Most Affordable Online Liberal Arts and Sciences Degrees

Cheapest Online Bachelor's in Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Pay less and make more with one of the 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Education is essential—we can all agree on that much. Is it important enough, though, to go $50,000 or $100,000 in debt? Maybe not, right? What if we said that you can still get a high-quality liberal arts education without investing a lifetime of money?

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What Is a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences Degree?

The liberal arts and sciences focus on the intersection between human thought, experience, and expression. How do we interact with each other and the world? Why are morals important? What makes a culture unique? These are some of the critical questions that permeate the field.

Liberal arts programs aim to make their students dynamic, forward-thinking individuals. To do so, they concentrate on writing, reading, learning about various topics, and expressing thoughts in many ways. 

Many liberal arts programs require their students to focus on one or two disciplines. They can be English, science, philosophy, anthropology, or a number of other studies. 

How Much Can You Earn with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences Degree?

The liberal arts don’t give you specific tools to do a single job; they give you a dynamic skill set to do many jobs. Thus, there is no single field for liberal arts majors. Liberal arts graduates have become everything from elementary school teachers and designers to news reporters and paralegals.

Here is the average base income per year for different professions, according to Glassdoor:

  • Elementary school teachers make $43,520
  • Designers earn $58,013
  • News analysts make $38,023
  • Paralegals earn $50,169

Don’t feel restricted by this list—liberal arts students can and have done anything and everything. 

What Is Required for a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences Degree?

Maybe most importantly, liberal arts students should be open minded. In this degree, one must connect different ideas from many places around the world and through time. Without focus, motivation, and the drive to learn, a liberal arts major won’t do much for you. If the coursework motivates you and excites you, though, your future can be boundless.

Most universities will ask you to provide the following:

  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Admission essays
  • Application fees, which range from $20 to $100

Ready to learn? Let’s get to it!

What Are the Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences Degrees?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

Indiana University-East

Indiana University-East

Quick Facts

  • 66 credits in general electives
  • 120 total credits
  • 18 credits in your concentration
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

80%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Programs Offered Online

11

Median Debt

$23,170

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

13%

While affordability is crucial to choosing an excellent online bachelor’s in liberal arts program, the quality of education matters just as much. At Indiana University East, you don’t need to make a compromise. The program is filled with high-quality courses offered at an affordable rate that’s almost too good to be true. 

Indiana University-Southeast

Quick Facts

  • Degree is designed for nontraditional students
  • Four-year degree program
  • Flexible program for busy students
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Programs Offered Online

3

Median Debt

$23,696

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

11%

On-campus university isn’t for everybody; some people don’t learn easily in a traditional learning environment. Thankfully, Indiana University Southeast had this exact type of student in mind when they were designing their online bachelor’s in liberal arts program. Their online program caters to busy students as well as  students who don’t work well in ordinary academic contexts.

University of Alaska Southeast

University of Alaska Southeast

Quick Facts

  • Unique language offerings
  • Four-year program
  • 120 total credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

78%

Acceptance Rate

71%

Programs Offered Online

8

Median Debt

$16,181

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

8%

The University of Alaska-Southeast has a fantastic online bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies that caters to your tastes. Between primary and secondary concentrations, students can choose from the Tlingit language, theater, creative writing, sociology, psychology, humanities, and much more. University of Alaska-Southeast’s unique course offerings and affordable prices make this program a fantastic choice for an online degree.

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

Purdue Global

Quick Facts

  • 120 total credits
  • $286.01 in-state tuition per credit
  • Students can’t take more than 21 credit hours in a single area
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

80%

Programs Offered Online

5

Median Debt

$26,500

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

7%

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis is an excellent online program that stresses the diversity of your curriculum. As such, you are limited to five or fewer classes per discipline. If you’re ready to step outside of your comfort zone and become a more dynamic learner, this program is for you. 

Missouri Southern State University

Quick Facts

  • Customizable curriculum
  • Students must meet a minimum 2.0 GPA to graduate
  • 39 upper-division hours required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

95%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$24,275

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

10%

The Missouri Southern State University is a fantastic state school that’s accredited and recognized for its excellent liberal arts program. With 77 required elective credits, students are encouraged to diversify their curriculum and dive deep into various subjects. For an affordable, high-quality education, Missouri Southern State University is an excellent option.

University of Missouri-St Louis

University of Missouri-St Louis

Quick Facts

  • 120 credit hours
  • Five available emphasis areas
  • Students must complete a capstone
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

76%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$28,733

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

6%

Students at the University of Missouri – Saint Louis can emphasize their studies in the fields of business, communications, health communications, psychology, or criminology and criminal justice. With over 450 faculty members, UMSL has an outstanding range of classes and perspectives. If you seek a robust and diverse online undergraduate experience, you can’t do any better than UMSL.

University of Maine at Augusta

Quick Facts

  • Students gain a foundation in humanities, natural and social sciences
  • Students develop skills for research and lifelong learning
  • Vast selection of higher-level classes
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Programs Offered Online

12

Median Debt

$23,039

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

22%

The University of Maine at Augusta strives to make its students dynamic thinkers who can adjust to any real-world career or situation. As a student, you’ll concentrate on elective classes, of which there are plenty. As such, students can only choose a minor, but not a major. 

Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne

Quick Facts

  • Available scholarships
  • Customized degree programs
  • 120 credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

94%

Programs Offered Online

4

Median Debt

$26,031

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

12%

In Purdue University – Fort Wayne’s online liberal arts program, students can study everything from business and organizational learning to psychology and sociology. As a PUFW student, you can customize your liberal arts degree to fit your unique focuses and goals. With 66 credits in elective courses, you’ll graduate from the program as a powerful thinker and an able doer.

Clayton State University

Clayton State University

Quick Facts

  • Students must complete a Liberal Studies Practicum/Internship
  • A minimum of 42 hours in higher-level courses
  • 60 hours in core curriculum
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Programs Offered Online

8

Median Debt

$29,534

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

14%

Clayton State University emphasizes an education, sure, but more than that, they emphasize real-world learning. As such, students must take a Liberal Studies Practicum or Internship, where they apply their liberal arts skills in real-life situations. If you value real-world education, check out this school. 

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Quick Facts

  • Seven-week or semester-long courses
  • Year-round learning opportunities
  • No set class times
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

78%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$19,360

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

Do you seek a career in business, government, social service, education, or communication, but you also value a well-rounded educational experience? If so, UNC Greensboro’s online liberal arts program will suit you perfectly. Between ethics and writing courses to finance and political courses, this online liberal arts program offers a well-rounded curriculum for all students. 

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Quick Facts

  • 27 hours in upper-level electives
  • Students receive a personal advisor
  • Optional concentration area
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

80%

Programs Offered Online

19

Median Debt

$25,673

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

28%

At the Northwestern State University of Louisiana, liberal arts students can truly explore their interests, whatever they may be. The school offers a multitude of classes, including areas such as social work, psychology, pre-law, addiction studies, history, geography, and much more. If you’re still looking for your niche, find it online with NSUL.

University of Illinois at Springfield

University of Illinois- Springfield

Quick Facts

  • Vast range of history courses
  • Customized learning activities
  • Self-directed learning
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Programs Offered Online

11

Median Debt

$19,952

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

The University of Illinois at Springfield caters to students who want to enhance their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. From exploring black women in film to studying Shakespeare, you will gain extensive knowledge in this program. Whether your concentration is focused on stage or computer science, you can find what you need at UIS. 

Columbus State University

Columbus State University

Quick Facts

  • Capstone portfolio
  • Six areas of mandatory study
  • 123 total credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Programs Offered Online

7

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

Columbus State University requires students to enroll in programs that, at first, seem unrelated; this includes fields such as humanities and the fine arts but also science and technology. Columbus State believes that it is only by combining these programs that you’ll gain a robust, comprehensive perspective, and they have a point. Through these rigorous, diverse courses, you’ll gain the ability to work in any field. 

Montana State University-Billings

Quick Facts

  • Nine available concentrations
  • Availability to customize your concentration
  • 120 total credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$17,887

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

10%

The Montana State University Billings is a fantastic school with top-of-the-line, interdisciplinary programs and concentrations. The liberal arts school offers applicable concentrations like Management and Organizational Communication, Management and Public Relations, and Organizational Communication and Human Resource Management. If you want real-world skills that easily translate into the professional world, consider MSUB’s excellent program.

University of Southern Maine

Quick Facts

  • Graduate with distinction with a 3.5 GPA
  • Two philosophy courses required
  • Two english courses required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

83%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$19,766

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

The University of Southern Maine’s BA in Liberal Studies-Humanities emphasizes the focus of cultural, intellectual, artistic, and literary traditions. The program, which stresses global, historical, and ethical awareness among its students, will certainly make you a more capable global citizen. With fantastic classes and top-of-the-line faculty, USM offers excellent learning opportunities.

Rutgers University-Camden

Quick Facts

  • Students choose an individualized major
  • Students can enroll in a graduate course their senior year
  • Flexible program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

69%

Programs Offered Online

8

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

Whether you’ve finished community college and you want to gain a higher-level degree, or you seek an entire four-year experience, this program is a fantastic option. Students choose an individualized major that is structured to their tastes, aspirations, and challenges. While students consider this program challenging, they find it rewarding and worth the time and money. 

Utah State University

Quick Facts

  • 90 program credit hours
  • 100% online curriculum
  • Two yearly start dates
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

89%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$16,456

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

24%

Utah State University’s top-of-the-line liberal arts program seeks to develop strong communication and critical thinking skills in its students. Between classes about ancient civilizations and political systems to modern-day courses focused on forward-thinking structures, USU’s online liberal arts degree suits the intellectually curious. If you strive to reach your intellectual or professional goals, USU will fit you well. 

University of Memphis

Quick Facts

  • 120 total credit hours
  • Students create individualized study plans
  • Students choose two distinct academic areas
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

85%

Programs Offered Online

18

Median Debt

$32,627

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

6%

The goal of an excellent online liberal arts program is to make you a multi-faceted, dynamic thinker, right? It makes sense, then, that the University of Memphis requires its students to select courses for their major from two distinct academic areas. In this program, you’ll certainly expand your mind and reach your professional goals.

University of Maryland Global Campus

Quick Facts

  • The program requires 33 credits of coursework in the major
  • 46 credits of minor or elective coursework
  • 41 credits of general education coursework
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Programs Offered Online

31

Median Debt

$25,483

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

20%

The University of Maryland offers classes like Contemporary Moral Issues, Music as Cultural Expression, and Myth in the World. These classes sound fascinating, right? If you’re ready to learn about religion, ethical issues, the foundations of theater, and many more topics, then give this excellent program a look. 

Portland State University

Quick Facts

  • 180 credits to graduate
  • 81 upper-division credits required
  • Develop creative problem-solving skills
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

92%

Programs Offered Online

3

Median Debt

$25,758

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

6%

Portland State University’s innovative online liberal arts program combines arts and letters, sciences, and social sciences to create a balanced curriculum. Arts and letters classes include Applied Linguistics and Art History; sciences courses include Biology and Earth Sciences; social science classes include Geography and Sociology. For a comprehensive take on life, choose this program.

University of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

Quick Facts

  • Online students pay resident tuition
  • Military friendly
  • School has several available scholarships
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

98%

Programs Offered Online

18

Median Debt

$28,103

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

1%

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Online Liberal Studies BLS will teach you about everything from mathematics to aesthetic values. While these classes don’t necessarily mesh, they do combine to create intelligent, adaptable, forward-thinking students. Students will conclude their online liberal studies degree with a capstone project, which includes a research seminar and an experiential learning experience. 

Wilmington University

Wilmington University

Quick Facts

  • Customizable curriculum
  • Completion program
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Programs Offered Online

18

Median Debt

$23,164

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

6%

Wilmington University’s online BS in Liberal Studies is a completion degree—the only eligible students for admittance are those who have already begun their studies. If you hit a speed bump while pursuing your degree or simply don’t feel at home at your current university, don’t worry. At Wilmington University, you can transfer up to 90 credits and get the degree you deserve. 

Rogers State University

Quick Facts

  • Military friendly
  • Choose between two main study paths
  • 120 total credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Programs Offered Online

4

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

Liberal arts studies can lead students to the far reaches of their minds, challenging them as learners and strengthening them as individuals. Sometimes, though, students would prefer a narrower, if still complex, study path that focuses on a smaller sphere of thought. At Rogers State University, students can either choose the English option or the Global Humanities option, depending on their interests. 

California State University-Chico

Quick Facts

  • Excellent program for aspiring teachers
  • Degree completion program
  • No online teaching credential program
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Programs Offered Online

4

Median Debt

$16,734

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

4%

California State University – Chico’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies offers a fantastic curriculum to help aspiring teachers complete a degree they’ve already begun. While the degree doesn’t serve as an online teaching credential, it will provide the background you need to effortlessly obtain your credential. If you want to teach our youth, choose this course.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University

Quick Facts

  • 7.5 weeks per class
  • 40 classes
  • 120 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

63%

Programs Offered Online

45

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

8%

Arizona State University – Skysong offers an excellent program with compact classes that will keep even the most distracted students interested. As an undergraduate student, your class options will include Communication in the Electronic Age, Immigration and Ethnicity in the United States, and Global Awareness. If you want to excel in the modern age, check out this program. 

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.