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.

Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?

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).

Did You Know…

  • In 2022, bachelor’s degree-holders earned a median weekly salary that was $579 higher than workers with only a high school diploma.
  • College grads make $1.6 million more than those with a high school diploma over their lifetime.
  • Bachelor’s degree-holders had a 2.2% unemployment rate in 2022, compared with a 4% unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma.
  • College graduates live longer — compared to someone who did not complete high school, you’ll live, on average, a decade longer with a degree!
  • In 2021, 79% of college grads said their degree helped them grow personally and intellectually.

Explore Our Featured Online Bachelor’s Programs

10 Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page.

Popular Majors to Consider for a Bachelor’s Degree

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.

Business

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.

Computer Science

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.

Education

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.

Information 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.

Nursing

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.

Psychology

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.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s Degrees

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.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree Cost?

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.

How to Make Your Online Bachelor’s Degree More Affordable

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:

  • Shop around to find affordable online colleges with low tuition rates.
  • Choose an in-state public university, as these schools cost less than private institutions.
  • Earn your associate degree at a community college to save on tuition, then transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
  • Take AP exams or enroll in dual-credit classes while in high school.

Browse by State

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.

Q&A With Real Online Students and Grads


Q: Why did you choose an online bachelor’s degree?


“I had no idea at 18 what I wanted to do, so I took a few college classes and worked to figure out my career path. I was an unconventional student at 25 and needed an unconventional solution to achieving my degree.”
— Emily Faulkner, Contract Specialist for U.S. Navy
“I chose an online bachelor’s program because of the flexibility it offered me. Additionally, the online option offered me program options that wouldn’t have been possible due to substantial commute times.”
— Amy Jeffers, Paramedic and EMS System Coordinator for Illinois State Police
“I decided to go back to school for nursing but due to my location there were no options. … [The] program also allowed me to test out of certain subject areas, such as maternal health, pediatrics, and psychiatric. This saved me money and time.”
— Emma Cole, Nurse Practitioner

Q: What’s the best part of earning your degree online?

“The flexibility of the schedule! It gave me the availability to study at night while working during the day.”
— Karen Pollard, Senior Account Manager at Press Ganey
“Completing my coursework online allowed me to do it on my own time and in the best setting. So if I needed to get up and move around I could do so. I could complete assignments in the middle of the night. It allowed me to work full time as well.”
— Emma C.
“The best part of earning my degree online was that it allowed me to earn a degree while working full time and caring for my family. I was able to attend evening extracurriculars for my children and do coursework after they were in bed.”
— Amy J.

Q: What advice would you give students considering an online degree?

“It’s very easy to put off deadlines and not complete assignments until the last minute. Time management is essential. Learning how to study is also key. Most instructors have ‘virtual office hours,’ and depending on the degree, it’s essential to take advantage of that.”
— Emma C.
“Focus on time management and strategies to help keep you on track. Mark a calendar with all important dates and deadlines to ensure you don’t miss any. Celebrate the wins of a good test or the end of the semester!”
— Karen P.
“Make a schedule for your school and stick to it to ensure you aren’t cramming in all your assignments in one night to meet the deadlines. Your degree is as valuable as earning it in person and is indistinguishable [from the degree of] someone who attended classes in person. Do not ever allow someone to make you believe your degree is worth less because you attended classes virtually.”
— Emily F.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s Degrees

Are online bachelor’s degrees legit?

Yes, online bachelor’s degrees are legit — as long as they’re from an accredited school. Accredited colleges pass a rigorous examination of their academic standards and student learning outcomes.

Online colleges complete the same accreditation process as on-campus colleges. In fact, many top-ranked colleges offer online and in-person degrees that use the same materials, exams, and instructors.

By choosing an accredited online college, you can rest assured that your degree is credible.

What types of bachelor’s degrees can you get online?

You can earn an online bachelor’s degree in business, education, healthcare, the humanities, the social sciences, STEM, and many other popular fields.

Online learning is becoming increasingly popular, making it possible to earn nearly any degree online.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s degree online?

Earning a bachelor’s degree online takes around four years if you’re a full-time student and 5-6 years if you’re a part-time student.

Many colleges offer accelerated bachelor’s programs and other options to graduate faster. For example, you can transfer credits toward your degree or earn credit by exam.

What bachelor’s degrees pay the most money?

According to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the highest-paying majors for 2023 include engineering, computer science, economics, construction services, business analytics, finance, and mathematics. Those majors report the highest median salaries for graduates ages 22-27.

Online colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in all of these high-paying majors.

What is the easiest online bachelor’s degree to get?

Business, communication, criminal justice, marketing, and psychology often make various lists of easy online bachelor’s degrees. But the easiest degree for you will ultimately depend on your skills and interests.

If you’re a strong writer, a humanities or social studies degree might be easier for you. If you have a lot of transfer credits in one department, it might be easier to finish a degree in that field.

Consider your unique circumstances and strengths when choosing a major.

Next Steps

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.