With the rise of affordable, accredited online education, many platforms now offer online business courses with transferable college credit , helping you save time and money on your degree.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best online business courses that provide college credit , how they work, and why they’re a smart choice for your academic and career goals.
Why Choose Online Business Courses with College Credit?
- ✅ Save money : Earn credits at a fraction of traditional tuition costs.
- ✅ Flexible learning : Study anytime, anywhere.
- ✅ Accelerate your degree : Finish faster by taking more courses per term.
- ✅ Transferable credits : Many are accepted at regionally accredited colleges.
- ✅ Real-world skills : Learn practical business knowledge alongside your degree.
Top Platforms Offering Online Business Courses with College Credit
1. StraighterLine Business Courses
- Popular Courses : Intro to Business, Principles of Management, Business Communications
- Cost : $59/month + $39 course fee
- Transfer Credits : Accepted by over 150 colleges including Bellevue University and Fort Hays State University
- Accreditation : Partner colleges are regionally accredited
2. Study.com Business Courses
- Popular Courses : Business Ethics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Accounting
- Cost : $199.99/month (unlimited access)
- Transfer Credits : Credentialed through ACE and recommended for up to 3 credits per course
- Partner Colleges : Includes Western Governors University, Excelsior College
3. Saylor Academy Business Courses
- Popular Courses : Principles of Management, Introduction to Marketing, Microeconomics
- Cost : Free
- Transfer Credits : ACE-recommended for up to 3 credits each
- Note : Always confirm credit transfer with your institution
4. Cleary University – Online Undergraduate Business Courses
- Popular Courses : Business Law, Finance, Strategic Management
- Cost : Affordable per credit hour
- Transfer Credits : Directly transferable within partner institutions
- Accreditation : Regionally accredited by HLC
5. Excelsior College Business Courses
- Popular Courses : Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, Business Strategy
- Cost : Per credit-hour tuition
- Transfer Credits : Self-paced and fully transferable
- Accreditation : Regionally accredited
6. Western Governors University (WGU)
- Popular Courses : Included in full business degree programs
- Cost : Flat-rate tuition per term
- Transfer Credits : WGU accepts prior learning assessments and transfer credits
- Accreditation : Fully accredited and competency-based
How to Transfer Online Course Credits
- Check Accreditation : Ensure both the course provider and your college accept transfer credits.
- Review Your Degree Plan : Speak with an advisor about which courses fit your major or electives.
- Request Official Transcript : After completing the course, ask for a transcript from the issuing institution.
- Submit for Approval : Follow your school’s process to get the course approved for transfer.
- Track Completion : Some schools require you to complete a minimum number of credits directly with them.
Example: Business Courses You Can Take & Transfer
| Course Title | Platform | Credit Hours | Transferable To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Management | Saylor Academy | 3 | Most U.S. colleges |
| Intro to Business | StraighterLine | 3 | Over 150 colleges |
| Financial Accounting | Study.com | 3 | WGU, Excelsior, others |
| Business Law | Cleary University | 3 | Regional schools |
| Entrepreneurship | Study.com | 3 | ACE-approved |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do online business courses really give college credit?
A: Yes! Many platforms partner with accredited institutions or are ACE-recommended, allowing you to earn transferable credits.
Q: Which colleges accept these online business course credits?
A: Institutions like Western Governors University , Bellevue University , Fort Hays State , and many others accept credits from providers like StraighterLine, Study.com, and Saylor Academy.
Q: Are these courses self-paced?
A: Most are — especially those offered through StraighterLine, Study.com, and Saylor Academy.
Q: How much do these courses cost compared to traditional classes?
A: A typical 3-credit online business course can cost between $150–$600 , compared to $1,000–$3,000 at a traditional university.
Q: Will these courses appear on my official transcript?
A: Yes, if you take them through a credit-granting institution or transfer them successfully after completion.
