10 Affordable Online General Studies Degrees (2025)

<p><table border="0"> <tr><td><img src="/cimages/multimages/2/pexels-olly-3769021.jpg" alt="Affordable online general studies degrees" /></td></tr> </table> </p> <p>A bachelor's degree in general studies is a versatile and customizable interdisciplinary program that is tailored to meet individual academic and career goals. </p> <p>It provides a broad-based education across various disciplines and offers flexibility in course selection, enabling students to design a curriculum that aligns with their interests and objectives. </p> <p>For individuals seeking an affordable online general studies degree, several options are available nationwide that offer quality education with inexpensive tuition rates. </p> <h2 id="section---ListOfAffordableGeneralStudiesDegreesOnline">List of Affordable General Studies Degrees Online</h2> <p>Here is a list of the top 10 affordable online general studies degree programs to get students on the right track to select one to suit their needs, helping them earn a college education without breaking the bank. </p> <h3 id="section---1.CaliforniaCoastUniversity">1. California Coast University</h3> <p>Getting an affordable online general studies degree is easy at California Coast University in Santa Ana, where tuition costs just $170 per unit. </p> <p>Their Bachelor of Science degree in general studies program requires 126 total units, where students engage in self-paced flexible courses covering topics like information management and consumer behavior. </p> <p>Several interest-free payment plans are available starting at $150 a month. Active-duty military, veterans, and law enforcement receive a 10% tuition discount. </p> <h3 id="section---2.ArkansasStateUniversity">2. Arkansas State University</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree in general studies at <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Arkansas_State_University.html">Arkansas State University</a> has a price of $276 per credit and requires 120 credits to complete the program. </p> <p><b>Students choose two emphasis areas from the following:</b> </p> <ul><li>criminology </li><li>communications </li><li>sociology </li><li>psychology </li><li>education </li><li>health </li><li>political science </li><li>industrial management </li></ul><p>Up to 90 transferable credits are allowed, helping individuals finish their degree faster and pursue various careers across different industries, including sales representatives or brand managers. </p> <h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfMaryland">3. University of Maryland</h3> <p>Delivering an affordable online general studies degree, the University of Maryland's Global Campus is a popular choice for students seeking a flexible interdisciplinary educational experience. </p> <p>Their online bachelor's program costs $318 per credit for Maryland residents. Non-residents pay $499 per credit, and military personnel get a reduced rate of $250. </p> <p>Other charges, such as technology and course fees, may apply. This degree requires 120 credits to graduate. </p> <h3 id="section---4.IndianaUniversity">4. Indiana University</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Indiana_University.html">Indiana University</a> in Bloomington has reasonable pricing for both in-state and out-of-state students. Those living in Indiana pay $308.02 per credit, while non-residents pay $462.03 per credit. </p> <p>It offers an online bachelor's degree in general studies that requires 120 credit hours to graduate, and students can transfer up to 90 credits. </p> <p><b>The following subject areas are covered in this program:</b> </p> <ul><li>social and behavioral sciences </li><li>arts and humanities </li><li>science and mathematics </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">5. Southern New Hampshire University</h3> <p>With dozens of concentrations to select from, <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Southern_New_Hampshire_University.html">Southern New Hampshire University</a> in Manchester provides affordable online general studies degree programs focusing on several areas. </p> <p>The tuition is $330 per credit for its Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies, where students learn important communication and critical thinking skills to apply across an array of job fields. </p> <p><b>Popular specializations include:</b> </p> <ul><li>business administration </li><li>criminal justice </li><li>psychology </li><li>entrepreneurship </li><li>leadership essentials </li><li>management information systems </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.IndianaUniversityOfPennsylvania">6. Indiana University of Pennsylvania</h3> <p>A Bachelor of Arts degree in general studies costs $322 per credit at <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Indiana_University_of_Pennsylvania.html">Indiana University of Pennsylvania</a>, where students can enroll in payment plans to help make it more accessible. </p> <p>This bachelor's program is ideal for adult learners, allowing up to 30 credits to be transferred toward the degree. It requires 120 credit hours to graduate. </p> <p>The university ranks highly among the best schools for veterans and military-affiliated students. </p> <h3 id="section---7.LouisianaStateUniversityShreveport">7. Louisiana State University, Shreveport</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Louisiana_State_University_Shreveport.html">Louisiana State University in Shreveport</a> has an undergraduate degree in general studies that costs $301 per credit hour. It ranks highly among the most affordable schools for online bachelor's programs. </p> <p><b>The following areas of concentration are available to choose from:</b> </p> <ul><li>social sciences </li><li>humanities </li><li>applied sciences </li></ul><p>This degree prepares individuals for success working in jobs such as sales and marketing directors or media relations managers. Students must complete a total of 120 credits. </p> <h3 id="section---8.FortHaysStateUniversity">8. Fort Hays State University</h3> <p>Fort Hays State University in Kansas provides an affordable online general studies degree at a tuition rate of $242.76 per credit hour. </p> <p><b>More than 15 concentrations are available, including:</b> </p> <ul><li>education </li><li>business communication </li><li>health promotion </li><li>web development </li><li>organizational leadership </li><li>justice studies </li><li>child development </li></ul><p>This flexible degree is designed for students with some college credit. The total credit hours required for this bachelor's degree is 120, including 21 hours within a specialization area. </p> <h3 id="section---9.BallStateUniversity">9. Ball State University</h3> <p>Ranked among the top 25 schools by US News and World Report for its online bachelor's programs, <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Ball_State_University.html">Ball State University</a> in Indiana is an excellent choice for an affordable education. </p> <p>They provide a bachelor's degree in general studies that costs $336 per credit plus applicable charges, such as technology fees, and students need to finish 120 credits. </p> <p><b>This program requires two minors in areas including:</b> </p> <ul><li>accounting </li><li>business information and technology </li><li>criminal justice </li><li>sociology </li></ul><h3 id="section---10.NorthwesternStateUniversity">10. Northwestern State University</h3> <p>The bachelor's degree in general studies at <a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Northwestern_University.html">Northwestern State University</a> of Louisiana costs $375 per credit hour for up to 12 hours. The tuition fee is reduced to $100 per credit for additional hours. </p> <p><b>Students choose from concentrations including:</b> </p> <ul><li>social science </li><li>arts and communication </li><li>computer and natural science </li></ul><p>The program offers a student-centered approach with the flexibility of online learning, requiring a total of 120 credit hours to graduate. </p> <h2 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineBachelorSDegreeInGeneralStudiesCost">How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in General Studies Cost?</h2> <p>The cost of an online bachelor's degree in general studies fluctuates based on the program and university that offers it, in addition to other factors, such as if a student is enrolled part-time vs. full-time. </p> <p>Per our list of the top 10 affordable online general studies degree programs, tuition ranges from just $170 to $375 per credit hour, plus additional costs for technology, student, and other applicable fees. They typically require completion of 120 total credits to graduate. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToMakeAnOnlineGeneralStudiesDegreeAffordable">How To Make an Online General Studies Degree Affordable</h2> <p>Making an online general studies degree affordable begins with determining eligibility for financial assistance. To do so, students must complete the online form for the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_FAFSA_Online_Application_Form.html">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)</a>. </p> <p>The FAFSA is used to qualify individuals for federal <a href="https://learn.org/articles/types_of_college_financial_aid.html">financial aid</a> such as loans, grants, <a href="https://learn.org/pages/scholarship_home.html">scholarships</a>, and institutional financial support offered by colleges. </p> <p>Other programs such as payment installment plans, employer tuition assistance, and work-study help students obtain a bachelor's degree in general studies without incurring excessive debt. Reduced tuition for military personnel and veterans also helps make a college degree more obtainable. </p> <h2 id="section---IsAnOnlineGeneralStudiesDegreeWorthIt">Is an Online General Studies Degree Worth It?</h2> <p>An online general studies degree is worth it for students seeking the flexibility of distance learning and those looking for the versatility of an interdisciplinary education. </p> <p>A bachelor's degree in general studies opens students up to careers in finance, sales, business, and more, providing them with a customizable path of study to maximize their career potential in various job fields, making it a worthwhile education. </p> <h2 id="section---FindAnAffordableDegreeInGeneralStudiesOnlineToday">Find an Affordable Degree in General Studies Online Today</h2> <p>Numerous accredited colleges nationwide provide opportunities for earning an affordable online general studies degree. This list of programs will help students find the right one today to reach their educational goals.</p>