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Is an online business management degree worth it? Here’s the ROI

If you’ve thought about going back to school but want to make sure it’s actually worth the time, effort and tuition costs, you’re not alone. With so many online degree options out there, it’s fiscally responsible to ask what kind of return on investment (ROI) you can expect before enrolling.

Boise State’s online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management can deliver a strong ROI because the program is built around practical, career-ready skills that employers across many industries are actively looking for: leadership, strategy, organization and financial know-how. Plus, the flexibility of online learning means you don’t have to leave your current job or uproot your life. You can grow your career and your paycheck on your own schedule.

Let’s unpack what the ROI of an online business management degree really looks like and the top reasons to consider this investment.

An affordable online business degree

A glance at the online business management program’s costs, the cost-per-credit, fees and other costs you can expect for your total program investment is listed out. With 37 credits, fees and course materials, your investment is still under what you would expect for on-campus programs, as you’re omitting room and board and transportation fees. 

Another thing to consider is whether you have prior credits or transfer coursework that may speed up your degree plan and reduce your overall cost. If you’re curious about how the transfer process works for the online BBA in Management program, consulting a student success coach is an excellent next step.  

Flexible support for working professionals

Once you’re in the BBA program, you’ll have the full support of faculty and advising staff to help guide you through the coursework, give you opportunities to network and discover which areas fit your career goals. You aren’t locked into one path. With an online Bachelor of Business Management, you can pursue an emphasis in entrepreneurship, add an accountancy minor or earn a certificate in nonprofit management as a part of your plan.

Many students pursue their online business degree while still working at their current job, and Boise State partners with numerous organizations to help drive the growth and success of their workforce through higher education. Some of these partner organizations may even offer tuition benefits or incentives to employees who want to broaden their skills.

Career growth and higher salary potential

Business management is a broad field with plenty of opportunities and high earning potential for those who want to try something new or advance in their current workplace. The median salary for management was $122,090 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Were you to pursue an online BBA in Management, a few careers that you can consider are: 

  • Benefits administrator
  • Financial analyst 
  • Human resource specialist 
  • Purchasing manager/buyer 
  • Account manager

If you decided to take the entrepreneurship career path, you can look at roles like:

  • Accountant
  • Auditor 
  • Market research analyst
  • Meeting, convention and event planner
  • Business consultant 
  • Training specialist 

The list expands for those who add an accountancy minor or certificate.

Beyond salary: the real value of an online business management degree

If you’re wondering what could be more valuable than a paycheck, the short answer is job security potential, should you need to pivot. 

Online Bachelor of Business Administration student Samantha Moncada found that increasing her career prospects by finishing her degree was the best path forward after industry-wide layoffs. It also allowed her to explore new avenues, such as human resources. 

“HR was always an intrigue of mine,” Moncada said. “There are different avenues of human resources you can do — like product development — I am learning about. The more I learn, the more I am intrigued by it.”

There’s plenty of value in the increased confidence that comes with earning a degree. Not only do you open yourself up to more possibilities, but you also gain the tools and experience needed to advance into leadership roles — a positive return on investment.

Learn more about the business administration program

Earning an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step. 

Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.

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