10 Best Online Colleges for Business in North America (2024)

An education in business is one of the most versatile schooling options. Students who attend a school of business go on to have rewarding careers in any number of fields, such as accounting, marketing, sales, or consulting. Completing the program online allows for the added bonus of self-paced learning and flexible schedules.

The best online colleges for business provide students with a thorough understanding of best business practices while giving a high level of autonomy that in-person programs don’t always allow. 

Here are the best online business schools in North America, as well as their tuition and an overview of how to choose the right one to suit your goals. 

The 10 Best Online Business Schools

1. Robertson College: Best for real-world training
2. University of Florida: Best for top-rated professors 
3. University of Fredericton: Best for independent learning
4. Arizona State University: Best for a wide range of online course options
5. Athabasca University: Best for asynchronous learning
6. Ashworth College: Best for work-from-home career training
7. George Mason University: Best for student engagement
8. SUNY Polytechnic Institute: Best for small class sizes
9. Queen’s University: Best for student collaboration
10. University Canada West: Best for high graduation rate

To rank the best online colleges for business, we used rankings from U.S. News, which look at factors such as student engagement, services and technology, and faculty credentials and training. We also used Forbes data, which is verified by a board of educators and other subject matter experts. 

For Canadian schools, we used CourseCompare data, which focuses on job placement rates as their primary metric. In addition, we included several career colleges across Canada and the U.S. to provide potential business students with various options for education that go beyond Undergraduate and Master’s programs. 

1. Robertson College

Best for real-world training

Based in: Canada, with campuses in Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg

Robertson College is a Canadian-based career college that provides students with the opportunity to learn in-person, hybrid, or online. As one of the best online colleges in Canada, Robertson offers self-paced or structured, instructor-led options. The focus at Robertson is to help students get to work in their desired field faster and attain a meaningful career. 

Robertson offers a number of different programs across in-demand industries. While the majority are online or hybrid, they also include a practicum portion, which requires students to gain hands-on experience in their field. Programs include:

• e-Commerce Professional program
• Business Administration – Event Planning and Hospitality Diploma program
• Accounting & Payroll Administrator Diploma program

Best Features

• Both instructor-led and flexible self-guided online course options 
• Practicum opportunities 
• Lifelong career support with theWorkforce Team

Average Tuition: $$$

2. University of Florida

Best for top-rated professors

Based in: The United States, Gainesville, FL

The University of Florida is one of the best universities in the United States, boasting a low student-to-faculty ratio (17:1) and high retention and diversity rates. The university offers 24 online Degree programs, as well as several online Master’s, Doctorates, Specialist Degrees, and Certificates.

The University of Florida’s online programs provide an affordable, entirely online option for students. The Warrington College of Business is great for earning a business Degree online, with top-rated professors in the industry and coursework that provides students with an understanding of a wide range of business-related topics. Programs include:

• Bachelor of Arts or Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
• Master’s of Business Administration

Best Features

• Business Administration program
• Top-rated in the United States
• Completely online delivery

Average Tuition: $$$

3. University of Fredericton 

Best for independent learning

Based in: Canada, Ontario

The University of Fredericton prides itself on offering personalized and flexible learning options for students. Their goal is to provide accessible online education in business and occupational health and safety. Programs are offered both with or without an in-classroom component. 

With UFred’s independent learning model, students can work at their own pace within the specific term schedule to keep themselves on track. The courses provide the opportunity to learn both practical and theoretical business concepts. Courses include:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s of Business Administration
• Master’s Certificate in Global Leadership
• Associate Degree in Business Administration 

Best Features

• Option to participate in structured classes
• Self-pacing within the term schedule
• Top-ranked in Canada

Average Tuition: $$$$

4. Arizona State University

Best for a wide range of online course options

Based in: The United States, Arizona

Among the world’s most employable grads, students of Arizona State get to experience top-ranked academic programs that meet the needs of all types of learners. The school continuously ranks highly in innovation, sustainability, and global impact. 

Arizona State offers hundreds of online Degrees and Certifications. The majority of courses are taught asynchronously, with no set class times. Students can access a high level of support from faculty and peers. Business programs include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Applied Business and Technology Solutions
• Master’s of Business Administration
• Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership

Best Features

• More than 300 online course options 
• Opportunities for collaboration
• Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Certificate business options

Average Tuition: $$$$

5. Athabasca University

Athabasca University. (2024, January 1). In Wikipedia.

Best for asynchronous learning

Based in: Canada, online-only

As one of the first online colleges in Canada, Athabasca offers a wide range of online-only courses. They have Undergraduate, Master’s, and career development course options. Students are also able to take individual courses without needing to be enrolled in a specific program. 

Athabasca University’s Faculty of Business offers a wide range of courses, Certifications, and Accreditations. With its record as the first school to offer an online Master’s of Business Administration, Athabasca has decades of experience with online business education. Additional course options include:

• Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management
• Bachelor of Commerce in Indigenous Business
• Certificate in Advanced Accounting

Best Features

• Wide range of business courses
• Experienced, online-first education
• Asynchronous learning

Average Tuition: $$$$

6. Ashworth College

Best for work-from-home career training

Based in: The United States, Georgia

Ashworth College is a career school that offers vocational training in a variety of fields. They focus on teaching students practical and in-demand skills that will help them succeed in their desired careers. Ashworth offers some courses that focus specifically on helping graduates have work-from-home careers, such as being a Travel Agent. 

With Ashworth’s business programs, students can set their own schedules. They can take Diploma, Certificate, Associate, and Undergraduate programs, including an online Business Administration Degree. Business programs include:

• Tax Preparation Diploma
• Bachelor’s of Business Administration 
• Associate Degree in Marketing

Best Features

• Self-paced learning
• Flexible tuition options
• Career-focused programs

Average Tuition: $$$

7. George Mason University

Best for student engagement

Based in: The United States, with campuses across Virginia

George Mason offers in-person, hybrid, and online courses. Mason focuses on innovation and inclusivity, with a high rate of positive career outcomes for graduates (88%). As a research institution, Mason offers students the chance to explore a wide range of subject matter. 

Online courses emphasize student engagement, with units of University Life incorporated into the curriculum. Students can choose between scheduled, instructor-led learning and self-paced, asynchronous courses. Online business programs include:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Master’s in Economics
• Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals

Best Features

• Synchronous and asynchronous learning options
• Wide range of business courses available
• High rate of positive career outcomes

Average Tuition: $$$$

8. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Best for small class sizes

Based in: The United States, New York

SUNY boasts private school features, such as small class sizes, a close community, and an individualized learning experience, with the advantage of public school tuition. They offer a range of course options for students, including in-person, online, and hybrid. They focus on ensuring students receive the relevant training they need to succeed in their desired field. 

Online courses are offered both synchronous and asynchronous, allowing students to choose their desired pacing. Many courses are also hybrid, with a mix of online and in-person teaching. Online business courses include:

• Bachelor of Science in Finance
• Master’s of Business Administration in Technology Management
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Best Features

• Synchronous and asynchronous learning options 
• Small class sizes
• In-person, online, and hybrid options

Average Tuition: $$$$

9. Queen’s University

Best for student collaboration

Based in: Canada, Ontario

One of the highest-ranked universities in North America, Queen’s is a popular choice for both in-person and online education. With more than 140 online courses across 10 disciplines, the Ontario university offers Undergraduate, Master’s, and micro-credential options. 

Online courses are offered within set terms but can be completed either synchronously or asynchronously. Even online, Queen’s supports student collaboration. Online business courses include:

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Advanced Executive Certificate
• Professional Certificate in Enterprise Sales

Best Features

• Range of course options
• Synchronous and asynchronous learning options
• Top-ranked university in North America

Average Tuition: $$$$$

10. University Canada West 

Best for high graduation rate

Based in: Canada, British Columbia

This private university offers entirely self-paced programs except for scheduled examinations. Students have a high graduation rate, at 92%. With a Vancouver campus, students can choose from in-person or online courses. Their primary focus is on business and career development. 

Online learning at Canada West is asynchronous, allowing students to choose their own pacing within the set terms. Business programs include Undergraduate, Master’s, and micro-credential options. Courses include: 

• Master’s in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications

Best Features

• Asynchronous learning 
• High graduation rate
• Career development focus 

Average Tuition: $$$$$

How To Choose an Online Business Program

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best online business program for you. While much of it is personal preference, it also requires thorough research to ensure the program is reputable and will meet your needs. Here are some considerations:

• Accreditation: It’s important to ensure that the post-secondary institution you choose is accredited. College accreditation is recognition by an accrediting body that confirms a school’s programs meet specific educational standards. 
• Cost and financial aid options: Your budget will play a role in what program you choose. You’ll also want to explore how easy it is to receive scholarships, bursaries, and student loans for the specific program and institution.
• Program options: You’ll want to consider different program options depending on specific career goals. If you’d like to start working in your field right away, career colleges such as Robertson or Ashworth are a great option. But, if you want to further your education, you will want a school that offers post-graduate studies. 
• Faculty expertise: Depending on the specific program, you’ll want faculty to have different experience and areas of expertise. You may want teachers who have a lot of hands-on business experience or someone who is very technically adept. 
• Learning format: Different programs will have different delivery methods. For example, some post-secondary education programs are self-paced, or asynchronous, while others are not.
• Student support services: While support is important in any learning setting, it can be particularly important for online education. Ensure the program you choose has adequate support to meet your needs. 
• Technology and learning platform: If user interface is important to you, you’ll want to explore the different online learning platforms of each school you’re considering. Evaluate them for ease of use, bandwidth required, collaboration features, and more. 
• Industry reputation and employer recognition: Perhaps one of the most important factors is the overall reputation of the school within the industry and job field, which speaks volumes about the quality of education. This is also significant for after you graduate and are looking for a job. 
• Student success rates: You should also look at the rate at which students complete programs, their average grades, and their employment rate post-program. 

FAQ

Which Online Business School Is Best in Canada?

The University of Fredericton offers one of the best business programs in Canada. Other top-rated programs include Robertson College, Athabasca University, and Queen’s University. 

What Is the Best Course in College About Business?

Some of the best courses for business include Accounting, Business Administration, Management, Entrepreneurship, and Economics. The answer depends on what you hope to pursue after post-secondary. 

What Is the Best Online College for Business Administration?

The University of Florida has one of the top-rated Business Administration programs. In Canada, top programs for Business Administration include the University of Fredericton and Athabasca University. 

What Is the Easiest Business Degree To Get?

The easiest Business Degree to pursue is a general education in business. Another option to consider is a Diploma or Certificate, which takes less time to complete the program and provides more relevant industry experience. 

What Are Some Career Options After Attending Business School?

Career options with a Business Diploma or Degree include accounting, consulting, marketing, business analysis, or sales. An education in business is very versatile and can apply to almost any career. 

Earn an Online Business Diploma With Robertson

When deciding which of the best online colleges for business is for you, it’s important to do your research. Decide which factors are the most important, such as pacing, cost, and the specific learning platform, and choose a program that can meet your needs — both as a student and a professional. 

By choosing a career college, such as Robertson, you can gain relevant, hands-on experience and start working in your chosen field sooner. Program lengths range from 25 weeks to 12.5 months, with micro-courses as short as 10 hours. 

Learn more about Robertson College’s School of Business and start your journey toward becoming a business professional today.