2025 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in Washington
Pursuing one of the most affordable online business degrees in Washington offers a convenient and effective way to advance your career in the state’s dynamic economy. Washington’s universities feature flexible online bachelor's in business programs designed to accommodate busy schedules while teaching skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and technology management.
Key Takeaways:
- Walla Walla Community College has the lowest tuition on our list at #1 — $6,455.
- Central Washington University is the most popular choice, with almost 2,300 students who are 100% online.
- City University of Seattle stands out with the lowest student-to-faculty ratio at 6:1.
By manually reviewing tuition costs, we’ve curated a list of Washington's most affordable online business degrees. Each institution is fully accredited and provides clear, accessible tuition information. Learn about our approach in the methodology section.
2025 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in Washington
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition | AACSB Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla Community College | Walla Walla | $6,455 | No | |
| Peninsula College | Port Angeles | $7,974 | No | |
| North Seattle College | Seattle | $7,974 | No | |
| Northwest University | Kirkland | $12,450 | No | |
| Central Washington University | Ellensburg | $25,340 | Yes |
A Closer Look at Washington’s Most Affordable Online Business Degrees
Washington offers a range of affordable online business degrees designed to meet diverse needs, whether you prioritize low tuition, personalized attention, or career advancement. Choosing the right program requires understanding the key differences in cost, flexibility, and outcomes. Let’s dive into what makes these schools stand out:
Which Washington Business School is Right for You?
Budget-Friendly: Walla Walla Community College offers the lowest tuition for foundational skills.
Flexibility: First, understand the type of flexibility you want. Do you want an accelerated degree path, like Peninsula College offers, or self-paced courses like Northwest University?
Specialized Paths: North Seattle College and Peninsula College cater to niche interests like international business and Tribal Management.
Supportive Environments: City University of Seattle’s small class sizes provide a personalized, mentorship-driven experience.
Affordable Paths to Career Growth
Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) leads in affordability, with an annual tuition of just $6,455. Its applied business management program emphasizes practical skills like project management and advanced Excel, capped by a hands-on project demonstrating real-world application. For slightly more at $7,974, Peninsula College (PC) offers a bachelor’s in applied management with concentrations in HR, IT, and Tribal Management, catering to specific career goals. These programs are ideal for working adults seeking budget-friendly options.
Which Type of Flexibility Fits Your Needs?
Flexibility matters because it allows you to pursue your education without pausing your career or disrupting your busy life. Online programs acknowledge the realities of adult learners, like Northwest University (NU), which exemplifies this with asynchronous courses and six annual start dates, enabling you to start when it suits your schedule.
Is graduating sooner your top priority? Peninsula College (PC) offers an entirely online Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management with asynchronous learning and a junior-level entry point for associate degree holders, helping you fast-track your education while managing other responsibilities. Similarly, Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) provides shorter-term courses designed to accelerate your progress without compromising quality, making both options ideal for students seeking a quicker path to graduation.
Programs Designed for Future Leaders
Make sure to choose a business degree program that's designed to fit your professional vision. North Seattle College (NSC) stands out for its emphasis on international business, integrating hands-on learning through global collaborations and internships. At $7,974 annually, NSC is an excellent option for students interested in logistics, marketing, or finance. Meanwhile, PC offers unique concentrations like Tribal Management, addressing the specific needs of Washington’s communities.
Mentorship vs. Networking
If small class sizes and individual support matter most to you, City University of Seattle delivers with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring close mentorship — especially valuable in online learning environments. On the other hand, CWU combines a larger online enrollment (2,297 students) with personalized experiences through small group projects and internships, preparing you for collaborative workplace settings. A larger online student body can also offer benefits, such as diverse perspectives, expanded networking opportunities, and access to robust virtual resources like libraries, technical support, and flexible course options to meet varied needs.
Are you unsure if business is the right major for you? Start by exploring our comprehensive list of the best online colleges in Washington.
High Paying Careers for Online Business Degree Graduates in Washington
Discover some of Washington’s most lucrative business careers requiring only a bachelor’s degree, thanks to the state’s .
Financial Managers
As a financial manager in Washington, you’ll play a key role in industries like technology, aerospace, and agriculture. Whether you’re overseeing budgets for a tech company in Seattle or managing financial strategies for agricultural businesses in the Yakima Valley, your expertise helps organizations thrive.
Human Resources Managers
In your role as a human resources manager, you oversee hiring, training, and employee well-being, ensuring a positive workplace culture. Your leadership supports organizational goals and fosters team development.
Labor Relations Specialists
Working as a labor relations specialist, you mediate negotiations between employees and employers, addressing contracts, grievances, and workplace policies. Your efforts maintain harmony and uphold fair labor practices.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
As a market research analyst or marketing specialist in Washington, you’ll uncover trends and consumer insights in industries like tech, renewable energy, and tourism. Whether you’re analyzing data for a startup in Seattle or crafting marketing strategies for wineries in Walla Walla, your work helps businesses connect with their audiences.
These careers show how versatile a business degree can be, opening doors to a wide range of industries. And you can achieve any of the above with just a bachelor’s degree, whether in business or related fields like a communications degree or an economics degree. If you’re looking to take your career even further, you can explore certifications, build professional experience, or pursue a graduate degree to enhance your expertise and stand out in Washington’s competitive job market.
Final Thoughts
With 5 affordable schools offering online business degrees in Washington, prospective students have access to high-quality education at a lower cost. This affordability is especially valuable in a state known for its innovative economy, allowing students to pursue their career goals without the burden of excessive student debt. By manually collecting tuition data, we’ve ensured you have reliable information to compare programs and choose the best fit for your budget and aspirations.
Washington is an exceptional place to study and work in business. With management occupations offering a mean annual wage of and business and financial operations occupations averaging annually, the state boasts competitive salaries that reflect its thriving industries. From technology and aerospace to renewable energy, Washington provides ample opportunities for business professionals to grow and succeed.
If you aren't done with your search yet, check out our ultimate list of the best online business degrees where you can study from anywhere.
Student Reviews of Online Business Programs
This school has been the best online post secondary education program I have participated in. It took enrolling/withdrawaling from 4 different online colleges to feel comfortable with using WGU to finish my degree. The classes are difficult, but rightfully so. You get out of it what you put into it. My mentor is awesome she helps keep me accountable and on schedule, and she also tells me the best ways to complete each individual classes. The exams are challenging, as to be expected with a program... Read More
Review Date: 5/25/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am unsure what rating to give this school. I have just started here and so far it is cool. The thing I have a problem with is the finances. I am a veteran and I am using my education benefits so of course I receive bah but the school only reports a certain amount of days out of the month to the VA even though I full time therefore I do not receive my full bah amount. Typically 6 days are left out. I have researched and other school do not do this. I am unsure why UoP does. Just a heads up to the... Read More
Review Date: 3/7/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
WGU rescued me from the hazing system of participation replies, busy work, and worthless classes I suffered through at The University of Phoenix,. At WGU, I moved at my own pace and only paid for classes needed to complete the degree. They truly care about their students as compared to Phoenix - who charge me nearly $1400 per class - with no chance of completing the degree early: unless I paid additional money. My only critique of WGU is they trashed me on the transfer credits, even though I attended... Read More
Review Date: 4/4/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Western Governors University was probably the best decision I have ever made. The flexibility and affordability of this school allowed me to finish my bachelors in two years while working full time. I graduated with loans that amounted to the cost of many B&M colleges for one singular term. I am grateful to not be heavily burdened by debts from this school which was the main reason I feared pursuing an education anywhere else.
Review Date: 1/13/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am still completing my online degree with Southern New Hampshire University. My experience has been fantastic so far. I am a thirty-something student who works 60-70 hours a week and SNHU is willing to work with that. To be honest, I have only taken advantage of that once so far but the offer has been made. Another reviewer said that they were confused as to how they are supposed to complete their assignments and that there is no intellectual curiosity built into this classes. I disagree entirely.... Read More
Review Date: 1/25/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have read several reviews of WGU that are just not true. The primary complaint seems to be directed towards getting assistance. First, I have had no difficulty getting assistance from the class or course mentors. I have also went outside the school to various websites to gain further insight, that is initiative. Most of the complaints seem to come from folks who could not pass the course work. Look, it is tough. The exams are not open book. You must have absorbed the material, or you will fail.... Read More
Review Date: 4/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school's administration is a joke! The financial aide office constantly was screwing up my financial aide and couldn't seem to figure out what or how to fill out anything and even after telling them exactly how to do it what to file how to fill it out they would screw it up 3 times over, the student success coaches never seemed to help anyone succeed at anything and couldn't be reached when contacted, never returned any contact when reaching out, the career experts and sources office was the... Read More
Review Date: 1/23/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently attending this University and have had nothing but a great experience. I the education and the system that they provide it to you with is great. Every new class the information is set out before you and you can see what needs to be completed, Instructors are available for each class almost 24 hours a day, they have a great help system and I have been provided with every contact number and email if I need further help. Extremely happy Independence University and after attending for... Read More
Review Date: 10/4/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I hope this review will help someone in determining whether or not to attend WGU or more importantly to pursue a college degree. In regards to WGU I decided to finish my degree at this institution. I obtained a BS in Business Management. Was it worth it? Yes. Was it easy? No. I had almost 3 years and Indiana University and De Paul University. Trust me when I tell you doing it online creates its' own set of challenges. Self motivation, and determination must be in heavy supply to succeed. Compared... Read More
Review Date: 3/4/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love the self-pace environment. I am independent and it works best for me to teach myself, with books and online resources. I do not take any breaks, and I take seven classes at a time, instead of the regular two. This is a great college for working adults or adults with small children. I highly recommend this university. Most instructors respond on time and grade papers in a timely manner. I will be able to graduate a lot faster with a bachelor's degree. Instead of the usual 4 yrs, it takes to... Read More
Review Date: 2/18/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've researched plenty of Online schools even locally. I chose this school based on the degree and programs it offered, but also because of the cost! Baker Online was a lot cheaper than my local Universities in my State. I've been very satisfied with how my instructors and the courses have been engaging! In going to Baker it has helped in my professional career in being able to not only interview, but also in my current profession of management. It offers up to date information that is relevant and... Read More
Review Date: 2/26/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great school, the program was very up to date and challenging. I learned a ton from attending school here while working as a manager at a Fortune 500 company. The program teaches a lot of rigorous up to date techniques and skills from a lot of the top companies in the world. I would definitely recommend attending school here.
Review Date: 2/6/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My time with Ashford University has been exceptionally beneficial and educational. With the timeframe for each class being shorter than most other schools, and the quality instruction from my class instructors, I have been able to learn a considerable amount of knowledge that will be a vital asset once I retire from the military in a few years. I have already recommended this school to my peers, and will continue to do so for those that are seeking a great school with quality education.
Review Date: 12/21/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I started at APU in July 2014. I am in the middle of my second semester and I am loving it thus far. I chose APU following much research. I found that the number one and two complaints regarding online universities are 1) being dropped from classes due to administrative incompetence. 2) problems with the financial aid departments. I have had no issues in either of these areas. I have found that it is best to get the jump on securing one's classes and renewing financial aid. Although there are protocols... Read More
Review Date: 1/1/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
IWU was awesome. Their online program helped me greatly through enabling me to get my Bachelors and not have to worry about driving to campus multiple times a week.
Review Date: 7/27/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This form of education is not for everyone. If you need to sit in front of an instructor giving lectures, and interact with them to learn- this may not be a good choice for you. But if you can learn independently out of a book, recorded lectures and media, and interactive courses and lectures online- this is a great way to finish your degree! It was challenging at first, but within a few weeks I had understood the learning process needed for the program to work out for me.
Review Date: 2/12/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The classroom format I liked, but sadly that is the only positive about this school. Staff are rude and unhelpful. The university makes you jump through hoops for the most trivial requests. For example, I am filling out AMCAS for medical school application. Because I took a few classes with Saint Leo, I need to enter that information into my application. I simply need an unofficial transcript in order to see the class names and grades. For all other schools I've attended, this has been easy to obtain.... Read More
Review Date: 6/10/2014
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Graduated from here after attending for two years. Thought it was a good experience overall and especially during the latter portion of my time there. I think They got too large too fast and many of the employees (not instructors) were very unorganized and poorly trained - but are seemingly doing a better job as of late. Expansive library and amount of tools supplied for students as well as a nice online platform. Make sure to be on top of your communication with advisors and you will enjoy your... Read More
Review Date: 1/7/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Liberty was a great school for academic rigor and learning. The school is enormous and sometimes online students can get lost in the shuffle but I would recommend Liberty University to anyone pursuing a degree.
Review Date: 12/17/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I enrolled online, was my 1st online experience. I was advised online by numerous contacts that you can do on your own time. I got the loan and to find out they are not on your own time. Had assignments due every other day. I worked FULL Time as a Boss of a company.
I stopped doing it a month in cause I can't be online everyday. My Loan is now about $8,000 for 1 month of hectic schooling. This was the worst investment in my life and will make things harder down the road. Thank You to a school that... Read More
Review Date: 6/15/2012
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No