Science is arguably one of the most interesting and exciting subjects you can study. The cheapest online bachelor’s in science, which cover topics like biology, geology, and physics, can lead to engaging, rewarding careers. After graduation from one of these programs, you can work in a science lab or in the great outdoors. You can lead groundbreaking research or head teams of experts. The choice, ultimately, is yours.
We have identified 33 degrees from 22 accredited institutions. With a variety of options, there is a degree to fit your future goals, current schedule, and limited budget.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$43,000
Least Expensive In-state: University of Florida ~$15,502
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Kennesaw State University ~$22,688
With these degrees, you can work in careers that include geologist, zoologist, microbiologist, geographer, and surveyor, among many other options. As you’ll see, these careers bring competitive salaries; many science careers have median annual incomes over $80,000.
The salaries are high and the job market is strong, but most importantly, science careers give you the chance to work on fascinating research and innovations.
10 Cheapest Online Bachelor’s in Science Programs
American Public University System | Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,502.00 $66,314.00 $15,502.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
2 | Great Basin College | (NV) | $19,216.00 $28,366.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $22,688.00 | All Students |
4 | Florida Atlantic University | (FL) | $24,395.00 $86,621.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | University of West Florida | (FL) | $26,278.00 $77,804.00 $26,278.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
6 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $29,131.00 | All Students |
7 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $39,600.00 $27,720.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
8 | Mayville State University | (ND) | $40,470.00 | All Students |
9 | Portland State University | (OR) | $41,220.00 $116,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | South Dakota State University | (SD) | $42,570.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Logan University | (MO) | $45,000.00 | All Students | |
Logan University | (MO) | $45,750.00 | All Students | |
New Mexico State University | (NM) | $47,448.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $49,292.00 $32,492.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Wilmington University | (DE) | $49,420.00 $30,340.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Mississippi State University | (MS) | $53,041.00 | All Students | |
George Mason University | (VA) | $55,610.00 $152,266.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Unity Environmental University | (ME) | $56,500.00 $50,860.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $60,000.00 | All Students | |
Life University | (GA) | $60,144.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $63,000.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $63,000.00 | All Students | |
Park University | (MO) | $69,600.00 $31,800.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $80,267.00 | All Students |
Methodology for the Rankings of the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s in Science
These rankings of online science bachelor’s programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. To calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online science degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online science degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online bachelor’s in science must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
ABET ABET accrediting organization
Why Pursue One of the Cheapest Online Bachelor’s in Science?
Does a career in science sound exciting? Everyone has their own motivations for enrolling in these programs, but here are some of the reasons to enter an online bachelor’s in science:
- Exciting work: After graduating from one of these programs, you can work in cutting-edge scientific research. Whether in biology, physics, geology, or a different field, your work will be interesting, rewarding, and important.
- Strong incomes available: Many of the top careers in science bring excellent incomes. For example, geographers have a median income of $88,900, while the median for microbiologists is $81,060.
- Stable career field: Competition for science positions can be high, but this is a steady, strong job market. The BLS says that “employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.”
Online Bachelor’s in Science Program Cost
With costs varying from roughly $15,500 to over $80,000, the range of costs for these programs is massive. Students seeking an online bachelor’s in science need to research the programs thoroughly so that they understand all costs, including tuition, fees, and other expenses that could change the final price.
The average price for these programs is $43,000. Most bachelor’s programs, including these online science degrees, require about four years to complete, so the typical student spends about $10,750 per year to enroll in these programs. If finding the cheapest online bachelor’s in science is important, there are many options below the average price. 16 programs cost less than the average, including ten degrees that are less than $30,000 for in-state students.
The most affordable programs come from the University of Florida. This school offers four affordable online bachelor’s in science programs, each with a total estimated cost of only $15,502 for in-state students.
For all students, regardless of location, the cheapest online bachelor’s in science is the Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Kennesaw State University. This program has an estimated cost of $22,688 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Be sure to research all costs before signing up for a program, as prices can vary widely. There are 17 programs above the average cost, including seven programs that cost more than $60,000. The most expensive is the Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from the University of North Dakota. This program costs over $80,000 annually, meaning students pay over $20,000 a year.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Online Science Degrees?
While many programs offer affordable prices for an online bachelor’s in science, these three programs provide the lowest estimated cost in our database:
#1. University of Florida – BA in Biology, BS in Microbiology & Cell Science, Ba in Geography, Ba in Geology
Cost: $15,502 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you choose the University of Florida for your online bachelor’s science degree, you can select from four different majors: biology, microbiology, geography, and geology.
These cheapest online bachelor’s in science programs provide versatile, industry-specific learning for careers in biology and other subjects. They can also lead to advanced studies in graduate school. The University of Florida offers three bachelor of arts programs and one bachelor of science. The BA programs are best for students interested in education or an interdisciplinary career, such as biotech law, science journalism, or science management.
The University of Florida has the lowest price for in-state students, but the out-of-state cost is over $66,000. Still, Florida residents have the opportunity to learn specific biology skills at an extremely low price.
#2. Great Basin College – BaS in Land Surveying / Geomatics
Cost: $19,216 (In-state, Nevada)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
This online program is a joint effort between Great Basin College and the Nevada Association of Land Surveyor’s Advisory Committee. It was created to address the growing need for licensed professional surveyors across the state of Nevada. In particular, professionals are needed to capture, store, process, and manage spatial data. Launched in 2005, this four-year degree has served in-person and online students from across the country.
Students in this online program must complete a variety of courses related to the science and mathematics of land surveying. Subjects ranging from calculus and statistics to boundary analysis are part of the program.
Great Basin College in Nevada offers numerous associate and bachelor degrees in a variety of fields. They have created a long-distance education system that provides certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees. Many of the programs, including the Bachelor of Applied Science, are available entirely online.
#3. Kennesaw State University – Ba in Geography
Cost: $22,688 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
For students not living in Florida or Nevada, this is the cheapest online bachelor’s in science available. The degree has an estimated cost of $22,688, a price that is available to all students regardless of their location.
This bachelor of arts program focuses on more than just mapping landscapes. It also helps students understand aspects of the Earth and how humans play a role in modifying the geography of our planet. As part of the geography discipline, the program explores human activity, weather, vegetation, landforms, cities, and transportation.
This program combines subjects in both natural science and social sciences. Weather, digital technology, landforms, resources, and society are all part of the degree. So are human geography and anthropology, creating well-rounded geography experts.
Degree Program Types
Within this database, you can find a variety of degrees. While many are bachelor of science degrees, there are also bachelor of arts and bachelor of applied science programs. It’s important to understand the differences before enrolling.
A bachelor of science focuses on specific skills and knowledge within a science discipline. These degrees are ideal for people who want to work directly in the sciences, in careers like biologist, geologist, and physicist. A bachelor of applied science is similar but maintains a focus on practical, hands-on skills. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Land Surveying / Geomatics from Great Basin College, for example, gives students skills that apply directly to a surveying career.
Bachelor of arts degrees are slightly different. These programs take a broader approach to science and learning, providing more well-rounded skills in communication and critical thinking. In the sciences, a bachelor of arts degree is ideal for students who want multifaceted careers that involve science in some fashion. A BA in science can be used to become a science journalist, manager, or educator.
These degrees come with a variety of specializations and concentrations that have a direct impact on future jobs. Specializations for a bachelor of science online degree include:
- Biology
- Botany
- Cell science
- Conservation
- Earth science
- Geography
- Geology
- Maritime studies
- Meteorology
- Geosciences
Think about your interests, talents, and career goals to help guide your decision.
Accreditation for these Online Science Degrees
There are thousands of colleges and universities in the United States. With the availability of online learning, aspiring students have access to more degrees than ever before. How can we know that a school is worth the thousands of dollars in tuition and fees?
We can start with accreditation. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from independent organizations, often called accrediting agencies or accrediting bodies. These groups review schools to ensure the coursework is reliable, credible, and current.
The most common form of accreditation is institutional, also known as regional accreditation. This form covers the entire institution (hence “institutional”) and is granted by groups that review schools in large sections of the country (hence “regional”). Examples of regional bodies include the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
Some degrees also have programmatic accreditation. This only covers the specific degree or program. For example, a school psychology degree may be have approval from the National Association of School Psychologists. Because these science degrees cover a wide variety of topics, programmatic accreditation is rare. The only degree with programmatic accreditation on our list is the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics from New Mexico State University. This program is accredited by ABET.
Typical Admission Requirements
Most students with a decent academic background and basic scholarly skills will find a bachelor’s program that accepts their application. The requirements vary by school, but applicants will need to submit an assortment of documents that demonstrate their overall knowledge and academic background.
Common documents include:
- High school transcripts: This document shows what you studied in high school and what grades you earned. Colleges will look for classes that align with a science major, such as biology and chemistry. They may also look for a GPA.
- ACT or SAT scores: Although these tests are becoming less common, some schools still require ACT and SAT scores from their students.
- Misc.: Some programs will also require an interview, letters of recommendation, or a statement of purpose.
Acceptance into a bachelor’s program is not guaranteed, but most students with a decent academic background will be able to enroll.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Some careers require a specific license or certification. Teachers, lawyers, and nurses are all required by state and federal governments to pass specific tests and carry a license. Although less common, some careers in the sciences have this requirement as well.
Geoscientists who offer services to the public, for example, are usually required to have licenses through the state. If their service involves public projects, such as support for civil engineering or environmental protection, a license is often required.
Other careers will not require licensing. Microbiologists, zoologists, and wildlife biologists do not need a license to conduct research or work in their specific fields. In addition, most of these careers do not require additional training or experience. Once you have an appropriate degree, you are eligible to work as a science professional.
Salary and Career Information
Income is rarely the top reason to enter the science field. You need to have motivation beyond a large salary if you are going to work in this complex and evolving industry.
However, with the right education, skills, and experience, you can earn a significant income. Microbiologists, for example, have a median income of $81,060. The top 10% in this profession earn over $136,630, making this a lucrative career choice.
Here are the median salaries for a collection of popular science careers:
- Geographer: $88,900
- Geologist: $87,480
- Microbiologists: $81,060
- Zoologist and wildlife biologists: $67,430
- Surveyor: $63,080
Science is also a stable, reliable industry. With an affordable online bachelor’s in science, you can work in a sector that provides numerous work opportunities across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that careers in the life sciences will grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032. For perspective, the predicted growth for the entire U.S. job market is 3%.
This growth will be due to many factors. For example, geologists should grow by 5% thanks to demand for energy resources and environmental protection, while microbiologists are expected to grow by 7% because of an increased need to develop new drugs, which can be aided by microbiology.
Much will depend on your skills, education, and commitment to science, but, after graduating with an online bachelor’s in science, you can reasonably expect a solid career with a strong income.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Science Degree?
With multiple concentrations, a range of prices, and different structures for each program, choosing the right online degree can be daunting. But with the right approach and a systematic process, it can become much easier.
Start by selecting degrees that fit your specific interests, such as biology, geography, or physics. Then research accreditation, review the total cost, and make sure the program structure fits your schedule.
If you need more help choosing the right online bachelor’s in science use the numerous resources and informative articles at GetEducated.com today. We’ll help you identify top programs that fit your budget, schedule, and goals so that you can make the best possible choice for your future.