What Is a Business Degree?
Earning a business degree can lead to new career opportunities. Here, we list the top programs available.
CC Rankings Team
Contributing Reviewer
Our Integrity Network
CollegeChoice.net is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
Provide specific, corrective feedback.
Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for CollegeChoice.net as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
Job Expectations
Should You Get A Business Degree?
Career Salary Potential
What Type of Business Degree Should You Get?
An undergraduate degree in business provides a generalized knowledge of the business world. From there, you can specialize in areas such as accounting, human resources, and management.
Some popular specializations include public relations, marketing, economics, and management. Of course, these can all be their own separate degrees — the value of a business degree comes from its broad application and flexibility.
An MBA also offers specialization, such as in communication, finance, ethics, and entrepreneurship.
Best Undergraduate Business School Ranking
#1 What Is a Business Degree?
The bachelor's in business analytics program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which offers 39 bachelor's degrees, helps degree-seekers reach their goals. A business degree prepares students for careers in diverse fields. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates also pursue higher degrees to specialize their training.
The bachelor's curriculum includes foundational and advanced courses in business. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates build communication and critical thinking skills in general education courses. Students gain a well-rounded education by declaring a minor or second major.
Student services support incoming degree candidates academically and socially. For example, career counselors connect students with job fairs and internship opportunities.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Type of School: Private
Admission Rate: 7%
Undergrad Tuition In State: $53,450
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $53,450
The undergraduate business program at the University of California, Berkeley, a public institution, earns top marks. From its campus in Berkeley, California, the school offers flexible enrollment options, including online classes. Undergraduates benefit from rigorous academic standards and comprehensive college support services.
Majors complete a bachelor's degree from the program by taking general education and courses. STEM, social science, and humanities classes make up the general education curriculum. Business major courses introduce theoretical and practical approaches to the field, preparing program graduates to enter the workforce or pursue further education.
University of California, Berkeley at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 107
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $57,600
The bachelor's in business analytics degree at the University of Pennsylvania, a private institution, stands out for its academic quality. Degree-seekers enroll in online classes and take in-person courses on the Philadelphia campus. Undergraduates benefit form flexible course options and rigorous academic standards.
The bachelor of science in business analytics program requires general education and major courses that build key knowledge and skills. Courses in math, the humanities, and the natural sciences meet general education requirements. Advanced business courses cover theoretical and practical subjects, training graduates for entry-level careers or further education.
University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 93
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 1
The University of Michigan offers a total of 129 bachelor's programs, including a bachelor of business administration. With a BBA, students pursue entry-level careers in diverse industries. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates also continue their education in master's programs.
The bachelor's curriculum trains learners in foundational knowledge and practices. Undergraduates also gain research, writing, and communication skills through general education requirements. Minors and second majors help students balance their skills and demonstrate a well-rounded education.
The school's student services provide support for incoming degree candidates. For example, financial aid counselors work closely with students to identify scholarship and grant opportunities.
Type of School: Public
The business degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a public institution, ranks among the best programs of its kind. The school, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers both in-person and online classes. Undergraduates benefit from flexible program options, rigorous academics, and the school's support services.
The business program incorporates and general education courses in its curriculum. The general education requirements introduce major academic subjects like math, humanities, and the natural sciences. Graduates prepare for the workforce or a further degree by taking advanced courses that cover theoretical and practical topics.
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,019
Cornell University offers 97 bachelor's degrees, including its BS in applied economics and management program. The business degree prepares students for a variety of career paths in many different industries. After earning a bachelor's degree, graduates also apply to master's programs to continue their education.
The bachelor's curriculum introduces foundational and advanced principles in business and economics. Undergraduates also take general education courses, which strengthen communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Students gain interdisciplinary skills by declaring a minor or second major.
Incoming degree candidates can expect strong college support whether they enroll on campus or online. For example, financial aid counselors work closely with students to identify scholarship and grant opportunities.
Cornell University at a Glance:
Location: Ithaca, New York
The University of Texas at Austin, a public institution, offers a top-ranking business program. From its Austin campus, the school runs in-person and online programs. Undergraduates benefit from flexible enrollment options, rigorous academics, and comprehensive college support services.
Majors earn a bachelor's degree after completing courses in the BBA program along with general education requirements. The general education requirements introduce major academic subjects like math, humanities, and the natural sciences. Advanced business courses cover theoretical and practical subjects, training graduates for entry-level careers or further education.
The University of Texas at Austin at a Glance:
Notre Dame, IN
The business program at the University of Notre Dame, a private institution, stands out for its quality. Degree-seekers choose from in-person classes offered on the Notre Dame campus and online classes. Undergraduates benefit from flexible enrollment options and comprehensive support services.
The undergraduate business program incorporates business and general education courses in its curriculum. The general education requirements introduce major academic subjects like math, humanities, and the natural sciences. Graduates train for entry-level careers or further education by taking upper-division business classes.
University of Notre Dame at a Glance:
The bachelor of science in business administration program at Washington University in St. Louis, a private institution, earns top marks. Degree-seekers choose from in-person and online enrollment options at the school, located in St. Louis, Missouri. The school's flexible course options, along with high academic standards, meet the needs of many undergraduates.
Majors earn a bachelor's degree from the program after taking and general education courses. Students gain an understanding of diverse academic fields through the general education curriculum. Within the major, learners take upper-division courses that provide an advanced understanding of business principles, preparing graduates for the job market.
Washington University in St. Louis at a Glance:
#10 What Is a Business Degree?
Carnegie Mellon University, a private institution, offers a top-ranking bachelor's in business administration program. Degree-seekers take classes in-person on the Pittsburgh campus and online. Flexible course options, rigorous academics, and comprehensive support services appeal to many undergraduates.
The business administration program incorporates general education and major courses to build in-demand knowledge and skills. Students meet general education requirements by taking classes in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Graduates prepare for the workforce or further education by taking upper-division classes.
Carnegie Mellon University at a Glance:
University of Wisconsin Madison
The University of Wisconsin Madison offers 128 bachelor's degrees, including the top-ranked BBA in human resources program. With a degree in business, students bring the knowledge and skills required for careers in diverse industries. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates also apply to master's programs to continue their education.
The bachelor's curriculum introduces core topics and methods. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates take general education courses that build writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. Minors and second majors help students balance their skills and demonstrate a well-rounded education.
Student services support incoming degree candidates academically and socially. For example, financial aid counselors recommend scholarships, while academic advisors suggest course options.
University of Wisconsin Madison at a Glance:
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Admissions Rate: 54%
The bachelor's in management degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a public institution, prioritizes flexibility. From its campus in Champaign, the school offers both in-person and online enrollment options. Flexible course options, rigorous academics, and comprehensive support services appeal to many undergraduates.
The BS in management builds comprehensive skills and knowledge through both general education and major courses. Students meet general education requirements by taking classes in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Graduates train for entry-level careers or further education by taking upper-division classes.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at a Glance:
Average Amount Aid of Awarded: $15,442
The bachelor's in business degree at the University of Virginia, a public institution, stands out for its academic quality. Degree-seekers choose from in-person and online enrollment options at the school, located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Undergraduates benefit from comprehensive support services, including academic and career advising.
The bachelor of interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in business incorporates business and general education courses in its curriculum. Humanities, math, and natural sciences courses, which make up the general education curriculum, strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. Learners prepare for the workforce or further education by taking advanced business courses that cover theoretical and practical topics.
University of Virginia at a Glance:
The business management program, one of 155 bachelor's programs at Ohio State University, offers a flexible route to a college degree. This degree encourages the knowledge and skills required for diverse career paths. A bachelor's degree also prepares graduates for master's and doctoral programs.
The bachelor's curriculum introduces major principles and practices in business management. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates build communication and critical thinking skills in general education courses. Minors and second majors help students balance their skills and demonstrate a well-rounded education.
Incoming degree candidates can expect strong college support whether they enroll on campus or online. For example, financial aid counselors recommend scholarships while academic advisors suggest course options.
Ohio State University at a Glance:
The business administration program at Georgia Institute of Technology, a public institution, enrolls degree-seekers with flexible options. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the school serves students of all backgrounds through on-campus and online courses. Undergraduates benefit from the school's support services, which include academic and career advising.
Majors complete a bachelor's degree from the program by taking general education and courses. Social sciences, STEM, and humanities classes meet the general education graduation requirements. Advanced courses cover theoretical and practical subjects, training graduates for entry-level careers or further education.
Georgia Institute of Technology at a Glance:
West Lafayette, IN
Purdue University offers a total of 145 bachelor's programs, including a business analytics and information management program. The degree incorporates knowledge and skills that prepare students for many career paths. A bachelor's degree also prepares graduates for master's and doctoral programs.
The bachelor's curriculum trains learners in foundational knowledge and practices. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates take general education classes that strengthen critical thinking skills. Electives, minors, and double majors allow students to explore other academic and professional interests.
Student services support incoming degree candidates academically and socially. For example, financial aid counselors work closely with students to identify scholarship and grant opportunities.
Purdue University at a Glance:
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
The University of Florida, a public institution, enrolls learners in its top-ranked business administration program. Degree-seekers choose from in-person classes offered on the Gainesville campus and online classes. Undergraduates benefit from rigorous academic standards and comprehensive college support services.
Learners graduate with a bachelor's degree after taking and general education courses in the program. The general education curriculum strengthens communication and critical thinking skills through coursework in diverse academic fields. Advanced courses cover theoretical and practical subjects, training graduates for entry-level careers or further education.
University of Florida at a Glance:
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Emory University, a private institution, offers a top-ranking BBA/MSBA program. Degree-seekers take classes in person at the Atlanta campus and online. Undergraduates benefit from the school's support services, which include academic and career advising.
The joint BBA/MSBA program incorporates general education and major courses to build in-demand knowledge and skills. The general education requirements introduce major academic subjects like math, humanities, and the natural sciences. The curriculum covers theoretical and advanced topics, preparing graduates for the workforce or further education.
Emory University at a Glance:
The University of Southern California enrolls undergraduates in 126 bachelor's programs, including its undergraduate business program. Students pursue many career paths after earning their degree. After earning a bachelor's degree, graduates also apply to master's programs to open up additional career opportunities.
The bachelor's curriculum introduces major principles and practices in business. Undergraduates also gain research, writing, and communication skills through general education requirements. Students can explore other interests by declaring a complementary minor or second major.
Incoming degree candidates can expect strong college support whether they enroll on campus or online. For example, financial aid counselors work with students to determine sources of educational funding such as grants, scholarships, and loans.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
The international business program at University of Maryland, a public institution, ranks high for academic quality. From its College Park campus, the school runs in-person and online programs. Undergraduates benefit from comprehensive support services, including academic and career advising.
Majors take courses in the bachelor's in international business program and general education classes to earn a bachelor's degree. The general education curriculum includes classes in the humanities, mathematics, and communication. Within the major, learners take upper-division courses that provide an advanced understanding of business, preparing graduates for the job market.
University of Maryland at a Glance:
Explore our list of the cheapest online business degrees
Featured Online Business Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
The most common occupations for business majors are accountants, auditors, and general managers. Other options include financial managers and executives.
Business degrees boost management skills in general. Many business majors become managers in their fields. The highest paying jobs for business graduates are in marketing, finance, and sales.
Some business degrees are expensive, and some are cheap. For instance, the cheapest university on this list is New York University, with a net tuition of only $10,068. The most expensive school is Bentley University, at $37,657.
Top traditional schools and online colleges pay close attention to student needs. Flexible schedules and adaptable coursework create learning environments for people around the world. College Choice also ranked the Best Online Business Degrees.
Job growth rates in business-related fields are ticking upward every year. By 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth rates for the following fields:
Financial Analyst (23%)
Human Resource specialists (21%)
Accountants and Auditors (16%)
The difficulty of a business degree can vary. At UC Berkeley, the business administration graduating class of 2017 had an average GPA of 3.54. In 2013, Stanford's business school grads averaged 3.73 GPA.
Are you pursuing a career that involves management, administration, or finance? Are you considering a master's degree in a related field, but have not yet narrowed your options down? Do you want a flexible degree with high chances of immediate employment?
If your answer is "yes," then continue reading.
Business was the most popular major in 2016, according to College Factual. Business degrees remain popular because they are practical and applicable.
A business degree is the Swiss Army Knife of all majors. You will learn math for practical analysis. You will learn interpersonal communication skills. You will learn to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your projects and yourself. You will be a valuable member of a company, or you can be your own boss. For business majors, the world is full of opportunity.
How much money can you make with a Business Degree?
Business majors were the fourth-highest-paid graduates in 2017. This is according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
A sampling of the average salaries for some business-related careers gives a good impression of the major. These statistics come from PayScale:
Financial Analyst: $57,104
Accountant: $49,450
Human Resources Manager: $63,324
Office Manager: $46,112
What are the Best Business Schools?
Below you will find the best business schools in the country.
College Choice uses a variety of sources to create this list. These include quality, affordability, value, and reputation.
Quality comes from the school's retention and graduation rates, faculty strength, and curriculum. We pull these stats from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
Reputation takes into account the school's rankings from other organizations like The Princeton Review.
Value and Affordability factor in the net tuition price of each school. They also estimate the return on investment from getting a degree there.
Satisfaction measures how much students enjoyed their school experience. Was it worth the money? Did they have fun? Would they recommend the program?
These five statistics combined determine the 50 Best Business Schools in the country. Consider these schools in your search for a promising and rewarding career.