Best Online Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship for 2019

An online degree in entrepreneurship prepares you for careers in the field of business, including business consultant, sales manager, and management analyst. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for management analysts is projected to grow 12% in the period from 2014 to 2024. The following guide will give you the information you need to decide whether an online entrepreneurship degree is the right path for you.

What are the Best Online Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship Programs?

1

Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA

ADMISSIONS RATE 68%
GRADUATION RATE 51%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 32%
RETENTION RATE 78%
DEFAULT RATE 7%

Students can earn an online entrepreneurship degree from Buena Vista University. The private, Presbyterian university located in Storm Lake, Iowa, features a 58-credit online bachelor's degree completion program in management. The program can be finished in about two years, but requires students to possess an associate degree or transfer a minimum of 60 credits. Students can study entrepreneurship as part of the management degree program, or pursue sports management or human resources tracks. Although the program can be completed entirely online, it is also available at more than a dozen BVU satellite campuses. BVU accepts both examination and experiential credits. The application process requires transcripts, but not interviews. Entrepreneurship students must complete 10 business core classes, three management cores, and four entrepreneurship track courses to fulfill the degree requirements.

2

Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs, NC

ADMISSIONS RATE 53%
GRADUATION RATE 52%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 28%
RETENTION RATE 73%
DEFAULT RATE 10%

Located near Charlotte in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, Gardner-Webb University is a private Baptist school. Students from across the state and beyond can study at GWU through its many online programs. The Broyhill School of Management offers students an online bachelor's in entrepreneurship, a career-oriented degree for professionals who want to start a small business. GWU's entrepreneurship option is a degree completion program that requires students to earn 33 credits in their major, at least 15 of which must be completed at GWU. Applicants should have a minimum 2.0 GPA and at least 48 transferrable credits. GWU boasts a transfer-friendly connection with several North Carolina community colleges.

3

Northwood University-Michigan Midland, MI

ADMISSIONS RATE 69%
GRADUATION RATE 57%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 28%
RETENTION RATE 78%
DEFAULT RATE 12%

Northwood University-Michigan is the original NU campus and is located in Midland. The private university enrolls fewer than 2,000 students and specializes mostly in adult and online education throughout the United States. Entrepreneurship in one of several online bachelor of business administration degrees offered by NU. The entrepreneurship program ensures students are ready to create, own, and manage a business. NU courses cover topics like corporate entrepreneurship and improving family-owned businesses. NU features an entrepreneur-in-residence on its Michigan campus. The degree can be taken completely online or in a hybrid format. Classes are taught in six terms throughout the year, each lasting eight to 12 weeks. The 126-credit program is designed to be completed in four years and includes internship options.

4

Cleary University Howell, MI

ADMISSIONS RATE 72%
GRADUATION RATE 52%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 46%
RETENTION RATE 65%
DEFAULT RATE 7%

Cleary University is a small, private university in Howell, Michigan where students can earn a business entrepreneurship degree online. Cleary is well-known as a business school, offering business administration degrees at different levels. The online bachelor of business administration in entrepreneurship requires 120 credits and can be completed in eight semesters. Cleary entrepreneurship students take courses in creativity and innovation, new business finance, and entrepreneurship discovery. Graduates of the program are ready to start their own businesses or pursue jobs managing small businesses. Students can apply online, and not all students need to submit standardized test scores. Cleary's mission is to use "knowledge, skills, and credentials" to help students advance their careers.

5

University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, MN

ADMISSIONS RATE 77%
GRADUATION RATE 45%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 35%
RETENTION RATE 65%
DEFAULT RATE 8%

Online students can earn a bachelor of science in entrepreneurship from the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Taught through UMC's Business Department, the entrepreneurship program uses experiential learning along with more traditional courses. Students must complete 120 credits, 52 of which are in the major. Business classes are available in areas such as personal selling, business planning, or agribusiness financials, all of which prepare students to start a new company or run an existing one. The program can be taken on campus, online, or through one of two hybrid versions of the program. Students can add a minor or second major in areas such as communication, marketing, manufacturing, quality management, or finance. Online students can use UMC's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program to find internships. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.

6

Northwood University-Texas Cedar Hill, TX

ADMISSIONS RATE 86%
GRADUATION RATE 40%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 29%
RETENTION RATE 100%
DEFAULT RATE N/A%

Northwood University-Texas features many online business degrees at its Fort Worth location. The online bachelor of business administration program offers majors such as automotive aftermarket management, franchising, and entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurship track teaches students about the start-up, family-run, and corporate business worlds. Students at NU-Texas must earn 126 credits to earn the bachelor's degree. A number of internship opportunities are available, and students can take advantage of the local business community and training workshops put on by the school. There are numerous start dates throughout the year and different term lengths, including eight to 15-week terms. The program is approved of by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

7

Bluefield College Bluefield, VA

ADMISSIONS RATE 93%
GRADUATION RATE 39%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 48%
RETENTION RATE 54%
DEFAULT RATE 8%

Students can earn an entrepreneurship degree online at Bluefield College. The private Baptist school has operated online programs since 2011 and is located in Bluefield, Virginia. The online business degree in entrepreneurship includes courses in business planning, internet marketing, and franchising. Students also learn about the ethics and intangibles necessary for launching a new web-based business. Bluefield points to business planning management and economic employment consulting as possible career outcomes. The program emphasizes both business and Christian values. Prospective students can apply through the short application on the school's website. Bluefield's entrepreneurship program is offered as part of its online management and leadership major.

8

Columbia College Columbia, MO

ADMISSIONS RATE N/A%
GRADUATION RATE 46%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 57%
RETENTION RATE 49%
DEFAULT RATE N/A%

Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, is home to an online degree in entrepreneurship. The private, nonsectarian Christian school started as a small women's college. The school offers an online major in entrepreneurship as either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in business administration. Each degree involves different requirements, but both require 120 credits to graduate. With courses in marketing, management, and finance, graduates of CC's program can go on to start their own small business or run an existing one. The program is associated with the school's Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship, which provides networking opportunities and student resources. All students take part in a culminating evaluation prior to their final year. The program is designed to be completed in four years.

9

Lamar University Beaumont, TX

ADMISSIONS RATE 79%
GRADUATION RATE 32%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 39%
RETENTION RATE 58%
DEFAULT RATE 16%

Located in Beaumont, Texas, Lamar University is an urban, public research institution. The school is part of the Texas State University System and offers an online bachelor of business administration in entrepreneurship. The program, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, focuses on giving students the tools they need to create or run a business. The 120-credit degree can be completed in four years and charges all students the same tuition rate. Online students at Lamar take a number of core business classes in areas such as marketing, accounting, and communication, with specialty courses available in entrepreneurship, market opportunities, and economics. Lamar features three online start dates throughout the year. Business students should possess a minimum 2.0 GPA to apply.

10

University of Maine at Machias Machias, ME

ADMISSIONS RATE N/A%
GRADUATION RATE 29%
ONLINE ENROLLMENT 38%
RETENTION RATE 63%
DEFAULT RATE 17%

Founded as a school for teachers, the University of Maine at Machias now offers a variety of online degrees, including an online bachelor's degree in business and entrepreneurship. The business program, which ends with a capstone in entrepreneurship, includes core courses in areas such as marketing, accounting, and economics. Students complete nine business classes along with eleven concentration-specific courses in either small business and entrepreneurship or nonprofit organization management. Prospective students can apply to UMM through the University of Maine short application, which works for all UM campuses. In-state Maine students pay less tuition than out-of-state residents.

What Will I Learn in an Online Entrepreneurship Program?

Bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs can vary from school to school. Students who are interested in a particular specialization should verify that their program meets their needs. Below is a list of courses a student pursuing a entrepreneurship degree online can expect to take.

  • Risk Management: A course in risk management teaches students how to identify and assess various threats and methods for mitigating them. Students explore common methods for approaching risk and protecting against similar risk in the future.
  • Marketing Strategy: This class covers the conceptual frameworks of marketing, including digital outreach, public relations, and branding. Students also learn how to assess customers' needs in order to design marketing campaigns.
  • Principles of Retail Management: This course teaches students about subjects like business layout, customer service, and retail organization. Students also learn about the logistics of site selection and supply chains.
  • Business Communications: A business communications course typically centers on the composition of business emails, memos, and reports. Students explore ways to present information efficiently in order to promote business goals.
  • Financial Planning: In addition to the ins and outs of personal finance, students in a financial planning course learn about legal and regulatory issues, customer service considerations, and maintenance of the client-planner relationship.

What can I do with an Online Entrepreneurship Degree?

Graduating with a bachelor's in entrepreneurship will enable you to enter an exciting and lucrative career in business. The table below lists the median salary as well as a brief description of the following positions: business consultant, sales manager, management analyst, business analyst, and supply chain manager. Since these positions are in demand across a multitude of industries, the tasks you will be required to perform and the salary you will earn can vary.

Business Consultant

A business consultant is often hired soon after a company is first established to aid in the development of company policy and staff skills. Alternatively, they may be brought on to reorganize and revitalize a struggling business. Business consultants should have excellent communication and leadership skills.

Median Salary: $72,220

Sales Manager

A sales manager can be found in both retail and non-retail environments. They oversee the sales staff and their activities, as well as the development and implementation of sales strategies. They are responsible for increasing profitability while maintaining staff and customer satisfaction.

Median Salary: $50,578

Management Analyst

A management analyst ensures that a company is functioning efficiently and profitably. Their tasks may include addressing payroll concerns, budgeting, and developing and enforcing company policies.

Median Salary: $64,634

Business Analyst

A business analyst works to improve efficiency across all departments in a particular company or organization. They compile and analyze data, draft reports, and suggest changes that can optimize operations and reduce waste or costs. Most business analysts are found in administrative or financial industries. Critical thinking skills are key in this position.

Median Salary: $58,571

Supply Chain Manager

A supply chain manager is an integral part of any company that deals in the movement of inventory. Supply chain managers ensure a smooth relationship between the sales team and the customer service team and are responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of an adequate inventory based on an analysis of consumer demand.

Median Salary: $80,094

Job Outlook and Salary

An online entrepreneurship degree is a valuable asset for those looking for employment in a growing career field. For example, management analyst jobs are projected to grow from 806,400 in 2016 to 861,400 in 2026, according to the BLS. Students should be aware that many factors such as specific career, industry, and location can have an effect on the salaries of various positions.

Employment, 2016 Projected Employment, 2026
806,400 902,900

Salary Growth by Experience

In most cases, the more experience a professional has in a particular field, the more money they can expect to make. Employers often assume that years of prior experience have helped employees gain valuable knowledge that will enable them to work more efficiently and with less assistance or oversight. Below is a table of salaries that graduates with their online entrepreneurship degree might expect to receive.


To determine the best online bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.