Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

1. University of Mary

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
ND	https://www.umary.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	57	81	72

2. Florida International University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
FL	www.fiu.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	63	74	58

3. Central Washington University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
WA	www.cwu.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	57	66	86

4. Oregon State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
OR	https://oregonstate.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	70	56	82

5. University of Central Florida

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
FL	www.ucf.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	75	72	45

6. University of Florida

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
FL	www.ufl.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	90	85	31

7. University of Arizona

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
AZ	https://www.arizona.edu/	AP/ACE Credits	Yes	Yes	66	77	85

8. University of Missouri-Columbia

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MO	https://missouri.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	70	74	82

9. George Mason University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
VA	https://www2.gmu.edu/	AP/ACE/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	72	59	89

10. Old Dominion University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
VA	www.odu.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	54	60	95

11. East Carolina University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
NC	www.ecu.edu/	AP/ACE Credits	Yes	Yes	66	59	88

12. Maryville University of Saint Louis

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MO	www.maryville.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	73	78	95

13. University of Arkansas

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
AR	https://www.uark.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	No	67	70	78

14. University of Kansas

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
KS	https://ku.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	66	66	91

15. Thomas Jefferson University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
PA	www.jefferson.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	64	85	70

16. Cleary University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MI	www.cleary.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	14	94	65

17. Florida Atlantic University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
FL	www.fau.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	55	61	75

18. Missouri State University-Springfield

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MO	www.missouristate.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	58	60	87

19. Kansas State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
KS	www.k-state.edu/	AP/ACE/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	67	67	94

20. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
LA	www.lsu.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	66	81	73

21. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MA	www.umassd.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	57	73	76

22. Colorado State University-Fort Collins

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
CO	colostate.edu/	AP/ACE/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	73	60	84

23. Siena Heights University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MI	www.sienaheights.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	43	72	74

24. Liberty University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
VA	www.liberty.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	58	68	50

25. Utah State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
UT	www.usu.edu/	AP/ACE Credits	Yes	Yes	56	59	91

26. University of Southern Mississippi

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MS	https://www.usm.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	50	83	96

27. University of Nebraska at Omaha

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
NE	https://www.unomaha.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	51	67	82

28. Mississippi State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MS	https://www.msstate.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	60	86	80

29. Northeastern State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
OK	https://www.nsuok.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	38	77	99

30. Mayville State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
ND	www.mayvillestate.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	29	54	53

31. Indiana State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
IN	https://www.indstate.edu/	AP/ACE Credits	Yes	Yes	42	63	92

32. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MA	www.umass.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	81	73	65

33. University of Alabama at Birmingham

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
AL	https://www.uab.edu/	AP/ACE/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	62	68	81

34. University of Nevada-Las Vegas

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
NV	www.unlv.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	50	75	81

35. University of North Carolina Wilmington

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
NC	www.uncw.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	74	50	68

36. SUNY College of Technology at Canton

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
NY	www.canton.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	44	80	83

37. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
LA	www.nsula.edu/	AP/ACE Credits	Yes	Yes	47	86	95

38. University of Wisconsin-Stout

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
WI	www.uwstout.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	60	45	90

39. University of South Dakota

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
SD	www.usd.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	60	60	91

40. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
WI	uwm.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	48	54	79

41. Northern Kentucky University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
KY	www.nku.edu/	AP/ACE Credits	Yes	Yes	47	80	87

42. Temple University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
PA	www.temple.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	75	77	71

43. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
NC	www.uncg.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	56	63	88

44. Southern Utah University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
UT	https://www.suu.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	44	62	76

45. Appalachian State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
NC	www.appstate.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	73	48	80

46. Ohio University-Main Campus

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
OH	https://www.ohio.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	64	64	87

47. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
WI	https://www.uwsp.edu/	AP/NCCRS Credits	Yes	Yes	63	61	87

48. The University of West Florida

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
FL	uwf.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	46	65	58

49. Eastern Washington University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
WA	www.ewu.edu/	AP Credits	Yes	Yes	47	66	79

50. Metropolitan State University

State	School Website	Credits Accepted	Career Services	Placement Services	Graduation Rate	% of Students on Financial Aid	% of Applicants Admitted
MN	www.metrostate.edu/	AP/ACE/NCCRS Credits	Yes	No	44	76	62

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

There are several different kinds of online bachelor's degree programs available, and these different types of degrees may lead to various types of careers. For example, what you can do with a Bachelor of Science degree is usually more technical in nature than the careers with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that may lead to more artistic and creative positions. Although these various types of bachelor's degree programs may have some characteristics in common, they may also have some different requirements. Here we discuss a few of the more common types of online bachelor's degree programs available and some of the main differences between each.

Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degrees

Traditionally, online BA degrees are considered liberal arts degrees. This means that the degree requirements for these programs tend to focus on coursework in the humanities and liberal arts. Students still take coursework in their specific major of choice but may have additional electives available. BA degrees may be more common in subject areas like history, religion, language, the social sciences, and more.

Online Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degrees

Online BS degree programs are usually more technical in nature with coursework that tends to be more scientific and technical in the skills taught. Courses in BS programs may include labs and other hands-on learning experiences. These programs are generally designed to help prepare students for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)-related careers and/or advanced study at the graduate level in STEM-related areas. Students still take some electives, but these programs may focus more on the major of choice.

Online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degrees

BFA degrees are commonly offered for artistic and creative majors, such as art, theater, dance, acting, and design. Fewer of these programs may be available in an online format than a BA or BS degree, due to the hands-on nature of many of the majors. Typically, BFA degree programs provide students with coursework in the history of their chosen major, but also include courses in the training and practical application of the major.

Students who maybe are not sure what to study or wanting to pursue some of the more common bachelor's degree programs should consider online bachelor's degree programs in common and/or growing fields. Some of the most requested online bachelor's degree programs are in the major fields of:

• Business
• Healthcare
• Social sciences
• Engineering
• Bio sciences

This may be due to the tendency of these fields to provide online programs for working professionals and/or the ability of any in-person requirements to be completed in a student's local area. Many of these fields also tend to have a need for more workers, such as many positions in healthcare and business.

Some of the biggest reasons to earn an online bachelor's degree may be for flexibility and career advancement. Online degree programs generally offer flexible course formats and/or schedules that allow students to continue working full-time and/or plan around a busy schedule. Earning a bachelor's degree is also likely to increase a student's job prospects, job security, and qualify them to move into more technical, leadership-based, and/or advanced positions. Usually, this advancement in career status also comes with a pay raise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary with a bachelor's degree was $67,860, as of 2020, compared to the median annual salary of $58,776 for those with an associate degree and $40,612 for those with only a high school diploma/GED.

Online vs. On-Campus Bachelor's Degrees

From an employer's perspective, an online and an on-campus bachelor's degree are essentially the same. As long as the degree is from an accredited institution, employers may not have a preference between online or on-campus programs. Most, if not all, schools also work to ensure that the online degree program provides the same level of education as an on-campus program. Therefore, the differences between the two formats primarily come down to personal preferences. Online students tend to have more flexibility and less overall cost (travel, housing, etc.), but may miss out on some physical access to campus resources and in-person interactions.

Online bachelor's degree programs still have many of the same requirements as on-campus programs but may conduct these requirements in different ways. For example, courses still usually have a syllabus and various assignments required throughout the course. However, students may be able to work on these assignments at their own pace and/or complete assignments in slightly different formats, such as discussion posts in place of in-class discussions or simulations in place of in-person labs. Depending on the school and program, students may also have the option to choose between synchronous (courses with structured meeting times) and/or asynchronous (no required meeting times) courses and/or full- and part-time formats.

How to Choose an Online Bachelor's Program

With the wide availability, choosing an online bachelor's degree program can feel daunting. Students may first want to consider their career goals and personal interests to decide on a major. Once a major is chosen, students can then compare available degree types within the field, such as a BA vs. a BS and/or available concentration areas within the major. As students begin comparing schools and programs, they should be sure to check for institution-level and/or program-level accreditation to demonstrate academic quality to future employers. Researching the cost of a program and finding one that fits within a desired budget can also be a helpful step in the decision-making process.

Students may also need to explore and think about various personal preferences and needs that may affect their school and program decision. For instance, students may need to research any in-person requirements and/or course formats and meeting times and ensure that these requirements work with their personal schedules. Some students may also prefer schools that offer small class sizes or other needed resources, such as online tutoring and library access.

Online Bachelor's School Accreditation

It is important to make sure that students research the accreditation of any programs of interest. Employers tend to prefer applicants who have a degree from an accredited institution to ensure the quality of education, and therefore, students should want to attend these accredited schools. Many schools that offer various online bachelor's degree programs are regionally accredited by organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission. This institution-level accreditation covers the institution as a whole to demonstrate that all the school's degree programs have met general academic standards.

Some online bachelor's degree programs may have additional program-level accreditation that is usually awarded based on subject area. This specific kind of accreditation helps students know they are earning a quality education in that particular field and will be well prepared to enter the field after graduation. Program accreditation may come from groups like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for business-related programs or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for nursing-related programs.

Requirements for Online Bachelor's Programs

While many requirements for online bachelor's degree programs vary by school and program, there are some common characteristics. For example, many online programs require around 120 credit hours and generally include general education, major, and elective courses. Differences arise in course subjects, any required hands-on learning experiences, and/or assignments. Some online bachelor's degree programs may require various kinds of culminating experiences, such as a capstone, internship, and/or practicum experience. In order to graduate, online students may need to meet a final cumulative GPA (such as a 2.0 or higher) and/or have earned a specific grade (such as a 'C-') or higher on major-related courses.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor's Degree?

Students wondering how many years to finish a bachelor's degree should know that it depends on a number of factors. Traditionally, bachelor's degree programs take 4 years to complete. However, there are ways to finish these degrees faster or slower, depending on a student's circumstances. For instance, students may finish a degree slower if they study part-time and/or are in a major that traditionally takes longer to complete, such as an online civil or electrical engineering degree designed to take 4 to 5 years to finish.

Students wanting to finish their degree faster, may search for accelerated or self-paced programs. Some of these programs award credit for students' prior experiences and/or allow students to work at their own pace to finish faster. Students may also get a jump start on their bachelor's degree program through transfer credit. Some programs allow students to transfer in up to 90 credits from prior learning and/or an associate degree. These transfer and degree completion programs can allow students to complete their bachelor's in as little as 2 years.

Tuition and Fees for Online Bachelor's Degrees

Students trying to determine the total cost of an online bachelor's degree program have several different factors to research and evaluate. Colleges and universities often have diverse ways of determining the tuition rates at the institution. For example, some schools may charge various tuition rates per credit hour based on a student's major, while other schools may charge different tuition rates based on a student's residency (in-state vs. out-of-state). While online students may save money by not commuting and/or needing to pay for housing, there are still additional costs that need to be considered, such as books and learning materials.

Many schools also charge a variety of fees for different reasons and/or resources at varying amounts. Depending on the school, online students may be exempt from some of these fees that tend to only apply to on-campus students, such as activity and service fees, transportation fees, or health fees. However, online students may be responsible for paying for fees like:

• Graduation fees
• Distance learning fees
• Financial aid fees
• Tuition deposit fees
• All access book fees

Graduates with an online bachelor's degree may be qualified to work a wide range of careers within their chosen field or across various fields. Many career options will depend on a student's chosen major and training, but in general, holding a bachelor's degree increases a student's job prospects in comparison to only having a high school diploma. They are also more likely to be qualified for more advanced positions within their field that may also bring in more income. Although this is only a small sample, below is a table that lists careers in different fields that usually require at least a bachelor's degree and the respective salaries.

Job Title	Median Annual Salary (2021)*
Special effects artists and animators	$78,790
Accountants and auditors	$77,250
High school teachers	$61,820
Civil engineers	$88,050
Social and community service managers	$74,000
Medical and health services managers	$101,340
Zoologists and wildlife biologists	$64,650
Technical writers	$78,060
Environmental scientists and specialists	$76,530
Human resources specialists	$62,290

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Outlook for Online Bachelor's Degree Graduates

In general, the job outlook for graduates with a bachelor's degree is positive since their degree qualifies them for more positions and/or positions across multiple areas. The job outlook, or change in the number of available positions over a given period of time, for specific positions and the reasons for these outlooks vary by industry and position. For instance, many positions in healthcare are expected to grow as the general population of our country ages and has healthcare needs, while other positions, like writers and authors, may decrease over time as the industry moves online. Below, you can compare some of the job outlooks for positions in different industries.

Job Title	Job Outlook (2020-2030)*
Special effects artists and animators	16%
Accountants and auditors	7%
High school teachers	8%
Civil engineers	8%
Social and community service managers	15%
Medical and health services managers	32%
Zoologists and wildlife biologists	5%
Technical writers	12%
Environmental scientists and specialists	8%
Human resources specialists	10%

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

There are several different forms of financial assistance available to online students pursuing their bachelor's degree. Students should always first complete their yearly Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if there are any federal or state loans and/or grants available to them. Many loans and grants can help cover costs for tuition, fees, housing, and more, but loans must be repaid.

In contrast, scholarships do not have to be repaid. These awards are available to students for an array of reasons from a wide range of sources. For example, some schools may offer scholarships for students based on needs, major, merit, and more, while outside organizations may also offer awards for a variety of reasons, including major and demographics. A couple of examples of available scholarships include:

• Tempe Diablos Scholarship- This scholarship is available to students at several of Arizona State University's campuses, including online. Students must be full-time, an incoming freshman, a resident of Tempe county, and meet merit requirements to be awarded the available $2,000 a year.
• Biola Online Opportunities Scholarship- Biola University awards its online students a one-time $500 scholarship for their first semester to help cover costs.
• The Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program offers $1,000 to students pursuing online college degrees. The awards are based on both financial need and merit from applicants.
• Colorado State University Global is an online campus that offers an academic excellence scholarship to eligible students enrolled in a CSU Global program. The monetary value of the scholarship varies based on student need, but it can be worth up to six credits for an undergraduate or graduate program.