Business Degrees

Completion time depends on the degree level and enrollment pace.

• Bachelor’s degree: typically 4 years
• MBA: often 12–24 months
• Doctoral degree: often 3–5 years

Program length may vary based on transfer credits, course load and format.
 

The cost of a business degree varies, but GCU is committed to keeping its business programs affordable to as many students as possible by not increasing campus tuition since 2009. This tuition freeze stems from our belief in the importance of a quality, attainable education for all.

We understand financing your education is a big investment in your future, which is why GCU offers several tools to help you estimate the cost of financing your business degree.

• Degree Program Calculator
• Cost of Attendance
• Scholarships and Grants
• Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost of a business degree varies by degree level and program structure. Tuition is commonly calculated per credit hour. 

Total program cost may depend on:

• Number of credits required
• Residency or campus fees
• Program materials
• Financial aid eligibility

GCU offers a variety of scholarships, grants and financial aid options to support affordability.

Earning business degrees online can prepare you for careers across industries while offering flexibility and convenience. Because business skills apply to many sectors, graduates often benefit from broad career mobility and advancement opportunities.

Business programs help develop transferable skills such as:

• Leadership and team management
• Strategic planning and decision-making
• Financial analysis and budgeting
• Communication and problem-solving

Business degrees online from accredited universities are widely respected. Employers typically value institutional credibility, relevant skills and experience, regardless of whether coursework was completed online or on campus.

Business degrees from accredited universities are generally recognized by employers across industries. Accreditation ensures academic programs meet established quality standards.

Employers typically evaluate candidates based on competencies, experience and institutional credibility.

A bachelor’s degree in business provides foundational knowledge across core business disciplines. A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate-level program focused on executive leadership, advanced strategy and organizational management.

Students typically complete a bachelor’s degree before pursuing an MBA.

The best business degree depends on career goals. Finance and accounting may align with analytical roles, while marketing and management may align with leadership and strategy-focused careers. Learn more about the different types of business degrees.

The business degrees that pay the most are typically roles such as financial manager, executive leadership and senior operations management. These often report higher median wages, though compensation varies by industry and experience.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024):

•    Financial managers median annual wage: $156,100
•    Management occupations median annual wage: $122,090

Employment growth varies by occupation, but many business-related roles are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034, due to organizational expansion, globalization and technological advancement.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

A business degree may provide long-term value for individuals seeking leadership roles, career mobility and earning potential above the national median wage. Because business skills apply across industries, graduates may have diverse employment opportunities.

Return on investment varies depending on career path, industry and level of education. 

• According to the BLS, there are 942,500 new jobs estimated to open for business and financial operations occupations from 2024 to 2034.^{(See disclaimer 4)}
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial occupations have a median annual wage of $80,920 as of May 2024.^{(See disclaimer 5)} 
   

Yes, Grand Canyon University offers business degree programs in flexible learning formats, including fully online options. Students may choose from a range of business degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, depending on their academic and career goals. Program availability and format options may vary by degree and emphasis.