Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Small Business

“Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” -Anon. MBA student, quoted in Entrepreneur Magazine

There’s nothing quite like being your own boss. You make all the decisions, take all the risks, and reap all the rewards. It’s an exhilarating ride to be sure, and for many people the dream of owning their own business is all-consuming. They’re sick of making other people rich, and they’re ready to put all that hard work into making themselves some money!

If you’re one of the people who have always dreamed of being self-employed, then getting a small business associate degree is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Why? Well, the Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that over 50% of new businesses close their first year. Of the ones that are left, 90% will close in the next five years.

Yes, the numbers are sobering, but don’t let that discourage you. One of the main reasons why so many businesses fail is because people go into business without the skills they need to succeed. They don’t know how to manage their books, or place inventory orders, or manage their cash flow. They don’t know how to market their business, and how to provide excellent customer service. It’s no wonder that so many fail!

This is why getting a small business associate degree is such a great idea. If you want your business to succeed then there’s no better way to learn how to do it than by going to school.

With a small business associate degree you’ll learn things like:

Inventory management
Economics
Small business Accounting
Sales and marketing
Customer service
How to write a business plan
How to pursue financing
How to manage cash flow
Business ethics
Communication
Business Strategy
And much more

Many entrepreneurs do not have training in these areas, so going to school to get your small business associate degree will go a long way to helping ensure your success.

Now, it’s impossible to say just how much you can earn with this degree. Everything depends on what kind of business you start, and where you start it. But, we can say this. Most people do not get rich working for other people. Most of the millionaires in the country are self-employed, and they’re making the big bucks because they built their businesses and never gave up.

Make no mistake: entrepreneurship takes a lot of hard work, dedication, persistence, and business skills. But, by going to get your small business associate degree you’ll be learning a lot of the skills you need to know. If you work hard and don’t give up, chances are pretty good that you’ll make it happen. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction in knowing that you created a living for yourself, instead of working for someone else!

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information