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A bachelor's degree pays off. With a college degree, you can apply to more jobs and boost your salary. What's more, online options make it easier than ever to get your bachelor's.
Why should you consider an online bachelor's degree? You'll benefit from a flexible format. You can attend a top-ranked program or choose an affordable college without relocating. And today, many of the best colleges and universities offer accredited online bachelor's degrees.
Why Get a Bachelor's Degree Online?
- Many entry-level careers require a bachelor's degree.
- Data shows a bachelor's can increase your earning potential.
- A bachelor's degree can qualify you to pursue a master's or doctorate in your field.
- An online bachelor's program allows you to learn without having to commute or relocate.
- By comparing online bachelor's degrees, you can maximize transfer credits and graduate faster.
- An online format makes it easier to find an affordable program.
Did You Know?
In 2021, bachelor's degree holders earned a median weekly salary that was $525 higher than that of people with only a high school diploma. College grads make $1.6 million more than those with just a high school diploma over their lifetime. Bachelor's degree-holders had a 3.5% unemployment rate in 2021, compared with a 6.2% unemployment rate for those with only a high school diploma. College graduates live longer — compared to a high school dropout, you'll live, on average, a decade longer with a degree! In 2021, 79% of college grads said their degree helped them grow personally and intellectually.
Explore Our Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
Accreditation for Online Bachelor's Degrees
When schools are accredited, it means they've met certain academic standards. Earning an unaccredited degree can negatively affect the quality of your education and your career options.
Many employers only hire candidates with an accredited degree. An accredited online bachelor's degree meets licensure and certification requirements, whereas an unaccredited degree usually does not.
Choosing an accredited college also means you'll qualify for federal financial aid programs.
There are different types of accreditation. An online college might hold institutional accreditation, while programs at the school might hold individual programmatic accreditation.
Make sure you choose an accredited school for your online bachelor's degree.
Common Types of Online Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor of arts (BA) Bachelor of science (BS) Bachelor of fine arts (BFA) Bachelor of business administration (BBA) Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) Bachelor of science in engineering (BSE)
Top 10 Schools for Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees
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#1 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $129
Out of State | $129
Credits to Graduate: 120-124
With nearly 10 years of online learning experience, UF offers 25 online majors that put you on a path to graduate in four years — or less, depending on your prior learning credits. The university offers both part-time and full-time study options. Courses function live online and/or asynchronously, depending on the major.
Online bachelor's degrees include advertising, biology, business administration, computer science, geology, nursing, and sports management.
Studying online gives you the flexibility to start in the spring, summer, or fall. To get admitted, lower-division transfer students need 12-59 credits, while upper-division learners need at least 60 credits.
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $228
Out of State | $345
Credits to Graduate: 120
At FIU, which opened in 1972, the same instructors that teach on campus also lead online classes, which have been in session for more than 24 years, with roughly 13,000 graduates.
You can choose from more than 130 online degrees at FIU. Available majors include anthropology, computer engineering, economics, finance, hospitality management, nursing, psychology, and religious studies. The university also offers online undergraduate certificates.
Each online learner gets a success coach throughout their education. And hiring partnerships with companies such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Florida Power, and the Mitre can help get graduates jobs.
As part of the college's Affordability Counts program, online courses feature low or no-cost digital textbooks and materials, making learning remotely even more affordable.
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $390
Out of State | $390
Credits to Graduate: 120
Liberty's more than 100 online degrees — much like its in-person programs at its campus in Lynchburg, Virginia — educate the next generation of champions for Christ. Online learners can earn a bachelor's degree in one of Liberty's top 10 majors: accounting, aviation, business administration, criminal justice, elementary education, history, information technology, psychology, religion, or social work.
Many programs have no set class times. Students can choose from among eight start dates, with courses running for eight weeks at a time. No matter your major, all students complete core biblical courses, such as Christian life and biblical worldview and survey of old and new testament.
Transferring credits and applying for credits for professional training by exam lets you graduate more quickly. In fact, Liberty accepts up to 75% (90 credits) of your degree's required credits.
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $492-$552
Out of State | $492-$552
Credits to Graduate: 120
SDSU's Global Campus offers more than 12 online programs and 200 virtual courses with completely remote or hybrid formats. Online learners can study business administration, communication, criminal justice, economics, and public health, among other majors.
Many programs feature asynchronous core courses that take about two years or less to finish. For instance, the bachelor's in criminal justice degree only takes 15 months to complete the major credits. SDSU also offers hybrid bachelor's degrees in child development, civil engineering, and computer engineering. Industry experts and SDSU faculty teach courses.
Additionally, you can take online personal enrichment courses, career training programs with evening options, and personal enrichment courses in subjects such as accounting, criminal law, and technology.
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $320
Out of State | $320
Credits to Graduate: 120
Founded in 1932, SNHU boasts more than 150 online bachelor's degrees that generally have no set class times.
The most popular online majors include business administration, criminal justice, computer science, and psychology. Online learners can also study accounting and finance, art and design, business, criminal justice, education, engineering, health, and technology.
SNHU offers online students access to virtual student clubs and communities and academic support in the form of a writing center, a STEM center, peer tutoring, and 24/7 drop-in tutoring.
The college's rolling admission policy lets you start multiple times a year. There is no application fee, and you can transfer up to 90 credits.
#6 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $594
Out of State | $594
Credits to Graduate: 120
One of the oldest universities in the country, Rutgers gives you the option to earn online bachelor's degrees without traveling to New Jersey. The university has roughly 120 undergraduate majors across 19 schools.
Fully online bachelor's programs include business administration, nursing, and labor and employment relations. You can also enroll in hybrid bachelor's degrees in subjects like nursing, physician assisting, and political science.
With the support of online services, remote students can get help from peer tutors, writing tutors, academic coaches, and study groups.
#7 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $218
Out of State | $648
Credits to Graduate: 120
UWF's more than 50 online bachelor's programs in subjects such as accounting, criminal justice, and psychology typically take 2-4 years, excluding time commitments for general coursework. Transfer students can apply up to 90 credits toward an online bachelor's degree, reducing the time it takes to graduate.
Each course takes around 16 weeks to complete. UWF boasts roughly 600 online courses in its catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs; however, the exact format varies by program. You may have fully online asynchronous coursework or a blended format, which is particularly likely if your program requires in-person clinical rotations, like UWF's online RN-to-BSN program.
Out-of-state online learners can get tuition waivers and pay the same rate as Florida residents.
#8 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $442
Out of State | $1,097
Credits to Graduate: 120
Mizzou's more than 300 online programs offer a convenient and flexible education. Pursuing a bachelor's degree online at Mizzou means being able to choose from among roughly 50 majors.
Undergraduates can study subjects like business, clinical and diagnostic sciences, communication, computer science, counseling, criminal justice, cybersecurity, dental hygiene, education, nursing, and psychology. Online learners can also earn undergraduate certificates.
When you study online, you stay connected to campus through resources like learning center tutors, academic coaching, and the writing center. Online education at Mizzou requires a modern web browser, a stable internet connection, Word processing software, and adequate storage space.
#9 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $260
Out of State | $260
Credits to Graduate: 120
Founded in 1850, the U offers online undergraduate degrees that follow the campus schedule. Undergraduate majors include economics, environmental and sustainability studies, family/community and human development, financial planning, nursing, recreation and tourism, psychology, social work, and sociology. Terms last 16 weeks in the fall and spring and 12 weeks in the summer.
All campus-based resources are available to online learners. As an online student at the U, you can make virtual appointments with tutors, advisors, and student counseling services via web chat.
UOnline accepts transfer students and returning and online learners pursuing a second bachelor's degree. First-year, international, and high school students may not enroll in online degrees.
#10 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2023
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In State | $184
Out of State | $184
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students at LSU can pick from among more than 100 online degrees and certificates — all of which offer flat-rate tuition, even if you live outside Louisiana. And LSU lets online learners begin their studies at any time. Many students complete their major coursework in as little as four weeks.
Available online majors include accounting, business administration, computer science, construction management, finance, marketing, medical laboratory science, nursing, and public health.
Self-paced courses offer open enrollment to students. Note that some majors have in-person requirements. There is no maximum course load. High school students and out-of-state learners can qualify for flat-rate tuition.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost?
Without financial aid, you can expect your online bachelor's degree to cost anywhere between $40,000 and $155,000, depending on the school and location.
This four-year cost consists of tuition, required fees, books, and supplies.
Some accredited online bachelor's degrees require additional fees, like technology fees. You'll also need a laptop and may need to buy certain software depending on your major.
Fortunately, many online colleges offer free laptops and other tech discounts to students.
Popular Bachelor's Online Degrees to Check Out
How to Make an Online Bachelor's Degree More Affordable
Worried about the cost of an online bachelor's degree? There's good news: If you choose an accredited college, you can qualify for many forms of financial aid.
As an online student, you can file the FAFSA and receive federal grants and loans.
You can also apply for state and local grants, institutional aid, and private scholarships.
Here are some other ways you can save money on your online bachelor's degree:
Shop around to find affordable online colleges with low tuition rates. Consider an in-state public university, as these schools typically cost less than private institutions. Enroll in a community college to save on tuition and then transfer your credits toward a bachelor's degree. Take AP exams or enroll in dual-credit classes while in high school. Ask schools about credit-by-exam options to save time and money on your degree.
It's best to start by looking at public colleges that may offer you in-state tuition rates. Click the map below to learn more about attending an online college based in your state.
Q&A With Real Online Bachelor's Degree Students and Grads
Q: Why did you choose an online bachelor's degree?
"I had no idea at 18 what I wanted to do, so I took a few college classes and worked to figure out my career path. I was an unconventional student at 25 and needed an unconventional solution to achieving my degree."
"I chose an online bachelor's program because of the flexibility it offered me. Additionally, the online option offered me program options that wouldn't have been possible due to substantial commute times."
"I decided to go back to school for nursing but due to my location there were no options. … [The] program also allowed me to test out of certain subject areas, such as maternal health, pediatrics, and psychiatric. This saved me money and time."
Q: What's the best part of earning your degree online?
"The flexibility of the schedule! It gave me the availability to study at night while working during the day."
"Completing my coursework online allowed me to do it on my own time and in the best setting. So if I needed to get up and move around I could do so. I could complete assignments in the middle of the night. It allowed me to work full time as well."
"The best part of earning my degree online was that it allowed me to earn a degree while working full time and caring for my family. I was able to attend evening extracurriculars for my children and do coursework after they were in bed."
Q: What advice would you give students considering an online degree?
"It's very easy to put off deadlines and not complete assignments until the last minute. Time management is essential. Learning how to study is also key. Most instructors have 'virtual office hours,' and depending on the degree, it's essential to take advantage of that."
"Focus on time management and strategies to help keep you on track. Mark a calendar with all important dates and deadlines to ensure you don't miss any. Celebrate the wins of a good test or the end of the semester!"
"Make a schedule for your school and stick to it to ensure you aren't cramming in all your assignments in one night to meet the deadlines. Your degree is as valuable as earning it in person and is indistinguishable [from the degree of] someone who attended classes in person. Do not ever allow someone to make you believe your degree is worth less because you attended classes virtually."
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor's Degrees
Yes, online bachelor's degrees are legit — as long as they're from an accredited school. Accredited colleges pass a rigorous examination of their academic standards and student learning outcomes.
Online colleges complete the same process as on-campus colleges. In fact, many top-ranked colleges offer online and in-person degrees that use the same materials, exams, and instructors.
By choosing an accredited online college, you can rest assured that your degree is credible.
You can earn an online bachelor's degree in business, education, healthcare, the humanities, the social sciences, STEM, and many other popular fields. Depending on your major, you can earn a bachelor of arts, a bachelor of science, a bachelor of fine arts, and so on.
Today, accredited colleges offer bachelor's degrees in dozens of majors. That means you can find the right fit for your interests and career goals.
Earning a bachelor's degree online takes around four years if you're a full-time student and 5-6 years if you're a part-time student.
Many colleges offer accelerated bachelor's programs or other options to graduate faster. For example, you can transfer credits toward your degree or earn credit by exam.
According to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the highest-paying majors for 2022 include engineering, computer science, economics, business analytics, finance, and physics. Those majors report the highest median salaries for graduates ages 22-27.
Online colleges offer bachelor's degrees in all of these high-paying majors.
Business, communication, criminal justice, and English often make various lists of easy online bachelor's degrees. But the easiest degree for you will ultimately depend on your skills and interests.
If you're a strong writer, a humanities or social studies degree might be easier for you. If you have a lot of transfer credits in one department, it might be easier to finish a degree in that field.
Consider your unique circumstances and strengths when choosing a major.