You’re here because you want a solid business degree without signing your soul away to student loans. I get it. With the cost of education these days, the term “cheap degree” sounds like a myth, right? But guess what? It’s not! Affordable, quality online business degrees are out there, and this guide is here to help you find them—without skimping on quality or credibility.
Why Choose an Online Business Degree?
Business degrees are like the Swiss Army knife of the job world. Whether you’re eyeing that next promotion, launching your own hustle, or just getting your feet wet in the corporate pond, a business degree opens doors. And doing it online? Even better. No more awkward small talk in campus hallways—just you, your coffee, and classes whenever you feel like logging in. Flexibility, baby!
What Makes an Online Business Degree “Cheap”?
Cheap doesn’t mean low quality—it means smart. Think low tuition, no hidden fees, and programs that don’t charge you extra for breathing. The key is knowing where to look and understanding how schools price things. You could be paying thousands less just by choosing the right school.
Reviews and Comparisons of Top Online Business Degree Providers
Here’s a breakdown of affordable online business degree programs, comparing them based on value, flexibility, and student reviews.
Coursera
Coursera, founded by Stanford professors, partners with prestigious universities like Yale and UPenn to offer a range of programs from short courses to full degrees. A standout feature is their partnership with companies like Google, allowing students to earn industry-recognized certificates alongside academic qualifications. Coursera’s business degree options are often praised for their flexibility and affordability.
- Cost: Individual courses range from $29 to $99, while degrees start at $9,000 and can go up to $50,000 depending on the program. However, their Coursera Plus subscription gives unlimited access to thousands of courses for $399 per year(E-Student)(Upskillwise).
- Pros: Flexible scheduling, a wide range of business-related programs, and reputable university affiliations. You can start with free content to get a feel for the course before committing.
- Cons: Some students have noted that Coursera’s platform could be more user-friendly, with occasional navigation challenges. Another downside is the need for self-discipline to complete the courses(Mas & Pas).
Best for: Students seeking flexibility, professional certificates, and strong university partnerships.
edX
edX, a nonprofit platform started by Harvard and MIT, focuses on academic courses, making it an excellent choice for students interested in a more traditional learning approach with prestigious university affiliations. edX offers a robust selection of business degrees and certificates at a fraction of the cost of in-person programs.
- Cost: Course prices range from $50 to $300, with full degrees starting around $10,000 and reaching up to $25,000(Upskillwise).
- Pros: Transparent pricing, financial assistance for students in need, and strong academic credibility. edX also offers free courses where students can audit content without charge.
- Cons: edX tends to focus more on academic subjects, which may not appeal to students looking for practical, career-driven content. Their degree offerings also tend to be more expensive compared to Coursera(Business Insider).
Best for: Students seeking high-quality, academic-focused degrees from top universities like MIT and Harvard.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers full business degrees online, making it a popular option for students wanting an accredited program with the structure of a traditional university. While it is more expensive than platforms like Coursera, the University of Phoenix has a wide array of financial aid options and frequent tuition discounts.
- Cost: Business degrees at the University of Phoenix typically range between $11,000 and $25,000(Mas & Pas).
- Pros: Accredited, well-established, and known for working well with students who need flexible schedules. They also offer strong support for financial aid applications and a variety of scholarships.
- Cons: Tuition costs are higher compared to other options like edX or Study.com. Some reviews mention that customer support can be slow to respond.
Best for: Students looking for an accredited, full-degree business program with strong institutional backing.
Study.com
Study.com stands out for its affordability, offering subscription-based access to courses. Students can complete business degrees at their own pace, making it ideal for those juggling work, family, or other responsibilities.
- Cost: The monthly subscription model starts at $199, making it significantly cheaper than many other providers. This makes Study.com one of the most affordable options for completing a business degree(Business Insider).
- Pros: Highly flexible with low upfront costs, Study.com is perfect for budget-conscious students. It also includes free e-textbooks, saving even more money.
- Cons: Study.com may lack the prestige of platforms like Coursera or edX, as it focuses more on accessibility than high-tier partnerships.
Best for: Budget-conscious students seeking flexibility and affordability in their degree.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers business and management degrees in collaboration with universities from around the world. Like edX and Coursera, FutureLearn focuses on professional and academic degrees but at a lower cost. One of their strengths is their “pay-as-you-go” model for courses.
- Cost: Business degrees on FutureLearn can range from $13,000 to $20,000(Upskillwise).
- Pros: Flexible pricing options with pay-as-you-go plans, offering students the chance to spread out the cost of their education. Their business degree offerings are strong in management and leadership fields.
- Cons: While flexible, their courses might not be as in-depth as those from other platforms like edX or Coursera, which partner with top-tier universities.
Best for: Students looking for flexible, cost-effective business degrees with a focus on leadership and management.
GetSmarter (2U)
GetSmarter, a division of 2U, focuses on executive business programs designed for working professionals. While more expensive, these programs are tailored to those already in the workforce looking to advance their careers.
- Cost: Prices range from $2,500 to $15,000 for courses, making it one of the pricier options(Upskillwise).
- Pros: High-quality, career-focused programs with strong university partnerships. Ideal for professionals looking to enhance their credentials.
- Cons: Expensive compared to other platforms, and the time commitment can be demanding for full-time workers.
Best for: Mid-career professionals looking to upgrade their qualifications with executive business programs.
Comparing Your Options: Which School Is Right for You?
Here’s a summary to help you decide which program might be the best fit for your needs:
| School | Program Type | Affordability Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Coursera | Business Degrees, Certifications | Affordable, flexible with strong university partnerships |
| edX | Full Degrees, Certificates | Prestigious university partnerships, transparent pricing |
| University of Phoenix | Full Business Degrees | Accredited, strong financial aid options |
| Study.com | Affordable Business Courses | Subscription model, very budget-friendly |
| FutureLearn | Business & Management Degrees | Pay-as-you-go, flexible cost structure |
| GetSmarter (2U) | Executive Business Programs | Career-focused, high-quality executive education |
Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Break the Bank to Get a Business Degree
An online business degree doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Whether you go for Coursera’s flexibility or the University of Phoenix’s structured approach, you have options—plenty of them. Just make sure you’re checking for hidden fees, scholarships, and financial aid offers that can help you lower costs even further.
