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Business Administration Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Business Administration programs across the nation reveal striking cost variations, with some schools actually paying students to attend while others charge modest fees. St Petersburg College in Florida offers a net cost of negative $52, meaning students receive more in financial aid than the total cost of attendance. Meanwhile, graduates from CUNY Bernard M Baruch College in New York earn a median salary of $46,820, nearly double the $21,508 earned by Haskell Indian Nations University graduates. The business sector continues to drive job growth nationwide, with management occupations projected to grow faster than average through 2032. Community colleges dominate the affordable options, with 12 of the 15 lowest-cost programs housed at two-year institutions. Graduation rates span from 11.5% at Oglala Lakota College to 72.1% at Baruch, reflecting the varying student support systems and institutional resources. Texas and Florida emerge as cost leaders, collectively housing six of the most affordable business programs under $20,000 annually.
50
Programs
$-52 – $5,671
Net Price Range
$35,469
Avg. Program Earnings
42.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $832 $3,120 61.3%
3 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
4 $1,291 $4,920 27.6%
5 $2,010 $4,252 33.8%
6 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
7 $2,254 $2,348 42.0%
8 $2,339 $2,370 44.8%
9 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
10 $2,795 $4,038 42.2%
11 $2,879 $6,560 54.9%
12 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
13 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
14 $3,022 $2,388 38.7%
15 $3,031 $600 42.6% 93.3%
16 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
17 $3,149 $4,751 31.6%
18 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
19 $3,455 $4,010 23.9%
20 $3,474 $2,626 54.5%
21 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
22 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
23 $3,613 $4,420 30.6%
24 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
25 $3,912 $6,634 40.7%
26 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
27 $4,181 $7,314 53.9%
28 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
29 $4,443 $3,165 51.1%
30 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
31 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
32 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
33 $4,529 $4,586 40.6%
34 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
35 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
36 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
37 $4,971 $4,226 45.5%
38 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
39 $5,090 $3,105 14.3%
40 $5,154 $3,155 42.9%
41 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
42 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
43 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
44 $5,455 $14,180
45 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
46 $5,542 $5,260 35.7%
47 $5,554 $3,246 42.9%
48 $5,603 $5,925 100.0%
49 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
50 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the negative net cost at St Petersburg College?

St Petersburg College shows a net cost of negative $52 because financial aid packages exceed the total cost of attendance for eligible students. The in-state tuition runs $2,682 annually, but federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships often provide more funding than needed. This creates a surplus that students can use for living expenses or educational materials. However, graduates earn a median salary of $43,696, making the program financially beneficial even without the negative cost structure.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable business programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 11.5% at Oglala Lakota College to 72.1% at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College. Tribal colleges and community colleges serving underrepresented populations often show lower completion rates due to student demographics and support resources. Four-year institutions like Baruch and CUNY Brooklyn College maintain graduation rates above 56%, while most two-year programs fall between 27% and 44%. Texas A&M University-Central Texas accepts 95.7% of applicants yet maintains reasonable completion standards.

Does geographic location affect earning potential for business graduates?

Geographic location significantly impacts post-graduation earnings, with New York programs leading salary outcomes. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates earn $46,820 annually, while Brazosport College in Texas produces graduates earning $46,478. Florida schools show mixed results, with St Petersburg College graduates earning $43,696 compared to $34,348 at Pensacola State College. Rural and tribal institutions like Haskell Indian Nations University report lower median earnings at $21,508, reflecting local economic conditions and job market access.

What debt levels should students expect from these programs?

Student debt varies considerably, with some schools reporting minimal borrowing while others show substantial loads. CUNY schools maintain relatively low debt levels, with Brooklyn College graduates owing $10,000 and Baruch graduates carrying $12,000. St Petersburg College shows higher debt at $28,015 despite the negative net cost, suggesting some students borrow beyond their immediate needs. Pensacola State College keeps debt manageable at $7,250, while Texas A&M University-Central Texas reports $15,875 in typical graduate debt.

Is there a correlation between school selectivity and program quality?

Selectivity varies widely among affordable business programs, with acceptance rates spanning from 49.53% at CUNY Baruch to 95.7% at Texas A&M-Central Texas. Baruch maintains the most selective admissions yet produces the highest-earning graduates at $46,820 annually with a 72.1% graduation rate. However, less selective schools like Chipola College achieve strong outcomes, with a 61.3% graduation rate despite broad access. Community colleges typically maintain open enrollment policies while still producing graduates ready for regional business markets.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.