Best Business Degrees in Maricopa

Best Business Degrees in Maricopa (2026 Guide)

Choosing the right business degree in Maricopa can shape your career trajectory, income potential, and long-term flexibility. With multiple colleges across the Maricopa Community College District and university transfer pathways, students have strong, affordable options. This guide ranks and compares the best programs based on academic quality, flexibility, cost, transfer pathways, and career outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Maricopa Community Colleges offer some of the most affordable and flexible business degrees in Arizona.
• Top programs include Associate in Business (ABUS), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), and specialized certificates in management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
• Strong university transfer pathways allow seamless transition to ASU and other Arizona universities.
• Online and hybrid options make it possible to work while earning your degree.
• Business graduates in Arizona earn median salaries ranging from $45,000 to over $95,000 depending on specialization.

How We Ranked the Best Business Degrees in Maricopa

Programs were evaluated based on:

• Tuition and affordability
• Transfer opportunities to four-year universities
• Available specializations
• Online and flexible learning formats
• Career pathways and earning potential
• Reputation within the Maricopa Community College District

Top Business Degree Programs in Maricopa

1. Associate in Business, General Requirements (ABUS-GR)

Best for: Students planning to transfer to a university for a bachelor’s degree in business.

The Associate in Business (ABUS) is the most versatile and popular business pathway in Maricopa. Offered across multiple colleges in the district, this degree fulfills lower-division requirements for transfer to Arizona State University and other public universities.

Why it stands out:

• Designed for seamless transfer
• Covers accounting, economics, business law, marketing, and statistics
• Available online and in-person
• Significantly lower tuition than starting at a university

Career paths after transfer: Finance, marketing, management, supply chain, entrepreneurship.

2. Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business

Best for: Students who want a four-year applied degree without leaving the community college system.

Select Maricopa colleges offer BAS programs for students who have completed an associate degree and want advanced leadership or management training.

Advantages:

• Built for working professionals
• Emphasis on real-world application
• Leadership, project management, and operations focus
• Often available in hybrid or online formats

This degree is ideal for students already employed in business settings who want advancement into supervisory or management roles.

3. Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Business

Best for: Students entering the workforce immediately after graduation.

Unlike the ABUS transfer degree, the AAS is career-focused and skill-driven. Coursework emphasizes practical business skills such as bookkeeping, management, marketing strategy, and small business operations.

Specializations may include:

• Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Retail management
• Organizational leadership

This option is ideal for students who want employable skills in two years.

4. Business Certificates (Short-Term Options)

Best for: Career advancement or skill specialization.

Maricopa colleges offer certificate programs in:

• Small Business Entrepreneurship
• Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Business Management
• Marketing
• Human Resources

Certificates typically take less than one year to complete and can often stack into associate degrees.

Best Maricopa Colleges for Business Degrees

CollegeTop Business ProgramsOnline OptionsBest ForMesa Community CollegeABUS, AAS, CertificatesYesTransfer pathwaysPhoenix CollegeABUS, BASYesWorking professionalsScottsdale Community CollegeABUS, EntrepreneurshipYesSmall business focusChandler-Gilbert Community CollegeABUS, AASYesFlexible schedulesGlendale Community CollegeABUS, ManagementYesLeadership training

Tuition and ROI: What to Expect

One of the biggest advantages of earning a business degree in Maricopa is affordability.

• In-district tuition: Typically among the lowest in Arizona
• Lower total cost: Completing the first two years locally can save thousands before transferring to a university
• Financial aid access: FAFSA, scholarships, and workforce grants available

According to labor market data for Arizona:

• Business Operations Specialists earn median salaries around $65,000 annually.
• Accountants and Auditors earn approximately $75,000 or more depending on experience.
• General and Operations Managers can exceed $95,000 annually.
• Marketing specialists typically start between $50,000 and $60,000.

When compared to the relatively low tuition costs of Maricopa colleges, the return on investment is strong, especially for students who transfer into bachelor’s programs.

Specializations That Increase Earning Potential

Management and Leadership

Prepares students for supervisory roles in retail, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.

Entrepreneurship

Ideal for students launching startups or small businesses in Arizona’s growing economy.

Accounting

High demand field with strong salary growth. Pairs well with later CPA pursuit.

Marketing and Digital Marketing

Growing opportunity in social media management, content strategy, and e-commerce.

Supply Chain and Operations

Arizona’s logistics growth creates strong demand for trained operations professionals.

Online Business Degrees in Maricopa

Flexibility is a major strength of Maricopa’s system.

• Fully online ABUS pathways
• Hybrid BAS programs
• Evening and part-time scheduling
• Accelerated certificate options

Online programs maintain the same accreditation and academic standards as in-person courses, making them ideal for working adults.

Associate vs Bachelor’s: Which Degree Is Right for You?

Choose an Associate Degree If:

• You want a cost-effective start
• You plan to transfer later
• You want workforce-ready skills within two years

Choose a Bachelor’s Degree If:

• You are targeting management or executive roles
• You want higher long-term earning potential
• You need a four-year credential for career advancement

Many students begin with an associate degree and transition into a bachelor’s program while working, maximizing flexibility and affordability.

Career Outlook for Business Graduates in Maricopa

Maricopa County is one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the Southwest. Growth sectors include:

• Technology and startups
• Healthcare administration
• Logistics and distribution
• Retail and hospitality management
• Finance and banking

The diversity of industries means business graduates are not locked into one niche. Skills learned in accounting, management, marketing, and operations transfer across sectors.

How to Choose the Best Business Degree in Maricopa

Ask yourself:

• Do I want immediate employment or long-term advancement?
• Will I transfer to a four-year university?
• Do I need online flexibility?
• What specialization aligns with local job demand?

Schedule advising appointments with at least two colleges before enrolling. Ask about graduation rates, transfer agreements, internship partnerships, and career counseling services.

The best business degree in Maricopa depends on your career goals, budget, and timeline. With strong transfer pathways, flexible online formats, and high return on investment, Maricopa’s business programs provide one of the most practical and accessible routes into Arizona’s growing economy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Degrees in Maricopa

What is the best business degree to start with in Maricopa?

If you plan to earn a bachelor’s in business, the Associate in Business, General Requirements (ABUS-GR) is usually the best starting point. It is built for transfer to Arizona State University and other Arizona universities and keeps your options open for majors like management, marketing, or finance.

What is the difference between ABUS and AAS in Business?

The ABUS is a transfer degree that covers general business courses so you can move into a four-year business program. The AAS in Business is more career-focused and is designed to give you job-ready skills in about two years, often without planning for university transfer.

Can you complete a business degree online in Maricopa?

Yes. Many Maricopa colleges offer fully online ABUS pathways, hybrid Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs, and online certificates in areas like management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. These online options follow the same academic standards as in-person programs and work well if you need to study while working.

How much can you earn with a business degree from a Maricopa college?

Arizona labor market data shows that many business roles pay solid mid-career wages. Business operations specialists often earn around $65,000 per year, while accountants and auditors are closer to $75,000. General and operations managers can earn $95,000 or more, and marketing specialists often start between $50,000 and $60,000 annually. When you compare these salaries to Maricopa’s lower tuition, the long-term return can be strong.

Which Maricopa college is best for transferring into a university business program?

Several Maricopa colleges have strong ABUS transfer pathways. Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Glendale Community College, Phoenix College, and Scottsdale Community College all offer ABUS programs with links to Arizona State University and other public universities. Your best choice depends on your location, schedule needs, and preferred specialization.

How do you choose between an associate and a bachelor’s in business?

Choose an associate degree if you want a lower-cost start, plan to transfer later, or want job-ready skills within about two years. Choose a bachelor’s if you are aiming for management roles, higher long-term earnings, or jobs that list a four-year degree as a requirement. Many students begin with an ABUS or AAS and then move into a BAS or university bachelor’s while working.