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The Most Popular Online Associate Degrees in Business: What the Numbers Really Say

With demand for foundational business skills on the rise, more students than ever are turning to online associate degrees in business  as a flexible, career-ready credential. Our analysis spotlights the 15 most popular business associate programs in the country, based on the number of recent program graduates. Graduate volume is a signal of trust. Programs with high graduation counts show consistent demand and the ability to support students through to completion. 

All 15 schools reported more than 40 graduates per year, with a median of 125 graduates and a high of 1,696 graduates at the University of Phoenix. 

We also want to delve into our recommendation rates and reviews, which are informed by over 75,000 student surveys, offering insight into the student experience. Below, we break down the key takeaways from the most popular online business associate programs in the U.S. and we also speak to experts to help understand how you can choose the best online degree for you.

Why Popularity Matters in Online Business Education

Popularity might not be the first thing you consider when choosing a program, but it should be. A high number of graduates means the school is delivering a program that resonates with learners and has the infrastructure to support a large student body.

For example, the University of Phoenix, our #1 ranked school, graduated nearly 1,700 students from its Associate of Arts in Business Fundamentals program. With over 80,000 students in online learning overall, this level of activity suggests a well-oiled support system that scales. 

In business education, where networking, online collaboration, and transfer pathways matter, size often correlates with access and long-term value.

Standout Features From the Top Programs

Each business program on the list brings something unique to the table. Here are a few ways schools distinguish themselves beyond popularity data:

Online associate programs often serve two main goals: entering the workforce or continuing toward a bachelor鈥檚. Schools like Camden County College and Adirondack Community College clearly emphasize transfer articulation agreements, giving students a roadmap toward four-year degrees at institutions like Rutgers or SUNY.

Others, like Bluegrass Community and Technical College, lean into career tracks with unique offerings like Equine Business Management and Social Media Marketing, tailoring the degree to immediate job markets.

Still, some programs 鈥� like Liberty University and TESU 鈥� offer both: clear continuation into a bachelor's degree within the same school and strong workforce preparation backed by high earnings or graduation rates.

What Real Students Want You To Know

Firsthand reviews add critical context that program brochures and rankings often leave out. That's why we have collected over 75,000 student reviews across our schools sitewide. By learning from these graduates' lived experiences, future students can make better-informed decisions.

Flexibility

Across all schools, students emphasized how online learning allowed them to balance jobs, families, and education. Veronica (from the University of Phoenix) described it as a lifeline: 鈥淭he online experience has given so much flexibility for me to get [my] degree while I maintain my household and family.鈥� 

But flexibility isn鈥檛 a shortcut. Students repeatedly stressed that online associate programs demand serious time management. Kimberly Ord (Purdue Global, 2019) noted: 鈥淚t takes study, hard work, and time management... If you cannot set your own study plan and stick to it, online schools are not for you." She went on to say, "I am working on an AAS degree... I will say that I am impressed with Purdue University Global. I was able to transfer all but one credit from a previous college attempt years ago... The cost is much less than many 4 year colleges out there, with academic coursework that is not easy as many may think about an online school."

In that vein, Deborah L. (American Public University System, 2014) shared her personal journey and how the flexibility she had was invaluable: "After having my first child I decided I wanted to finish my Bachelor Degree in Business as well. I was working full time and was not able to attend a traditional school... " Sometimes, a tradition on-campus degree just isn't in the cards. More and more, students are taking online degrees, where they can work at their own pace. 

Self-Motivation

Many online learners pointed out that success depended less on the structure and more on their internal drive. Kyle (University of Phoenix) summed it up plainly: 鈥淵ou will be teaching yourself the information鈥� University of Phoenix is only for those who have initiative, REAL drive, and the ability to take responsibility for themselves.鈥�

JB Tucker (SNHU, 2019) emphasized that 鈥測ou get out of this program what you put into it,鈥� a sentiment echoed by Chris J. (APUS, 2015) who warned that if you鈥檙e looking for an 鈥渆asy piece of paper,鈥� this route isn鈥檛 for you.

Online business associate degrees offer convenience, but not at the cost of effort. The learning is active, and the burden of consistency lies squarely with the student.

Real-World Relevance

Students often emphasized how their coursework tied directly into their careers. Michael (University of Phoenix), who balanced a job and travel schedule, appreciated how the structure improved material retention: 鈥淏ecause of the structure鈥� I feel the retention of material is much better.鈥�

Rob Dietrich (Columbia Southern, 2014) found that his business associate program directly improved his understanding of the subject: "The intent of any college/university is to teach and for the student to learn. I received that very service! Each class taken to earn my AAS/Business delivered a set of expectations and once they were met, I realized I had improved my understanding of the subject matter."

Gabriel (APUS, 2016) highlighted how courses prepared him for real-life demands, even as a service member. 鈥淭he professors all took their time to help鈥� and ensure that I truly understood the course materials.鈥�

These experiences reflect what many online learners are seeking, which is an online education that isn鈥檛 abstract, but immediately applicable.

Why an Associate in Business Can Be Your Fast Track to the Workforce

E-commerce Entrepreneur

Andres Bernot is the founder and CEO of WOW! Shirts, an e-commerce apparel company he built from the ground up. With hands-on experience in operations, marketing, staffing, and customer service, he understands the real-world demands of running a business.

What are some industries that employ graduates with an associate in business?

"Associate degrees in business can be employed in different fields by its graduates. Roles in retail management, customer service, human resources, marketing and office administration are some of the common ones. A lot of businesses seek people who are capable of performing such duties as simple accounting, operations, and coordination of staff. 

Associate degree holders can also fit well in positions in small businesses or startups where jobholders may have to put on multiple hats."

Should I stop after earning an associate degree in business, or should I continue on to a bachelor鈥檚?

"The decision to either stop at an associate degree or proceed to a business bachelor's degree depends on personal objectives. An associate degree can be a good choice when you want to enter the job market as soon as possible and you are happy to take entry-level positions. 

Conversely, a bachelor degree normally provides access to better paying jobs and advancement. You should consider it when you want to be more specialized or prepare to occupy such positions as management where a four-year degree is commonly required."

What skills are important for starting a career in business with an associate degree?

"As you begin a career in business, the main skills that will make you shine are communication skills, organizational skills and problem-solving. Sound knowledge of accounting and finance fundamentals is important as well. [These] skills will form the basis of people, project, and resource management, no matter the area of the business you might decide to specialize in."

What certifications or software skills should I have alongside a business associate degree?

"Besides an associate degree, students may take advantage of the certifications in such fields as project management (PMP), Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks accounting software, or Google Analytics in marketing positions. 

You can also become more employable by being skilled in programs such as Excel or CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce). Possession of these skills will demonstrate that you are a self-starter who is willing to get straight to work."

Most companies are seeking people who have that real-world experience and can make an immediate contribution and [an] associate degree offers that. Others may also believe that they will not be able to progress without a bachelor degree but there are many different career options of which experience and applied skills count more than a piece of paper."

How do employers view online associate degrees in business?

"Online associate degrees in business are usually accepted by employers provided the institution is accredited. 

More to the point is what skills and knowledge you have acquired. Lots of companies like the fact that students who earn their degree online have usually self discipline and time management skills which are very important in the business world."

What advice would you give to students currently earning a business associate degree?

"When considering this degree, be sure to obtain as much experience as you can. 

You will be at an advantage by doing internships, part-time, or volunteer work in a business environment. Networking by developing contacts with professors, professionals and peers is also a good idea. Those connections can prove to be useful when seeking your first job or thinking of a next career step."

Final Takeaways

Online associate degrees in business continue to prove their value as both career entry points and stepping stones toward higher education. With institutions like University of Phoenix graduating over 1,600 students annually, and schools like TESU reporting top-tier earnings of over $68,000, this associate program clearly resonates with a wide range of learners.

Students who submitted reviews to us consistently praised the flexibility of online coursework and the practical business skills they gained, from accounting to team management. As entrepreneur Andres Bernot emphasized, associate grads are often best suited to environments where people 鈥渨ear multiple hats鈥� 鈥� a common reality in small businesses and startups.

Whether your goal is to get into the workforce quickly or build toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree, an associate in business delivers a proving ground for real-world skills, discipline, and professional momentum. These are qualities that employers value, especially in today鈥檚 dynamic economy.