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Business/Commerce Colleges Under $20,000

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

Texas A&M University-Central Texas stands out with a net cost of just $1,113 annually, making it the most affordable business program in the nation by a significant margin. This price point reflects the growing trend of public universities in Texas expanding access to business education in regions with strong job growth. The next closest option costs over twice as much at $3,659, highlighting how location and state funding can dramatically impact educational expenses. Business graduates from these affordable programs earn between $29,685 and $44,276 annually, with Northern Kentucky University leading at $44,170 despite charging only $7,168 net cost. The national business job market continues expanding, with companies across industries seeking graduates who understand commerce fundamentals. Private institutions like Berea College offer unique models, providing a $49,326 education for just $4,483 net cost through their work-study program. Graduation rates vary widely from 20.7% at Arkansas Northeastern College to 62% at Berea College, suggesting that institutional support systems matter as much as affordability in determining student success.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $10,550
Net Price Range
$37,742
Avg. Program Earnings
44.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $4,181 $7,314 53.9%
4 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
5 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
6 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
7 $5,144 $2,570 20.7%
8 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
9 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
10 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
11 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
12 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
13 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
14 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
15 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
16 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
17 $8,142 $5,954 47.7% 76.8%
18 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
19 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
20 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
21 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
22 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
23 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
24 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
25 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
26 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
27 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
28 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
29 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
30 $9,082 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
31 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
32 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
33 $9,148 $5,354 48.6% 49.3%
34 $9,384 $5,544 35.1%
35 $9,421 $6,238 39.2% 98.2%
36 $9,433 $10,405 70.4%
37 $9,735 $7,558 29.5% 76.2%
38 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
39 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
40 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
41 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
42 $10,028 $8,990 37.7% 97.0%
43 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
44 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
45 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
46 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
47 $10,145 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
48 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
49 $10,376 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
50 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M University-Central Texas so affordable for business students?

The university charges just $1,113 net cost annually, making it the cheapest business program nationwide. As a public institution serving the Killeen area, it benefits from strong state funding and maintains a 95.71% acceptance rate. The low cost reflects Texas's commitment to accessible higher education in regions with growing military and civilian job markets.

How do graduation rates compare across these affordable business programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 20.7% at Arkansas Northeastern College to 62% at Berea College. Northern Kentucky University achieves a solid 48.3% rate while charging $7,168 annually. Private institutions like Berea and Universidad Central de Bayamon tend to have higher completion rates despite their low costs.

Is Berea College's business program really affordable despite its high sticker price?

Berea College costs $49,326 annually but charges students only $4,483 net through its unique work-study model. Every student works on campus to offset tuition costs, making it one of the most affordable options nationally. The program maintains a 62% graduation rate and selective 24.58% acceptance rate.

Does location affect earning potential for business graduates from these schools?

Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $44,170 annually, the highest among these affordable programs, likely reflecting the Cincinnati metropolitan job market. CUNY schools in New York produce graduates earning around $36,000-$37,000 annually. Geographic proximity to business centers appears to influence starting salaries more than program costs.

Where can students find the best value combining low cost and strong outcomes?

Northern Kentucky University offers strong value with $7,168 net cost, 48.3% graduation rate, and $44,170 graduate earnings. Indiana University-Kokomo provides similar value at $6,276 cost with 44.7% graduation rate and $36,992 earnings. Both schools balance affordability with solid career preparation and completion rates.

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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.