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Best Value Business Administration Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Business Administration, Management and Operations programs show remarkable cost efficiency across public institutions, with some students actually receiving money to attend. St Petersburg College offers a net cost of negative $52, meaning students profit from financial aid packages. The earnings potential varies dramatically, from $29,685 at Texas A&M International University to an impressive $104,749 at Bismarck State College in North Dakota. Business management roles remain essential across all sectors, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 8% growth in management occupations through 2031, faster than average for all careers. Community colleges dominate the most affordable options, with seven schools charging under $3,000 net cost while still preparing graduates for supervisory and administrative positions. The CUNY system particularly stands out, offering multiple campuses with graduation rates above 50% and manageable debt loads under $15,000.
50
Programs
$-52 – $14,979
Net Price Range
$44,616
Avg. Program Earnings
50.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $43,696 $2,682 37.5%
2 $832 $32,925 $3,120 61.3%
3 $1,113 $35,416 $6,627 95.7%
4 $1,291 $31,926 $4,920 27.6%
5 $2,978 $46,820 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
6 $2,760 $42,793 $2,878 32.4%
7 $3,022 $46,478 $2,388 38.7%
8 $2,254 $34,348 $2,348 42.0%
9 $2,943 $38,230 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
10 $3,482 $40,037 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
11 $3,659 $40,806 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
12 $3,486 $36,211 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
13 $10,725 $104,749 $5,195 48.0%
14 $3,061 $29,685 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
15 $4,113 $39,513 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
16 $4,702 $44,821 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
17 $5,646 $44,405 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
18 $7,233 $55,383 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
19 $4,694 $35,653 $3,283 29.6%
20 $5,881 $43,798 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
21 $3,613 $25,967 $4,420 30.6%
22 $5,202 $37,306 $2,764 42.5%
23 $3,031 $21,508 $600 42.6% 93.3%
24 $12,640 $89,530 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
25 $6,351 $44,821 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
26 $5,671 $39,205 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
27 $7,168 $49,158 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
28 $5,216 $35,060 $6,400 32.6%
29 $5,554 $36,745 $3,246 42.9%
30 $5,804 $38,289 $24,820 34.1%
31 $7,131 $46,924 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
32 $4,443 $28,598 $3,165 51.1%
33 $5,918 $37,883 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
34 $6,342 $40,456 $2,700 25.9%
35 $5,808 $36,668 $2,830 45.7%
36 $5,825 $36,528 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
37 $4,734 $29,290 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
38 $8,463 $52,207 $6,270 40.7%
39 $9,104 $54,689 $8,400 53.2%
40 $6,480 $38,721 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
41 $8,896 $52,733 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
42 $5,458 $32,284 $3,148 26.8%
43 $5,939 $34,847 $2,496 51.2%
44 $8,302 $48,265 $6,194 27.7%
45 $6,199 $36,015 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
46 $10,442 $59,392 $8,300 50.9%
47 $12,983 $73,823 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
48 $14,832 $83,177 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
49 $7,599 $41,586 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
50 $14,979 $81,456 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between the highest and lowest programs?

Bismarck State College graduates earn $104,749 compared to $29,685 at Texas A&M International University, a gap of $75,064. Regional job markets play a significant role, with North Dakota's energy sector offering higher management salaries. Program focus also matters, as some emphasize operations management in high-paying industries while others prepare students for general business roles. The type of employers recruiting from each school affects these outcomes substantially.

How do CUNY schools compare for business value?

CUNY Baruch College leads with $46,820 in graduate earnings and a 72.1% graduation rate, accepting just under half of applicants. Brooklyn College and Lehman College offer similar net costs around $3,000 with graduation rates of 56.6% and 49.3% respectively. All CUNY business programs keep debt manageable, with Baruch and Brooklyn graduates averaging only $12,000 and $10,000 in debt. City College provides the most accessible option with a 66.6% acceptance rate.

Does attending a community college hurt business career prospects?

Several community colleges produce competitive outcomes, with Brazosport College graduates earning $46,478, nearly matching four-year institutions. Florida State College at Jacksonville shows graduates earning $42,793 with reasonable debt of $23,203. Chipola College achieves a 61.3% graduation rate, higher than many universities on this list. These programs often emphasize practical skills and local business connections that translate directly to employment opportunities.

What makes St Petersburg College show a negative net cost?

St Petersburg College's negative $52 net cost means financial aid exceeds the total cost of attendance for average students. With in-state tuition of only $2,682, federal and state grants often cover expenses completely. This creates an unusual situation where students can profit while earning credentials in business administration. The 37.5% graduation rate suggests academic rigor remains despite the financial incentives.

Where do Texas schools rank for business administration value?

Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers strong value at $1,113 net cost with a 95.7% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. Graduates earn $35,416 with moderate debt of $15,875, providing solid returns on investment. South Texas College costs slightly more at $1,291 but serves the McAllen border region with specialized business opportunities. Texas A&M International University in Laredo shows lower earnings at $29,685, reflecting the local economic conditions near the Mexican border.

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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.