[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are college costs top of mind when it comes to getting your degree? You’re not alone. Getting a bachelor’s degree online can be a smart, affordable move. Typically, online degree programs cost less than on-campus programs. Many online programs also match the quality of on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]By opting for a cheap online bachelor’s degree, you can minimize student debt and prepare for a career or graduate school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Cheapest Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees[/hen-ui-heading]
#1 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

University of Florida-Online

  • Location-markerGainesville, FL
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,358
  • Out-of-state$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate65%
  • Students Enrolled5,356
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

Florida International University

  • Location-markerMiami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,168
  • Out-of-state$18,566
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$911
  • Out-of-state$2,003
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled54,085
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment67%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

Charter Oak State College

  • Location-markerNew Britain, CT
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,656
  • Out-of-state$10,056
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,288
  • Out-of-state$9,720
  • Retention Rate100%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,602
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

Texas A & M University-College Station

  • Location-markerCollege Station, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,443
  • Out-of-state$36,637
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,885
  • Out-of-state$19,593
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate63%
  • Students Enrolled76,633
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

San Diego State University

  • Location-markerSan Diego, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$19,140
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate34%
  • Students Enrolled36,637
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

New Mexico State University

  • Location-markerLas Cruces, NM
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,728
  • Out-of-state$25,055
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,184
  • Out-of-state$18,023
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled14,779
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment70%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

University of North Texas

  • Location-markerDenton, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,404
  • Out-of-state$21,004
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,350
  • Out-of-state$13,694
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled47,507
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

Indiana University Indianapolis

  • Location-markerIndianapolis, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,241
  • Out-of-state$32,509
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,366
  • Out-of-state$25,872
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled25,497
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment54%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

  • Location-markerDelhi, NY
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,310
  • Out-of-state$13,570
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled2,615
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment51%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees of 2025

Northern Arizona University

  • Location-markerFlagstaff, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,024
  • Out-of-state$27,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,103
  • Out-of-state$20,817
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled28,194
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment54%
  • AccreditationYes
[hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase”]Check the Facts: Are Online Degrees Really Cheaper?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, online degrees are cheaper on average. According to the most recent data (2020) from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (NCES), an online bachelor’s degree program costs over $4,000 less per year on average than a traditional on-campus degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]College costs[/hen-ui-link] can vary significantly among schools, but data from the NCES can give us a general idea. Across all institution types, the median annual tuition for online bachelor’s degrees is around $8,000, compared to $12,250 for on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This means, on average, online bachelor’s degrees cost around $17,000 less in tuition and fees than their on-campus counterparts over the course of four years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Median Tuition Cost of Online vs. Traditional Bachelor’s Degrees[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Type[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Tuition and Fees[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Total Cost of Tuition and Fees Over Four Years[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Online[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type”]$7,926[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Tuition and Fees”]$31,704[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Traditional[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type”]$12,250[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Tuition and Fees”]$49,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]
Source: NCES
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Tuition Costs at Public and Private Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of college also varies by school type. Typically, private colleges are more expensive than public ones; however, private colleges tend to offer more sizable financial aid packages, which can help reduce the cost of tuition and fees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the NCES, full-time undergraduate students [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76″ target=”_blank”]paid an average of $58,600[/hen-ui-link] at four-year private nonprofit colleges and $27,100 at public colleges for the 2022-23 school year. These costs include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Average Annual Cost of Tuition and Fees for Undergraduate Students By School Type[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School Type[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Tuition and Fees (2023-24)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Total Cost Over Four Years (2022-23)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School Type”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/trendgenerator/app/answer/13/205″ target=”_blank”]$6,944[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Tuition and Fees (2023-24)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76″ target=”_blank”]$27,100[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private (Nonprofit)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School Type”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/trendgenerator/app/answer/13/206″ target=”_blank”]$27,978[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Tuition and Fees (2023-24)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76″ target=”_blank”]$58,600[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]
Source: NCES Note: *The average annual tuition and fees are the average amount reported by the institutions, not the average amount paid by students. This helps explain why the average total cost over four years at private, nonprofit colleges is far lower than you might expect to see.
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Pay for Online College[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A college degree program can be a big investment, but there are ways to make it more affordable, including federal student aid, scholarships, and grants.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Federal student aid: You can apply for federal student aid by submitting the [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA). Federal aid programs include the Pell Grant and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]student loan options[/hen-ui-link]. States, colleges, and private organizations use the FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scholarships and grants: [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]Scholarships are funds[/hen-ui-link] that are awarded based on your academic success or other criteria, such as financial need. Similarly, grants are awarded on the basis of academic or other achievements. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants don’t require repayment. First-time undergraduates at four-year colleges [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_331.30.asp” target=”_blank”]received an average of $15,750[/hen-ui-link] in grants and scholarships in 2021-2022, according to NCES data.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition reimbursement: If you’re currently working, don’t forget to check with your employer about tuition reimbursement. Many companies offer this benefit to employees who are pursuing a college degree.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Popular Cheap Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an online bachelor’s degree can open the door to a new career. College [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/bachelor-degrees/”]graduates qualify for higher-paying jobs[/hen-ui-link] than people without degrees. And you’ll need a bachelor’s degree if you want to go to graduate school. But with so many programs to choose from, how do you find the one for your unique needs?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First, make sure to choose an accredited institution. Accreditation ensures the highest standards for academic quality, and most employers only hire graduates from accredited schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Next, consider your interests, strengths, and career goals. And don’t overlook one of the most important factors: cost. A degree is a major investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]So, are you ready to pursue a specific degree? Below, you can explore some of our popular cheap online bachelor’s degree programs and their median annual salaries, per May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#business”]Business[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#communications”]Communications[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#computer_science”]Computer Science[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#criminal_justice”]Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#english”]English[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#healthcare_administration”]Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#history”]History[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#information_technology”]Information Technology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#psychology”]Psychology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#social_work”]Social Work[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”business”]1. Business[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Affordable[hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-business/”] online business degrees[/hen-ui-link] give you a solid foundation in essential business principles. Typical courses cover management, marketing, finance, accounting, and economics. Many programs let you specialize in areas like accounting, finance, or marketing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a business major, you can pursue various [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/business-jobs/”]career paths in business[/hen-ui-link]. The majority of business majors work in management roles, which had a median annual salary of $122,090 in May 2024. Other popular jobs include business and financial operations, sales, and office support roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”communications”]2. Communications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-communications/”]affordable communications bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] helps you build marketable hard and soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and writing. Concentration areas include mass communication, public relations, or advertising, depending on your chosen concentration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Given the wide-spanning nature of this degree, there are many [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/communications-degree/”]career paths in communications[/hen-ui-link], from market research and advertising to human resources and journalism. According to May 2024 data from the BLS, the median wage for media and communication occupations was $70,300.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”computer_science”]3. Computer Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-computer-science/”]computer science bachelor’s degree program[/hen-ui-link] includes courses in information systems, software engineering, and calculus. You’ll learn both the theory and practical elements of new softwares and computational tools.With a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]computer science degree[/hen-ui-link], you could become a computer programmer. These professionals earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $140,910[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2024. Other well-paying computer science careers include information security analyst and computer systems analyst.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”criminal_justice”]4. Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]criminal justice degree[/hen-ui-link] focuses on the study of law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. Courses often cover policing, criminal law, and research methods.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]fields in criminal justice[/hen-ui-link] are law, forensic psychology, and law enforcement. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_(BS_%2F_BSc)%2C_Criminal_Justice/Salary” target=”_blank”]According to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], the average salary for someone with a bachelor’s in criminal justice is approximately $68,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”english”]5. English[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-english/”]affordable English degree[/hen-ui-link] covers nonfiction writing, film studies, and literature. As an English major, you can expect to study literature within historical and cultural contexts, which helps you develop critical thinking, persuasive writing, and speaking skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guides/english-careers/”]English majors pursue careers[/hen-ui-link] as authors, teachers, or editors. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Arts_(BA)%2C_English_Language/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale data from July 2025[/hen-ui-link], the average salaries for a few bachelor of arts in English careers are as follows: technical writer ($59,120), marketing manager ($71,539), and senior technical writer ($93,560).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”healthcare_administration”]6. Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-healthcare-administration/”]bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link] helps you build leadership and management skills that are relevant to the healthcare sector. Common courses cover management principles, project management, and integrated physical sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Majoring in healthcare administration gets you ready for [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/medical-careers/”]roles in health services management[/hen-ui-link]. Medical and health services managers earned a median salary of $117,960 in May 2024, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many graduates of HCA programs go on to earn an advanced degree. Pursuing an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/affordable/online-masters-healthcare-administration/”]affordable master’s in healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link] provides further leadership training and makes you more competitive for management roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”history”]7. History[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-history/”]Affordable history degrees[/hen-ui-link] focus on historical knowledge, research, and communication skills. In a history program, you will learn how today’s world developed and gain insight into diverse people from various times and places.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/history-degrees/”]History majors can pursue careers[/hen-ui-link] as historians, archivists, museum curators, and teachers. In May 2024, the median annual wage for archivists, curators, and museum workers was $57,100, as per the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”information_technology”]8. Information Technology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-information-technology/”]bachelor’s degree in information technology[/hen-ui-link] may allow you to specialize in mobile devices, cybersecurity, or cloud-based networking.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can pursue various [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/information-technology/”]IT careers[/hen-ui-link] after graduating, such as hardware engineer, database administrator, and information systems manager. Computer hardware engineers earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $155,020[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”psychology”]9. Psychology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-psychology/”]bachelor’s degree program in psychology[/hen-ui-link] includes classes in addiction theories, the psychology of social media, and criminal psychology and behavior. You can use your degree to pursue a doctorate, which is required to become a licensed psychologist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/psychology-degree-jobs/”]psychology-related careers[/hen-ui-link], such as human resources manager, require only a bachelor’s degree. Human resources managers earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $140,030[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”social_work”]10. Social Work[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-social-work/”]affordable online BSW program[/hen-ui-link] requires coursework in diversity, human behavior, and social work research. You’ll also have to complete in-person practicums in different social work settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working as a health education specialist is one possible social work career you could pursue with a bachelor’s degree. These professionals earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/OOH/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $63,000[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2024, according to the BLS. Employers may require a certification in health education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Is A College Degree Worth It?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, yes, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2025/04/is-college-still-worth-it/” target=”_blank”]college degree is still worth it[/hen-ui-link]. Finding an affordable program and keeping your costs down can help you maximize your return on investment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While concerns around rising tuition costs and clear pathways to employment have become more prevalent, bachelor’s degrees still provide a healthy return, according to a [hen-ui-link href=”https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2025/04/is-college-still-worth-it/” target=”_blank”]2025 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York[/hen-ui-link]. However, whether a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] is worth it for you depends on your career and financial goals. A bachelor’s degree can put you on the path to new careers and higher salaries. In fields like business, healthcare, and information technology, a bachelor’s degree can lead to a median annual salary ranging from $60,000-$138,080, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BLS data from 2024 also shows that people with a bachelor’s degree earn [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/median-weekly-earnings-of-full-time-workers-with-only-a-bachelors-degree-1541-in-q2-2024.htm” target=”_blank”]68% more per year[/hen-ui-link] than those with a high school diploma and around 46% more than those with an associate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the cheapest way to get a bachelor’s degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cheapest way to get a bachelor’s degree is usually to earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]associate degree[/hen-ui-link] at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution. [hen-ui-link href=”/magazine/pros-cons-community-college/”]Community colleges[/hen-ui-link] typically charge the lowest tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also save money by researching affordable online colleges and comparing costs. The cost of an online degree depends on the tuition rate and any transfer credits you have. By earning a degree online, you can save on tuition and other expenses. And by maximizing your transfer credits, you can save money.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is online college cheaper?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, online programs tend to have lower tuition rates, on average, than in-person programs. According to NCES data, the average annual tuition cost for an online bachelor’s degree was $7,926 in 2020, compared to $12,250 for a traditional degree. Students earning online degrees may also save on transportation and materials.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to get a bachelor’s degree online?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/”]Online accelerated formats[/hen-ui-link] and bachelor’s [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/online-degree-completion-programs/”]degree completion programs[/hen-ui-link] offer the fastest route to a bachelor’s degree if you already hold an associate degree or college credits.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you fall into this category, look for [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]online colleges that accept max transfer credits[/hen-ui-link]. Schools that accept the maximum number of transfer credits — often as many as 90 — can significantly cut down the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-get-a-bachelors-quickly/”]time it takes to get your bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link], sometimes in just 1-2 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you get a bachelor’s degree entirely online?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many top-ranked and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/popular-online-colleges/”]popular colleges offer fully online[/hen-ui-link] bachelor’s degree programs. In an online program, you complete your degree requirements by taking classes and earning credits online.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are online degrees respected by employers?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers make no distinction between campus-based and online bachelor’s degrees. Accredited online degrees meet the same quality standards as on-campus degrees. Your diploma also will not signify that you earned your degree online.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”1481,1127,289″][/hen-ui-article-row]