10 Affordable Online Professional Studies Degrees 2025

An online professional studies degree can give you the flexibility to design a program that fits your career goals, especially if you want to combine multiple areas of interest. Many of these programs accept transfer credits, so if you're returning to school to finish your bachelor's degree, you can find a more affordable rate.

In this article, you'll find affordable options, explore typical costs, discover potential careers, and get answers to common questions about earning your professional studies degree online.

What Is an Online Professional Studies Degree?

A bachelor's in professional studies is designed to give you the ability to tailor your education to your career goals. Unlike traditional majors, it often allows you to combine courses from multiple disciplines, such as business, communication, healthcare, technology, or social sciences. Many programs offer concentrations in areas like organizational leadership, project management, or human resources.

The structure typically includes general education courses, core professional studies classes, and electives you select to match your career path. Some programs focus on applied learning, requiring internships, capstone projects, or portfolio development to showcase your skills.

This degree is popular among working adults, transfer students, and military service members because it accommodates prior college credits and varied professional backgrounds. Whether you want to advance in your current field or move to a new one, an online professional studies degree can meet your needs.

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

The cost of earning a degree in professional studies online varies by school, but most programs range from $300 to $550 per credit. With 120 credits typically required, total tuition may fall between $36,000 and $66,000. Public universities often offer lower in-state rates, while private institutions may have higher tuition but more generous scholarship options.

In addition to tuition, you may need to budget for textbooks, technology fees, and any proctoring or portfolio assessment charges. Some programs also include costs for internships or capstone projects, especially if they require specialized software or materials.

You may qualify for financial aid through federal grants, loans, work-study programs, and school-based scholarships. Many universities also offer tuition discounts for military members, veterans, and transfer students, helping to make a professional studies degree online more affordable.

Cheapest Online Degrees in Professional Studies

Check out the programs below, which are among the most affordable options for earning your professional studies degree online, offering flexibility and value.

1. University of North Carolina Greensboro

The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in integrated professional studies for students who want a career-focused degree. This program is ideal for working adults, transfer students, and those seeking to advance or shift their careers. With this degree, you'll learn problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration skills.

Courses cover topics such as design thinking, systems thinking, communication strategies, and project management, so you'll be prepared for roles in many industries, such as business, nonprofit management, government, and more. The curriculum is highly interdisciplinary, providing the opportunity to customize your studies to align with your specific career goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $184 per credit hour in-state; $368 per credit hour out-of-state
• Program length: Four years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's (UNC Charlotte) online BS in professional studies degree is great for students who want to build adaptable skills for leadership and career growth. Delivered entirely online, the program allows you to choose from concentrations such as data analysis, organizational leadership, and communication.

Core courses cover critical thinking, problem-solving, professional communication, and applied project management, ensuring you gain both practical and strategic expertise. This degree is a strong fit for working adults, transfer students, and military personnel seeking a customizable path to a bachelor's degree. The curriculum provides real-world application, making it valuable for careers in business, nonprofit work, government, and emerging industries.

• Estimated tuition cost: $189 per credit hour in-state; $865 per credit hour out-of-state
• Program length: Four years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. American College of Education

American College of Education (ACE) offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in professional studies designed for maximum flexibility and affordability. The program is delivered 100% online and allows you to transfer up to 90 credits, making it an excellent option if you're returning to finish your degree. Courses focus on professional communication, leadership, cultural competence, and organizational development, along with elective options tailored to your interests.

If you're currently in the workforce or seeking career advancement or a shift into new fields, this BA in professional studies might be the right fit for you. With a low per-credit cost and an accelerated format, ACE's program can help you complete your degree quickly while gaining skills valued across many industries.

• Estimated tuition cost: $279 per credit hour
• Program length: Four years or 18 to 24 months with transfer credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Winthrop University

The online Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) at Winthrop University offers a career-focused path to earning your degree. Depending on your career path, you can choose between concentrations such as organizational operations, health services, or social services. Core courses cover professional communication, leadership, project management, and problem-solving, helping you develop skills that can be applied across industries.

Delivered fully online, this degree is especially well-suited for working adults and transfer students, who need greater flexibility in their degree path. The curriculum will cover practical, real-world applications and is taught by faculty with both academic expertise and professional experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $291 per credit hour
• Program length: Four years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas (KU) offers an online BPS that's especially helpful if you have prior college credits you want to transfer. The program is fully online, and you can customize your studies with concentrations in areas such as applied leadership, communication, or business. Courses focus on critical thinking, professional writing, leadership strategies, and organizational management.

If you're an adult learner or military-affiliated, this program is a great fit with its tailored approach. KU's program will help you build skills that are directly applicable to leadership roles in various industries.

• Estimated tuition cost: $300 per credit hour
• Program length: Two to four years
• Accreditation: HLC

6. City University of New York

The City University of New York (CUNY) offers a BPS in applied management and entrepreneurship through its CUNY School of Professional Studies. Designed for transfer students with prior college credits, the program is delivered entirely online and focuses on building advanced leadership, management, and business development skills. Key courses include strategic management, marketing principles, organizational behavior, and entrepreneurial finance.

This degree is ideal for working adults and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their ability to manage teams, launch ventures, or move into higher-level business roles. The curriculum blends theory and practical application, and will prepare you for careers in management, consulting, and small business ownership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $305 per credit hour
• Program length: Two to four years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

7. Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College (RIC) has an online BPS that's perfect for adult learners who want to finish their degrees quickly and affordably. The program is online, and you can focus on either organizational leadership or nonprofit studies. You'll take courses covering topics such as professional communication, leadership theory, strategic planning, and organizational management, including real-world projects and case studies.

The online BPS degree is a great fit if you're already working or transferring from another school. RIC accepts a generous amount of transfer credits, so you might be able to graduate sooner and at a lower rate. The program focuses on leadership and practical skills, making it ideal if you're looking to move up in management, nonprofit work, or public service.

• Estimated tuition cost: $370
• Program length: Two to four years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. Lynn University

Lynn University offers a fully online, customizable BPS degree that allows you to combine courses from multiple disciplines such as business, communication, leadership, and liberal arts. Key courses include leadership and management, organizational communication, and critical thinking strategies, with electives that let you align your studies to your career goals.

The degree is perfect for working adults, students transferring from other schools, or anyone who wants to build a degree around their specific goals. Lynn's eight-week courses and generous transfer credit policy make it possible to finish your degree sooner while maintaining work and personal commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $375 per credit hour
• Program length: Two to four years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Regent University

Regent University offers an online BPS where you can pick from more than 10 different concentrations, including business, cybersecurity, leadership, and communication. The fully online program includes general education, core professional studies courses, and concentration-specific classes, so you get a well-rounded education.

This is a great choice if you're looking for a faith-based education that puts equal weight on professional skills and ethical leadership. Regent offers flexible eight-week courses, transfer-friendly policies, and access to faculty with real-world experience in their fields.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit hour
• Program length: Four years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman University's BPS is built with busy adults in mind, ideal for those finishing their degree while managing work, family, or other commitments. The program is online, and you can choose from concentrations like business, behavioral sciences, or education. The coursework focuses on leadership, communication, and critical thinking, with a focus on practical application.

This program is well-suited if you're a transfer student, working professional, or pursuing career advancement in fields such as business, education, or social services. Carson-Newman's supportive online environment and course scheduling will help you progress toward your degree without disrupting your work or personal life.

• Estimated tuition cost: $420 per credit hour
• Program length: Four years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We select schools for our rankings using a combination of accreditation, affordability, and program reputation to make sure you have high-quality, cost-effective degree options.

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited by recognized agencies, ensuring your degree meets academic standards, is valued by employers, and qualifies for financial aid.
• Affordability: We prioritize programs with competitive tuition rates and flexible credit transfer policies to help lower your total cost.
• Program reputation: We evaluate each program's curriculum, faculty expertise, and graduate outcomes, focusing on schools that prepare students for diverse, career-ready opportunities.

Why Choose a Bachelor's in Professional Studies Program?

A bachelor's in professional studies offers you the ability to design a degree that aligns with your unique career goals. You can combine coursework from multiple disciplines, gaining versatile skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving.

The degree is a good fit for transfer students, working adults, and military personnel. By tailoring your program, you can advance in your current career or transition into a new field. It's a practical option if you have varied interests or prior college credits and want a customizable, career-focused education.

What To Look for in an Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree in Professional Studies

If you're shopping for an affordable online bachelor's in professional studies, start by comparing tuition rates and transfer credit policies since they'll have a big impact on your overall cost. Make sure the program is regionally accredited to ensure it meets quality standards.

Faculty experience, especially in your chosen field, can make a difference in your learning and networking opportunities. Flexible delivery formats, such as asynchronous courses and multiple start dates, make it easier to balance your studies with work. Finally, explore financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance to help reduce your expenses.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Professional Studies?

A bachelor's degree in professional studies can open doors to careers in business, nonprofit management, human resources, project management, and communications. You can also move into leadership or administrative roles where a broad range of skills is valued.

Potential employers include corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. With experience, you could work as an operations manager, program coordinator, training specialist, or marketing manager. The degree is versatile, so you can explore other fields as your career evolves.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Professional Studies Programs

Considering an online professional studies degree but still have questions? Below, you'll find clear answers to common concerns about program value, career options, timelines, and earning potential.

Is a Bachelor's in Professional Studies Worth It?

Yes, a bachelor's in professional studies is worth it if you want a degree that adapts to your career goals. It's great if you're seeking advancement or career changes while building valuable, transferable skills.

Is a Bachelor of Professional Studies a Good Degree?

A Bachelor of Professional Studies is a good degree if you value versatility. It allows you to customize coursework to match your interests and target industries, making it practical for a wide range of career paths and graduate school opportunities.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelor's in Professional Studies?

You can pursue roles such as operations manager, human resources specialist, marketing coordinator, nonprofit program director, or project manager. The degree's interdisciplinary approach makes it applicable to careers in business, education, government, and nonprofit sectors.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Bachelor's in Professional Studies?

Most online bachelor's in professional studies programs take about four years with full-time study. However, you can finish in two to three years if you have transfer credits or are enrolled in an accelerated program.

Is a Professional Degree the Same as a Bachelor's Degree?

No, a professional degree generally refers to an advanced credential that prepares you for a specific licensed career, such as law or medicine. A bachelor's degree, including professional studies, is an undergraduate program focused on building foundational and applied skills.

Is a Professional Studies Degree the Same as a Business Degree?

Not exactly. While both may cover management, leadership, and organizational topics, a professional studies degree is broader and can combine multiple fields of study. In contrast, a business degree focuses exclusively on business-related disciplines.

What Is a Professional Studies Degree Salary?

Salaries vary widely depending on career path, industry, and experience. However, the national average for graduates with a bachelor's degree is around $60,000 annually, with higher salaries possible in management roles, specialized industries, or positions requiring significant professional experience.

Discover Online Bachelor's Programs

An affordable online professional studies degree can open doors to diverse career opportunities while fitting into your busy schedule. Explore the schools featured here on Learn.org, and take the next step toward your academic and professional goals.