Skip to main content

Business Administration Colleges Under $25,000

Programs with net price under $25,000. See our methodology.

Business Administration programs across the country show remarkable cost efficiency, with some students actually receiving money to attend school. St Petersburg College achieves a negative net cost of $52, meaning financial aid exceeds tuition and fees for the average student. This contrasts sharply with schools like CUNY Baruch College, where graduates earn $46,820 annually despite paying just $2,978 net cost. The business management field directly benefits from America's 32 million small businesses, which require skilled administrators and operations managers. Community colleges dominate the affordable end, with Florida institutions like Pensacola State College ($2,254 net cost) and Gulf Coast State College ($2,339) offering practical training for local business needs. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Oglala Lakota College's 11.5% to CUNY Baruch's impressive 72.1%. Students can access quality business education for under $3,500 annually at most institutions, while still preparing for careers in corporate management, small business operations, and entrepreneurship.
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, meaning financial aid packages exceed the cost of attendance for typical students. This occurs when federal Pell Grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships combine to cover tuition, fees, and provide additional support for living expenses. The college's in-state tuition of $2,682 makes this possible when students receive maximum financial aid. Students essentially get paid to attend while earning credits toward their business degree.

How do graduation rates compare between community colleges and four-year programs?

Community college graduation rates in this data range from 11.5% at Oglala Lakota College to 61.3% at Chipola College. Four-year institutions like CUNY Baruch College achieve 72.1% graduation rates, while Texas A&M Central Texas maintains 95.71% acceptance with solid completion numbers. Lower community college rates often reflect part-time enrollment and transfer students who complete degrees elsewhere. The 42% average graduation rate at schools like Pensacola State College reflects typical community college patterns.

Does geographic location affect earning potential for business graduates?

Earning potential varies significantly by region, from $21,508 at Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas to $46,820 at CUNY Baruch College in New York City. Texas schools like Brazosport College produce graduates earning $46,478, reflecting strong energy sector demand for business managers. Florida graduates typically earn between $32,000-$43,000, while tribal colleges show lower earnings reflecting rural economic conditions. Urban markets generally offer higher salaries but also higher living costs.

What debt levels do business students typically graduate with?

Student debt varies dramatically, from $7,250 at Pensacola State College to $28,015 at St Petersburg College despite its negative net cost. CUNY schools maintain relatively low debt levels, with Brooklyn College at $10,000 and Baruch at $12,000. Community colleges generally produce lower debt loads due to shorter program lengths and lower tuition. Texas A&M Central Texas graduates carry moderate debt of $15,875 while accessing strong regional job markets.

Where can students find the best value in business education?

CUNY Baruch College offers strong value with $2,978 net cost leading to $46,820 average earnings and 72.1% graduation rates. Brazosport College in Texas combines low costs ($3,022 net) with high earnings potential ($46,478). St Petersburg College provides the lowest cost barrier with its negative net price, though graduation rates remain modest at 37.5%. Community colleges in Florida consistently offer strong value propositions for business education under $3,000 annually.

More Business Administration, Management and Operations Rankings

Cheapest Business Administration, Management and Operations Best Value Business Administration, Management and Operations

Related

All Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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