Business & Marketing Degrees
The most popular major, with the widest range of careers.
About Business & Marketing degrees
Business is the most-awarded degree in the country for a reason: it opens doors across nearly every industry, from finance and marketing to management and entrepreneurship. Programs teach transferable skills — analysis, communication, and decision-making — that employers value everywhere.
Because so many schools offer business degrees online and on campus, cost and outcomes vary widely. The data below helps you find programs where graduate earnings justify the price you'll pay.
Business by the numbers
295+
Schools offering Business
$100,899
Median earnings (top schools)
$28,695
Median net price (top schools)
Figures reflect the top-earning four-year schools for this field, using official U.S. Department of Education data.
Careers in Business & Marketing
Financial Analyst
Evaluate investments, budgets, and performance to guide decisions.
Marketing Manager
Plan and run campaigns that grow brands and revenue.
Operations / Project Manager
Keep teams, budgets, and timelines on track.
Entrepreneur / Small-Business Owner
Start and run your own venture with a business foundation.
Degree levels
Focused credentials in areas like bookkeeping, digital marketing, or project management.
A two-year foundation for entry-level roles or transfer to a bachelor's.
The standard business degree; choose a concentration like finance, marketing, or management.
Advance into leadership, specialize, or pivot careers with a graduate business degree.
Top schools for Business & Marketing
See all →University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
- $28,699
- Net price
- 5%
- Admit rate
- 10,650
- Enrolled
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
- $28,690
- Net price
- 9%
- Admit rate
- 15,995
- Enrolled
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit
- $41,704
- Net price
- 16%
- Admit rate
- 10,085
- Enrolled
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
- $40,815
- Net price
- 13%
- Admit rate
- 7,569
- Enrolled
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
- $12,116
- Net price
- 14%
- Admit rate
- 18,785
- Enrolled
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit
- $19,066
- Net price
- 4%
- Admit rate
- 7,601
- Enrolled
Business & Marketing — Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs can I get with a business degree?+
Business graduates work as financial analysts, marketers, managers, consultants, HR specialists, and entrepreneurs. The degree's breadth is its biggest strength — it fits almost every industry.
Is a business degree worth it?+
It depends on the program's cost and the earnings of its graduates. Business degrees from schools with strong outcomes and reasonable net price tend to pay off quickly; compare the numbers on each school profile.
What's the difference between a BBA and a BS in Business?+
A BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) is a professional, applied degree focused on management practice, while a BS in Business often includes more quantitative or analytical coursework. Both are widely respected.
Should I get an MBA?+
An MBA can accelerate a move into management or a career pivot, but it's a significant investment. It's most valuable a few years into your career; weigh the tuition against the salary bump it typically provides.
Can I earn a business degree online?+
Yes — business is one of the most commonly offered online degrees at every level, including fully online MBAs from accredited universities.
What business concentration should I choose?+
Popular concentrations include finance, marketing, accounting, management, and analytics. Pick based on the roles you want; finance and analytics tend to have the highest starting salaries.
Do employers care where my business degree is from?+
For most roles, accreditation and your skills matter more than prestige. For competitive fields like investment banking or top consulting, school reputation carries more weight.
How much do business graduates earn?+
Earnings vary widely by concentration and school. The top schools for this field are ranked above with their median graduate earnings so you can compare realistic outcomes.
Is accounting a better major than general business?+
Accounting is more specialized and leads toward CPA licensure and stable, well-paid roles. General business is more flexible. Choose based on whether you prefer a defined path or broad options.
Can I start a business without a business degree?+
Absolutely — but a business education gives you a foundation in finance, marketing, and operations that can help you avoid costly early mistakes.
What certifications pair well with a business degree?+
Depending on your path, credentials like CPA, PMP (project management), CFA (finance), or Google/HubSpot marketing certifications can boost your resume.
Is financial aid available for business students?+
Yes — federal aid through the FAFSA, institutional scholarships, and employer tuition assistance are all common. Filter schools by net price to find affordable options.