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Best Online Business Programs
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As the demand for online business programs grows, students are faced with a range of options that promise flexibility and accessibility. With online learning becoming the norm, prospective students need to know which programs deliver real value and outcomes. One figure to consider: the average earnings of graduates from these programs is $63,331.
The schools on this list stand out not just for their ability to offer degrees online, but for their strong graduation rates, manageable debt levels, and post-graduation earnings. To evaluate these programs, we look at key metrics such as earnings potential, graduation rates, net price, and student debt. These factors can significantly influence a student’s return on investment and overall experience.
Take the University of Florida-Online, for instance, which has an impressive earning potential of $71,588 for graduates, alongside a solid 81% graduation rate. In contrast, Western Governors University has a lower earning potential at $60,615 and a graduation rate of only 48%. This difference highlights the tradeoffs students face when choosing between flexibility and outcomes. Understanding these nuances is crucial for making an informed decision about your education.
How We Ranked
Online Business programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration
Read our full methodology →Key Findings
University of Florida-Online graduates earn $71,588 on average, the highest among the top programs.
Western Governors University has a graduation rate of only 48%, significantly lower than the average of 37%.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide graduates face an average debt of $23,666, the highest on the list.
The average net price for these programs is $12,953, which offers a benchmark for potential costs.
Quick Numbers
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Rank Overview
All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.
| # | School | Earnings | Grad Rate | Net Price | Debt | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $72K | 81% | $5K | $15K | 22% |
| #2 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | $61K | 48% | $13K | $11K | 39% |
| #3 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical … Daytona Beach, FL | $84K | 21% | $19K | $24K | 26% |
| #4 | University of New Hampshir… Manchester, NH | $66K | 22% | $11K | $27K | 32% |
| #5 | University of Arkansas Gra… LIttle Rock, AR | $63K | 32% | $8K | $22K | 72% |
| #6 | Arizona State University D… Scottsdale, AZ | $63K | 29% | — | $20K | 40% |
| #7 | University of Maryland Glo… Adelphi, MD | $65K | 31% | $22K | $21K | 29% |
| #8 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | $41K | 36% | $19K | $25K | 51% |
| #9 | Northwest University-Cente… Kirkland, WA | $55K | 40% | $36K | $21K | 18% |
| #10 | Los Angeles Pacific Univer… San Dimas, CA | — | 29% | $23K | $19K | 52% |
| #11 | University of the People Pasadena, CA | — | 35% | — | — | 0% |
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With a graduation rate of 81%, the University of Florida-Online showcases a strong commitment to student success. The school supports a diverse student body of 4,627, with 22% receiving Pell Grants, indicating a focus on accessibility for those from lower-income backgrounds. This environment fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students pursuing their degrees online.
Pillar breakdown
Western Governors University is designed for the modern learner, particularly those balancing work and education. With a staggering enrollment of 155,088 students, the university emphasizes flexibility and personalized learning paths, which can be a perfect fit for self-motivated individuals. The 48% graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, but those who succeed can find rewarding outcomes.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is uniquely positioned for those passionate about aviation and aerospace industries. While the graduation rate is lower at 21%, the median earnings for graduates are among the highest at $84,131 after 10 years, highlighting the value of its specialized programs. This focus attracts students who are dedicated to these fields and eager to pursue their careers with a strong academic foundation.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online may attract those seeking a more personalized educational experience. However, the graduation rate sits at just 22%, which indicates challenges in student retention and completion. Despite this, the school aims to cater to adult learners and working professionals, creating an environment that values flexibility and practical skills.
Pillar breakdown
With a median earnings figure of $63,496 a decade post-graduation, the University of Arkansas Grantham in Little Rock, AR, shows a clear potential for students looking to build a stable financial future. This public university serves a tight-knit community of 2,833 students, largely supporting those who come from lower-income backgrounds, as evidenced by 72% of its students receiving Pell Grants.
Pillar breakdown
Arizona State University Digital Immersion, located in Scottsdale, AZ, is designed for the modern student, especially those who prefer online learning. With a large student body of 53,782, it has a diverse mix of perspectives and experiences, which can be a major advantage for networking and collaboration.
Pillar breakdown
At the University of Maryland Global Campus, students can take advantage of a flexible learning environment tailored to adult learners and those balancing work with education. This public institution has a significant enrollment of nearly 50,000 students, providing access to a broad range of resources and support.
Pillar breakdown
Touro University Worldwide, a private nonprofit located in Los Alamitos, CA, caters to a close-knit community of just 454 students, which allows for personalized attention and focused learning. The school has a solid graduation rate of 36%, indicating that many students are successfully completing their programs and moving on to meaningful careers.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
With a focus on online and extended education, Northwest University offers flexibility for students balancing work and studies. It’s a smaller institution with about 405 students, which means you'll likely find a close-knit community where personalized support is a priority.
Pillar breakdown
Set in sunny San Dimas, Los Angeles Pacific University is a community-oriented institution with around 1,483 students. The focus on a supportive environment helps students thrive, even as the graduation rate sits at 29%. This could be a good fit for those who appreciate a smaller, more intimate setting to learn and grow.
Pillar breakdown
University of the People offers a unique educational model with over 22,688 students enrolled. This institution is designed for those who may require more flexibility, especially in a digital learning environment. With a graduation rate of 35%, it attracts a diverse group of learners from various backgrounds.
Pillar breakdown
The stark contrast between the University of Florida-Online and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide illustrates how outcomes can vary significantly. While Florida-Online boasts average earnings of $71,588 and an 81% graduation rate, Embry-Riddle's graduates earn $84,131 but face a graduation rate of only 21%. This raises important questions about which metrics matter most to prospective students.
As you weigh your options, think about your own priorities. Consider location, program fit, and financial situation alongside the data presented here. If you value strong earning potential, a school like the University of Florida-Online might be more appealing. However, if you're looking for a specialized program and are willing to accept higher debt, Embry-Riddle could be worth exploring.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue an online business degree can significantly impact your financial future. With an average earning potential of $63,331 across the top programs, the right choice can lead to greater stability and opportunities. One student's choice, based on the right data and personal fit, can change the trajectory for an entire family.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Sources & Citations
David Krug
Co-Founder, CollegeRanker
David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.
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