Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

Online bachelor’s degrees are nothing to scoff at. Getting a bachelor’s degree can positively impact your earning potential, whether you got that degree online or in person.

You can receive the same education and long-term income security by studying online. Research shows that bachelor’s degree-holders, no matter the learning format, earn more throughout their lifetime than people without a college education.

Here, we’ve ranked the best accredited online bachelor’s degrees. We’ll also walk you through popular majors and average tuition costs.

There’s no catch with an online degree. An online bachelor’s degree from an accredited college is still a bachelor’s degree. You’ll put in the same amount of time studying and come out with similar knowledge and job prospects as someone who completed an in-person program.

The convenience and flexibility make online learning popular among nearly 9 million students. The COVID-19 pandemic only intensified a long-growing desire for more online learning options at the college level.

Today, colleges of all tiers offer legitimate online bachelor’s degrees. In fact, about 422 schools exclusively offer online learning, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Can’t decide on a major? Colleges have robust online undergraduate catalogs with enough majors to meet every student’s interests and strengths. That said, these six majors are typically the most popular.

With a business degree, you can gain a broad education that prepares you to excel in business management or start your own venture.

The coursework equips students with a comprehensive knowledge of running a business, covering operations management, business law, finance, marketing, and other crucial areas.

If you have an interest in computer systems, consider a bachelor’s in computer science. The degree gives you a foundation in computer science theories, computing ethics, operating systems, and a proficiency in programming languages such as Java and C++.

Often, you can specialize in subfields like cybersecurity, data analytics, or artificial intelligence.

You can pursue a classroom or administrative career with a bachelor’s in education. Educational programs can provide training in specific areas, such as elementary or special education.

Coursework covers topics like educational policy, classroom management, research methods, and educational technology.

A bachelor in information technology gives you the skills to maintain and repair computer systems and networks. Courses teach you about the fundamentals of computer systems security, web programming, and configuring systems.

Classroom training and clinical experience gained through a bachelor’s in nursing will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam.

This degree helps you develop the practical skills to build a patient-centered registered nursing practice, with courses like patient assessment, pharmacology, and nursing research.

Earning a bachelor’s in psychology qualifies you to apply for a graduate-level psychology program or to enter careers in law, social services, or education.

In undergraduate psychology classes, you’ll get an introduction to psychology that explores the human mind and social and environmental influences on the developmental process.

When a college or program is accredited, it means they’ve met certain academic and operational standards. Accrediting bodies assess institutions on program structure, student resources, and student outcomes.

Earning an unaccredited degree can negatively affect the quality of your education, your financial aid opportunities, and your career options. Many employers only hire candidates with an accredited degree. You’ll also need an accredited degree to meet professional licensure and certification requirements.

These are just a few reasons why choosing an accredited school for your online bachelor’s degree is important.

The average undergraduate at a public four-year college in 2020-2021 spent $14,700 on their degree, according to NCES. Private college students paid nearly double, with net prices ranging from $24,600-$28,400 in 2020-2021.

How much will your bachelor’s degree cost? Take into account the average rates and then consider factors unique to your school. For instance, going to college out of state will usually cost more than attending a public college as an in-state resident. Out-of-state students at four-year public colleges paid a national average of $27,091 in tuition and fees in 2020-2021, compared to $9,375 for in-state residents.

Worried about the cost of an online bachelor’s degree? If you choose an accredited college, you can qualify for many forms of financial aid.

As an online student, you can fill out the FAFSA and receive federal grants and loans. You can also apply for state and local grants, institutional aid, and private scholarships.

Here are some other ways you can save money on your online bachelor’s degree:

For many students, the cheapest options are local public colleges that offer in-state tuition rates. Search the list below to learn more about attending an online college based in your state.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.