Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Schools are assigned a value from 1-100, where 100 is best for students from households earning up to $30,000. This value is multiplied by the percentage of the school’s student body that received a Pell Grant, to calculate the economic mobility score. A higher score is better. Read the full explanation
The percentage of a school’s student body that has received a Pell Grant.
Payback measures how long it takes the average student to pay back the total cost of attending college with marginal earnings. Marginal earnings are the difference between what the average student would have earned before attending college and what they earn afterwards.
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
EarningsPluscompares student earnings after college against a benchmark that Degreechoices adjusts based on each school’s unique mix of academic programs and the in-state/out-of-state composition of the student body.
Payback measures how long it takes the average student to pay back the total cost of attending college with marginal earnings. Marginal earnings are the difference between what the average student would have earned before attending college and what they earn afterwards.
Business people have the ability to make smart decisions despite uncertainty. But where do the men and women in suits get their savvy? For many, a key first step on the road to success is choosing one of the best undergraduate business schools.
From an economic perspective, a B.B.A. is an ok degree. The average business major earns $4,388 moreper year more per year than the national average for all bachelor’s holders (whether or not they end up working in business). While there are worse majors out there, a B.B.A. won’t automatically land you a high paying job as soon as you finish college and some business-related degrees unlock higher earnings. That makes it all the more important that you pick a good program.
On the other hand, business majors can earn big salaries later in their career – especially if they go on to get an M.B.A (their median earnings are $55,476).
Not sure what you want to major in? Use our tool below to compare several degrees based on outcomes like future earnings. Find out which are worth it, and which just aren’t.
Click on a degree card to reveal more information.
EarningsPluscompares student earnings after college against a benchmark that Degreechoices adjusts based on each school’s unique mix of academic programs and the in-state/out-of-state composition of the student body.
$4,388
PAYBACK
Payback measures how long it takes the average student to pay back the total cost of attending college with marginal earnings. Marginal earnings are the difference between what the average student would have earned before attending college and what they earn afterwards.
2.9
ECONOMIC SCORE
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
We rank degrees by value for money, i.e. return on investment (ROI). This rewards schools that are the “best deal,” offering higher salaries after graduation for relatively low costs up front. You can read more on our methodology page.
This ranking includes 1,051 accredited bachelor’s in business programs at 4-year universities in the U.S. We only include schools that disclose sufficient earnings and/or cost data to the National Center for Education Statistics. For-profit colleges were not included. Community colleges, fully online schools, and non-accredited institutions were also excluded.
To be included on this list, programs must be registered as #[Business Administration, Management and Operations - 52.02]# with the Department of Education’s CIP code classification system. These programs may be referred to by slightly different names by the universities themselves. You can see what types of programs fall under CIP code 52.02 on the NCES website.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$2,264
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$60,629
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate73%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Baruch College, the full name of which is Bernard M. Baruch City College, is a public university in New York City. It is part of the City University of New York system, which is renowned for its affordable degrees. Its Zicklin School of Business offers a bachelor’s in business administration, which teaches students about the fundamentals of finance, economics, accounting, management, and other key skills that keep enterprises afloat.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$12,469
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$105,246
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate91%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
UNC-Chapel Hill is a public research university in scenic North Carolina, not far from Durham and Raleigh. It is one of the oldest public universities in the U.S., and its nickname is the Tar Heels. The UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School offers a B.S.B.A, or bachelor of science in business administration degree. This program is competitive, but graduates leave with a sound understanding of management, finances, accounting, economics, and business analytics.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$16,032
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$123,780
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate94%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Berkeley is a world-famous public research university in California’s bay area. It is often ranked as one of America’s Public Ivies. Undergrads at Berkeley can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, which is offered through the Haas School of Business. The school also offers undergraduate degrees in management entrepreneurship & technology; global management; and life sciences, business & entrepreneurship.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$14,878
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$116,095
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate94%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Another Public Ivy, UMich is located just outside of Detroit. It is the oldest and largest university in Michigan. The mascot is the Wolverines. The Ross School of Business BBA degree prides itself on its students’ success after graduation, with 99.6% of graduates accepting a job offer by September 30.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$2,805
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$54,230
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate59%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
While its full name is City College of the City University of New York, this public research university is normally referred to simply as City College. It is the flagship university of the CUNY system, and it is immediately adjacent to Harlem in New York City. The school offers a major in business administration and management. Academically gifted students can simultaneously earn a B.A. and M.A.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$5,135
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$63,871
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate89%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
University of Florida, usually abbreviated as UF, is a public university in Gainesville, Central Florida. Its nickname is the Gators. It is one of Florida’s largest and most recognized institutions of higher learning. Its Heavener School of Business’s B.S. in Business Administration covers microeconomics and macroeconomics, financial accounting, informational systems, management, and much more. This degree is also available online.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$1,428
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$35,913
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate49%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Situated in Florida’s panhandle, Chipola is a public college in the town of Mariana. Originally a junior college, it now offers bachelor’s degrees as well. Its mascot is the Indians. Its School of Business and Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. There are 4 concentrations available: accounting, engineering management, information systems, and management.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$2,614
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$49,624
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate64%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Another CUNY school, Lehman College is a public institution located in the Bronx. Founded in 1931, it now offers more than 90 degrees and specializations. Its BBA program covers micro- and macroeconomics, quantitative skills, accounting, management, business statistics, management decision making, ethics, and core courses like English composition and foreign languages.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$3,067
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$52,008
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate59%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Brooklyn College, which is public, was New York’s first co-ed liberal arts college. It is represented by the Bulldogs. It offers a Business Administration – Management BBA that covers principles of management, marketing, business statistics, accounting, micro/macroeconomics, ethics, international business, business law, financial management, and more.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$22,597
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$107,945
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate92%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The first private university on this top list, Emory is located in bustling Atlanta, Georgia – more specifically in the historic Druid Hills neighborhood. While it is officially affiliated with the United Methodist Church, making it one of the top Christian-affiliated schools in the country, its curriculum is largely secular. The Goizueta Business School at Emory offers a BBA that covers all the foundational topics of a business education, like economics, finance, and management.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$3,302
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$54,478
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate70%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Cal State LA is a public university. It was founded in 1947 and it is represented by the Golden Eagles. The College of Business and Economics offers a bachelor of science degree in business administration that gives students a thorough introduction to financial and managerial accounting, business computer systems, macro- and microeconomics, business communications, finance, and much more.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$13,474
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$96,358
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate85%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Brigham Young is a private university affiliated with the Church of Latter-Day Saints. Located in Provo, Utah, it is one of the best-value conservative colleges out there. Its B.S. in Business Management can lead to a career in a variety of fields, including human resource management, retail management, and entrepreneurship.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$3,249
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$48,526
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate65%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
This public research university is located in the small town of Killeen, approximately halfway between Austin and Waco. This is an upper-division college, meaning students must complete their first 2 years at a community college before transferring. The university offers a BBA in Management program.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$5,298
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$56,252
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate70%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
FIU, which is a public university in Miami, is the 3rd largest university in Florida. Its nickname is the Panthers. FIU’s business school offers a B.B.A. in Management that covers all the fundamentals of a business administration degree. It is also available online.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$36,775
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$123,200
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate79%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
The 3rd private college on this list, Carnegie Mellon is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a well-known research university famous for its cutting-edge developments in science and technology. It is represented by the Tartans. Its Tepper undergraduate business school boasts a very low student-to-faculty ratio.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$14,321
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$81,669
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate87%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
This public research university in rural Illinois is the flagship of the University of Illinois system. By enrollment, it is one of the largest public universities in the U.S. Its Gies College of Business offers a BS in Management, as well as a BS in Business + Data Science, a BS in Operations Management, a BS in Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and a BS in Supply Chain Management.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$4,026
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$52,881
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate67%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Another public university in the Cal State system, CSUDH is located in Carson, a city in greater Los Angeles. It is one of the most ethnically and economically diverse universities in the American West. The B.S. in Business Administration degree here has 12 concentrations, including accounting, business analytics, entrepreneurship, international business, and more.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$26,175
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$98,403
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate94%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
Washington and Lee is a private liberal arts college in Lexington, Virginia. Founded in 1749, it is one of the oldest universities in the country. The college is located in the magnificent Shenandoah Valley region. Business administration majors at W&L take a broad range of courses across disciplines, as well as course requirements like economics, accounting, statistics, marketing management, and more.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$6,698
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$63,813
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate66%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
BYU Idaho, affiliated with the Church of Latter-Day Saints, is located in Rexford, eastern Idaho. It is one of the most conservative colleges in the country. The College of Business and Communication offers a BS in Business Management, a BS in Applied Management (online), and a host of business-related minors, concentrations, and certificate programs.
Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.
Cost$11,593
The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.
Earnings$72,627
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
Graduation rate57%
Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (48%) are not displayed.
This public college is located in northeastern Minnesota, in the Red River Valley. It is represented by the Golden Eagles. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Management degree that leads to degrees in human resource management, operations management, project management, business analysis, and more.
The best bachelor’s in business administration programs in your state
Highest earning states for business majors
State
Average salary
Massachusetts
$68,498
Maryland
$67,947
New Hampshire
$65,190
Michigan
$64,071
Washington
$62,601
What can you do with a business degree?
Nearly 12,450,000 Americans work in business. Of these, only 25% have an advanced degree higher than a bachelor’s. Below, we show the highest-paid jobs typically available to business majors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A business degree will most likely get you a job in a corporation, although you’ll be well equipped to set up shop as an entrepreneur too.
Thinking about getting your B.B.A online? Have no fear! Online degrees are respected more and more. In fact, people with a bachelor’s-level business degree earn $55,901 on average, which is 1% more more than those who studied on campus. We reveal the best-value online business administration degrees below.
Coursework will depend on your specialization; however, business majors of all stripes will generally need some knowledge of one or more of the 3 “languages of business”: economics, finance, and accounting. This will usually involve some math and statistics, although certain concentrations, like HR, are more soft-skill oriented.
In addition, business majors may learn about the fundamentals of marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and ethics. To be effective corporate employees, business grads will need to acquire strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Click on a degree card to reveal more information.
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