Get Matched With Colleges

A bachelor's degree is one of the most common type of degree that you can earn from a college or university. You can find many different types of bachelor's degrees in almost any field that you can think of. Choosing a career is one thing; finding out which academic path that will get you there is another. It doesn’t have to be difficult though; there are many resources available to help you out, including your school’s career advisor and this guide. In today's competitive marketplace, many employers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level jobs that pay well.

High school students considering completing a four-year bachelor’s degree program after earning your high school diploma, whether you are looking for a 100% on-campus program or a 100% online bachelor's degree, this article can help you determine which type is right for you. You will find loads of information in this guide to help you learn about the types of bachelor degrees available to undergraduate students, how much they cost, the fields of study (arts and sciences) in these bachelor's degrees, what kind of jobs you can get with each major, the number of years to complete a program, how to decide between popular colleges and universities, financial aid options, programs for on-campus students and many online programs and online degrees, degree completion programs, and more. You will also be able to find the top 50 bachelor's degrees online offered by colleges and universities across the country.

Compare Popular Online Bachelor's Programs

Top 50 Best Online Bachelor's Programs


1

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Score: 72.87

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,796
    • Out-of-State: $39,427
  • Net Price: $13,376
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 48,956
  • Undergrad Students: 36,306
  • Graduate Students: 12,650
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
2

Purdue University

Score: 72.47

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,992
    • Out-of-State: $28,794
  • Net Price: $12,576
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 51,528
  • Undergrad Students: 38,593
  • Graduate Students: 12,935
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Purdue University
3

Saint Louis University

Score: 70.42

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $50,644
    • Out-of-State: $50,644
  • Net Price: $29,651
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 877%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,755
  • Undergrad Students: 10,662
  • Graduate Students: 5,093
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Saint Louis University
4

Northeastern University

Score: 69.7

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,192
    • Out-of-State: $60,192
  • Net Price: $35,827
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,013
  • Undergrad Students: 16,302
  • Graduate Students: 13,711
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Northeastern University
5

Ohio State University

Score: 68.69

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,485
    • Out-of-State: $36,722
  • Net Price: $19,582
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%
  • Total Enrollment: 60,540
  • Undergrad Students: 46,123
  • Graduate Students: 14,417
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Ohio State University
6

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Score: 67.45

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,952
    • Out-of-State: $38,171
  • Net Price: $22,291
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 32,229
  • Undergrad Students: 24,391
  • Graduate Students: 7,838
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Massachusetts-Amherst
7

University of Florida-Online

Score: 67.12

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,876
    • Out-of-State: $16,579
  • Net Price: $10,791
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,356
  • Undergrad Students: 5,356
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 54:1
  • University of Florida-Online
8

University of South Florida

Score: 66.62

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,410
    • Out-of-State: $17,324
  • Net Price: $11,004
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 49,600
  • Undergrad Students: 38,047
  • Graduate Students: 11,553
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • University of South Florida
9

Indiana University-Bloomington

Score: 66.09

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,447
    • Out-of-State: $39,120
  • Net Price: $16,234
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 47,005
  • Undergrad Students: 35,660
  • Graduate Students: 11,345
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Indiana University-Bloomington
10

University of Central Florida

Score: 65.71

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,368
    • Out-of-State: $22,467
  • Net Price: $13,108
  • Acceptance Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 68,346
  • Undergrad Students: 58,662
  • Graduate Students: 9,684
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 29:1
  • University of Central Florida
11

LeTourneau University

Score: 65.69

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $34,470
    • Out-of-State: $34,470
  • Net Price: $26,974
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,536
  • Undergrad Students: 3,350
  • Graduate Students: 186
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • LeTourneau University
12

Auburn University

Score: 65.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,176
    • Out-of-State: $32,960
  • Net Price: $25,271
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,764
  • Undergrad Students: 25,379
  • Graduate Students: 6,385
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Auburn University
13

North Carolina A&T State University

Score: 65.23

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,733
    • Out-of-State: $20,243
  • Net Price: $9,189
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,487
  • Undergrad Students: 11,833
  • Graduate Students: 1,654
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • North Carolina A&T State University
14

Regis University

Score: 65.06

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,220
    • Out-of-State: $42,220
  • Net Price: $26,377
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,668
  • Undergrad Students: 2,398
  • Graduate Students: 2,270
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Regis University
15

University of Utah

Score: 64.95

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,315
    • Out-of-State: $29,837
  • Net Price: $12,399
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 34,734
  • Undergrad Students: 26,355
  • Graduate Students: 8,379
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Utah
16

University of Illinois Chicago

Score: 64.94

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,046
    • Out-of-State: $28,654
  • Net Price: $10,384
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,747
  • Undergrad Students: 21,807
  • Graduate Students: 11,940
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Illinois Chicago
17

George Mason University

Score: 64.85

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,401
    • Out-of-State: $38,983
  • Net Price: $18,479
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 39,049
  • Undergrad Students: 27,014
  • Graduate Students: 12,035
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • George Mason University
18

University of Arizona

Score: 64.28

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,275
    • Out-of-State: $39,577
  • Net Price: $17,075
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 49,403
  • Undergrad Students: 38,751
  • Graduate Students: 10,652
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of Arizona
19

Charter Oak State College

Score: 64.12

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,254
    • Out-of-State: $10,796
  • Net Price: $10,191
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,602
  • Undergrad Students: 1,501
  • Graduate Students: 101
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Charter Oak State College
20

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Score: 63.96

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,214
    • Out-of-State: $21,338
  • Net Price: $13,951
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 29,551
  • Undergrad Students: 23,461
  • Graduate Students: 6,090
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte
21

Florida International University

Score: 63.74

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,565
    • Out-of-State: $18,963
  • Net Price: $9,881
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 55,609
  • Undergrad Students: 45,688
  • Graduate Students: 9,921
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • Florida International University
22

California State University-Chico

Score: 63.52

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,972
    • Out-of-State: $19,852
  • Net Price: $15,517
  • Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 14,183
  • Undergrad Students: 12,981
  • Graduate Students: 1,202
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • California State University-Chico
23

George Washington University

Score: 63.35

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,200
    • Out-of-State: $62,200
  • Net Price: $42,723
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,939
  • Undergrad Students: 11,482
  • Graduate Students: 14,457
  • Grads Salary: $81,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • George Washington University
24

Mercer University

Score: 63.33

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $39,708
    • Out-of-State: $39,708
  • Net Price: $22,087
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,889
  • Undergrad Students: 4,859
  • Graduate Students: 4,030
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Mercer University
25

Arizona State University

Score: 63.27

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,618
    • Out-of-State: $30,592
  • Net Price: $14,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 80,065
  • Undergrad Students: 65,492
  • Graduate Students: 14,573
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Arizona State University
26

Miami University-Oxford

Score: 63.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,555
    • Out-of-State: $35,667
  • Net Price: $23,031
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Total Enrollment: 19,107
  • Undergrad Students: 16,864
  • Graduate Students: 2,243
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Miami University-Oxford
27

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Score: 63.14

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,578
    • Out-of-State: $19,338
  • Net Price: $13,799
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,842
  • Undergrad Students: 1,982
  • Graduate Students: 860
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • SUNY Polytechnic Institute
28

Oregon State University

Score: 63.05

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,664
    • Out-of-State: $33,439
  • Net Price: $21,163
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 34,292
  • Undergrad Students: 28,905
  • Graduate Students: 5,387
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Oregon State University
29

Thomas Jefferson University

Score: 63.05

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $44,350
    • Out-of-State: $44,350
  • Net Price: $28,110
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,286
  • Undergrad Students: 3,771
  • Graduate Students: 4,515
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Thomas Jefferson University
30

University of Oklahoma

Score: 62.77

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,312
    • Out-of-State: $25,880
  • Net Price: $22,601
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 28,308
  • Undergrad Students: 21,282
  • Graduate Students: 7,026
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Oklahoma
31

Oregon Institute of Technology

Score: 62.74

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,122
    • Out-of-State: $33,956
  • Net Price: $17,283
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,911
  • Undergrad Students: 4,802
  • Graduate Students: 109
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Oregon Institute of Technology
32

Florida Tech

Score: 62.67

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $43,670
    • Out-of-State: $43,670
  • Net Price: $30,752
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,315
  • Undergrad Students: 3,364
  • Graduate Students: 4,951
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Florida Tech
33

University of Iowa

Score: 62.62

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,353
    • Out-of-State: $32,316
  • Net Price: $19,587
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,015
  • Undergrad Students: 21,973
  • Graduate Students: 8,042
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Iowa
34

University of Missouri-Columbia

Score: 62.6

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,981
    • Out-of-State: $31,970
  • Net Price: $19,889
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,304
  • Undergrad Students: 23,745
  • Graduate Students: 7,559
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Missouri-Columbia
35

Lewis University

Score: 62.49

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,530
    • Out-of-State: $36,530
  • Net Price: $19,184
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,513
  • Undergrad Students: 3,933
  • Graduate Students: 2,580
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Lewis University
36

University of North Florida

Score: 62.42

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,389
    • Out-of-State: $20,793
  • Net Price: $11,338
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 16,406
  • Undergrad Students: 14,171
  • Graduate Students: 2,235
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • University of North Florida
37

Washington State University

Score: 62.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,701
    • Out-of-State: $28,385
  • Net Price: $17,911
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 27,539
  • Undergrad Students: 22,612
  • Graduate Students: 4,927
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Washington State University
38

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Score: 62.23

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,874
    • Out-of-State: $32,734
  • Net Price: $16,926
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,403
  • Undergrad Students: 25,777
  • Graduate Students: 7,626
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Colorado State University-Fort Collins
39

St. Joseph's University-New York

Score: 62.18

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $32,370
    • Out-of-State: $32,370
  • Net Price: $18,001
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,348
  • Undergrad Students: 3,556
  • Graduate Students: 792
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • St. Joseph's University-New York
40

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Score: 62

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,244
    • Out-of-State: $31,664
  • Net Price: $21,880
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,805
  • Undergrad Students: 27,039
  • Graduate Students: 6,766
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
41

Florida Atlantic University

Score: 61.97

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,879
    • Out-of-State: $17,324
  • Net Price: $9,711
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 29,592
  • Undergrad Students: 24,191
  • Graduate Students: 5,401
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • Florida Atlantic University
42

University of Idaho

Score: 61.85

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,396
    • Out-of-State: $27,632
  • Net Price: $14,954
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,507
  • Undergrad Students: 8,809
  • Graduate Students: 2,698
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Idaho
43

Temple University

Score: 61.84

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,135
    • Out-of-State: $35,608
  • Net Price: $23,935
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,196
  • Undergrad Students: 24,106
  • Graduate Students: 9,090
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Temple University
44

California State University-Sacramento

Score: 61.8

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,484
    • Out-of-State: $19,364
  • Net Price: $11,596
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,818
  • Undergrad Students: 28,921
  • Graduate Students: 2,897
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • California State University-Sacramento
45

University of Arkansas

Score: 61.79

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,656
    • Out-of-State: $27,410
  • Net Price: $16,208
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,936
  • Undergrad Students: 26,269
  • Graduate Students: 4,667
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of Arkansas
46

Syracuse University

Score: 61.77

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,135
    • Out-of-State: $60,135
  • Net Price: $43,651
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,698
  • Undergrad Students: 15,421
  • Graduate Students: 7,277
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Syracuse University
47

University of Mary

Score: 61.66

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,062
    • Out-of-State: $21,062
  • Net Price: $18,369
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,652
  • Undergrad Students: 2,506
  • Graduate Students: 1,146
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of Mary
48

Simmons University

Score: 61.6

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $44,350
    • Out-of-State: $44,350
  • Net Price: $24,423
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,710
  • Undergrad Students: 1,788
  • Graduate Students: 3,922
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • Simmons University
49

Oklahoma State University

Score: 61.55

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,234
    • Out-of-State: $25,754
  • Net Price: $16,718
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,372
  • Undergrad Students: 20,786
  • Graduate Students: 4,586
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Oklahoma State University
50

Mississippi State University

Score: 61.41

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,398
    • Out-of-State: $25,444
  • Net Price: $15,364
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,649
  • Undergrad Students: 18,305
  • Graduate Students: 4,344
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Mississippi State University

What is a Bachelor's Degree?


A bachelor’s degree, also known as baccalaureate degree, is an undergraduate degree earned by completing a three-to-seven year course of study at a college or university, which you can either attend online, on campus, or a combination of both (a.k.a. hybrid programs). Bachelor's degree graduates have some of the best opportunities when it comes time to look for a career in their chosen field.

In addition, online bachelor's degree programs are a step above an associate degree, which takes two years to complete, and is a stepping stone to even higher-level graduate degrees such as a professional degree, master’s degree, or PhD. Typically a bachelor's degree takes four to five years to complete at a traditional university or from private institutions. A traditional bachelor's degree program can be earned at some community colleges, but will primarily be available as four year degree programs at a university or college. Most community colleges will offer associate degrees, but some offer undergraduate bachelor's degree programs. You will have to complete your general education courses from any college or university in order to complete your bachelor's degree. Online learners will attend online lectures, participate in discussion boards, and complete the same material in their online degrees that on-campus undergraduate programs require. The accessibility to a major may shift depending where you are in the United States, as might admission standards (though online programs require the same admission items as on-campus programs) and what is expected of students while they are in school completing their online bachelor's degree programs. The number of online courses or online programs also changes from school to school. Some schools might offer undergraduate degree completion programs, while others only offer basic bachelor's programs in nursing education, elementary education, information technology, business data analytics, criminal justice, and more. Generally, financial aid offerings are the same for on-campus and online learners. Every student should apply for federal student aid to help lower the cost of their bachelor's degree cost.

What Online Undergraduate Major Should You Choose?

One of the main reasons for choosing a bachelor’s degree program is that many employers require it for entry to mid level positions. However, even if an employer doesn’t require a bachelor's degree, if there is competition for a position, most will choose an applicant holding a bachelor’s degree over one who holds an associate's, whether they earned their bachelor's degree as an online degree or not. On-campus bachelor's degree students typically do not have significantly better outcomes than those who earn a bachelor's degree online. They must all take the same general education courses, have a high school diploma or GED, fill out the FAFSA for financial aid, and complete all other normal admission requirements for a bachelor's degree program. While online undergraduate degrees may require more work ethic to make sure online students stick to their deadlines, the actual requirements are the same for all undergraduate students looking to earn an associate or bachelor's degree.

There are many careers that require a bachelor’s degree and can open doors to numerous career possibilities. Obtaining your bachelor’s degree will arm you with the knowledge and skills to take on numerous occupations. The key to finding the best online bachelor's degree lies in the student's interests and needs, whether this leads them to an online degree in business administration, information technology, education, healthcare or criminal justice. Get a bachelor's degree to broaden your horizons and open more career potential.

Find Your Online Bachelors College

A bachelor's degree is the most popular of all online degree types, by far. In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) calculates that between 2015 and 2016, around 1.9 million students earned a bachelor's degree, which is a 32% increase from 2005. Finding the right online bachelor's degree program can help online learners save a ton on their bachelor's degree cost, even if financial aid can't provide as much help as you'd like.

There are several different types of online degrees to choose from in various industries that can help to make you an expert in specific areas. In addition, having a bachelor’s degree shows a lot about your character, in that you put your education first and went the extra mile to earn a rewarding degree and, if you have completed one of these bachelor's degree programs, you'll possess valuable skills and knowledge that will appeal to many employers. Some employers don’t care what your bachelor's degree is in, they just want intelligent people willing to do the work and go the extra mile. The best bachelor's degree to earn is the one that will help you get into the career you want, whether that's a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or computer science.

What are the Most Common Types of Bachelor's Degrees?

There are multiple types of bachelor's degree programs that students can earn to qualify for a wide array of jobs. The following are some of the online bachelor's degree types that are available:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA or BA Degree)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS or BS Degree)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
  • What is a better degree BA or BS?

Why Get a Bachelor’s Degree vs an Associate’s Degree?

There are many good reasons why getting an online bachelor’s degree is better than obtaining an online associate degree; here are five reasons to strive for a four year bachelor's degree:

  • An employer will almost always choose an applicant who holds a bachelor’s degree over one that holds an online associate degree when there is competition for a position.
  • During your studies, you will gain much more knowledge and skills with a bachelor’s degree course than with an associate’s.
  • With an online bachelor’s you can get right into a master’s, with an associate’s, you are years away.
  • Those who hold a bachelor’s degree hold more respect.
  • Online Bachelor’s degree holders are more likely to earn higher wages. A bachelor's degree worth is much higher than a high school diploma and typically a bachelor's degree graduate earns on average $27,300 more per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Typical Online Degree Requirements

bachelors_degree_requirements To earn an online bachelor’s degree, colleges and universities may require from 120 to 180 college credits or semester hours, but the majority only require 120 credits, which you can earn by completing around 40 college classes. Therefore, it should take full-time students around four years to earn an online bachelor’s degree. However, if you already received your online associate degree, most colleges will allow you to transfer those 60 credits towards earning your undergraduate program online, leaving you with only 60 more hours of study to go that should take around two years.

Please note, in order to obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree, most colleges require that you study with them for at least half the time, or two years.

There are also accelerated online undergraduate degree programs available that compress the same traditional course into shorter sessions, meaning you would have to work much faster to complete the program but you would earn your degree quicker than in the average college program.

What are the Most Popular Online Undergraduate Majors?

According to the NCES, Over half of the 1.9 million bachelor's degrees programs awarded in 2015 to 2016, were concentrated in the following six areas:

  • Business - 372,000 degrees
  • Health Professions (Nursing) - 229,000 degrees
  • Social Sciences & History - 161,000 degrees
  • Psychology - 117,000 degrees
  • Biology & Biomedical Sciences - 114,000 degrees
  • Engineering - 107,000 degrees

The following bachelor's degree programs fields of study accounted for the next highest level of percentages with 5% each:

  • Visual & Performing Arts - 93,000 degrees
  • Journalism, Communication, and Related - 92,600 degrees
  • Education - 87,200 degrees

Thus, overall, 18% of the bachelor's degrees were awarded in STEM fields that totaled 355,000.

How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s Program?


Choosing an undergraduate program is not only the most important decision of your career but can also be the hardest one as well. This is mainly due to the fact that this decision will likely affect the rest of your career. Those who are fortunate enough to know what they want early in life don’t have this burden. However, you’re not alone if you’re feeling the pressure. Nearly 50% of students who are undecided also feel stressed about the decision when choosing an academic degree. Still, even those who choose a college degree major early may be part of the estimated 75% who change their major before graduating. Don’t let this scare you out of a rewarding career. It is ok to change your mind later if you feel you made the wrong choice.

The key is choosing an occupation that you will enjoy, despite any apparent lack in salary at the outset. Rather than basing your selection just on potential earnings, filling someone’s shoes, or taking on a challenge just to prove that you can do it, you should decide based on your own future happiness and satisfaction with the work you will spend so much time on. Making the right undergraduate programs choice can mean the difference between staring at the clock anxiously waiting to go home every day or maintaining a healthy life/work balance that will help you enjoy both more.

Find Online BS Programs

What is a Bachelor of Arts Degree?


An online Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is an undergraduate program that can be completed in a number of sciences, liberal arts, or both.

  • What is the average cost for a Bachelor of Arts degree? - $10,000 to $35,000
  • Time to Complete a Bachelor of Arts program - 4 years (Timeframes are trending toward a 5-6 year completion.)

What is a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree?


An Online Bachelor of Science (BS) degree focuses on science, mathematics, or technology degrees such as engineering, information technology, health sciences, and more.

  • What is the average cost for a B.S. degree? - $10,000 to $35,000
  • Time to complete a bachelor's degree program - 4 to 5 years

What is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree?


A Online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is a professional education in performing or visual arts. These degrees tend to avoid the hard sciences all together except for general education courses and instead focus on music, art, and literature.

  • What is the average cost for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree? - $40,000
  • Time to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts program - 4 to 5 years

What is a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree?


The Online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree contains advanced technical training such as military training, in sciences and liberal arts. It was specifically designed for those who have accumulated college credits but never used them.

  • What is the average cost for a Bachelor of Applied Science degree - $52,000
  • Time to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science program - 4 to 5 years

What is a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree?


Originating in England, the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is the degree you will have to earn in order to become an attorney.

  • What is the average cost for a Bachelor of Laws degree? - $65,400
  • Time to complete a Bachelor of Laws program - 3 or 4 years

Types of Bachelor's Degree and Abbreviations


The U.S. Department of Education recognizes over 80 types of bachelor's degrees.

What Can I Do with an Undergraduate Degree?


An online or hybrid bachelor’s degree program is one of the most flexible educational options available to anyone looking to gain a foundation for a career. While there are options for online certificates and trade schools, many of these won’t give you access to future education or many of the huge variety of industries or areas of interest that are available to those with bachelor’s degrees.

A bachelor’s degree program will let you get into the work force right away, get you an internship at your dream job, or prepare you to earn a master’s or PhD. The options you can choose between for your major are practically endless. You could choose business, management, architecture, dance, fine art, marketing, marine or human biology, journalism or communication, psychology or social sciences, or many, many others.

An online bachelor’s degree program is a four-year education that sets you on your future path. You can earn an online associate's first if you want to save some money, as this can also be a very expensive option. However, with bachelor’s degrees becoming more important and more expensive, the options to lower your educational costs have also increased. Federal, state, and school-specific scholarships and loans are available, as well as those meant for students who plan to go into specific careers. Associations and institutions also provide scholarships to minorities and the under-represented to try to improve their work force. No matter what bachelor's degree you’re looking to achieve, you’ll have access to some financial aid help.

Find Your Program

Most Popular Jobs and Careers for Online Students/Graduates


As a bachelor's degree holder you will quickly learn some of the top attributes employers are looking for whether you have an associate degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree or even a doctoral degree. The most common attributes that employers look for from bachelor's degree students are: communication skills, leadership skills, teamwork skills, self-management skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills and computer skills. Most bachelor's degree programs will teach you some or all of these skills, but how you utilize and apply them is what will set you apart from other candidates and help you land one of the following careers.

  • HR Executive: $85,000

    Customer Care Executive: $67,800

    Public Relations Executive: $65,000

    Paralegal: $48,800

    Technical Writer: $60,600

    Editor: $53,100

    Journalist: $40,700

    Staffing Coordinator: $40,400

  • Risk Manager: $87,600

    Software Engineer: $86,400

    Service Consultant: $73,100

    Teacher: $49,400

    Business Manager: - $64,900

    Marketing Executive: $59,100

    Financial Analyst: $61,300

    Accountant: $51,500

    Underwriter: $59,700

    Project Manager: $74,500

  • Legal Secretary: $55,300

    Attorney/Lawyer: $85,700

    Detective: $62,100

Frequently Asked Questions


How long does it take to complete a bachelor's degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree online or on campus will require typically 120 college credits. If you have already received your associate’s degree, you can most likely transfer those 60 credits, leaving you with a balance of 60 credit hours. Full-time degree programs will usually mean taking 15 credit-hours per semester, meaning it should take you 4 years altogether to complete your degree. However, if you take less than 15 credits or attend part-time you may find yourself in school for a fifth year. Or you can complete an online bachelor's degree program with the same courses but at a faster pace. How fast you earn your degree will depend on how much time you are willing to commit to your studies. This is one of the major advantages of attending college online: you can often complete the coursework as fast or as slow as you want to. Some students may choose to earn two bachelor's degrees or a dual major, which will take additional time to complete.

How will a bachelor’s degree help me?

A bachelor’s degree can help you in a myriad of ways. For one, no matter what you earn your degree in, it will make it easier for you to find a job. Even if it’s only a temp job, employers look for employees with degrees, no matter what the degree covers. It will also help you earn more in the work force. Those same employers who are looking for college graduates are willing to pay those graduates more in order to maintain an educated workforce.

Can I complete this degree 100% online?

This depends on the bachelor’s degree you choose. While there are some degrees that you cannot complete entirely online such as nursing education, which requires in-person clinical hours, and teacher education, which requires that you teach a class in person for a semester, there are plenty of degrees that you can complete entirely online. For example, most computer science learning happens in a virtual environment, so it is particularly easy to transfer to an online learning format. The same can be said for most humanities and liberal arts learning such as social sciences, English and literature, history, and more.

Is an online degree just as good as an in-person degree?

No matter what you’ve heard, an online degree is nearly always considered just as good as an in-person degree. In fact, student outcomes from both degree types are nearly equal. The only thing you really need to look out for is degree mills, which don’t offer a quality learning experience. You can steer clear of these by paying attention to accreditation. Any school worth attending will be accredited by a regional accrediting agency approved by CHEA and might have programmatic accreditation for some of it’s degree programs as well.

Does the School Help You With Career Placement?

How much do bachelor’s degree holders make?

According to Payscale.com, bachelor’s degree holders make an average of around $65,000/year. Of course, this is an average, so you should take that into account. How much you make with this degree will depend on the career you enter, how much experience you have, other skills and certifications, and more. A graphic designer earns between $34k and $70k, while a software engineer can earn between $64k and $131k. But, if you consider that an associate degree earns graduates around $56,000/year on average, a bachelor’s definitely ups the ante.

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