Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for many professional career paths. Building broad knowledge in a variety of subjects, a bachelor’s serves as an introduction to the world of higher education for many students, preparing graduates to enter the workforce or pursue advanced degrees.

Most bachelor’s programs take about four years of full-time study to complete. Entry requirements can vary widely among schools, but many colleges require at least a high school diploma and standardized test scores.

This page offers an overview of affordable online bachelor’s degrees, including typical course requirements, professional organizations for students, and scholarship opportunities.

A bachelor’s degree introduces students to a field’s major principles and guiding concepts. Students may earn bachelor’s degrees in disciplines such as English, history, psychology, or computer science.

In general, bachelor’s programs do not confer the highest level of knowledge available in a professional field. However, the broad nature of the subject matter featured in many programs can serve as an advantage. By not specializing their skills and knowledge too narrowly, graduates keep their career options open.

In many instances, bachelor’s degree-holders advance their career by earning a master’s degree, which develops highly specialized knowledge in a specific field.

A master’s degree builds advanced knowledge beyond the scope of a bachelor’s degree. For some career paths, a master’s may serve as the minimum education requirement; for others, a master’s can provide a practical path to career advancement.

Master’s degree programs build on undergraduate knowledge and skills, often allowing students to specialize in an area of a broader field. Graduates with a bachelor’s in business, for example, might pursue a graduate program in marketing or finance.

While a master’s can increase career options and earning potential, not all career paths require a graduate degree. Less time-intensive paths, such as earning professional certifications or joining professional organizations, can also result in career advancement.

When researching undergraduate programs — and particularly when researching online programs — students should make sure that prospective colleges hold accreditation. The accreditation process evaluates the academic and administrative functions of higher education institutions, ensuring that schools offer proper educational and professional preparation. Attending an accredited school expands employment, financial aid, and educational opportunities.

Schools may hold regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. National accreditation serves trade and vocational schools, while regional accreditation typically serves nonprofit, degree-granting schools.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation lists recognized regional accrediting organizations. Any school that holds accreditation from one of these agencies can generally be considered reputable.

While exact tuition rates vary greatly among programs, the typical cost of an online bachelor’s degree ranges from $38,496-$60,593.

Completion time varies among programs, but most bachelor’s degrees take about four years of full-time study to complete.

Bachelor’s candidates typically complete a selection of required general education courses along with courses in their chosen major.

Many colleges offer accelerated bachelor’s programs that may enable students to graduate in three years. However, these programs usually require candidates to complete a heavier course load each semester.

Admission requirements vary widely among colleges, but most programs require applicants to hold at least a high school diploma or GED certificate. Many schools also call for test scores, most commonly from the SAT or ACT. More selective programs may maintain additional requirements, such as letters of recommendation, a portfolio of student work, and evidence of community service or extracurricular activities.

Once admitted, undergraduates typically complete around 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some schools may include a significant culminating project, such as a capstone or thesis.

Undergraduate courses vary by major. However, most schools offer similar general education requirements, which build foundational knowledge applicable to many academic majors. These courses cover introductory topics from fields of study such as history, English, science, and math. This list highlights general education courses commonly found in undergraduate curriculums.

Certifications and licenses demonstrate professional skills and competencies. Bachelor’s degree-holders can pursue professional certifications in many different fields, including education, healthcare, and information technology. This list highlights three popular certifications for undergraduates.

Professional organizations can provide students with valuable academic and networking opportunities, including conferences, mentorship, and internships. Some organizations serve students of a specific professional or academic interest, while others serve students of a specific background.

Any student wondering how to pay for a bachelor’s degree should explore financial aid opportunities like loans, grants, and scholarships. Unlike loans, grants and scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for bachelor’s students.

Who Can Apply: High school seniors who demonstrate leadership ability and a commitment to improving their schools and communities qualify for the award. The program awards 150 students each year. Applicants must not be children or grandchildren of current or former Coca Cola employees.

Amount: $20,000

Who Can Apply: Any undergraduate student pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree through distance learning can apply. Applicants need at least 30 credits remaining of their undergraduate studies.

Amount: $500

Who Can Apply: Any student currently enrolled in an accredited online degree program can apply. Applicants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a 500-word essay responding to the prompt “What an Online College Degree Means to Me.”

Amount: $1,000

Who Can Apply: Any undergraduate student currently enrolled in an accredited degree program can apply. Applicants must submit a short essay, as well as a video that summarizes key points from their essay.

Amount: $1,000

Who Can Apply: Any student enrolled or planning to enroll in a college degree program can apply. Applicants must sign up for a free account on Niche, and scholarships are awarded randomly. The award may cover any education-related expenses.

Amount: $2,000