Online Business Degrees in Indiana

Accessing a top-tier business program is now possible with the click of a button. Online Business Bachelor’s degree programs are among the most popular choices. In Indiana, in particular, there is a robust selection of affordable online business degrees that combine high academic standards with cost-effectiveness. This article explores this intersection, providing an in-depth look at the online business degrees in Indiana available to prospective students.

An affordable online business degree can provide the financial ease many students seek, allowing them to concentrate on their studies without worrying about accumulating high student loan debt. Affordable programs often result in lower total tuition costs, leaving graduates in a more stable financial situation post-graduation. However, affordability should not be the sole factor driving your decision. While low-cost programs may look appealing initially, balancing cost with other factors, such as the program’s curriculum, faculty expertise, reputation, and available support services, is crucial.

Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Programs in Indiana

In this comprehensive review, we are set to delve into seven online business degree programs from accredited institutions in Indiana, handpicked for their striking balance between affordability and educational value. We’ll dive into the details of each program, examining crucial aspects such as tuition costs, application processes, student body composition, academic experience, and financial aid opportunities.

While affordability is important, remember that the cheapest program may only sometimes align with your specific needs and career objectives. As you assess these cost-effective options, you must consider each program’s unique features and how well they match your aspirations.

Remember, making an informed decision about your educational journey involves looking at the whole picture, not just the cost per credit. The data used in this review comes from the Common Data Set and has been sourced directly from the program administrators.

Let’s begin.

Here are the six most affordable online business degrees in Indiana, ranked by cost per credit:

University of Southern Indiana
Indiana University-Online
Indiana State University
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Ball State University
Marian University

1. The University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana provides a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. Tailored to fit the schedules of working adults, this program offers both flexibility and convenience.

The Business Administration program welcomes U.S. and international students, maintaining a rolling application deadline that offers ongoing chances to join. Prospective students must have a diploma or a GED to fulfill the high school completion requirement and a minimum high school GPA of 2. The program boasts a high acceptance rate, ensuring most applicants secure a place. The student body is predominantly made up of adult learners, with the average student age being 33, demonstrating the program’s alignment with the needs of working professionals.

The program delivers an academic experience designed for quality and engagement, maintaining a student-to-teacher ratio of 23:1. The faculty, who also instruct the on-campus students, teach the curriculum, ensuring uniformity in the quality of education, regardless of the platform. Moreover, most courses in the program necessitate student collaboration, enhancing students’ team working skills – an essential asset in the business world.

At $281 per credit, the University of Southern Indiana’s online Business Administration program is notably affordable – 45% more affordable than the state average and 37% more affordable than the national average. The average debt of graduates who borrowed is significantly lower than both state and national averages, at $15,430. The program also offers substantial support for veterans, being GI Bill certified and participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This affordability and student support make this program a leading choice for those seeking a quality yet budget-friendly business education.

2. Indiana University-Online

Indiana University-Online, our second most affordable program in Indiana, offers an esteemed online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). Known for its comprehensive curriculum, the BSBA program equips students with solid skills in various business disciplines, making it an excellent choice for aspiring business administrators.

Admission to this program is reasonably competitive, with a 64% acceptance rate. However, it adopts a rolling admissions policy, providing greater flexibility for prospective students. A high school diploma or equivalent is mandatory, and no minimum GPA is required. The student body predominantly consists of working adults with an average age of 28 years. Indiana University-Online provides the highest number of online bachelor’s programs compared to other schools in the state.

Indiana University-Online’s BSBA program offers a learning experience with an average class size of 24, fostering a more personalized learning environment. The program’s structure includes general education, business foundations, core courses, and general electives. Faculty members, who also instruct on-campus, teach the courses, thereby ensuring high-quality instruction.

In terms of tuition, the program is affordable at $353 per credit, which is 31% cheaper than the state average and 22% more affordable than the national average. Additionally, both institutional and federal aid are available. Regarding student debt, the average debt of 2021-2022 graduates who borrowed was $23,400, lower than the state and national averages. Furthermore, the school is certified for the GI Bill and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, making it a financially accessible choice for military veterans. Indiana University-Online offers an affordable and value-for-money program compared to the other schools in the state.

3. Indiana State University

Indiana State University‘s Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program provides students with a solid foundation in diverse business disciplines. The program is ideal for those aspiring to work in a large business or establish a venture. The curriculum is customizable, and students can choose from several emphasis areas, including accounting, finance, risk management, management, operations and supply chain management, and marketing.

The application process at Indiana State University is rolling, making it flexible for prospective students. The school holds a 74% acceptance rate, significantly higher than many competitors, providing ample opportunity for aspiring students to secure a spot. It’s worth noting that the school does accept transfer students and even allows them to earn advanced standing credit. This immensely benefits students who have previously earned college credits and would like to have them count towards their degree. With a student body consisting of individuals from diverse age groups, the average age of a student here is 32 years.

The program’s academic structure is unique because it provides a comprehensive core of business courses and allows students to specialize in three areas of their choice. The program launched nearly 21 years ago, making it one of the longest-running programs in the field, indicating its proven success and stability. Students can be assured of quality instruction as all faculty members who teach online also teach on-campus, maintaining a high standard of teaching. On average, the class size of 21 students promotes focused learning and better student-teacher interaction.

Indiana State University prides itself on being affordable for students seeking quality business education. At $445 per credit, the tuition is 13% more affordable than the state average and slightly more affordable than the national average. This makes it an appealing choice for both in-state and out-of-state students. The average debt of the program’s graduates who borrowed stands at $28,347, slightly above the state and national averages. However, 73% of recent graduates have any debt, higher than the state (66%) and federal (58%) averages. The university supports its student veterans with the GI Bill and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering financial assistance to those who have served in the military.

4. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Offered both online and on-campus, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) prepares students for a thriving career in business. The curriculum allows students to grasp the “big picture” in business environments, making them the go-to professionals in progressive offices.

SMWC’s program has a rolling application deadline, making it flexible for U.S. and international students. The program’s high school completion requirements involve a diploma or GED. Although it’s one of the most challenging programs to get into, with an acceptance rate of 49%, slightly lower than the national average of 72%, SMWC ensures an inclusive learning environment with an average student age of 19 years. Compared to other colleges, SMWC stands out with its provision for advanced standing credit and the option for dual enrollment at a separate college.

At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), the class sizes are notably small, averaging just seven students per class, the smallest average among the institutions on our list. This low student-to-faculty ratio can be a significant advantage for students who may find large class settings challenging. Moreover, the faculty teaching the online courses are the same ones who conduct on-campus classes, providing consistency in the learning experience irrespective of the learning mode. The semester system and the curriculum maintain the same high quality and rigor as the on-campus offerings.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) offers its program at an affordable tuition rate of $496 per credit, presenting a cost-effective choice compared to other Indiana business programs. SMWC holds a GI Bill certification and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, demonstrating its dedicated support for veterans and active military members in achieving higher education. SMWC distinguishes itself through its commitment to minimizing student debt and its extensive support for veterans and military personnel.

5. Ball State University

Ball State University has offered a comprehensive online business degree in Indiana for nearly two decades. Built on five core learning goals, students graduate with a deep understanding of varied business disciplines, practical communication skills, and the ability to ethically and effectively solve business problems.

Ball State operates an open application process with a rolling deadline, inviting applications from both U.S. and international students. Prospective students must hold a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The university maintains a competitive acceptance rate of 76%, illustrating its commitment to upholding high academic standards. Yet, Ball State is an inclusive institution, embracing students of diverse ages, with an average student age of 25 years. Compared to others on our list, the long-standing nature of its program showcases Ball State’s enduring commitment to online education, drawing in students from various backgrounds.

The online Business Administration program at Ball State aligns with the university’s campus-based curriculum. The average class size is 34, ensuring students receive personalized attention. Students also have the flexibility to complete their degree entirely online, enabling them to balance their studies alongside personal and professional commitments. As a unique add-on, the university offers minor programs such as Residential Property Management, preparing students for a promising career in apartment management.

At $569 per credit, Ball State’s tuition is slightly above the state average by 10%. However, it’s worth noting that the program’s graduates carry an average debt that’s 35.73% lower than the state average and 24.57% lower than the national average. This is a significant factor for potential students to consider. Ball State provides comprehensive financial support to its students, including military veterans, through federal aid and institutional scholarships. They also participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, supporting veterans. Although slightly higher in initial cost, the financial outcomes for Ball State students, as compared to peers, highlight the value and affordability of their program.

6. Marian University

Marian University has designed its online Bachelor of Science in Management program to develop transformational business leaders who embody trustworthiness, health, curiosity, and skill. Through high-impact, experiential programs, students acquire real-world insights and nurture personal values rooted in Marian’s Franciscan tradition.

The application process at Marian University is streamlined and accessible, with a rolling application deadline for both U.S. and international students, providing flexibility for prospective students. The school requires a high school diploma or GED for admission. While the acceptance rate data isn’t available, the institution’s willingness to accept transfer students and grant them advanced standing credit offers opportunities for diverse learners. Despite being a private university, Marian has an enrollment of 873 students, with a unique mix of different age groups, creating a vibrant learning community.

The academic experience at Marian stands out with its rigorous curriculum, including courses in operations management, human resources management, and international business, among others. The university strongly emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities to engage in student consulting, participate in team competitions, and complete at least one internship. The program is the only one on the list to offer orientations for online students, further supporting the learning process. It also ensures the quality of online instruction through 30 hours of initial training for its faculty, creating a conducive online learning environment. However, collaboration between online and campus-based students isn’t possible, which may limit networking opportunities.

Marian University has the highest cost per credit on the list at $880, but it is still considered affordable compared to many programs nationwide. Scholarships and financial aid, including institutional and federal support, can alleviate costs. Despite the above-average tuition, the proportion of graduates with any debt is 87%, slightly above the state and national averages. The average debt of graduates is also significantly higher at $51,773. Unfortunately, the institution does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, potentially impacting veterans seeking to leverage their GI Bill benefits.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d17/tables/dt17_304.10.asp
2. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs: https://acbsp.org/page/accreditation-overview
3. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: https://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-schools
4. The International Accreditation Council for Business Education: https://iacbe.org