Attending an online business university comes with many benefits. Online programs often feature more flexibility and affordability than on-campus options. Distance learners typically save time on commuting and can complete their studies from anywhere.
Many colleges and universities offer online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Online learning allows students to attend accredited schools anywhere in the country without relocating.
This guide explores common learning formats and the cost of accredited online colleges in Canada like McMaster online business University with it’s Master Healthcare Management Program. The following ranking highlights the best online universities to help prospective students choose a school that fits their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges & University
Can I transfer my credits to an online degree program?
Most accredited institutions accept credits from other accredited schools. Online colleges usually limit the number of credits students can transfer.
Is an online degree as good as a traditional degree?
Degrees from accredited online colleges hold the same value as degrees earned in person.
Do online degree programs have to be accredited?
Accreditation is voluntary and can significantly impact graduates’ career opportunities. Learners can verify each prospective school’s accreditation status through the Department of Education’s online database.
Why Get a Degree Online at one of the Best Universities?
Online degrees provide flexibility for independent learners. The convenient virtual format allows students to complete academic requirements around family and work responsibilities. Many online programs feature asynchronous formats, allowing students to watch recorded lectures and engage in discussion boards at convenient times.
Degree-seekers who need accountability can still benefit from online learning. Some courses use synchronous formats, which require students to attend virtual classes at set times.
Attending an online university allows students to network with learners based around the world. Additionally, online students may have more free time to invest in their community.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor’s degree to get into a career or want a master’s degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online business university program for you. Explore popular programs or choose from 200+ affordable and accredited online Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
UAGC offers a catalog of 50+ degrees that gives learners career-relevant skills in fields such as accounting, healthcare, and education. Learners from all walks of life study in small classes with access to support such as tutoring and writing assistants. In addition to flexible learning, students benefit from affordable tuition.
Spend less on tuition and graduate faster with eligible transfer credits and relevant work/life experience.
Purdue University Global
Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue online business university Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that’s tailored to working adults.
How Much Does an Online Business University Degree Cost?
In most cases, an online business university degree from one of the best online colleges and business schools costs less than an in-person degree. According to a 2021 report by the Education Data Initiative, an online bachelor’s degree costs an average of $51,090.
However, residency status and school type impacts overall cost. In-state tuition averages $38,496 for online bachelor’s programs, while out-of-state tuition costs an average of $54,183. Online learners at private schools pay an average of $60,593 in tuition.
Online business university learners may also save money on commuting costs and living expenses. Distance students often live with relatives or roommates to save money.
Additional Online College Student Fees
Only 17% of schools the Education Data Initiative surveyed reported waiving student activity and campus fees for online learners. Additionally, many online colleges charge a technology fee. This fee usually covers technical support and virtual learning platforms. Online students may need a subscription to an online library database.
Online students should also budget for a reliable computer and internet connection. Certain online classes require software subscriptions. Online business university learners can save money on textbooks by purchasing used or digital versions.
Available Online Degrees
Many programs translate well to an online format. Degrees in fields such as medicine, teaching, and counseling require in-person supervised experience. Online learners in these programs typically complete in-person components at a local facility.
Before enrolling in an online university, learners should research their prospective program’s in-person requirements. Some programs feature annual seminars on campus. Learners can also consider hybrid programs, which blend online and on-campus instruction.
The following list highlights three common online business university degrees. Not all online colleges offer these programs.
- Public Relations
Students learn how to communicate with company stakeholders. They explore best practices for forming relationships with customers and the local media. Coursework covers event planning, strategic campaigns, and press release writing. Graduates often become public relations, marketing, and communication directors. - Business
Business programs prepare learners for roles as entrepreneurs and company leaders. This multidisciplinary degree covers topics such as management techniques, marketing skills, and accounting basics. Most business programs require an internship. - Elementary Education
Learners studying elementary education prepare to teach K-5 students. Degree-seekers discover how students develop and advance between grades. Coursework explores age-appropriate instruction techniques and methods for tailoring lessons to diverse learners. Elementary education programs usually require in-person student teaching.
Featured Online Master’s Programs
UAGC
Enhance your knowledge, add to your credentials, and separate yourself from the competition with a master’s degree from the University of Arizona Global Campus. We make it easy to apply with no application fee and no GRE or GMAT scores required. Choose from 17 online business university master’s degree ranging from education to criminal justice to fit your life goals.
University of Phoenix
Spend less on tuition and graduate faster with eligible transfer credits and relevant work/life experience.
Purdue University Global
Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that’s tailored to working adults.
Why Get a Degree in Business?
Business degrees’ online programs provide students with academic flexibility and the ability to explore many careers. Bachelor’s degree-holders can apply for entry-level jobs or an MBA program. MBA graduates can explore leadership jobs. Some graduates work toward becoming certified public accountants.
Online business university degrees help students living worldwide advance their education. Learners do not relocate to attend class. Many programs run asynchronously, letting enrollees complete assignments when convenient. However, students must still meet their professors’ deadlines and finish classes by their end date.
How Much Does a Business Degree Cost?
Bachelor’s degrees costs an average of $35,330 annually in tuition, fees, and related expenses, according to EducationData.org. However, many factors impact how much students pay for one of the best online business degrees. Learners attending public, in-state schools usually pay the most affordable tuition.
Students can make their degree more affordable by applying for financial aid. Many colleges with online business degrees award automatic scholarships to incoming first-year and transfer students. Some institutional awards may require a separate application. Learners with financial need should apply annually for the FAFSA. The federal government offers these degree-seekers grants and low-interest loans.
Link: Online Business University Catalog
Additional Online Student Fees
An online format lets degree-seekers explore many affordable online business university degrees. However, online programs may charge fees on-campus learners do not pay, such as technology fees. Schools use these fees to pay for the software and support staff needed for online learning. Degree-seekers in a hybrid program should also budget for commuting costs to campus or an internship site.
Some graduates with a business degree pay for a professional certification. Many organizations awarding certifications offer member discounts. Members may receive additional benefits, like career-planning resources.
How Much Do Business Majors Make?
Some business careers requiring a bachelor’s degree pay well. For example, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earn a median $133,380 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure exceeds the national median salary by about 300%. Professionals in the information industry make even more. Managers in New York, New Jersey, and California earn the nation’s highest salaries.
Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers need a bachelor’s to enter the profession. They may earn a higher starting salary by completing an internship while earning an online business degree. Some experienced professionals return to school to earn an MBA. This graduate degree qualifies them for more jobs.
Courses in Business
Online business university may offer specializations. However, each requires the same core curriculum. Core classes may include financial accounting, the principles of finance, and applied marketing strategies. These and other classes convey the skills all workers need for professional success. Some programs feature academic flexibility, such as the ability to minor in another subject.
See below for a sample curriculum for online business university. Please note that graduation requirements vary by college. Two schools offering the same class may use different textbooks and assignments. As a result, learners should compare prospective programs’ curricula and learning outcomes closely.
- Financial Accounting
This introductory class emphasizes the accounting cycle’s many steps. Students learn how to prepare financial statements while following relevant laws and regulations. Degree-seekers also develop in-demand financial skills, like communicating with stakeholders and following proper procedures in a rapidly changing work environment. - The Principles of Finance
Business professionals need an advanced understanding of the principles of finance. Degree-seekers analyze how a company or organization maintains financial discipline, makes good investments, and pays dividends. Students learn how to inform senior managers of the latest investment opportunities. These skills help graduates promote their employer’s long-term growth. - Applied Marketing Strategies
Enrollees develop the skills necessary to analyze prices, create new products, and design promotions. Marketing professionals use these skills to manage marketing campaigns. Other learning outcomes include interpreting the latest consumer research, collaborating with team members, and selecting the correct distribution channels.
Specializations for Business
Specializations let students customize their degree and prepare for a specific career. Some schools call them concentrations or tracks. Degree-seekers can select a specialization by working with their academic and career advisors. Typical requirements include taking many upper-division electives. Some specializations let learners choose classes from a list of electives.
See below for three common specializations for business degree-seekers. Schools with more specializations may appeal to students undecided about their career path. These learners may switch if their interests change.
- Healthcare Administration
Students learn how to manage a healthcare provider’s staff and finances. Aspiring healthcare administrators take classes in healthcare economics, healthcare strategic management, and organizational behavior. These and other classes prepare them to work as medical services administrators or health promotion specialists. Other popular jobs include community health manager and health policy analyst. - International Business
Many companies run offices in different nations, sell products to diverse groups, and employ an international workforce. These companies need international business experts’ expertise. Coursework covers global financial systems, multinational marketing, and international strategic management. Programs with this class may offer a specialized study-abroad opportunity. - Nonprofit Management
Nonprofits work differently than for-profit businesses. As a result, they need business professionals with specialized skills. Degree-seekers working toward a nonprofit career may take classes in human resource management, the social environment of business, and organizational behavior. Graduates may work as public relations specialists, grant writers, or human resources managers.