Best colleges for Business/Commerce
A program that focuses on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and nonprofit public and private institutions and agencies.
806 U.S. institutions graduated 60,975 Business/Commerce students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 52.0101, a specialization of Business/Commerce (CIP 52.01), and leads most directly to the General and Operations Managers occupation (BLS SOC 11-1021).
About Business/Commerce programs
A program that focuses on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and nonprofit public and private institutions and agencies. The programs may prepare individuals to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Business/Commerce program offers a comprehensive study of business principles, focusing on the processes involved in the exchange of goods and services. This program is designed for individuals interested in understanding business organization and accounting in both profit-making and nonprofit sectors. It prepares students to apply essential business techniques across various occupational settings.
Students in the Business/Commerce program will develop core skills in areas such as administration, customer service, critical thinking, and communication. Coursework typically includes topics related to management, financial analysis, and operational strategies, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary to succeed in diverse business environments.
Credentials awarded
What Business/Commerce graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree26,696 graduates / yr · 335 institutions44%
- Associate's degree19,578 graduates / yr · 443 institutions32%
- Master's degree7,726 graduates / yr · 107 institutions13%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year4,657 graduates / yr · 135 institutions7.6%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1,506 graduates / yr · 79 institutions2.5%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate432 graduates / yr · 29 institutions0.7%
- Award of less than 12 weeks175 graduates / yr · 6 institutions0.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship141 graduates / yr · 19 institutions0.2%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice30 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years19 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.0%
- Post-master's certificate10 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.0%
- Doctor's degree - other5 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Business/Commerce completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 58,624 |
| 2013 | 58,386 |
| 2014 | 55,626 |
| 2015 | 56,320 |
| 2016 | 56,975 |
| 2017 | 57,418 |
| 2018 | 57,452 |
| 2019 | 57,407 |
| 2020 | 55,113 |
| 2021 | 55,207 |
| 2022 | 55,830 |
| 2023 | 56,462 |
| 2024 | 57,137 |
| 2025 | 60,975 |
Top 50 institutions for Business/Commerce, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field starting salary* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, INPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert.DoctoralAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 3,769 | 80% | — | $71,100 |
| 2 | DeVry University - Illinois Lisle, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sBachelor's | 1,655 | 37% | $32,381 | $43,716 |
| 3 | Strayer University - Global Region Washington, DCPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 1,258 | 14% | $18,144 | $55,431 |
| 4 | Northeastern University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 1,250 | 91% | $18,925 | $74,868 |
| 5 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 1,128 | 68% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MOPublicBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 1,058 | 75% | — | $55,999 |
| 7 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicAssociate's | 832 | 21% | — | $32,376 |
| 8 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 794 | 78% | — | $45,050 |
| 9 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate'sPost-degree cert. | 789 | 57% | $10,199 | $44,027 |
| 10 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAssociate's | 700 | 30% | — | $33,572 |
| 11 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 608 | 54% | — | $52,467 |
| 12 | Strayer University - Georgia Chamblee, GAPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 607 | 21% | $18,224 | $55,431 |
| 13 | University of Oregon Eugene, ORPublicBachelor's | 598 | 72% | — | $46,897 |
| 14 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KYPublicMaster's | 463 | 52% | — | $48,654 |
| 15 | Montana State University Bozeman, MTPublicBachelor's | 456 | 57% | — | $48,164 |
| 16 | Montgomery College Rockville, MDPublicAssociate's | 433 | 32% | — | $29,449 |
| 17 | Strayer University - North Carolina Greensboro, NCPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 423 | 33% | — | $55,431 |
| 18 | University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, MOPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 406 | 57% | — | $48,928 |
| 19 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 404 | 71% | — | $49,431 |
| 20 | University of Louisville Louisville, KYPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 391 | 61% | — | — |
| 21 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAssociate's | 390 | 20% | — | $43,267 |
| 22 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 371 | 35% | — | — |
| 23 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 365 | 32% | — | $34,095 |
| 24 | Boise State University Boise, IDPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 358 | 60% | — | $45,318 |
| 25 | University of Maine at Presque Isle Presque Isle, MEPublicBachelor's | 348 | 52% | — | — |
| 26 | Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsDoctoral | 348 | 63% | — | $51,669 |
| 27 | Columbia College Columbia, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate's | 345 | 42% | $23,247 | $48,329 |
| 28 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WIPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 343 | 59% | — | $49,965 |
| 29 | University of South Florida Tampa, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 341 | 77% | — | $45,357 |
| 30 | Strayer University - Virginia Arlington, VAPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate'sMaster's | 340 | 36% | — | $55,431 |
| 31 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 338 | 69% | — | — |
| 32 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 335 | 16% | — | — |
| 33 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sDoctoral | 334 | 69% | — | $49,339 |
| 34 | South Texas College McAllen, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 334 | 27% | — | $24,738 |
| 35 | Strayer University - Texas Farmers Branch, TXPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 327 | 25% | $17,518 | $55,431 |
| 36 | Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, GAPublicBachelor's | 314 | 21% | — | $39,700 |
| 37 | Long Beach City College Long Beach, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 313 | 30% | — | — |
| 38 | Empire State University Saratoga Springs, NYPublicBachelor'sAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 310 | 41% | — | $57,225 |
| 39 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 309 | 62% | — | $46,550 |
| 40 | Strayer University - South Carolina Greenville, SCPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 301 | 17% | $22,134 | $55,431 |
| 41 | Gonzaga University Spokane, WAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 296 | 86% | $30,006 | $54,540 |
| 42 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster'sDoctoral | 294 | 90% | — | — |
| 43 | University of Mississippi University, MSPublicBachelor's | 290 | 72% | — | $39,464 |
| 44 | Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sMaster's | 288 | 49% | $17,436 | $47,821 |
| 45 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor'sAssociate'sPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 273 | 34% | — | $45,110 |
| 46 | University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MOPublicBachelor's | 266 | 55% | — | $48,603 |
| 47 | Post University Waterbury, CTPrivate for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 264 | 25% | $14,659 | — |
| 48 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 264 | 29% | — | $43,359 |
| 49 | The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, ALPublicBachelor's | 262 | 73% | — | — |
| 50 | College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, NYPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 255 | 34% | — | $29,736 |
* Field starting salary (1 yr): median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Business/Commerce field (CIP 52.01) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 53 states & territories
Where Business/Commerce graduates come from. Each state links to all Business/Commerce programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-1021, General and Operations Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Business/Commerce program can pursue careers as General and Operations Managers, Management Analysts, and Sales Managers, among others. The job outlook for these roles is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.4% and approximately 308,700 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $102,950, with a typical education requirement of a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 52.0101
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
General and Operations Managersprimary SOC 11-1021 | $105,770 | +4.4% About as fast as average | ~308,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Managers, All Other SOC 11-9199 | $141,900 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~106,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Management Analysts SOC 13-1111 | $101,860 | +8.8% Much faster than average | ~98,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Project Management Specialists SOC 13-1082 | $102,320 | +5.6% Faster than average | ~78,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Sales Managers SOC 11-2022 | $148,270 | +4.7% About as fast as average | ~49,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Construction Managers SOC 11-9021 | $114,990 | +8.7% Much faster than average | ~46,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Administrative Services Managers SOC 11-3012 | $114,130 | +4.6% About as fast as average | ~23,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Chief Executives SOC 11-1011 | $213,990 | +4.3% About as fast as average | ~22,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Social and Community Service Managers SOC 11-9151 | $80,390 | +6.4% Faster than average | ~18,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers SOC 11-3071 | $107,230 | +6.1% Faster than average | ~18,500 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Industrial Production Managers SOC 11-3051 | $126,060 | +1.9% Little or no change | ~17,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Cost Estimators SOC 13-1051 | $78,740 | -4.2% Decline | ~16,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Facilities Managers SOC 11-3013 | $106,660 | +3.8% About as fast as average | ~13,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1011 | $99,080 | +5.7% Faster than average | ~8,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling SOC 11-9072 | $79,520 | +7.7% Faster than average | ~5,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Personal Service Managers, All Other SOC 11-9179 | $69,770 | +6.5% Faster than average | ~2,100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
SOC 13-2022 | — | — | — | — |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Business/Commerce programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
- Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
- Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
- Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or Master's degree, as well as shorter awards.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a General Manager, Management Analyst, or Sales Manager, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for business graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.4% and many annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Business/Commerce?+
Business/Commerce is CIP 52.0101 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Business/Commerce (CIP 52.01). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and nonprofit public and private institutions and agencies. The programs may prepare individuals to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
How many institutions offer Business/Commerce programs?+
806 U.S. institutions reported Business/Commerce graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 53 states & territories, awarding 60,975 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Business/Commerce graduates.
How much do Business/Commerce graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The General and Operations Managers occupation, which Business/Commerce most directly leads to, pays a median of $105,770 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Business/Commerce field report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $43,757, College Scorecard.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Business/Commerce graduates, so its figures match the Business/Commerce program page.
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