Top 20 Great Value Colleges for an Online Associate in Small Business Management

small business management degree

This list of the top 20 great value colleges for an online associate degree in small business management was drawn up with an eye towards matching you with the affordable program that best fits your interests. The easiest way to save on college tuition is to be an in-state student, but that is not always possible. Luckily, many online programs waive the out of state fees for digital learning or discount the rate.

We compiled this list of the top 20 great value colleges for an online associate in small business management or entrepreneurship with assistance from the National Center for Education Statistics, a service of the US Department of Education. The tuition rate quoted in the bullet point above the review is the standard out-of-state tuition rate reported to the US government. The hourly tuition rate is courtesy of the school’s individual website and may reflect a discount for digital study.

Interested in pursuing an accelerated online associate degree? Check out our ranking of the Fastest Online Associate Degree Programs!

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Tuition Points

  1. Under $17,000—1 point
  2. Under $15,000—2 points
  3. Under $13,000—3 points
  4. Under $11,000—4 points
  5. Under $9,000—5 points
  6. Under $7,000—6 points
  7. Under $5,000—7 points
  8. Under $3,000—8 points

Student-to-Faculty Ratio Points

  1. Above 35-1 point
  2. Above 30-2 point
  3. Above 25-3 points
  4. Above 20-4 points
  5. Above 15-5 points
  6. Above 10-6 points

National Recognition

  1. Top 40-1 point
  2. Top 30-2 points
  3. Top 20-3 points
  4. Top 10-4 points
  5. Top 5-5points

Bonus for special tuition discount for online students

  1. Has special online discount for tuition-3 points
  2. Online students charged standard tuition-0 points

#1 – Northwest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, Arkansas

AAS in Business Management – Entrepreneurship

Website

Points: 15
Enrollment: 7,979
Tuition: $4,432
Northwest Arkansas Community College has an online associate of applied science in business management – entrepreneurship option degree that is a 60-61 credit hour program that includes coursework in microeconomics and principles of accounting. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the program does not count college coursework taken while simultaneously attending high school as having previously attended college.  The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#2 – Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin

Associate of Small Business Entrepreneurship

Website

Points: 15
Enrollment: 6,395
Tuition: $5,247
Northcentral Technical College has an online associate of small business entrepreneurship degree that is a 63 credit hour program including coursework in diversity studies and social media campaigns.  With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, the program has transfer agreements with two schools for those wishing to pursue a related bachelor’s degree. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#3 – Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin

AAS in Business Management With Certificate

Website

Points: 15
Enrollment: 15,250
Tuition: $6,622
Madison Area Technical College offers an online, associate business management degree in applied science that is a 61 hour program, with coursework in small group and interpersonal communication, accounting, and employment law.  With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, the program requires a high school transcript and a nominal application fee. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#4 – Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Associate of Business Management With Certificate

Website

Points: 15
Enrollment: 15,278
Tuition: $6,706

Milwaukee Area Technical College offers an online associate of business management degree with the opportunity to earn the business management trainee certificate and the business management technical diploma. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the program asks for an online application. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#5 – Mitchell Technical Institute

Mitchell, South Dakota

AAS in Small Business Management

Website

Points: 15
Enrollment: 1,198
Tuition: $6,944
Mitchell Technical Institute has an online associate of applied science in small business management degree that is a 75 credit hour program that includes coursework in Outlook and supervisory management.  With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the program may require an admissions test if no test scores are supplied or if they do not meet admission standards. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#6 – Craven Community College

New Bern, North Carolina

AAS in Entrepreneurship

Website

Points: 15
Enrollment: 3,003
Tuition: $6,630
Craven Community College has an online associate of applied science in entrepreneurship degree that is a 66-67 credit hour program that includes coursework in professional research and basic PC literacy. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the school has an open admission policy for students over 18 with a high school diploma. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#7 – Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

AAS in Entrepreneurship

Website

Points: 15
Enrollment: 7,779
Tuition: $6,612
Forsyth Technical Community College offers an online associate of science in entrepreneurship degree, a 72 credit hour program that includes coursework in quantitative literacy and interpersonal psychology. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, the college employs a transfer technician to make sure you get as much credit for your credit as possible. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#8 – North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

AAS in Entrepreneurship

Website

Points: 14
Enrollment: 6,286
Tuition: $4,566
North Hennepin Community College offers an online associate of applied science in entrepreneurship degree. This AAS is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in public speaking and consumer behavior. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 24 to 1, the school will waive the admission fee for veterans and active-duty military personnel. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#9 – Stark State College

North Canton, Ohio

AAB in Business Management – Entrepreneurship Major

Website

Points: 13
Enrollment: 11,654
Tuition: $7,286
Stark State College offers an online associate of applied business degree in business management – entrepreneurship major. This AAS program is a 63-64 credit hour program including coursework in statistics and effective speaking. The program has a student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1 and the entire enrollment process can be completed online. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#10 – Southern State Community College

Hillsboro, Ohio

Associate in Business Management

Website

Points: 13
Enrollment: 2,455
Tuition: $9,318
Southern State Community College offers an online associate in business management degree. The program is a 60 credit hour offering that includes coursework in human resource management and business ethics. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, the school allows new students to take the placement test twice in their first academic year and the higher test score will be used.  The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#11 – Columbus State Community College

Columbus, Ohio

AAS in Entrepreneurship

Website

Points: 13
Enrollment: 27,343
Tuition: $9,540
Columbus State Community College offers an online associate of applied science in entrepreneurship degree. This AAS offering  is a 69 credit hour program that includes coursework in operations management and digital marketing. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school welcomes applicants with DACA status.  The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#12 – Great Basin College

Elko, Nevada

AAS in Entrepreneurship

Website

Points: 13
Enrollment: 3,451
Tuition: $10,603
Great Basin College offers an online associate of applied science in entrepreneurship degree. This AAS option is a 60.5 credit hour program that includes coursework in current economic issues and marketing principles.  With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school has an open admissions policy to make their services available as widely as possible. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#13 – Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, Virginia

AAS in Management, Specialization in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship

Website

Points: 13
Enrollment: 20,941
Tuition: $11,564
Tidewater Community College offers an online associate of applied science in management, specialization in small business management and entrepreneurship degree. This unique AAS option is a 67 credit hour program that includes coursework in financial management and principles of supervision. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1, the school does not charge an application fee.  The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#14 – Mesa Community College

Mesa, Arizona

AAS in Business – Small Business Track

Website

Points: 12
Enrollment: 20,387
Tuition: $7,854
Mesa Community College offers an online associate of applied science in business – small business track degree. This AAS plan is a 65-71 credit hour program including coursework in business English and accounting concepts. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 22 to 1, the program offers accommodation services to special needs students starting with the admissions process. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#15 – Illinois Central College

East Peoria, Illinois

Associate of Small Business

Website

Points: 12
Enrollment: 8,875
Tuition: $11,340
Illinois Central College offers an online associate of small business degree. It is a 60 hour program that mandates, along with required general education courses, program courses such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, and business statistics. Illinois Central College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, and the admission process asks for transcripts and a statement of educational goals. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#16 – Bucks County Community College

Newtown, Pennsylvania

AA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Website

Points: 12
Enrollment: 7,761
Tuition: $13,298
Bucks County Community College offers an associate of arts in entrepreneurship and small business management degree. This robust AA option is a 61-63 credit hour program, which includes coursework in legal environment of business and principles of marketing. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the program is accredited by the the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#17 – Herkimer County Community College

Herkimer, New York

AAS in Small Business Management

Website

Points: 10
Enrollment: 2,398
Tuition: $8,510
Herkimer County Community College offers an online associate of applied science in small business management degree. This AAS plan is a 64 credit hour program including coursework in computer graphics design and human resource management.  With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the program offers a “seamless transfer of credits” experience with three cooperating universities. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#18 – Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, Florida

AS in Entrepreneurship and Business Management

Website

Points: 9
Enrollment: 18,104
Tuition: $11,456
Seminole State College of Florida offers an online associate of science in entrepreneurship and business management degree. This AS offering  is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in internet research for business and global marketing. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 27 to 1, the school’s admissions office has a special phone number just for text-messaged questions.  The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#19 – Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, Virginia

AAS in Business Management With Certificate

Website

Points: 9
Enrollment: 50,929
Tuition: $11,693
Northern Virginia Community College offers an associate of applied science degree in business management degree. The AAS option is a 66 credit hour program and includes the following coursework: quantitative reasoning, college success skills, and applied business mathematics.  With a student-to-faculty ratio of 25 to 1, the program requires official high school transcripts and an online application. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#20 – Polk State College

Winter Haven, Florida

AS in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship Specialization

Website

Points: 9
Enrollment: 10,591
Tuition: $12,272
Polk State College offers an online associate of science in business administration, entrepreneurship specialization degree. This AS option is a 60 credit hour program including coursework in opportunity analysis and macroeconomics.  With a student-to-faculty ratio of 24 to 1, the program has an open door admissions policy. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

This ranking was updated in June 2020. The 2020 updates may affect the ranking order, but the list has remained in its original order.

Small Business Management Writeup

 

About Small Business Management

If you have strong people skills coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit, then you may have what it takes for a successful career in small business management. Natural inclination towards a management profession may not be enough to achieve success in the role of a business manager, though. This is where academic degree programs in small business management come in.

About Associate’s Degrees in Small Business Management

For many prospective managers, an associate’s degree program in small business management is the first step toward a long and successful career. This two-year credential can prepare you for entry into the field of management and business administration, or it can provide the foundation for further study in a bachelor’s degree program. Small business management degree programs at the associate’s level are usually offered by community colleges and technical schools as well as some universities. Though the curriculum for a two-year degree in small business management will vary based on which school you choose to attend, you can expect to study topics in entrepreneurship, marketing, business law and ethics, and human resources, for example.

About Online Associate of Small Business Management Degree Programs

Advancements in distance learning have made it easier than ever to get an associate’s degree in small business management. Online programs have also earned much more legitimacy in recent years, making them respectable substitutes for traditional degree plans. Busy students with full-time jobs or small children are ideal candidates for these virtual business degree programs as they facilitate self-paced study and convenient scheduling opportunities. New learning technologies have increased the amount of engagement and interactivity you can expect from online degree programs as well. These enhancements make it possible to interact with course content and cohorts in real time.

Types of Online Small Business Management Associate’s Degree Programs

Though they all offer additional flexibility, not all online associate’s degree in small business management programs are the same. One of the main points of distinction here is the program’s content delivery format. Generally speaking, there are two formats for content delivery: synchronous and asynchronous.

Synchronous Online Associate of Small Business Management Programs

Synchronous online associate’s in small business management programs are most comparable to traditional on-campus programs in that they require specific class meeting times. The primary difference, of course, is that you will be attending class virtually rather than in person. Still, at a certain predetermined time of the day and week, you’ll need to be available to log in to your remote learning platform. Once you do, you’ll participate in real-time discussions with your fellow classmates and view live lectures from your professors.

Asynchronous Online Small Business Management Associate’s Degree Programs

While synchronous online associate’s in small business management programs require specific log-in times, asynchronous offerings are more flexible. When you enroll in one of these programs, you’ll have the freedom to work at your own pace and complete your coursework offline when it’s convenient for you. Some of these asynchronous programs only require you to log in to your virtual classroom to submit completed assignments and post to discussion boards.

Associate of Small Business Management Online Programs: Admissions

Getting into an online associate’s in small business management program isn’t overly complicated, so long as you have a high school diploma or equivalent. Still, some colleges make you jump through more hoops than others, so it’s best to be prepared. In addition to an academic transcript and completed application (with fee), you may need to send in letters of recommendation, personal statements, or general writing samples.

Online Associate of Small Business Management: Curriculum

There is no one standard curriculum for an associate’s degree in small business management online program, so you can expect your degree program to be somewhat unique. Still, most of these virtual offerings include two basic elements: general education courses and major-specific classes. Together, these two components will total approximately 60 credit hours of coursework.

General Education Courses

General education courses are those classes you’ll be required to take in any associate’s-level program, not just those related to small business management. These classes cover fundamental subjects in academic fields like the humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and mathematics, for instance. Some sample general education course titles are listed below for your reference:

English Composition

College Algebra

Introduction to Psychology

Contemporary American Society

Major-Specific Classes

You can think of major-specific classes as the “meat and potatoes” of your online associate of small business management curriculum. These courses will take up the majority of your time and provide you with the core skills you’ll need to be successful in your career after you graduate. Below, we’ve listed some course titles taken from actual online associate’s in small business management degree programs to give you an idea of the kinds of major-specific classes you can expect to take:

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Business Organization and Management

Managing Human Resources and Labor Relations

Principles of Sales

Management Techniques

Topics in Tactical Management

Supervisory Management

Database Concepts and Applications

Frequently-Asked Questions About Online Associate’s in Small Business Management Programs

Part of deciding whether or not an online small business management associate’s degree program is right for you is finding answers to the many questions you may have before embarking on such a significant academic journey. To help the process, we’ve listed some of the commonly-posed questions from prospective students just like you. As you read through these FAQs, keep in mind that the answers are general ones and not meant to represent any specific school or program. For the most accurate and detailed information about a particular college or degree program, it’s best to speak to an admissions counselor or other school official.

Q: How much does an online small business management associate’s program cost?

A: Tuition costs can vary widely from one college to the next. While it’s possible to find online associate in small business management programs for less than $5,000 per year from a local community college, other programs can cost over $20,000 annually.

Q: How long will it take to earn my associate’s degree in small business management online?

A: Two years is the standard completion time for an associate’s degree, but there are exceptions. Some schools offer accelerated tracks that allow you to take on more courses at a time, finishing your degree sooner. Others offer part-time tracks that are more flexible, but may take longer than two years to finish.

Q: Do online associate of small business management programs prepare graduates for a bachelor’s degree program in business?

A: They can, yes, but it depends on the program. Some online small business management associate’s programs are designed for students who want to prepare to become employed immediately after graduation. Others are better suited for students who want to continue their studies in a bachelor’s degree program. Keep this in mind when selecting a program that will support your future academic and career goals.

Q: Can I complete the requirements for an online small business management associate’s degree entirely online?
A: Yes. Most programs enable students to complete all of their coursework entirely online. Keep in mind, though, some programs do require campus meetings for the purpose of orientations, workshops, or seminars. Speak to an admissions counselor to confirm how much of the program is offered online.

Q: What should I look for in an online small business management associate degree program?

A: There are many things to think about when choosing the right program for you. Some of these factors include cost, curriculum, scheduling tracks, and more. One of the most important issues to consider is the matter of accreditation, though. At a minimum, you’ll want to ensure the college you’re considering attending holds accreditation from a national or regional accrediting body. In addition, keep an eye out for program-specific accreditation from an accrediting body for business programs like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), for example.

Career Questions for Online Small Business Management Associate Degree Programs

Q: What can I do with an online associate of small business management?

A: There are many career options for graduates of online small business management associate’s degree programs. In addition to operating your own business, you can work as an office manager, retail sales manager, restaurant manager, or lodging manager, for instance.

Q: How much will I make with an associate’s degree in small business management?

A: It’s impossible to predict an exact number as your salary will depend on various factors like your employer, job responsibilities, and geographical region. Still, PayScale reports the average annual wage for a small business owner/operator to be just over $65,000.

Q: Are positions in management in demand?

A: Yes! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management positions are currently growing faster than the average occupation.

Q: Should I join a professional organization/association in small business management?

A: Yes. There are many benefits of such a membership, including professional development and networking opportunities. Below, we list some of the most popular professional organizations and associations related to management:

National Business Association

Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship

National Association for the Self-Employed

International Council for Small Business

Entrepreneur’s Organization

National Small Business Association

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