10 Affordable Online Anthropology Degrees (2025)

Online education has become increasingly popular, offering flexibility and accessibility to individuals pursuing higher education.

For those passionate about learning about human culture, history, and society, there are numerous affordable online anthropology degree programs available for 2024.

List of Affordable Anthropology Degrees Online

The following universities offer the chance to look into the diverse world of anthropology, all from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you're a working professional or simply prefer the flexibility of online learning, this list will help you find the perfect affordable online anthropology degree for you.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University provides an online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology program for students interested in the human story. This program consists of 120 credit hours divided across 39 classes, each class lasting seven to eight weeks.

Students explore various facets of anthropology, including sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, and evolutionary anthropology.

Enrolling in a full-time semester with 12 credits, in-state students pay $6,215, while out-of-state students pay $7,317 in tuition fees.

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology program with three application dates throughout the year.

This program with 120 credit hours provides a complete education in anthropology, covering areas like archaeology, human ecology, and human rights.

The tuition cost remains constant at $476 per credit hour, making it affordable for students regardless of their location.

Additionally, this program offers the flexibility to obtain a minor degree in economics, history, or science communications, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology program is designed with asynchronous classes and consists of 120 credit hours, and tuition is $330 per credit hour.

One unique feature of this program is the opportunity to transfer up to 90 credit hours from previous courses that meet the transfer requirements, helping students save both time and money.

Furthermore, students can specialize in their degree with an environmental sustainability concentration, adding a focus on conservation biology, environmental issues, and sustainable communities to their anthropology education.

4. Oregon State University

Oregon State University provides an online Bachelor's degree in anthropology, offering students the choice between a BA or a BS.

This program comprises 180 quarter credits, equivalent to 120 semester credit hours, and can be completed in about four years. Students can start their studies at four different times during the year.

The tuition cost for this program is $350 before taxes and applicable fees. This program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

5. Washington State University

Washington State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology program, consisting of 120 credit hours.

One unique aspect of this program is that students can tailor their degree by selecting two areas of concentration, including archaeology, biology, and linguistics.

The tuition cost per credit hour for part-time students enrolling in less than 10 credits per semester is $567.45 for in-state students and $632.60 for non-resident students.

6. Utah State University

Utah State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in anthropology program with a focus on environmental change, community engagement, and wellness accredited by AACSB

This program includes 37 core program credit hours and offers three yearly starting dates for added flexibility.

Students can prepare for various careers, including healthcare, law enforcement, and social services, through this program. For out-of-state online learners, USU offers a special tuition rate of $382 per credit hour.

7. The University of Kansas

The University of Kansas presents an online Bachelor's degree in anthropology, designed for students who already have at least 24 credit hours from previous courses.

This program consists of 120 credit hours, with 30 of those dedicated to major anthropology coursework. Full-time students complete the degree in four years, while part-time students may do it in six years.

For tuition, each credit hour costs $398, and the university offers various financial aid options to help ease the financial load for students.

8. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers an online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology program with a focus on various subfields like cultural anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics.

This program has 120 credit hours and the tuition costs differ based on the student's location. For Florida residents, it's $179.19 per credit hour, while out-of-state residents pay $715.80 per credit.

Graduates of this program can explore careers as conservationists, archaeologists, and forensic investigators.

9. University of Houston

The University of Houston provides an online Bachelor of Science in anthropology program designed to be completed in just two years when students enroll in three semesters per academic year.

This program allows students to complete at least 33 elective credit hours, enabling them to earn a minor degree in fields like international studies, social justice, and health in cross-cultural perspectives.

Tuition costs vary depending on the student's residence and the number of credits taken each semester. The program also facilitates the transfer of previous credit hours from accredited institutions and offers financial aid options.

10. San Jose State University

San Jose State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology program consisting of 60 units, which can be completed in just two years.

One key requirement is transferring at least 60 units from previous education with an average GPA of 2.0 or better. Each unit comprises of eight-week courses, and the cost per unit is $450.

This program equips students with valuable industry skills, including ethnographic research methods, multimedia anthropology, and production analysis.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology Cost?

The cost of an online Bachelor's degree in anthropology varies based on factors such as the chosen institution, residency status, total credit hours required, and available financial aid.

Tuition is typically calculated per credit hour, with in-state and out-of-state students often paying different rates.

Credit hour fees may vary from $180 to $600 or more. Additionally, fees, transfer credits, and financial aid can all impact the overall cost.

How To Make an Online Anthropology Degree Affordable

To make an online anthropology degree more affordable, one can consider several strategies. First, they should explore in-state institutions to take advantage of lower tuition rates.

Additionally, they should research financial aid options, including federal aid and anthropology-specific scholarships or grants. Credit transfer policies can also help by reducing the number of required courses.

Part-time study might be a viable option for those with work or other commitments, while looking for tuition discounts and employer tuition assistance can further alleviate costs.

Is an Online Anthropology Degree Worth It?

Personal satisfaction and the passion for anthropology can be meaningful factors in deciding whether an online anthropology degree is worth it for them, but there are also other factors.

If the degree aligns with their career aspirations, offers flexibility to balance other commitments, is from an accredited institution, and fits within their budget, it can be a valuable investment.

It's important to consider factors like the transferability of credits, networking opportunities, the reputation of the institution, and the demand for anthropology-related jobs in their desired region.

Find an Affordable Degree in Anthropology Online Today

Finding an affordable online anthropology degree is more accessible than ever. With the available accredited programs, financial aid options, and flexible learning formats, individuals can pursue their passion for anthropology while managing their budgets effectively.