Best Business Degrees in Peoria, Arizona

Best Business Degrees in Peoria, Arizona

Peoria, Arizona is part of the fast-growing Phoenix metropolitan area, making it a strategic location to earn a business degree. With major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, technology, and logistics across Maricopa County, students have access to real-world internships and strong post-graduation career prospects.

Key Takeaways

• Peoria students can access top-tier business degrees through nearby accredited universities and community colleges.
• Options include associate, bachelor’s, MBA, and fully online business programs.
• Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University offer nationally ranked and accredited programs within commuting distance.
• Community colleges provide affordable pathways to four-year business degrees.
• Business graduates in the Phoenix metro area earn median salaries ranging from $55,000 to $120,000+, depending on specialization and experience.

How We Evaluated the Best Business Degrees

To determine the top business degrees available to Peoria residents, we assessed institutions based on:

• Accreditation and academic reputation
• Graduation and retention rates
• Program flexibility including online and hybrid formats
• Affordability and return on investment
• Access to internships and local employer connections
• Career outcomes and salary potential

All schools listed below hold regional accreditation, and business programs highlighted include respected accreditations such as AACSB or ACBSP when applicable.

Top Business Degree Programs Near Peoria, AZ

SchoolDegree OptionsFormatNotable StrengthArizona State University (ASU)BS, BA, MBA, Specialized Master'sIn-Person & OnlineAACSB-accredited, nationally rankedGrand Canyon University (GCU)BS, MBA, DBAHybrid & OnlineFlexible scheduling for working adultsMidwestern University (Business-related admin programs)Healthcare ManagementIn-PersonHealthcare business focusGlendale Community CollegeAssociate in BusinessIn-Person & OnlineAffordable transfer pathwayRio Salado CollegeAssociate in BusinessFully OnlineFlexible and low cost

1. Arizona State University – W. P. Carey School of Business

Why It Stands Out

Located within commuting distance of Peoria, ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business is the most prestigious option available locally. It is AACSB-accredited, a gold standard held by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide.

Popular Degrees

• Bachelor of Science in Business
• BS in Supply Chain Management
• BS in Finance
• Business Data Analytics
• MBA and Executive MBA

Career Outcomes

ASU business graduates consistently report strong employment outcomes. Graduates entering consulting, finance, and tech sectors often earn starting salaries above $70,000, with MBA graduates frequently exceeding six figures within a few years.

ASU maintains strong ties with Phoenix-area employers including Banner Health, Intel, American Express, and Honeywell, providing valuable internship pipelines.

2. Grand Canyon University – Colangelo College of Business

Flexible for Working Adults

Grand Canyon University, located in Phoenix, is a private institution known for accommodating working professionals. Programs are available in evening, online, and hybrid formats.

Degree Options

• Bachelor of Science in Business Management
• Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurial Studies
• Master of Business Administration
• Doctor of Business Administration

GCU’s Colangelo College of Business emphasizes ethical leadership and entrepreneurial thinking. For Peoria residents balancing work and family, GCU’s flexible scheduling makes degree completion realistic and efficient.

Return on Investment

While private tuition is higher than public universities, generous transfer policies and scholarship opportunities can reduce total costs. Many graduates advance quickly into management roles in Arizona’s growing small-business sector.

3. Glendale Community College – Affordable Business Pathway

Located minutes from Peoria, Glendale Community College provides an Associate in Business degree designed to transfer seamlessly to Arizona public universities.

Why Choose GCC?

• Significantly lower tuition compared to four-year institutions
• Smaller class sizes
• Established transfer agreements with ASU

This pathway is ideal for cost-conscious students who want to complete general education and foundational business coursework before pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

4. Rio Salado College – Fully Online Business Degree

Rio Salado College serves students who require maximum flexibility. Its Associate in Business program is delivered fully online and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

For Peoria residents working full time or managing family responsibilities, Rio Salado provides rolling start dates and affordable tuition options, keeping education accessible.

Choosing the Right Business Degree

Best Specializations for Arizona’s Job Market

The Phoenix metropolitan economy is expanding rapidly. According to regional employment data, some of the strongest business-related growth sectors include:

• Healthcare administration
• Supply chain and logistics
• Financial services
• Real estate and construction management
• Data analytics

Supply chain management is particularly strong due to Arizona’s distribution hubs and proximity to major trade corridors. Finance and real estate also remain high-demand sectors throughout Maricopa County.

Online vs In-Person

Online programs offer flexibility and often lower costs. In-person programs provide networking, campus resources, and internship access. Hybrid formats combine both benefits, making them increasingly popular among Peoria students.

AACSB vs ACBSP Accreditation

If you plan to pursue competitive corporate roles or a future doctorate, an AACSB-accredited degree such as those offered at ASU may carry additional weight. ACBSP-accredited programs focus heavily on teaching quality and practical application.

Expected Salary After Graduation

Business degrees provide strong earning potential across multiple fields. While salaries vary by specialization and experience, common ranges in the Phoenix metro area include:

• Business Operations Analyst: $60,000 to $85,000
• Financial Analyst: $65,000 to $95,000
• Marketing Manager: $75,000 to $120,000
• Supply Chain Manager: $80,000 to $115,000
• General and Operations Manager: $95,000+

Advanced degrees such as an MBA can accelerate advancement into executive roles and significantly increase long-term earning potential.

Community College vs Four-Year University

Community College Pros

• Lower tuition
• Smaller classes
• Easy transfer pathways

University Pros

• Stronger employer recruiting networks
• Internship and research opportunities
• Recognized brand reputation

For many Peoria residents, starting at a community college and transferring to a university such as ASU creates the optimal balance of affordability and prestige.

How to Apply to Business Programs in Peoria

1. Submit official transcripts from high school or prior college.
2. Meet GPA requirements, typically 2.5 to 3.5 depending on competitiveness.
3. Complete prerequisite math and English coursework.
4. Submit FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility.
5. Apply for scholarships offered by each institution.

Application deadlines vary, but Arizona universities generally offer fall, spring, and sometimes summer entry points.

Is a Business Degree in Peoria Worth It?

With rapid economic growth across the Phoenix metro region, earning a business degree in or near Peoria positions graduates for strong career mobility. The combination of affordable education pathways, nationally respected universities, and a thriving job market makes Peoria an excellent place to launch a business career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Degrees in Peoria, Arizona

What business degree options can you get near Peoria, AZ?

You can earn associate, bachelor’s, MBA, and even doctoral-level business degrees near Peoria. ASU and GCU offer full business programs, while Glendale Community College and Rio Salado College provide associate degrees that transfer to four-year universities.

Which schools near Peoria have accredited business programs?

Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business is AACSB-accredited. Grand Canyon University, Glendale Community College, and Rio Salado College all hold regional accreditation, and many of their business programs carry specialized business accreditations such as ACBSP.

Is it cheaper to start at a community college in Peoria for business?

Yes. Starting at Glendale Community College or Rio Salado College usually costs less than enrolling first at a four-year university. You can finish your associate degree, then transfer those credits to schools like ASU to complete your bachelor’s in business.

What business majors fit the Phoenix and Peoria job market?

Strong options include supply chain management, healthcare administration, finance, real estate, logistics, and data analytics. These fields match major local employers in healthcare, manufacturing, tech, and distribution across the Phoenix metro area.

How much can you expect to earn with a business degree in Phoenix?

Many business roles in the Phoenix area offer median salaries from about $55,000 to over $120,000, depending on the role and your experience. For example, financial analysts often earn $65,000–$95,000, while marketing and supply chain managers can reach $75,000–$115,000 or more.