20 BEST VALUE BACHELOR'S DEGREES IN BUSINESS

The world runs on money. Money is circulated through businesses. Businesses are made of people. Effectively understand, contribute, and control with one of the 20 Best Value Bachelor's Degrees in Business.

Some students arrive at college knowing they will major in business, while others arrive cluelessly, and end up stumbling into the business major. Regardless of how students decide on this common major, it is usually a wise choice because it equips them to be effective in the expansive world of business and teaches skills that are useful for innumerable careers.

Typical careers for those with a Bachelor's Degree in Business include Accounting, Management, Consulting, Finance, Actuarial Science, Human Resources, Marketing, Operations, and Technology - to name a few. In short, a business degree is a valuable investment because it opens the door to many job opportunities.

If you need hard data to be convinced, look no further than the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Its report on "Business and Financial Occupations" projects a 10 percent increase in jobs from 2016 to 2026. In addition, it currently finds that the median annual wage in these positions is $68,350. Considering that the median yearly salary for all occupations in the country is $38,640, those who earn a business degree are well-positioned to recover from student loans, provide for comfortable living, and invest in future retirement.

Selection Criteria

Best Value Schools publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one's higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:

• Degree Investment Return (25%)
• Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
• Cost Value (25%)
• Matriculation (10%)
• Academic Success (15%)

No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!

Here are the 20 Best Value Bachelor's Degrees in Business!

20. Carnegie Mellon University - Pittsburgh, PA

Bachelor of Business Administration

Website

The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University boasts an impressive Bachelor of Business Administration. It is ranked as the sixth best undergraduate business program by U.S. News & World Report. The report also ranks specialty areas, and Carnegie Mellon has five in the top 10: Management Information Systems, Quantitative Analysis, Production/Operation Management, Finance, and Supply Chain / Logistics. What truly sets Carnegie Mellon's business program apart, however, is the access students have to faculty. These world-class professors typically know the name of each student in their classes. The excellence of education is evidenced by the high percentage of graduates who attend Businessweek's Top 25 MBA Programs.

Net Price: $29,817

Score: 81.2

19. Georgetown University - Washington DC

Bachelor of Business Administration

Website

Since its inception in 1789, Georgetown University has developed and maintained a reputation for elite academics - a stellar reputation that extends to its McDonough School of Business which was founded in 1957. Located in the nation's capital allows students access to both professors with incredible connections and exceptional internship opportunities. The business major is built on a foundational liberal arts core and a business core. Once those are mastered, students can major in Accounting, Finance, International Policy Economy & Business, International Business Regional Studies, Management, Leadership, & Innovation, Marketing, and Operations & Information Management. New as of this year is Georgetown's updated grading policy that includes a ceiling of 3.50 and is oriented at accurately honoring student mastery of the material.

Net Price: $27,420

Score: 87.6

18. Emory University - Atlanta, GA

Bachelor of Business Administration

Website

The first couple of observations to note about Emory University is the utmost quality of the school and student body. The Princeton Review ranked Emory as No. 1 for Quality of Life, and the average SAT score of the student body is an impressive 1381. One may ask why Emory doesn't rank higher in our list - this is because the net cost of an Emory degree is easy $10,000 more expensive than most other comparable programs. The BBA at Emory only offers specialty areas in five areas: Accounting, Finance, Information Systems & Operations Management, Marketing, and Strategy & Management Consulting. This stands in contrast to a program such as Georgia State University which offers twice as many areas. In addition, business students at Emory can concentrate on areas such as Arts Management, Environmental Management, Film & Media Management, and Health Innovation.

Net Price: $26,867

Score: 75.4

17. University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Website

Those who seek a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University in Pittsburgh can major in Accounting, Business Information Systems, Finance, Global Management, Human Resources Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. To be even more attractive to future employers, BSBA students can attain certificates in areas such as Business Analytics, International Business, and Supply Chain Management. Recruiters nationwide have ranked Pitt Business as the fourth best public business program. Other rankings list Pitt Business as No. 11 in Public Business Program and No. 2 in Employability for Public Business Programs. In addition, students can choose from over 75 locations to study abroad through Pitt's international programs.

Net Price: $22,848

Score: 78.7

16. University of Connecticut - Stamford, Waterbury, & Hartford, CT

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

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The University of Connecticut offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at three of its campuses: Stamford, Waterbury, and Hartford. UConn Huskies are known for their service to others. In a given year, students contribute over one million hours to community service. Students can also participate in one of over 250 study abroad courses in over 65 countries. On top of general education requirements, all business students take core general business courses such as Business Communications and Career Development in Business. They then take extended core business courses in areas of Marketing, Finance, and Management. For further breadth in the business world, students take at least three advisor-approved business electives.

Net Price: $18,699

Score: 79.0

15. University of California Berkeley - Berkely, CA

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Website

Few - if any - would be surprised that the University of California Berkeley ranks this high on our list. U.S. News & World Report puts UC Berkley's Haas School of Business at No. 3 nationally, and Payscale.com ranks UC Berkeley at No. 1 for Return on Investment. This program is relatively small with only 700 students, making it competitive but worthwhile. Haas Business hosts 15 institutes and centers, and it is one of only two U.S. schools in the Global Network for Advanced Management. Berkley prides itself in developing leaders who remain students of their craft throughout their lives. This impact is seen in the successful placement and retainment of graduates in their jobs.

Net Price: $18,178

Score: 95.2

14. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN

Bachelor of Science in Business

Website

The University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management is another excellent option for those seeking a business degree. Statistics for participation in the business major include a 1:16 faculty-to-student ratio, an average class size of 37, and 53 percent of faculty are tenured. Outside the classroom, these faculty engage in important research. The majors offered by the Carlson School include Accounting, Entrepreneurial Management, Finance, Risk Management Insurance, Marketing, and Supply Chains Operation & Management. Studying abroad is a great option, seeing as 14 programs are led by Carlson faculty, and nearly $400k of study abroad scholarships are available.

Net Price: $16,808

Score: 86.3

13. University of Georgia - Athens, GA

Bachelor of Business Administration

Website

The Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia has a history of developing business leaders, and it's been doing so for over 100 years. Within three months of graduation, 98% of 2018 graduates had accepted job offers. Over 80 percent of students participate in an internship during their undergraduate careers, and around 30 percent of students spend time abroad. The University of Georgia offers business majors in areas such as Accounting, Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, and Real Estate. Before specializing in any of these areas, Terry College students undertake a foundational set of core courses that cover Financial Management, Principles of Marketing, and Principles of Management.

Net Price: $15,934

Score: 86.7

12. University of Wisconsin - Madison, WI

Bachelor of Business Administration

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The University of Wisconsin comes in fourth for its high-caliber program, mid-range affordability, and exceptional quality of life. The business program offers 10 majors in the common focus areas. What sets this program apart from other schools is the extensive network afforded to lifelong Badgers. Connections are key, so with over 43,000 graduates in the alumni network, it makes sense that this university is the #1 producer of Fortune 500 CEOs. Attending the University of Wisconsin for a business degree comes with many more perks than one might expect. Different ranking bodies speak highly of Madison, where its ranked No. 1 for Best College Football Town, No. 4 Fittest City, No. 2 for Best Capital City to Live in, and No. 7 Top 100 Places to Live - to name a few.

Net Price: $15,910

Score: 91.0

11. Georgia Institute of Technology - Atlanta, GA

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

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Of the three Atlanta-based business programs that made this ranking, the program offered by the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Institute of Technology scores the highest. The business program is focused on applying technological advancements to various fields and industries, which is in part responsible for the success of its students. Eight concentrations are featured in areas including Accounting, General Management, Information Technology Management, and Strategy and Innovation. Over 11 certificate options are available as well. In addition, Georgia Tech is the host of nine centers and initiatives that contribute significant work to the business world.

Net Price: $15,873

Score: 92.5

10. University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Website

The University of Arizona is well equipped in offering its Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students can major in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Economics, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations Management. Students can also pursue an emphasis in Healthcare Management, as well as certificates in Finance, Social Innovation, and Sports Management. Arizona's Eller College of Management also maintains plenty of opportunities that supplement student learning. For instance, various honors programs exist such as the Eller Tracks of Excellence in Academic Departmental Research, Entrepreneurship, Applied Portfolio Management, or Accounting, as well as the highly esteemed McCord Scholars Program. In addition, with a school as big as the University of Arizona, one can expect a broad reach with plenty of international study options, and this is certainly the case.

Net Price: $15,758

Score: 87.7

9. Georgia State University - Atlanta, GA

Bachelor of Business Administration

Website

The areas of study offered by Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business include Accountancy, Actuarial Science, Business Economics, Computer Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Hospitality Administration, Managerial Sciences, Marketing, Real Estate, and Risk Management & Insurance. If anything, the offerings are broad. What sets GSU's program apart from many others is its commitment to experiential learning. Experiential learning takes the form of organizations such as WomenLead, the Honors Program, Panthers in the Valley, and Panthers on Wall Street. Through these, GSU business students work with business executives in different fields. Additionally, over 45 scholarship opportunities are listed on the college website for undergraduate business students.

Net Price: $15,350

Score: 73.8

8. University of Florida - Gainesville, FL

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, General Studies

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The University of Florida offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration through its Heavener School of Business. The General Studies program is suitable for students who seek a firm foundation in business, but also wish to undergo specializations in other academic departments at UF. In addition, this program is ideal for students with aspirations for graduate study. These students can go onto MBA programs, but can also attend schools for law, medicine, or other careers. The General Studies program allows for flexibility to take extra-departmental courses. It takes a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this major at UF. Over 70 areas of specialization are available for students, and the most popular include pre-health, pre-law, foreign languages, and sports management. U.S. News & World Report ranks the Heavener School at No. 18 for Forbes' Best Undergraduate Business Programs.

Net Price: $15,283

Score: 64.7

7. University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA

Bachelor of Business Administration

Website

Students who are ambitious enough to grit through Midwest winters will find that the University of Iowa's Bachelor of Business Administration makes the cold and snow worth it. The program is ranked No. 22 in the nation for undergraduate business programs by U.S. News & World Report. Overall, Iowa's BBA offers majors in Accounting, Business Analytics & Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing. As an Iowa Hawk, business students are required to complete research, internship, study abroad, or an experiential course. Of course, they can participate in more than one, but Tippie College of Business philosophy indicates that these experiences help with career preparation, worldview development, and professional networking. As for other options related to career preparation, business students can certificate in Entrepreneurial Management, International Business, and Risk Management & Insurance.

Net Price: $14,845

Score: 81.4

6. University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX

Bachelor of Business Administration

Website

Even the quickest look at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin speaks volumes about its quality. Three key rankings stand out: A+ in Job Placement by Businessweek, Top 10 Best Faculty by The Princeton Review, and No. 6 undergraduate business school by U.S. News & World Report. Business students at UT Austin can undertake a variety of certificate programs to add a specialty to their business degree. Options include Business & Public Policy, Energy Management, Undergraduate Real Estate, Global Management, Business of Healthcare, and Risk Management. In addition, students have opportunities to minor in Entrepreneurship, as well as study abroad.

Net Price: $14,356

Score: 69.6

5. University of California at Irvine - Irvine, CA

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

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The first California-based business program to make our ranking is offered by the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California Irvine. Pursuing the business major requires 10 core courses, followed by 10 electives that align with the student's emphasis. The seven emphases provided by Merage are Accounting, Finance, Healthcare Management, Information Systems, Marketing, Operations & Design Technologies, and Organization & Management. Located in the heart of Orange County, UCI is an ideal location for students to network and undertake various internships. UCI is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The School of Business is named after Paul Merage. Known for creating HOT POCKETs - which was eventually sold to Nestle - he is a philanthropist who has contributed to the education of many students.

Net Price: $13,944

Score: 87.9

4. Indiana University Bloomington - Bloomington, IN

Bachelor of Science in Business

Website

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington is nothing short of impressive. It offers eighteen majors, four minors, and one certificate, and although students have a focused area of study, they are still afforded a breadth of foundational knowledge in Finance, Marketing, Operations, Strategy, and Business Ethics. Admissions officers at Kelley would say that more than being a top business program, IU Bloomington is a talent management center. Bloomberg Businessweek would agree - ranking the Kelley School of Business at the top public undergraduate program. Poets & Quants' also chimes in by ranking this program as number one in employment among public universities.

Net Price: $12,488

Score: 89.9

3. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NC

Bachelor of Business

Website

The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina takes the trophy for the Best Value Bachelor's Degree in Business. It's a general business degree but has areas of emphasis in eight specializations. Students can choose up to two of these specializations. UNC's business program has the second lowest net price on this entire ranking and remarkably does so without diminishing quality of education. According to U.S. News & World Report, four of the eight areas of emphasis are top-10 in the nation, and another two are top-15. The program itself is fifth in public universities, and ninth at-large. Part of what makes this degree transformational for students is the high-level advising that students to which students have access. This advising helps UNC business majors achieve goals of research, leadership, and venture launching.

Net Price: $11,100

Score: 100

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

Bachelor of Business Administration

Website

It is evident why U.S. News & World Report ranks the Michigan Ross Bachelor of Business Administration as top-five nationwide. This program has been hugely successful in preparing and placing its graduates. Ninety-eight percent of graduates from the Class of 2018 were offered jobs within three months of graduation. Almost 200 companies hired Ross BBA graduates, and the median base salary was $72,000. The reputation of this program rings clearly in the Business world - some of this can be attributed to the quality of students studying at Michigan Ross who come in with an average GPA of 3.86, as well as an average SAT/ACT scores of 1450/33. Studying at Michigan means you'll be bumping shoulders with students who have as much potential as you.

Net Price: $10,906

Score: 89.7

1. University of Washington - Seattle, WA

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

Website

When it comes to the northwest region of the country, there is no better business school than the University of Washington's Foster School of Business. Other ranking systems such as U.S. News & World Report and Poets & Quants would agree. Students can choose their area of specialty, and design a program that hits specific classes for it. Alternatively, they can choose from formal options of study. These formal options of study include Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources Management, Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations & Supply Chain Management. This already affordable degree is made even more so by over $917k of scholarship funds disbursed to business students every year.

Net Price: $9,443

Score: 82.9