations, finance, accounting, and management.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
An online associate degree in business administration typically takes full-time learners two years to complete. However, several factors can affect this timeline. For example, students with previous college or AP credits may graduate more quickly.
Working professionals or parents may need to enroll on a part-time basis, slowing their progress. These individuals usually graduate within three years. Other factors worth considering include testing out of courses or taking courses year-round.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
With an associate degree in business, graduates can pursue both professional and academic opportunities. Some students may enter the workforce. Others move directly into a bachelor's of business administration or a bachelor's of business management. Each business degree can help graduates expand their careers in business.
Job Options if You Have an Associate Degree in Business Administration
With an associate in business administration degree, you can get jobs like a sales manager position, a project assistant position, an office manager position, or a support specialist position. Individuals with an associate in business administration typically seek the following jobs:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Services Manager
- Assistant Director of Operations
- Assistant Manager
- Auditing Clerk
- Business Assistant
- Business Service Specialist
- Customer Service Supervisor
- Event Planner
- Executive Assistant
- Food Service Manager
- General Office Administrator
- General Office Clerk
- Human Resources Administrative Assistant
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Information Clerk
- Inside Sales Representative
- Inventory Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Media Sales Representative
- Office Manager
- Office Support Specialist
- Operations Manager
- Payroll Coordinator
- Procurement Coordinator
- Project Assistant
- Purchasing Manager
- Retail Manager
- Sales Manager
Salary Potential For an Associate's in Business Administration
Online associate in business administration graduates qualify for managerial roles across several industries. The position each graduate pursues depends on their individual interests and career goals. We highlight a few popular options below.
Administrative Services Managers
| Median Salary: $101,870 | Projected Job Growth: 5% |
|---|
Administrative service managers typically work in administrative positions for companies, meaning they're responsible for internal organization, supply management, record-keeping, or facility management.
Sales Managers
| Median Salary: $130,600 | Projected Job Growth: 4% |
|---|
Sales managers typically work for public-facing businesses where sales are a major source of revenue. These professionals oversee other employees, helping keep them organized and providing resources to make their jobs easier.
Food Service Managers
| Median Salary: $61,310 | Projected Job Growth: 0% |
|---|
A food service managers is in charge of keeping a restaurant or other food-related business running. This can mean managing employees, tracking inventory, or interfacing with the public to ensure that customer service is held to a high standard.
Lodging Managers
| Median Salary: $61,910 | Projected Job Growth: 7% |
|---|
Also known as hospitality managers, lodging managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of hotels, motels, inns, and other hospitality organizations. Their responsibilities can include managing staff, responding to customer service needs, or organizing company records.
Featured MBA Programs
Common Questions About Associate's Degree in Business Administration
What Is an Associate Degree in Business?
An associate degree in business is a two-year program that provides a gateway to professional roles or additional academic pursuits.
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
This degree allows graduates to pursue entry-level roles in business administration, with the potential to climb the employment ladder over time.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
Full-time learners working toward an associate degree in business typically graduate in two years.
Can I Get an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
Admission requirements for these programs usually include a high school diploma or GED.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate Degree in Business Administration?
Graduates often qualify for entry-level positions focused on administration, management, and executive support.
How Much Do You Make With an Associate Degree in Business?
Salaries fluctuate substantially based on geographic location, industry, role, and experience. According to the BLS, the median salary for administrative service managers is $101,870.
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