Online Business Degrees in Michigan

    • Expert Reviewer: Deborah Wadsworth (M.S. Accounting)

    A place to explore the coastline, grab a bite at Coney Island, and graduate with an affordable online business degree in Michigan.

    online business degrees in michigan award logoAfter reviewing 17 schools, we settled on this list of seven accredited online business degrees, all available through public or non-profit schools in Michigan. To make these degrees accessible to as many students as possible, we only feature business programs with the most affordable cost per credit, based on data sourced from the schools themselves. All but two of the programs below offer tuition below Michigan’s average college tuition of $557 per credit.

    Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Programs in Michigan

    We have crafted a simple methodology for the seven affordable online business degrees in Michigan, considering accreditation, non-profit status, standardized testing exemptions, and cost-per-credit affordability.

    Accreditation Verification: Maintaining the highest education quality, we eliminated schools not fully accredited by recognized accrediting bodies within the state. Accreditation demonstrates a university’s dedication to upholding stringent quality standards and delivering a robust academic experience.

    Profit Status Analysis: To emphasize education’s value over profit generation, we removed all For-Profit institutions from our list, focusing solely on Public and Non-Profit organizations.

    Cost-Per-Credit Evaluation: Next, we ranked the remaining institutions based on the cost per credit, a vital factor for many prospective students. Using this measure, we offer a concrete and transparent method to evaluate the affordability of each program.

    Top Seven Selection: From the filtered and ranked list of schools, we present the top seven programs boasting the most affordable tuition. These embody the most economical online Bachelor in Business options in Michigan, providing an ideal blend of quality, accessibility, and value for aspiring business professionals.

    By utilizing this rigorous and systematic approach, our ranking is anchored in clear criteria that underscore academic excellence and financial feasibility. This guide is crafted to be a dependable resource for prospective students pursuing an affordable and quality online business degree in Michigan.

    1. Andrews University

    At $425 per credit, Andrews University offers the most affordable online business degree on our list. This number falls well below the nationwide average of $502 per credit, based on data from 342 schools, and Michigan’s state average of $557 per credit. Of the online business programs on our list, Andrews also offers one of the best options for students who prioritize faith and flexible scheduling. Noting the Christian foundations of this program, online business students with faith-based values will appreciate the application of Judea-Christian values to relevant business issues.

    Andrew’s 124-credit business degree allows students to select pre-professional courses and MBA prerequisites, empowering them to later apply their business knowledge to an MBA program, medical school, or another graduate program. Andrews enrolls only 75 students, resulting in a close-knit community of business students who exchange advice, life experiences, and embark on the shared journey of expanding their business knowledge. Andrew’s online class sizes reflect its interwoven community: with an average of 6 people per class, online students can expect a small, non-intimidating space to learn with like-minded peers. At 72%, the most recent course evaluation rate for business students at Andrews suggests a strong community and high student engagement. Typically, students who are more invested in their courses and connected to their professors respond more consistently (and enthusiastically!) to course evaluations.

    Students can enter their first class at Andrews in August, January, or May, depending on when they find time to submit their application. Andrews offers rolling admission and does not require an application essay, but it does review recommendations, interviews, and standardized test scores, which are considered important by its admissions team. Out of the 110 applicants from the last application cycle, 69 were accepted and 34 ultimately enrolled in the online business program. With an overall acceptance rate of 63%, Andrews is an attainable option for students with a high school diploma or GED, sufficient test scores, and transcripts from all prior universities, if applicable.

    2. Central Michigan University

    Central Michigan University’s minor in business administration is the second most affordable option on our list – and at $436 per credit, it’s a close second. At CMU, the business curriculum reflects the sentiment that everyone can benefit from a basic understanding of business practices. Whether students become writers, lawyers, social workers, or doctors, anyone can apply the foundational business knowledge offered by this 24-credit minor program. Compared to other degrees on our list, only 8 courses are needed to complete the business minor at CMU, making it a reasonable option for students with packed work schedules and credit-heavy majors. Students will cover accounting, macroeconomics, finance, marketing, and other essential topics of business, and many pair their business minor with a non-business major. This structure encourages students to apply business knowledge to fields outside the corporate world, ultimately leading them toward unique and rewarding career tracks.

    Of the business degrees we reviewed, only CMU requires different requirements for online business students compared to those taking classes on-campus. The business administration minor is designed for on-campus students, but there are options for students who cannot commute and/or prefer the flexibility of an online business degree. Prospective students can learn more through CMU Online: from there, applicants can apply as undergraduates and select both a major and a business administration minor.

    Successful applicants to the CMU business minor program will enroll in courses taught by 194 full-time faculty. 155 of these faculty members have terminal degrees in their field, meaning that most have MBAs and may have other advanced degrees. Noting the large faculty roster and average class size of 25, which is the highest on our list, CMU provides an expansive support network to its business students. For those seeking the feel of a larger school and an academically rigorous environment without the exams (for the minor, there are none!), this business administration minor checks the boxes without the commitment of a 4-year business major.

    3. Northwood University

    At Northwood University, the online Business Management degree teaches students how to become effective, well-rounded business managers at only $470 per credit. Northwood is a highly affordable business degree for those with a specific interest in managing a current or future business. 100% of new entrants in the last online business cohort were employed, suggesting that many students enroll in this program with the goal of advancing to higher positions within their current workplace or career track. Numerous companies recruit graduates from Northwood’s management program, with notable employers such as the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, United States Postal Service, and Champion Laboratories, Inc.

    While there is no essay required to apply to Northwood’s Management degree, the admissions counselors take standardized test scores, GPA, and interviews into consideration. With an acceptance rate of 83%, however, Northwood has the second most generous admittance rate on our list. Even if unsure about their qualifications, prospective students are highly encouraged to apply and share their business goals, obstacles, and any other relevant information in the application interview. Once accepted, students will enroll in the 120-credit Management Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), which is divided into 2-3 credits of foundation courses, 27 credits of core courses, 36 credits of common professional core, 6 credits of Northwood’s “Idea Core,” 15 credits of major core, and finally, 21-34 credit hours of electives.

    In any of their online courses, Northwood business students will study four main areas: business strategy, human behavior, organizational structure, and human resource management. Understanding these four pillars will guide students in their current and future workplaces. In some cases, BBA courses will inspire undergraduate students to apply to Northwood’s Graduate School of Management, Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR) program, or another graduate-level business program.

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    4. Cornerstone University

    Looking to take the next step toward your business goals? At Cornerstone University, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration and Leadership helps students reach their professional and personal milestones. The 120-credit BS program costs $480 per credit, again beating both the national tuition average of $502 per credit and Michigan’s average of $557 per credit. Students enroll in a range of main business courses and elective credits, with intriguing core classes such as Principles of Self-Management in Business, Business Ethics and Values, and Managerial Economics. In alignment with the university’s faith-based mission, Cornerstone’s online business program views Christianity as a centering point for its courses.

    For students who learn best with a variety of in-person and online courses, Cornerstone empowers business students to personalize their class schedules with both on-campus (in Grand Rapids) and online format options. If they plan to complete their business degree 100% online, prospective students will be relieved to know that Cornerstone offers 24/7 live tech support – even during the weekend. When applying for this online business degree, applicants enjoy the benefits of rolling admission and generous admission requirements: GPAs from previous institutions are considered, but students do not have to submit letters of recommendation or complete an interview.

    This simple application process appeals to Cornerstone’s target demographic of business students, many of whom are already busy professionals and established adults. In Cornerstone’s latest online business cohort, a majority of students (74%) were between 23-39 years old with an average age of 38 years, indicating that the program attracts mature students who want to enhance their career prospects. This age range corresponds with the percentage of new students who were also employed: 76%, suggesting that most online students at Cornerstone work hard to balance the demands of adult life, employment, and school. Equipped with the foundational skills of business, Cornerstone graduates are qualified to pursue a range of exciting careers in accounting, public relations, small business administration, and related fields.

    5. Siena Heights University

    For those desiring a more specialized online business degree in Michigan, the multi-concentration BBA at Siena Heights University is an excellent option. Tuition costs $540 per credit, which exceeds the national average but still falls under the state average of $557 per credit. By investing in this degree, students have the option to specialize in one of 6 concentrations: accounting, finance, health care management, information technology management, general management, or marketing. Alumni of the online BBA program praise both the courses themselves and the advisory office, all of which prepare students for both academic and long-term professional success.

    At Siena Heights, faculty in the online BBA program recognize that most successful businesses can be traced to good communication and solid ethics. The 33-credit, 11-course program is constructed around this belief and supports students who want to finish their BBA in as little as two years, depending on their remaining educational requirements. The Siena Heights business faculty have an average online teaching experience of 10 years, which is the most experience of any faculty roster on our list. In addition to supportive faculty, online BBA students also have access to 24/7 live tech support.

    Alongside federal financial aid, Siena Heights BBA students can apply for a variety of scholarships that recognize accomplishments in academics, the arts, athletics, and even campus ministry. After settling their financial aid package and accepting their place in the online business program, students are ready to begin the hard work of determining their business concentration. For those who are interested in a non-business major but still want a basic understanding of business principles, Siena Heights offers minors in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Management, and Marketing, which are available to non-business majors only.

    6. Walsh College

    At Walsh College, the BBA in General Business offers a nationally-ranked business curriculum at an affordable cost. At $570 per credit, tuition barely exceeds both the national and state averages, but the benefits of the program are designed to offset students’ upfront investment. With the Walsh College Net Price Calculator, applicants can get an early indication of how much and what types of financial aid they could access as online BBA students. Once accepted into the program, both institutional and federal financial aid packages are available to Walsh’s online business students. By permitting the transfer of up to 91 credits from 4-year colleges and 82 credits from community colleges, Walsh allows students to obtain an accelerated online business degree at an affordable cost.

    With year-round registration and four 11-week semesters, online business students at Walsh can plan their academics and complete courses at a steady, self-determined pace. Walsh utilizes the concept of “Connected Classrooms” to reduce the barriers between in-person and remote students. All on-campus classrooms at Walsh are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to give students maximum flexibility and connection with their peers and faculty. Using this technological set-up, students from across the globe can tune into classes. Remarkably, 18 different countries are represented by international students in the online business program, forming a diverse and interconnected community of future business leaders.

    With alumni employed in nearly every Michigan-based Fortune 500 company, Walsh’s online business students automatically enter a dynamic network of business professionals based in both Michigan and international corporations. Even after graduation, business alumni can utilize the Career Services office for lifelong assistance with job searching, resumes, interviews, and internships. During their time at Walsh, students are well-supported by both Career Services and their faculty, whose average online teaching experience spans 9 years. According to the program website, 95% of Walsh business faculty have substantial corporate experience to share with their students. Coupled with free tutoring and a vibrant student community, Wash’s online business students are poised for success from Day 1.

    7. University of Michigan – Flint

    At the University of Michigan – Flint, online business students study the functions of a business operation from all sides. By obtaining a BBA in General Business, students develop a broad understanding of business without the stress of committing to a specialty. Alumni of UM-Flint’s business program maintain close ties with faculty and current students. Many graduates are now proudly employed at companies such as Ford, General Motors, AT&T, JP Morgan Chase Bank, and others.

    Like other online business degrees, UM-Flint’s program values flexibility and convenience to meet the needs of its busiest students. That said, 27% of students in the most recent cohort were 22 or younger. Of the business programs on our list, this is the highest percentage of students 22 and younger, so students in the UM-Flint program may have limited professional experience and different external commitments. For those looking for business peers of a similar age and/or experience level, this information may be important to consider. Prospective applicants should also mark their calendars: of the programs on our list, UM-Flint is the only online business program with a fixed application deadline. For U.S. residents, apply August 1st; for international applicants, May 1st. International students in the latest online business cohort hailed from 25 different countries, and each student offers a unique perspective shaped by their culture, business experience, and prior education.

    With an enrollment of 4,871 students, UM-Flint’s online business program provides the resources of a larger institution without the intimidation of a large in-person classroom. UM-Flint also employs the most online business faculty, with 184 full-time instructors and 322 part-time instructors. For business students who envision an online community with a wide range of professors, students, and corporate experiences, UM-Flint is a top competitor. For high-achieving students with sufficient availability, UM-Flint also offers a joint BBA/ MBA program that enables the substitution of senior-level BBA major courses with MBA concentration courses. By working carefully with faculty and advisors, BBA students can earn their MBA with only 24 credits, compared to the traditional 45 credits. This is an exciting option for many students that enhances their career prospects and the affordability of a terminal business degree.

    View online business programs by state: California | Florida | Illinois | Indiana | Michigan | Missouri | New York | North Carolina Texas | Pennsylvania


    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