There’s no fixed or standard definition of non-traditional students, nor is it easy to define them. Every college has its specific definition, and the NCES has its three-point definition.

The generally accepted definition of non-traditional students includes:

• Older students (i.e., those 25 years old and above)
• Parents (i.e., having one or more dependent children or single parents)
• Part-time students
• Working a full-time job (i.e., working adults or working professionals)
• Career changers or shifters
• Active-duty military personnel and veterans

From the definition, non-traditional students comprise 75% of the college population (NCES, 2015).

Many of them prefer to enroll in business degrees for non-traditional students. These programs offer flexibility, affordability, and quality, along with relevant education. Business degrees rank #1 in the most popular undergraduate degrees conferred, too.

If you’re interested to know more about these business degrees, read on. We’ll help you find the best-value business degrees that fit real-life commitments. We selected them based on their affordability, online or hybrid availability, and career support.

Related:

• Top Business Degrees with High ROI and Low Tuition
• Online Business Degrees Offering Great Value
• Best Undergraduate Business Schools
• Top Cheap Online Business Degree Programs

What Makes a Business Program Ideal for Non-Traditional Students?

The best programs offering business degrees for non-traditional students have these key traits.

Flexibility

Asynchronous courses, hybrid learning formats, and evening or weekend options are best.

Affordability

Cost is a significant concern, especially with tuition inflation at 3.63% per year on average. Business programs with lower tuition and financial aid options are best.

Accelerated options

Fast-track programs result in reduced cost of attendance and opportunity costs.

Career support services and resources

Students have effective access to job placement services, internships, and professional development opportunities.

Transfer-friendly policies

The best programs have generous credit acceptance from various sources. These include prior college work, relevant work experience, and military experience.

Top 10 Best Value Business Degree Programs for Non-Traditional Students

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah

WGU’s flexible business degree programs have all the features of the best programs. Fully online, competency-based, and low-cost are realities, not just buzzwords.

• Degree Offered: BS in Business Management
• Tuition: $3,920/six-month term
• Format: 100% online
• Key Features:
  • Competency-based learning model
  • Flat-rate tuition
  • Strong emphasis on real-world business knowledge and skills
• Job Outcomes/ROI:  Strong employment outcomes in business administration and management roles

University of Florida Online

Gainesville, Florida

UF Online offers nationally recognized online business degrees for adults at a public tuition.

• Degrees Offered:

• BA in Business Administration
• BS in Business Administration
• Tuition: $3,876/6-month term (in-state); $16,580/term (out-of-state)
• Format: 100% online with flexible schedules
• Key Features:
  • AACSB-accredited
  • Extensive career services and alumni network
• Job Outcomes/ROI:
  • About two-thirds of graduates have no student loan debt
  • Graduates enjoy $52,032/year in median salary

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

SNHU offers the best value business degrees, featuring affordable tuition and high returns.

• Degree Offered: BS in Business Administration
• Tuition: $39,600 total
• Format: 100% online, highly flexible schedules, allows for accelerated completion
• Key Features:
  • Generous transfer policy (i.e., up to 90 credits)
  • Up to 30% military discounts
  • Comprehensive career support services
• Job Outcomes/ROI:  Graduates have working business skills for business and finance roles.

Arizona State University Online

Tempe, Arizona

ASU Online offers reputable and affordable business degrees for working adults.

• Degree Offered: BA in Business with concentrations in Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and International Business, among others
• Tuition: $67,320 total
• Format: 100% online with flexible scheduling
• Key Features:
  • AACSB-accredited
  • Offers multiple concentrations to suit specific career goals
  • Effective student and career support services 
• Job Outcomes/ROI:  Graduates enjoy $65,839/year in median wages

University of Massachusetts -Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

UMass Amherst is known for the quality of its business degrees for part-time students.

• Degree Offered: BBA with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, and Management, among others
• Tuition: $16,500/year
• Format: 100% online with asynchronous courses
• Key Features:
  • AACSB-accredited
  • Designed for degree completion
  • Comprehensive virtual support services
• Strong industry connections
• Job Outcomes/ROI:  About 92% of graduates find employment within six months after graduation

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey

TESU’s accelerated business degree programs offer adult-focused instruction.

• Degree Offered: BS in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, and Marketing, among others
• Tuition: $427/credit (in-state); $556/credit (out-of-state)
• Format:  100% online with asynchronous courses
• Key Features:
  • Designed for degree completion
  • Generous transfer credit policy (i.e., up to 90 credits)
  • Effective student support and career services
• Job Outcomes/ROI: Graduates enjoy $69,150/year in median wages at top organizations.

Colorado State University Global

Denver, Colorado

CSU Global is among the best choices for business degrees for career changers.

• Degree Offered: BS in Business Management
• Tuition: $375/credit
• Format: 100% online with asynchronous courses, 8-week terms, and year-round start dates
• Key Features:
  • Offers a Tuition Guarantee
  • Provides easy access to career services
  • Transfer-friendly policy (i.e., up to 90 credits)
• Job Outcomes/ROI: Graduates report $40,000/year in average salary increase

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, Indiana

Purdue Global’s career-aligned, adult-friendly business programs are also affordable.

• Degree Offered: BS in Business Administration
• Tuition: $2,500/term ExcelTrack; the traditional track has a different cost
• Format: 100% online, self-paced ExcelTrack and traditional term-based track
• Key Features:
  • Competency-based learning (i.e., ExcelTrack)
  • PLA credits available
  • Three-week trial period
• Job Outcomes/ROI:
  • Graduates report $57,308/year in median wages
  • Respected degree program among employers

Excelsior University

Albany, New York

Check out its online bachelor’s in business for non-traditional students, too.

• Degree Offered: BS in Business with concentrations in Finance, General Accounting, and General Business, among others
• Tuition: $350/credit
• Format: Fully online, asynchronous courses
• Key Features:
  • Prior learning credits accepted; designed for degree completion
  • Self-paced learning format
  • Dedicated advisors available
• Job Outcomes/ROI:
  • Graduates report $65,839/year in median wages
  • 70% of recent graduates are full-time employees

Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Bellevue offers affordable, adult-learner-focused business education.

• Degree Offered: BS in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, and Human Resources, and more
• Tuition: $449/credit for regular students; $250/credit for military and veteran students
• Format: 100% online, asynchronous and accelerated courses
• Key Features:
  • IACBE-accredited
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Dedicated student support team
• Job Outcomes/ROI:  About 90% of recent graduates are employed within six months post-graduation

Types of Business Degrees That Work Best for Adults

The beauty of business degrees for non-traditional students is their diversity. You must choose based on your interests and goals.

• General business administration degrees are versatile degrees (i.e., diverse industry applications).
• Management degrees are for mid-level professionals looking to advance in their careers.
• Accounting and finance degrees provide high returns on investment and in-demand skills, too.
• Marketing degrees offer creative and flexible career paths.
• Human resource management degrees are best suited for individuals who enjoy interacting with people.
• Project management degrees are ideal for veterans and those seeking a career change.

Online vs. Hybrid vs. Accelerated: Choosing the Right Format

Here’s a brief guide about the pros and cons of online, hybrid, and accelerated programs.

Online programs are best for full-time workers and parents.

Pros:

• Learn from anywhere at any time via asynchronous courses
• Time and money savings (i.e., no commute)
• Allow for more work-life-study balance

Cons:

• Strong time management skills and self-discipline are necessary
• Less face-to-face interactions
• Limited hands-on learning and networking opportunities

Hybrid programs are great options for local students. You’ll find a mix of in-person and online classes.

Pros:

• Combines flexible online learning with face-to-face instruction
• More in-person networking and hands-on learning opportunities
• Structured schedule

Cons:

• Requires traveling to campus
• Isn’t suitable for students with unpredictable schedules

Accelerated programs are ideal for motivated students with transferable credits. You can

Pros:

• Finish in 12-18 months
• Faster workforce entry or career advancement
• Lower cost of attendance and opportunity cost

Cons:

• Fast pace isn’t for the lazy
• Not ideal for students with heavy work responsibilities or unpredictable schedules

Ask yourself these questions to make the right choice.

• What’s your current lifestyle and schedule? How flexible is it?
• Which do you prefer – structured or self-paced classes?
• How quickly do you want to earn your degree?

Select the format that suits your lifestyle, budget, and learning style.

How to Maximize Value as a Non-Traditional Student

• Transfer in as many credits as possible. An associate’s degree is a great example.
• Use CLEP and PLA for credits, too.
• Seek out employer tuition reimbursement programs.
• Apply for scholarships for adult learners. Start with Alpha Sigma Lambda and Imagine America Foundation.
• Choose regionally accredited programs with strong career services.

Conclusion

It’s never too late to earn one of the business degrees for non-traditional students! Education, after all, is a lifelong opportunity that should be taken advantage of. Not only will you enjoy career advancement, but you’ll love your personal growth, too.

Plus, you don’t have to worry too much about the cost. Affordable and flexible business degree programs are more accessible than ever.

Begin by exploring the official program websites and comparing the costs. Then, take action by enrolling in the best program for your needs.

You must also explore the useful resources on Value Colleges. Here, we offer information on ROI rankings, degree comparisons, and scholarships.