The category of liberal arts covers a broad canvas of knowledge applicable to numerous professional pathways. By choosing an online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, students are subscribing to a customizable academic journey, enabled by choice and strong, transferable credits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, liberal arts job growth within the next 8 years can range anywhere between negative 10 percent in careers such as journalism and education to positive 8 percent in business, healthcare, and politics. The median salary for marketing managers alone in 2018 accumulated to over $100,000. Through these numbers one can see the competitive nature of today’s marketplace. By academically enhancing skills in critical thought and analysis, communication, writing, speaking, and more, lifelong learners are preparing themselves to stand out in the workforce. However with such a diverse range of options, it can prove useful to begin with a bachelor’s and move towards a more focused master’s degree in a chosen field.
Through a meticulous survey of 258 online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from 190 accredited colleges, GetEducated has formulated this “Best Buy” list for you. This list provides links to the highest caliber educational options with a tuition difference of up to $141,000. Take the time to explore each option before subscribing to the next chapter in your academic career.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$48,300
Least Expensive: Great Basin College ~ $15,501.60
Most Expensive: Mercy College ~ $156,504.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. The online liberal arts degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
107 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,501.60 $66,314.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Middle Georgia State University | (GA) | $17,968.00 | All Students |
3 |  University of the Virgin Islands Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies / Strategic Communication 14 | () | $18,480.00 $55,560.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Montana State University-Billings | (MT) | $22,225.12 $40,687.84 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Weber State University | (UT) | $23,945.04 $37,345.04 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Clayton State University | (GA) | $24,416.00 | All Students |
7 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $25,384.00 | All Students |
8 | God's Bible School and College | (OH) | $25,800.00 | All Students |
9 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $26,240.40 | All Students |
10 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $26,760.00 | All Students |
11 | Southern Utah University | (UT) | $27,078.00 | All Students |
12 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $27,560.00 | All Students |
13 | Florida International University | (FL) | $28,286.72 $42,333.92 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $29,118.00 | All Students |
15 | Lewis-Clark State College | (ID) | $29,368.00 $45,328.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Lamar University | (TX) | $29,760.00 | All Students |
17 | Minot State University | (ND) | $30,430.76 | All Students |
18 |  Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $30,590.00 | All Students |
19 | Utah State University | (UT) | $30,635.76 $41,880.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | University of Alaska Southeast | (AK) | $30,720.00 $101,340.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | (WI) | $30,777.60 $65,664.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $31,020.00 | All Students |
23 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $31,180.80 $43,318.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $31,180.80 $43,318.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $31,180.80 $43,318.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $31,180.80 $43,318.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | (LA) | $32,000.00 | All Students |
28 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $32,002.00 $39,722.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
29 | Central Methodist University | (MO) | $33,075.00 | All Students |
30 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | (AR) | $33,600.00 $25,980.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
31 | University of Maine at Fort Kent | (ME) | $34,020.00 $50,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | Purdue University Fort Wayne | (IN) | $34,356.00 $82,488.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
33 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $34,462.00 | All Students |
34 | University of Iowa | (IA) | $34,480.00 | All Students |
35 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $34,500.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
36 | McNeese State University | (LA) | $34,641.84 | All Students |
37 | University of Maine at Augusta | (ME) | $35,120.25 $42,380.25 | In-State Out-of-State |
38 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $35,340.00 | All Students |
39 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $35,516.40 | All Students |
40 | Western Illinois University | (IL) | $35,532.00 | All Students |
41 | Nicholls State University | (LA) | $35,604.48 | All Students |
42 | Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $36,000.00 | All Students |
43 | Lynn University | (FL) | $36,100.00 | All Students |
44 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $36,330.00 $43,576.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
45 | Ball State University | (IN) | $36,400.00 $61,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
46 | West Texas A & M University | (TX) | $36,492.96 $43,151.68 | In-State Out-of-State |
47 | Fitchburg State University | (MA) | $36,900.00 | All Students |
48 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $37,344.00 $47,824.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
49 | Hampton University | (VA) | $37,800.00 | All Students |
50 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $37,921.20 $121,957.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
51 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $37,984.00 | All Students |
52 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $38,222.00 $54,422.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
53 | Champlain College | (VT) | $38,310.00 $30,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
54 | Granite State College (part of University of New Hampshire) Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies / Humanities 14 Bachelor of Science in Individualized Studies 14 | (NH) | $38,360.00 $44,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
55 | Norfolk State University | (VA) | $38,518.00 $86,230.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
56 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $38,550.00 $27,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
57 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | (WI) | $39,000.00 | All Students |
58 | Texas Woman's University | (TX) | $39,246.00 $89,910.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
59 | Clarion University of Pennsylvania (part of Pennsylvania Western University) Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies 14 | (PA) | $39,317.60 $44,432.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
60 | Wichita State University | (KS) | $39,434.40 | All Students |
61 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $39,475.00 | All Students |
62 | Rogers State University | (OK) | $39,520.00 $72,880.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
63 | University of Southern Maine | (ME) | $39,600.00 $48,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
64 | Framingham State University | (MA) | $40,368.00 | All Students |
65 | Troy University | (AL) | $40,560.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
66 | University of Toledo | (OH) | $40,629.04 $78,069.04 | In-State Out-of-State |
67 | Drury University | (MO) | $40,896.00 $32,216.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
68 | Charter Oak State College | (CT) | $40,897.00 $53,465.00 $30,825.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
69 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $41,583.20 $69,783.20 | In-State Out-of-State |
70 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $41,828.16 $92,468.16 | In-State Out-of-State |
71 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $42,000.00 | All Students |
71 | Colorado State University-Global Campus | (CO) | $42,000.00 $37,800.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
73 | Northern State University | (SD) | $42,150.00 | All Students |
73 | South Dakota State University | (SD) | $42,150.00 | All Students |
73 | University of South Dakota | (SD) | $42,150.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
73 | Dakota State University | (SD) | $42,150.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
77 | Dickinson State University | (ND) | $42,291.60 | All Students |
78 | William Peace University | (NC) | $42,360.00 | All Students |
79 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $42,759.60 $53,367.60 | In-State Out-of-State |
80 | Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (part of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania) Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies 14 | (PA) | $42,920.00 $53,488.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
81 | Toccoa Falls College | (GA) | $43,438.00 | All Students |
82 | University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $43,494.00 $105,018.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
83 | Holy Apostles College and Seminary | (CT) | $43,670.00 | All Students |
84 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $44,236.00 | All Students |
85 | West Virginia State University | (WV) | $44,320.00 | All Students |
86 | Shorter University | (GA) | $44,325.00 | All Students |
87 | Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $45,000.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
87 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $45,000.00 $23,040.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
89 | Pennsylvania Western University Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies 14 | (PA) | $45,144.00 $47,064.00 $36,504.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
90 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $45,240.00 | All Students |
91 | Jackson State University | (MS) | $45,384.00 | All Students |
92 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $45,465.00 $31,065.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
93 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | (LA) | $45,480.00 | All Students |
94 | Saint Joseph's College of Maine | (ME) | $45,643.00 $32,075.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
95 | Murray State University | (KY) | $45,672.00 $64,680.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
96 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $45,840.00 | All Students |
97 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $46,020.00 $30,300.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
98 | Bryan College | (TN) | $46,270.00 | All Students |
99 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | (MA) | $46,536.00 | All Students |
100 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $46,800.00 | All Students |
101 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $47,040.00 | All Students |
102 | Indiana University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $47,200.00 $60,436.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
103 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | (IL) | $47,286.00 | All Students |
104 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $47,793.50 | All Students |
105 | Bay Path University | (MA) | $48,000.00 $42,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
105 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $48,000.00 | All Students |
107 | Franklin Pierce University | (NH) | $48,200.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Massachusetts-Amherst | (MA) | $48,376.00 | All Students | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $48,406.00 | All Students | |
 Campbellsville University | (KY) | $48,480.00 | All Students | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $48,492.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
LeTourneau University | (TX) | $48,700.00 | All Students | |
Middle Tennessee State University | (TN) | $48,960.00 $66,960.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $49,080.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | (IL) | $49,080.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $49,520.40 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $49,560.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Baker College | (MI) | $49,700.00 $31,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Ohio Christian University | (OH) | $49,760.00 $32,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Park University | (MO) | $49,875.00 $30,075.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $50,020.00 | All Students | |
Bethel University - IN | (IN) | $50,080.00 | All Students | |
 Aurora University | (IL) | $51,000.00 | All Students | |
University of Missouri-St Louis | (MO) | $51,060.00 $124,656.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Fisher College | (MA) | $51,595.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $51,675.00 | All Students | |
North Greenville University | (SC) | $51,790.00 | All Students | |
Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $51,852.00 | All Students | |
Belhaven University | (MS) | $52,080.00 $34,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
West Virginia University | (WV) | $52,080.00 | All Students | |
Roger Williams University | (RI) | $52,627.00 | All Students | |
Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $52,656.00 | All Students | |
Limestone University | (SC) | $53,045.00 $29,285.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Central Baptist College | (AR) | $53,400.00 | All Students | |
Madonna University | (MI) | $53,500.00 | All Students | |
Midway University | (KY) | $54,000.00 | All Students | |
Los Angeles Pacific University | (CA) | $54,080.00 $48,680.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northern Kentucky University | (KY) | $54,720.00 | All Students | |
Lesley University | (MA) | $54,995.00 | All Students | |
Kentucky Wesleyan College | (KY) | $55,160.00 | All Students | |
Anderson University - SC | (SC) | $55,600.00 | All Students | |
Calvary University | (MO) | $55,656.00 $35,244.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $55,875.00 $33,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $55,970.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Texas | (TX) | $56,200.00 | All Students | |
Campbell University | (NC) | $56,280.00 $31,480.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $56,590.00 $30,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Maranatha Baptist University | (WI) | $56,665.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $56,845.36 $67,045.36 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $58,172.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $58,320.00 $60,120.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Hope International University | (CA) | $58,500.00 $34,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Crown College | (MN) | $58,580.00 | All Students | |
Johnson & Wales University | (RI) | $59,400.00 | All Students | |
University of Massachusetts Global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies / Multiple Subjects Teaching 14 | (CA) | $60,000.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bushnell University | (OR) | $60,140.00 | All Students | |
University of Mary | (ND) | $60,240.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $60,416.00 | All Students | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $61,200.00 | All Students | |
Regis University | (CO) | $61,250.00 | All Students | |
Brescia University | (KY) | $61,330.00 | All Students | |
Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $62,472.00 $124,554.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $64,255.00 | All Students | |
Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $64,800.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $64,920.00 | All Students | |
Ashland University | (OH) | $65,475.00 | All Students | |
Excelsior University | (NY) | $65,580.00 $30,260.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Southwestern College - Kansas | (KS) | $65,588.00 $31,240.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Neumann University | (PA) | $66,110.00 | All Students | |
National University (School Merged) Bachelor of Arts in General Studies 14 Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies 14 | (CA) | $66,700.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $66,800.00 | All Students | |
Medaille College (School Closed) Bachelor of Science in General Studies 14 | (NY) | $67,650.00 $30,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Cairn University | (PA) | $67,920.00 | All Students | |
Thomas More College | (KY) | $68,800.00 | All Students | |
Molloy University | (NY) | $69,920.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University Bachelor of Liberal Studies in General Studies / Autism Studies 14 | (PA) | $70,080.00 | All Students | |
University of Bridgeport | (CT) | $71,040.00 | All Students | |
Lindenwood University | (MO) | $72,100.00 | All Students | |
Prescott College | (AZ) | $73,080.00 | All Students | |
Mount Saint Mary's University | (CA) | $74,544.00 | All Students | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $76,140.00 $29,880.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
California Baptist University | (CA) | $78,161.00 | All Students | |
Villanova University Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Public Service & Administration 14 | (PA) | $79,200.00 | All Students | |
Saint Louis University | (MO) | $79,720.00 $50,920.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Rider University | (NJ) | $81,200.00 | All Students | |
Syracuse University | (NY) | $83,400.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern Adventist University | (TX) | $88,800.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $92,340.00 | All Students | |
Webster University | (MO) | $92,900.00 $32,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Dallas Baptist University | (TX) | $117,680.00 | All Students | |
Rochester Institute of Technology Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science / Computer Graphics 14 Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science / Health System Administration 14 Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science / Leadership 14 Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science 14 Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science / Project Management 14 Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science / Quality Management 14 Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science / Technical Communications 14 | (NY) | $124,080.00 | All Students | |
Fairleigh Dickinson University | (NJ) | $156,504.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note: To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2020 review of regionally accredited online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for liberal arts may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should You Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts?
An affordable liberal arts bachelor degree online will provide a well-rounded education that can apply to almost any career. They teach students to think critically and use knowledge from a diverse range of perspectives. The degrees show people how to make informed and ethical decisions. Students learn how to apply concepts and methods that can solve real problems facing businesses, non-profits, and government organizations.
The criticism of these degrees is that they don’t develop precise skills and don’t lead to a specific career. They don’t teach people how to be an accountant, journalist, engineer, doctor, biologist, or nurse. But the degrees are far from useless.
As we will see, there are many types of liberal arts degrees, and these online programs can lead to careers in education, management, legal services, and more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were over 736,000 people with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. These people work as managers, postsecondary teachers, lawyers, high school teachers, and sales associates.
There are many benefits to these degrees, but, because they are so wide-ranging, you need to find the right program for your goals. This starts with understanding the different types of top liberal arts bachelor degree online programs.
Types of Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree is the standard college education. It requires at least 120 credit hours to graduate, usually completed over four years.
These online degrees are mostly found in three varieties: liberal arts, interdisciplinary studies, and general studies. Each one is unique, so it helps to examine them one by one.
Liberal Arts
“Liberal arts” is a title given to a broad category of non-scientific studies, but it can also be its own major. The classes generally include classic liberal-arts subjects, such as the humanities, writing, and communication.
Interdisciplinary Studies
This type of degree combines classes from multiple majors. Working with an advisor, students select classes from various concentrations and departments to form a unique degree plan. Students who want to explore multiple fields or have a career that intersects various areas (technology and business, for example) can benefit from a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
General Studies
A general studies degree helps students define their interests and prepare for different careers. The programs usually include written and verbal communication, as well as math and science courses.
All majors have different concentrations. Math, for example, includes calculus and algebra. Science includes chemistry and biology. A liberal arts degree is even more diverse. It can include concentrations in justice studies, child development, rural studies, political leadership, natural resources, humanities, and psychology.
Courses During an Online Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree
As a student in one of the best liberal arts bachelor degree online programs, you’ll have the chance to select from a huge assortment of classes. This allows you to craft a curriculum that works best for you.
Southeast Missouri State University – Bachelor of General Studies
The program features classes that prepare students for numerous careers as well as further education. The program includes a core curriculum with courses in social science, written communication, mathematics, and humanities. To complete the degree, students also take 39 credit hours of classes in the 300-500 category, which are more advanced and specific courses.
Clayton State University – Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies
This program allows students to work with an advisor to create a curriculum that meets their specific career and education goals. Students must complete core curriculum classes, which include writing, humanities, and fine arts. Students will select five upper-division courses from a single discipline, such as health, organizational enterprise, or workforce leadership. Also, students must complete the Integrative Studies Capstone, which focuses on the design and completion of a team project.
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater – Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
This online liberal arts degree takes a broad focus and includes courses in history, philosophy, literature, and art. Courses include subjects such as Personal & Social Responsibility, North American & European Cultural Heritages, and Physical and Natural World.
Accreditation for Online Liberal Arts Programs
Choosing an online education can be complex. It’s important to start with accredited colleges and universities. Making sure that an institution is accredited verifies that it meets the quality standards set by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These two groups approve accrediting organizations, which then approve schools and programs.
Accreditation comes in two forms: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is granted to an entire school, while programmatic accreditation is granted to a specific degree or program.
All online degrees in our database, including the best liberal arts bachelor degree online programs, come from accredited institutions. The schools in our database are accredited by groups like the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Programmatic groups focus on a specific academic discipline. For example, the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) approves sports management degrees. However, the degrees in liberal studies, interdisciplinary studies, and general studies have no programmatic accreditation. They still deliver a high-quality education, but the programs themselves do not have an accrediting agency. However, since the schools have institutional accreditation, students can still expect a world-class education and a top-quality degree.
Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts
The admission standards for a bachelor’s degree are fairly light, although some programs may have requirements that keep certain applicants from enrolling. The minimum universal requirement is a high school diploma. If you have not completed a high school diploma, you’ll need to complete a diploma program first.
Some programs have a minimum GPA. This requirement can vary, but it usually ranges between 2.0 and 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Some have even higher standards or prioritize students with a higher GPA. Eastern Oregon University, for example, grants automatic admittance to students who have a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Students who have lower GPAs can still be accepted, but the process will require additional documents and scrutiny.
Many colleges request ACT and SAT scores. While there is no official minimum score, schools will use the tests for admission and placement. These scores will not be the only factor. Top liberal arts bachelor degree online programs consider a wide range of factors for both acceptance and placement.
While the admission process can be complex, especially since each school uses a different system, most students with a moderate school record and decent scores on the ACT and SAT exams should find a college that will accept their application.
Cost for a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts
A bachelor’s degree is not free, but there are many affordable options. Of course, there are also high-priced degrees that cost tens of thousands of dollars every year.
The least-affordable liberal arts bachelor degree online comes from Fairleigh Dickinson University, which charges students $156,504 in total. If working through a four-year track, the student needs over $39,000 for each year of study. This per-year cost is more than twice the full cost for some programs. The second highest-priced degree is more than $30,000 less overall. (Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science, Rochester Institute of Technology)
The average price is much lower. The average is $48,300, creating much greater ease for budget-minded students. On a four-year track, the average price is just over $12,000 for these online liberal arts bachelor’s degrees.
There are even more affordable options, including the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of Florida, the cheapest liberal arts bachelor degree online. For in-state students, the cost is $15,501.60. This means the per-year cost is only $3,875.40.
If you are looking for the most affordable option, the best strategy is to find a public school within your state. Most public schools offer the lowest rates to in-state students. Conversely, the most expensive liberal arts degrees tend to come from private institutions like Fairleigh Dickinson and Syracuse University.
Licensing & Certification for Liberal Arts Careers
Because the potential careers are so broad, it’s hard to say what license or certification a professional will need after graduating from these affordable liberal arts bachelor degree online programs. We can, however, look at a few of the potential careers that do require licensing.
Lawyers
Some graduates of liberal arts programs go on to become attorneys. These experts need to complete law school, then pass the bar exam, which is the standard testing for all lawyers. Once an attorney passes the exam, they are admitted to the bar and may practice law.
High School Teachers
Teaching is a common career for liberal arts graduates. No matter what state a teacher lives in, they need to achieve specific licensing to teach in public schools. High school teachers, for example, have a license that allows them to teach at the secondary level.
The majority of careers that involve liberal arts will not require a license. Most management positions will not need a license, although some certifications can boost a career. Likewise, writers and authors will not need a license. However, they can improve their career with specific training and certification. A writer could become a Certified Grant Writer through the American Grant Writers’ Association, for instance.
Salary & Career Information with an Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts
Most people do not enter a top liberal arts bachelor degree online program for the high salaries. However, this is still an important factor, and students should understand potential salaries and job options. The BLS claims that the median annual wage for graduates with a liberal arts degree is $50,000. This is $10,000 less than the median wage for all people with bachelor’s degrees, regardless of the major.
Each occupation will have varying incomes, and there are a few that bring excellent salaries. In May of 2021, the BLS found that lawyers have a median income of $127,990, while post-secondary teachers had a median income of $79,640. These careers, however, require additional education beyond a liberal arts degree.
The availability of jobs will depend on the career, but many have stable and even growing employment opportunities. Lawyers, for example, are expected to grow by 10%, doubling the expected rate of all jobs. Managers are expected to grow by 6%, while high school teachers will grow by 5%.
Next Step in the Education of a Liberal Arts Student
While a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, general studies, or interdisciplinary studies can lead to a rewarding career, many students will advance to a master’s degree. The BLS says that 31% of people with these degrees have advanced degrees, so additional education is fairly common.
A large portion of liberal arts graduates work in education and library occupations. Master’s-level careers in this category include instructional coordinators and librarians. Other occupations include post-secondary teachers, who often need a doctorate.
The law profession is another common career for people with a liberal arts degree. This profession requires specific legal training and education via law school to become licensed as an attorney.
The education is diverse and applies to numerous careers. The options for graduate school are just as diverse as the degrees themselves.
A Top Liberal Arts Bachelor Degree Online is Waiting for You!
If you want to find the best liberal arts bachelor degree online for your career goals, GetEducated.com is a great place to start. You’ll find all the resources and information you need to make the best choice for your future!